SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): November 19, 2013

 

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

MARYLAND   001-35972   46-2488594

(State

of Incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100  
Dallas, Texas   75254
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (972) 490-9600

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 


Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

Completion of Spin-off

On November 19, 2013 (the “ Effective Date ”), the previously announced spin-off of Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. (the “ Company ”) from Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (“ Ashford Trust ”) was completed. On November 20, 2013, the Company began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“ NYSE ”) under the ticker symbol “AHP”. The Company is now an independent publicly-traded real estate investment trust (“ REIT ”) focused on investing in high RevPAR full-service and urban select-service hotels and resorts located predominantly in domestic and international gateway markets. The Company is externally advised by Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC a subsidiary of Ashford Trust (the “ Advisor ”).

Ashford Trust completed the spin-off with a pro-rata taxable distribution of the Company’s common stock to Ashford Trust stockholders of record as of November 8, 2013 (the “ Record Date ”). One share of the Company’s common stock was distributed to stockholders of record for every five shares of Ashford Trust common stock held by such stockholders on the Record Date.

In connection with the spin-off, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into several definitive agreements with Ashford Trust, Remington Lodging and Hospitality LLC, a property management company owned by Mr. Monty J. Bennett, the Company’s chief executive officer and chairman, and his father, Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., chairman emeritus of Ashford Trust (“ Remington ”), and certain other parties, that, among other things, secure future financing for the company and provide a framework for relationships with Ashford Trust and Remington after the spin-off, including the following agreements:

 

    Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership

 

    Advisory Agreement with the Advisor

 

    Right of First Offer Agreement with Ashford Trust

 

    Option Agreement with Ashford Trust to acquire the Pier House Resort & Spa

 

    Option Agreement with Ashford Trust to acquire the Crystal Gateway Marriott

 

    Mutual Exclusivity Agreement with Remington

 

    Master Management Agreement with Remington

 

    Registration Rights Agreement with Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership and the Advisor

 

    Registration Rights Agreement with the holders of common partnership units in Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership named therein

 

    Licensing Agreement with Ashford Trust

 

    Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A. and the other lenders party thereto

 

    Indemnification Agreement with each of the officers and directors of the Company

The information statement filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 17, 2013, as amended (the “ Information Statement ”), provides a description of the terms of each of the above agreements and each of the above agreements are also filed with this Form 8-K as exhibits. Each of the below summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to the descriptions in the Information Statement and the actual agreements filed with this Form 8-K.


Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership

The Company conducts its business and owns substantially all of its assets through an operating partnership, Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (“ Ashford Prime OP ”). The Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ashford Prime OP (the “ Partnership Agreement ”) was entered into on the Effective Date, in connection with the consummation of the spin-off. Ashford Prime OP is a Delaware limited partnership, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company is the sole general partner of this partnership. A subsidiary of the Company also holds approximately 64.7% of the limited partnership interests in this partnership.

Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, the Company, as the sole managing member of the general partner, generally has full, exclusive and complete responsibility and discretion in the management, operation and control of the partnership, including the ability to cause the partnership to enter into certain major transactions, including acquisitions, developments and dispositions of properties, borrowings and refinancings of existing indebtedness. No limited partner may take part in the operation, management or control of the business of the operating partnership by virtue of being a holder of limited partnership units.

The general partner may not be removed as general partner of the partnership. Upon the bankruptcy or dissolution of the general partner, the general partner shall be deemed to be removed automatically. In the event of a conflict in the fiduciary duties owed (i) by the board of directors of the Company(the “ Board ”) to the stockholders and (ii) by the subsidiary of the Company, as general partner of Ashford Prime OP, to the limited partners, the Board may act in the best interests of the stockholders without violating the fiduciary duties to the limited partners of Ashford Prime OP or being liable for any resulting breach of fiduciary duties to the limited partners.

The Partnership Agreement provides that if the partnership requires additional funds at any time in excess of funds available to the partnership from borrowing or capital contributions, the partnership may borrow such funds from a financial institution or other lender and lend such funds to the partnership. Under the Partnership Agreement, the Company is obligated to contribute the proceeds of any offering of stock as additional capital to the operating partnership. The operating partnership is authorized to cause the partnership to issue partnership interests for less than fair market value if the Company, acting through the general partner, concludes in good faith that such issuance is in both the partnership’s and the Company’s best interests. The Partnership Agreement provides that the Company may make additional capital contributions, including properties, to the partnership in exchange for additional partnership units. If the Company contributes additional capital to the partnership and receives additional partnership interests for such capital contribution, the percentage interests held by the Company will be increased on a proportionate basis based on the amount of such additional capital contributions and the value of the partnership at the time of such contributions. Conversely, the percentage interests of the other limited partners will be decreased on a proportionate basis. In addition, if the Company contributes additional capital to the partnership and receives additional partnership interests for such capital contribution, the capital accounts of the partners will be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any unrealized gain or loss attributable to the properties of the partnership as if there were an actual sale of such properties at the fair market value thereof. Limited partners have no preemptive right to make additional capital contributions.

The operating partnership could also issue preferred partnership interests in connection with the acquisitions of property or otherwise. Any such preferred partnership interests will have priority over common partnership interests with respect to distributions from the partnership, including the partnership interests that owned by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries.


Under the Partnership Agreement, each limited partner holding common units (other than the Company’s subsidiary) has the right to redeem its common units. This right may be exercised at the election of a limited partner by giving Ashford Prime OP written notice, subject to some limitations. The purchase price for the common units to be redeemed will equal the fair market value of the Company’s common stock. The purchase price for the common units may be paid in cash, or, in the Company’s discretion, by the issuance of a number of shares of Company common stock equal to the number of common units with respect to which the rights are being exercised. However, no limited partner will be entitled to exercise its redemption rights to the extent that the issuance of common stock to the redeeming partner would be prohibited under the Company’s charter or, if after giving effect to such exercise, would cause any person to own, actually or constructively, more than 9.8% of common stock of the Company, unless such ownership limit is waived by the Company in its sole discretion. The common units may not be redeemed prior to the first anniversary of their issuance. Currently, the aggregate number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the redemption rights by holders of common units is 8,776,152. The number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the redemption rights will be adjusted to account for share splits, mergers, consolidations or similar pro rata share transactions.

The Partnership Agreement requires the partnership to be operated in a manner that enables the Company to satisfy the requirements for being classified as a REIT, to minimize any excise tax liability imposed by the Code and to ensure that the partnership will not be classified as a “publicly-traded partnership” taxable as a corporation under Section 7704 of the Code.

The Partnership Agreement provides that the partnership will make cash distributions in amounts and at such times as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, to the limited partners, including the Company’s subsidiary that is a limited partner, in accordance with the respective percentage interests of the partners in the partnership. Upon liquidation of the partnership, after payment of, or adequate provisions for, debts and obligations of the partnership, including any partner loans, any remaining assets of the partnership will be distributed to the limited partner with positive capital accounts in accordance with the respective positive capital account balances of the partners.

Profits and losses of the partnership (including depreciation and amortization deductions) for each fiscal year generally are allocated to the limited partners in accordance with the respective percentage interests of the partners in the partnership. All of the foregoing allocations are subject to compliance with the provisions of Sections 704(b) and 704(c) of the Code and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.

Generally, the Company, as sole managing member of the sole general partner of the operating partnership, may amend the Partnership Agreement without the consent of any limited partner to clarify the Partnership Agreement, to make changes of an inconsequential nature, to reflect the admission, substitution or withdrawal of limited partners, to reflect the issuance of additional partnership interests or if, in the opinion of counsel, necessary or appropriate to satisfy the Code with respect to partnerships or REITs or federal or state securities laws. However, any


amendment which alters or changes the distribution or redemption rights of a limited partner (other than a change to reflect the seniority of any distribution or liquidation rights of any preferred units issued in accordance with the Partnership Agreement), changes the method for allocating profits and losses, imposes any obligation on the limited partners to make additional capital contributions or adversely affects the limited liability of the limited partners requires the consent of holders of at least two-thirds of the limited partnership units. Other amendments require approval of the general partner and holders of 50% of the limited partnership units.

The Partnership Agreement provides that neither the general partner, nor any of its directors and officers will be liable to the partnership or to any of its partners as a result of errors in judgment or mistakes of fact or law or of any act or omission, if the general partner acted in good faith. In addition, the Partnership Agreement requires the operating partnership to indemnify and hold the general partner and its directors, officers and any other person it designates, harmless from and against any and all claims arising from operations of the operating partnership in which any such indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, unless it is established that:

 

    the act or omission of the indemnitee was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty;

 

    the indemnitee actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or

 

    in the case of any criminal proceeding, the indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.

The Information Statement contains a complete description of the Partnership Agreement, and such description is incorporated by reference herein. The Partnership Agreement is also filed with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated by reference herein. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual agreement.

Advisory Agreement

On the Effective Date, the Company entered into an Advisory Agreement with the Advisor (the “ Advisory Agreement ”), which, among other things, provides for the day to day management of the Company by the Advisor . The Advisory Agreement requires the Advisor to manage the day-to-day operations of the Company and all affiliates in conformity with the Company’s investment guidelines, which may be modified or supplemented by the Board from time to time except that the Company’s investment guidelines cannot be revised in a manner that is directly competitive with Ashford Trust.

The Advisor may not act as an external advisor for an entity with investment guidelines substantially similar to the Company’s, as initially set forth in the Advisory Agreement. However, the Advisor will be permitted to have other advisory clients, which may include other REITs operating in the real estate industry. The Advisory Agreement has an initial five-year term and will be automatically renewed for one-year terms thereafter unless terminated either by the Company or the Advisor.


The Company is required to pay the Advisor a quarterly base fee equal to 0.70% per annum of the total enterprise value of the Company, subject to a minimum quarterly base fee, as payment for managing the day-to-day operations of the Company and its subsidiaries in conformity with the Company’s investment guidelines. The Company is also required to pay the Advisor an incentive fee that is based on the Company’s performance as compared to the Company’s peer group. In addition, the Company is obligated to pay directly or reimburse the Advisor, on a monthly basis, for all expenses the Advisor or its affiliates pay or incur on behalf of the Company or in connection with the services provided to the Company by the Advisor pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, which includes the Company’s pro rata share of the office overhead and administrative expenses of the Advisor incurred in providing its duties under the Advisory Agreement. The Advisor is also entitled to receive a termination fee from the Company under certain circumstances equal to three times the sum of the average annual base and incentive fees for the 24-month period immediately preceding the termination. Additionally, if there is a change of control transaction conditioned upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement, the Company has the right to terminate the Advisory Agreement upon the payment of a termination fee that is calculated based on the net earnings of the Advisor attributable to the Advisory Agreement, plus a gross-up amount for assumed federal and state tax liability, based on an assumed tax rate of 40%.

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Company acknowledges that the Advisor’s personnel will continue to advise Ashford Trust and may also advise other businesses in the future, and will not be required to present the Company with investment opportunities that the Advisor determines are outside of the Company’s initial investment guidelines and within the investment guidelines of another business advised by the Advisor. To the extent the Advisor deems an investment opportunity suitable for recommendation, the Advisor must present the Company with any such investment opportunity that satisfies the Company’s initial investment guidelines, but will have discretion to determine which investment opportunities satisfy the Company’s initial investment guidelines. Any new individual investment opportunities that satisfy the Company’s investment guidelines will be presented to the Board, which will have up to 10 business days to accept any such opportunity prior to it being available to Ashford Trust or any other business advised by the Advisor. However, if the Board materially changes the Company’s investment guidelines without the written consent of the Advisor, the Advisor will not have an obligation to present investment opportunities to the Company at any time thereafter, regardless of any subsequent modifications by the Company to its investment guidelines. Instead, the Advisor will be obligated to use its best judgment to allocate investment opportunities to the Company and other entities it advises, taking into account such factors as the Advisor deems relevant, in its discretion, subject to any then-existing obligations of the Advisor to such other entities.

Portfolio investment opportunities (the acquisition of two or more properties in the same transaction) are treated differently under the Advisory Agreement. If the portfolio cannot be equitably divided by asset type and acquired on the basis of such asset types in satisfaction of each such entity’s investment guidelines, the Advisor will be required to allocate investment opportunities between the Company, Ashford Trust and any other businesses advised by the Advisor in a fair and equitable manner, consistent with such entities’ investment objectives. In making this determination, the Advisor, using substantial discretion, will consider the investment strategy and guidelines of each entity with respect to acquisition of properties, portfolio concentrations, tax consequences, regulatory restrictions, liquidity requirements, financing and other factors deemed appropriate by the Advisor. In making the allocation determination, the Advisor has no obligation to make any investment opportunity available to the Company.

The Information Statement contains a complete description of the Advisory Agreement and such description is incorporated by reference herein. The Advisory Agreement is also filed with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.2 and is incorporated by reference herein. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual agreement.


Right of First Offer Agreement

On the Effective Date, the Company entered into a Right of First Offer Agreement with Ashford Trust (the “ Right of First Offer Agreement ”), whereby, among other things, the Company obtained rights, subject to certain conditions and limitations, to obtain certain named properties and other future properties acquired by Ashford Trust that meet the Company’s existing investment guidelines. The hotels currently held by Ashford Trust and subject to the right of first offer are as follows:

 

Hotel Property

  

Location

Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills    Beverly Hills, CA
Embassy Suites Crystal City    Arlington, VA
Crowne Plaza Key West    Key West, FL
Hyatt Coral Gables    Coral Gables, FL
One Ocean Jacksonville    Jacksonville, FL
Houston Embassy Suites    Houston, TX
Portland Embassy Suites    Portland, OR
Ritz-Carlton Atlanta*    Atlanta, GA
Hilton Boston Back Bay*    Boston, MA
Courtyard Boston Downtown*    Boston, MA
The Churchill*    Washington, D.C.
The Melrose*    Washington, D.C.

 

* These hotels are owned by a joint venture in which Ashford Trust holds an approximate 72% common equity interest and a $25.0 million preferred equity interest. To the extent Ashford Trust has the opportunity to acquire the entire interest in these hotels or controls the right to sell these hotels, the Right of First Offer Agreement will extend to these properties.

The Right of First Offer Agreement will provide the Company the first right to acquire each of the subject hotels, to the extent the board of directors of Ashford Trust determines to market and sell the hotel, subject to any prior rights of the managers of the hotel or other third parties and limitations associated with certain of Ashford Trust’s hotels held in a joint venture. In addition, so long as the Company does not materially change its initial investment guidelines without the written consent of the Advisor, the Right of First Offer Agreement will extend to hotels later acquired by Ashford Trust that satisfy the Company’s initial investment guidelines.

If Ashford Trust decides to offer for sale an asset that fits the Company’s investment guidelines, it must give the Company written notice describing the sale terms and granting the Company the right to purchase the asset at a purchase price equal to the price set forth in the offer. The Company will have 30 days to agree to the terms of the sale, failing which Ashford Trust will be free to sell the asset to any person upon substantially the same terms as those contained in the written notice for 180 days, but not for a price less than 95% of the offered purchase price. If during such 180-day period, Ashford Trust desires to accept an offer that is not on substantially the same terms as those contained in the written notice or that is less than 95% of the offered purchase price, Ashford Trust must give the Company written notice of the new terms and the Company will have 10 days in which to agree to the terms of the sale. If Ashford Trust does not close on the sale or refinancing of the asset within 180 days following the expiration of the initial 30-day period, the right to purchase the asset will be reinstated on the same terms.

Likewise, the Company has agreed to give Ashford Trust a right of first offer with respect to any properties that the Company acquires in a portfolio transaction, to the extent the Board determines it is appropriate to market and sell such assets and the Company controls the disposition and provided that such assets satisfy Ashford Trust’s investment guidelines. Any such right of first offer granted to Ashford


Trust will be subject to certain prior rights, if any, granted to the managers of the related properties or other third parties. The Right of First Offer Agreement has an initial term of 10 years and is subject to automatic one year renewal periods unless one party notifies the other that it does not intend to renew the agreement.

The Right of First Offer Agreement may be terminated by either party (i) upon a default of the other party upon giving notice of such default and the defaulting party fails to cure within 45 days subject to certain exclusions, and (ii) if the other party experiences specified bankruptcy events. Also, if the Company materially modifies its initial investment guidelines without consent of Ashford Trust (which consent may be withheld in its sole discretion), the Company’s right of first refusal for any assets owned or later acquired by Ashford Trust and its affiliates, other than the initial assets subject to the Right of First Offer Agreement, will terminate unless otherwise agreed by the parties. Further, the agreement will automatically terminate upon a termination of the Advisory Agreement or upon a change of control of either the Company or Ashford Trust, excluding any change of control that may occur as a result of a spin-off, carve-out, split-off or other similar event.

The Information Statement contains a complete description of the Right of First Offer Agreement, and such description is incorporated by reference herein. The Right of First Offer Agreement is also filed with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.3 and is incorporated by reference herein. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual agreement.

Option Agreement to acquire the Pier House Resort & Spa

On the Effective Date, the Company entered into an Option Agreement to acquire the Pier House Resort & Spa (the “ Pier House Option Agreement ”) whereby, subject to certain terms and conditions, the Company has the right to purchase the Pier House Resort & Spa from Ashford Trust. Specifically, the Pier House Resort Option Agreement provides that the Company will have an 18-month option to acquire the Pier House Resort & Spa for an initial purchase price of $92.3 million (which is the price Ashford Trust paid when it acquired the property in May 2013 plus the out of pocket costs incurred by Ashford Trust in connection with the acquisition and subsequent financing), plus the cost of any owner funded capital improvements made by Ashford Trust prior to the Company’s acquisition of the hotel. The purchase price (excluding any amount attributable to owner funded capital expenditures) will increase by 1% six months following Effective Date and will increase an additional 1% 12 months following the Effective Date. The purchase price for the Pier House Resort & Spa is payable in cash or common units of Ashford Prime OP, at the option of Ashford Trust.

The Information Statement contains a complete description of the Pier House Option Agreement, and such description is incorporated by reference herein. The Pier House Option Agreement is also filed with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.4 and is incorporated by reference herein. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual agreement.

Option Agreement to acquire the Crystal Gateway Marriott

On the Effective Date, the Company entered into an Option Agreement to acquire the Crystal Gateway Marriott (the “ Crystal Gateway Option Agreement ”) whereby, subject to certain terms and conditions, the Company has the right to purchase the Crystal Gateway Marriott from Ashford Trust. The Crystal Gateway Option Agreement provides the Company with an option to acquire the Crystal Gateway Marriott beginning six months following the Effective Date and extending for 12 months from the Effective Date. The purchase price will be equal to the fair market value at the time the option is exercised, based on an appraisal process. The purchase price for the Crystal Gateway Marriott is payable only in common units of Ashford Prime OP.


The Information Statement contains a complete description of the Crystal Gateway Option Agreement, and such description is incorporated by reference herein. The Crystal Gateway Option Agreement is also filed with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.5 and is incorporated by reference herein. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual agreement.

Mutual Exclusivity Agreement

On the Effective Date, the Company entered into a mutual exclusivity agreement (the “ Mutual Exclusivity Agreement ”) with Remington, pursuant to which the Company has a first right of refusal to purchase any lodging-related investments identified by Remington and any of its affiliates that meet the Company’s initial investment criteria. Ashford Trust has a similar mutual exclusivity agreement with Remington but has subordinated its right with respect to any properties that satisfy the Company’s initial investment guidelines. Any new investment opportunities identified by Remington that satisfy the Company’s initial investment guidelines will be presented to the Board, who will have up to 10 business days to accept any such opportunity prior to it being available to Ashford Trust.

The Mutual Exclusivity Agreement also provides that Remington will provide property management, project management and development services for all future properties that the Company acquires to the extent that the Company has the right or controls the right to direct such matters, unless the Company’s independent directors either (i) unanimously vote not to hire Remington or (ii) based on special circumstances or past performance, by a majority vote elect not to engage Remington because they have determined, in their reasonable business judgment, that it would not be in the Company’s best interest to engage Remington or that another manager or developer could perform the duties materially better.

The Information Statement contains a complete description of the Mutual Exclusivity Agreement, and such description is incorporated by reference herein. The Mutual Exclusivity Agreement is also filed with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.6 and is incorporated by reference herein. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual agreement.

Master Management Agreement

On the Effective Date, the Company entered into a Master Management Agreement (the “ Master Management Agreement ”) with Remington, pursuant to which Remington performs all of the project management functions related to the Company’s initial hotels. Pursuant to the Mutual Exclusivity Agreement, the Company has agreed to engage Remington for the property management, project management, development and certain other work for all hotels acquired by the Company, unless the independent directors either (i) unanimously vote not to engage Remington, or (ii) based on special circumstances or past performance, by a majority vote elect not to engage Remington because, in their reasonable business judgment, they have determined that it would be in the Company’s best interest not to engage Remington or that another manager or developer could perform the duties materially better.

Pursuant to the terms of the Master Management Agreement, the Company will pay Remington a base management fee, and if the hotels meet and exceed certain thresholds, an additional incentive fee. The base management fee for each hotel will be due monthly and will be equal to the greater of (i) $12,673.48 (increased annually based on consumer price index adjustments), and (ii) 3% of the gross revenues associated with the applicable hotel for the related month. The incentive management fee, if any, for each hotel will be due annually in arrears within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year and will be equal to the lesser of (i) 1% of gross revenues and (ii) the amount by which the actual house profit (gross operating profit of the applicable hotel before deducting management fees or franchise fees) exceeds the


target house profit as set forth in the annual operating budget approved for the applicable fiscal year. In addition, the Company will pay Remington development fees for development services, if any, equal to 3% of the total project costs associated with the development, and will pay other fees, including, but not limited to, fees for purchasing, design and construction management.

The Master Management Agreement provides for an initial term of 10 years as to each hotel governed by the agreement. The term may be renewed by Remington, at its option, subject to certain performance tests, for three successive periods of seven years each and, thereafter, a final term of four years, provided that at the time the option to renew is exercised, Remington is not then in default under the Master Management Agreement. In certain cases of early termination of the Master Management Agreement with respect to one or more of the hotels, the Company must pay Remington termination fees, plus any amounts otherwise due to Remington pursuant to the terms of the Master Management Agreement.

The Information Statement contains a complete description of the Master Management Agreement, and such description is incorporated by reference herein. The Master Management Agreement is also filed with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.7 and is incorporated by reference herein. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual agreement.

Registration Rights Agreements

On the Effective Date, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership, Ashford Trust’s operating partnership (“ Ashford Trust OP ”), and the Advisor (the “ Ashford Registration Rights Agreement ”), as well as a Registration Rights Agreement with certain holders of common partnership units in Ashford Prime OP named therein (the “ Unit Holders Registration Rights Agreement ”, and together with the Ashford Registration Rights Agreement, the “ Registration Rights Agreements ”).

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreements, the Company has agreed to file a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the first anniversary of the Effective Date, and thereafter use its efforts to have such registration statement declared effective, covering the continuous resale of the shares of common stock issuable, at the Company’s option, to the limited partners of Ashford Prime OP, including Ashford Trust OP, upon redemption of common units. The Company may, at its option, satisfy its obligation to prepare and file a resale registration statement by filing a registration statement registering the issuance by the Company of shares of the Company’s common stock under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (other than shares issued to affiliates) to holders of common units upon redemption.

Pursuant to the Ashford Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has also agreed to file a registration statement with respect to the Company’s common stock if Ashford Trust OP, Advisor or any successor to Ashford Trust OP or Advisor, requests such a registration, provided Ashford Trust OP, Advisor or any successor to Ashford Trust OP or Advisor, requests registration of at least 100,000 shares of common stock, and provided that only one such registration may occur each year and no more than two such registrations may occur in total. Upon such request, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement declared effective. In addition, unless the shelf registration is effective, Ashford Trust OP and Advisor will have “piggyback” registration rights, subject to certain volume and marketing limitations imposed by the underwriter of the offering with respect to which the rights are exercised.


The Company will bear expenses incident to the registration requirements other than any selling commissions, Securities and Exchange Commission or state securities registration fees, and transfer taxes or certain other fees or taxes relating to such shares.

The Information Statement contains a complete description of the Registration Rights Agreements, and such description is incorporated herein by reference. The Ashford Registration Rights Agreement and Unit Holders Registration Rights Agreement are also filed with this Form 8-K as Exhibits 10.8 and 10.9, respectively, and each is incorporated by reference herein. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual agreements.

Licensing Agreement

On the Effective Date, the Company entered into a Licensing Agreement (“ the Licensing Agreement ”) with Ashford Trust. Pursuant to the Licensing Agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, Ashford Trust granted the Company a worldwide, nonexclusive, royalty-free, fully paid-up license to use certain licensed marks in connection with the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, the use of the names “Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.” and “Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership”. The license is non-transferable except with the consent of Ashford Trust and may not be sublicensed except to wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. The term of the Licensing Agreement is perpetual, except that the Licensing Agreement may be terminated by Ashford Trust at any time with written notice to the Company, and the Licensing Agreement automatically terminates if the Advisor no longer provides advisory services to the Company. If the Licensing Agreement is terminated, the Company and its subsidiaries will have sixty days from the date of termination to make any changes, including, but not limited to, a change of name, necessary to cease using the name “Ashford” or any derivation that may cause confusion with Ashford Trust.

The Licensing Agreement is filed with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.10 and is incorporated by reference herein. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual agreement.

Credit Facility

The description of the Credit Facility contained in Item 2.03, together with the complete description of the Credit Facility contained in the Information Statement, are incorporated herein by reference. The Credit Facility is also filed with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.11 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Form Indemnification Agreement

The description of the Form Indemnification Agreement contained in Item 5.02, together with the complete description of the Form Indemnification Agreement contained in the Information Statement, are incorporated herein by reference. The Form Indemnification Agreement is also filed with this Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

On the Effective Date, the previously announced spin-off of the Company from Ashford Trust was completed. In connection with the spin-off, (i) Ashford Trust contributed to the Company all of the equity interests in the entities owning eight initial hotel properties that now form the initial portfolio of the Company (the “ Properties ”), including the working capital associated with such properties plus a cash sum of $145.3 million, in exchange for shares of common stock of the Company and common units in


Ashford Prime OP; and (ii) Ashford TRS Corporation, a subsidiary of Ashford Trust, sold to Ashford Prime TRS Corporation, a subsidiary of the Company, all of the equity interests it held in various taxable REIT subsidiaries that currently lease six of the Properties in exchange for a cash payment of $6.0 million. Additionally, the Company along with Ashford Prime OP, agreed to assume the obligations of Ashford Trust and Ashford Trust OP, respectively, arising under any and all guarantees in favor of lenders, managers or franchisors, relating to any debt or other contractual obligations of the entities owning Properties or their respective subsidiaries.

The Information Statement contains a more complete description of the terms of the spin-off, together with the associated formation transactions, and such description is incorporated herein by reference.

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

On the Effective Date, the Company and Ashford Prime OP entered into a new credit agreement (the “ Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and the financial institutions party thereto.

The Credit Facility is a senior secured revolving credit facility in the amount of $150 million, including $15 million available in letters of credit, subject to an accordion feature whereby the aggregate commitments may be expanded to $300 million, subject to certain limitations. The Credit Facility is a three-year interest-only facility with all outstanding principal due at maturity, subject to two one-year extension options. The proceeds of the Credit Facility may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, property acquisitions, and any other lawful purposes.

The Credit Facility is guaranteed by the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company, and secured by a pledge of the equity interests of Ashford Prime OP and certain of its subsidiaries, all mortgage receivables and other investments, certain deposit accounts and certain securities accounts held by Ashford Prime OP or any guarantor.

Borrowings under the Credit Facility will bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either LIBOR for a designated interest period plus an applicable margin, or the base rate (as defined as the higher of the Bank of America prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.50%) plus an applicable margin. The anticipated applicable margin for borrowings under the credit facility for base rate loans will range from 1.25% to 2.75% per annum and the applicable margin for LIBOR loans will range from 2.25% to 3.75% per annum, depending on the ratio of consolidated indebtedness to EBITA ratio described above, with the lowest rate applying if such ratio is less than 4x, and the highest ratio applying if such ratio is greater than 6.5x. The Company will also be required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders assessed on the unused portion of this facility.

The Credit Facility will also contain customary terms, covenants, negative covenants, events of default, limitations and other conditions for credit facilities of this type. Subject to certain exceptions, the Company is subject to restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness, mergers and fundamental changes, sales or other dispositions of property, changes in the nature of the Company’s business, investments, and capital expenditures.

The Company will also be subject to certain financial covenants, including (i) consolidated indebtedness (less unrestricted cash) to EBITDA not to exceed 7.00x initially, with such ratio being reduced to 5.75x over time; provided however, than a variance of 0.50x for the first three fiscal quarters following a significant acquisition occurring after September 30, 2014 will be permitted; (ii) consolidated


recourse indebtedness other than the credit facility not to exceed $50,000,000; (iii) consolidated fixed charge coverage ratios not less than 1.15x initially, with such ratio being increased to 1.35x over time; (iv) indebtedness of the consolidated parties that accrues interest at a variable rate (other than the credit facility) that is not subject to a “cap,” “collar,” or other similar arrangement not to exceed 25% of consolidated indebtedness; (v) consolidated tangible net worth not less than 75% of the consolidated tangible net worth on the closing date of the credit facility plus 75% of the net proceeds of any future equity issuances; (vi) restrictions on dividend payments during a continuing event of default; and (vi) Secured debt that is secured by real property not to exceed 70% of the value of such real property.

The facility will include customary events of default, and the occurrence of an event of default will permit the lenders to terminate commitments to lend under the facility and accelerate payment of all amounts outstanding thereunder. If a default occurs and is continuing, the Company will be precluded from making distributions on the Company’s shares of common stock (other than those required to allow the Company to qualify and maintain the Company’s status as a REIT, so long as such default does not arise from a payment default or event of insolvency).

The Information Statement contains a more complete summary of the Credit Facility, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Credit Facility is filed with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.11 and is incorporated by reference. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual agreement.

Item 5.01. Change in Control of Registrant

On the Effective Date, the previously announced spin-off of the Company from Ashford Trust was completed. Ashford Trust completed the spin-off by distributing a pro-rata taxable dividend of Ashford Prime common stock to Ashford Trust stockholders of record as of the close of business of the NYSE on the Record Date. The distribution was based on a distribution ratio of one share of the Company’s common stock for every five shares of Ashford Trust common stock held by such stockholder on the Record Date.

On November 20, 2013, the Company began trading on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “AHP”

The terms of the spin-off and the distribution of the Company’s shares are more fully described in the Information Statement, and such description is incorporated by reference herein.

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

On the Effective Date, the Company entered into indemnification agreements materially the same as the Company’s form indemnification agreement filed with the Information Statement (the “ Form Indemnification Agreement ”) with each of the following directors and executive officers of the Company: Monty J. Bennett, Douglas A. Kessler, David A. Brooks, David J. Kimichik, Jeremy Welter, Mark L. Nunneley, Stefani D. Carter, Curtis B. McWilliams, W. Michael Murphy, Mathew D. Rinaldi and Andrew L. Strong

The Form Indemnification Agreement provides for indemnification by the Company to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and is in addition to protections provided in the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Under the agreement, directors and officers will be indemnified for certain liabilities and will be advanced certain expenses that have been incurred as a result of actions brought, or threatened to be brought, against such directors and executive officers in connection with their duties.


The Information Statement contains a complete description of the Form Indemnification Agreement and such description is incorporated by reference herein. The Form Indemnification Agreement is also filed with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.12. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual agreement.


Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

10.1    Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, dated November 19, 2013
10.2    Advisory Agreement between Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership and Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC, dated November 19, 2013
10.3    Right of First Offer Agreement between Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. and Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., dated November 19, 2013
10.4    Option Agreement Pier House Resort by and between Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership and Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership with respect to the Properties Entities, and Ashford TRS Corporation and Ashford Prime TRS Corporation with respect to the TRS Entity, dated November 19, 2013
10.5    Option Agreement Crystal Gateway Marriott by and between Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership and Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership with respect to the Properties Entities, and Ashford TRS Corporation and Ashford Prime TRS Corporation with respect to the TRS Entity, dated November 19, 2013
10.6    Mutual Exclusivity Agreement by and among Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. and Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, as consented and agreed to by Monty J. Bennett, dated November 19, 2013
10.7    Ashford Prime Hotel Master Management Agreement by and between Ashford Prime TRS Corporation. and Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, dated November 19, 2013
10.8    Registration Rights Agreement by and between Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership and Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC, dated November 19, 2013
10.9    Registration Rights Agreement between Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., for the benefit of the holders of common partnership units in Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership named therein, dated November 19, 2013
10.10    Licensing Agreement between Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. and Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, dated November 19, 2013
10.11    Credit Agreement between Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., Bank of America, N.A. and the other lenders party thereto, dated November 19, 2013
10.12    Form of Indemnification Agreement between Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. and each of its executive officers and directors


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated: November 25, 2013

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.

By:

  /s/ David A. Brooks

David A. Brooks

Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel

Exhibit 10.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED

AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

OF

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

DATED: November 19, 2013


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         PAGE  
ARTICLE I DEFINED TERMS      2   

ARTICLE II PARTNERSHIP CONTINUATION; ADMISSION OF LIMITED PARTNERS; NAME; PLACE OF BUSINESS AND REGISTERED AGENT

     12   

Section 2.1

 

CONTINUATION

     12   

Section 2.2

 

CERTIFICATE OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP; OTHER FILINGS

     12   

Section 2.3

 

ADDITIONAL LIMITED PARTNERS

     12   

Section 2.4

 

NAME, OFFICE AND REGISTERED AGENT

     12   

ARTICLE III BUSINESS AND TERM OF PARTNERSHIP

     12   

Section 3.1

 

BUSINESS

     12   

Section 3.2

 

TERM

     13   

ARTICLE IV CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS

     13   

Section 4.1

 

GENERAL PARTNER

     13   

Section 4.2

 

LIMITED PARTNERS

     13   

Section 4.3

 

ADDITIONAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ISSUANCES OF ADDITIONAL PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

     13   

Section 4.4

 

ADDITIONAL FUNDING

     19   

Section 4.5

 

INTEREST

     19   

Section 4.6

 

RETURN OF CAPITAL

     19   

Section 4.7

 

PERCENTAGE INTEREST

     19   

ARTICLE V PROFITS, LOSSES AND ACCOUNTING

     19   

Section 5.1

 

ALLOCATION OF PROFITS AND LOSSES

     19   

Section 5.2

 

ACCOUNTING

     20   

Section 5.3

 

PARTNERS’ CAPITAL ACCOUNTS

     22   

Section 5.4

 

SECTION 754 ELECTIONS

     23   

Section 5.5

 

SPECIAL ALLOCATION OF GAIN TO LTIP UNITHOLDERS

     23   

ARTICLE VI POWERS, DUTIES, LIABILITIES, COMPENSATION AND VOTING OF GENERAL PARTNER

     24   

Section 6.1

 

POWERS OF GENERAL PARTNER

     24   

Section 6.2

 

DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

     27   

Section 6.3

 

DUTIES OF GENERAL PARTNER

     27   

Section 6.4

 

LIABILITIES OF GENERAL PARTNER; INDEMNIFICATION

     28   

Section 6.5

 

COMPENSATION OF GENERAL PARTNER; REIMBURSEMENT

     31   

Section 6.6

 

RELIANCE ON ACT OF GENERAL PARTNER

     31   

Section 6.7

 

OUTSIDE SERVICES; DEALINGS WITH AFFILIATES; OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

     31   

Section 6.8

 

ADDITIONAL LOANS TO THE PARTNERSHIP

     32   

Section 6.9

 

CONTRIBUTION OF ASSETS

     32   

 

i


ARTICLE VII RIGHTS, PROHIBITIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS WITH RESPECT TO LIMITED PARTNERS

     33   

Section 7.1

 

RIGHTS OF LIMITED PARTNERS

     33   

Section 7.2

 

PROHIBITIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE LIMITED PARTNERS

     34   

Section 7.3

 

OWNERSHIP BY LIMITED PARTNER OF CORPORATE GENERAL PARTNER OR AFFILIATE

     34   

Section 7.4

 

REDEMPTION RIGHT

     34   

Section 7.5

 

BASIS ANALYSIS

     37   

Section 7.6

 

LIMITED PARTNER GUARANTEES

     37   

Section 7.7

 

CONVERSION OF LTIP UNITS

     38   

Section 7.8

 

VOTING RIGHTS OF LTIP UNITS

     41   

ARTICLE VIII DISTRIBUTIONS AND PAYMENTS TO PARTNERS

     42   

Section 8.1

 

DISTRIBUTIONS OF CASH FLOW

     42   

Section 8.2

 

REIT DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS

     43   

Section 8.3

 

NO RIGHT TO DISTRIBUTIONS IN KIND

     43   

Section 8.4

 

DISPOSITION PROCEEDS

     43   

Section 8.5

 

WITHDRAWALS

     43   

Section 8.6

 

AMOUNTS WITHHELD

     43   

ARTICLE IX TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS

     44   

Section 9.1

 

GENERAL PARTNER

     44   

Section 9.2

 

ADMISSION OF A SUBSTITUTE OR ADDITIONAL GENERAL PARTNER

     46   

Section 9.3

 

EFFECT OF BANKRUPTCY, WITHDRAWAL, DEATH OR DISSOLUTION OF A GENERAL PARTNER

     46   

Section 9.4

 

REMOVAL OF A GENERAL PARTNER

     47   

Section 9.5

 

RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

     47   

Section 9.6

 

ADMISSION OF SUBSTITUTE LIMITED PARTNER

     49   

Section 9.7

 

RIGHTS OF ASSIGNEES OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

     50   

Section 9.8

 

EFFECT OF BANKRUPTCY, DEATH, INCOMPETENCE OR TERMINATION OF A LIMITED PARTNER

     51   

Section 9.9

 

JOINT OWNERSHIP OF INTERESTS

     51   

Section 9.10

 

TRANSFEREES

     51   

Section 9.11

 

ABSOLUTE RESTRICTION

     51   

Section 9.12

 

INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION

     52   

Section 9.13

 

CERTIFICATES

     52   

ARTICLE X TERMINATION OF THE PARTNERSHIP

     52   

Section 10.1

 

TERMINATION

     52   

Section 10.2

 

PAYMENT OF DEBTS

     53   

Section 10.3

 

DEBTS TO PARTNERS

     53   

Section 10.4

 

REMAINING DISTRIBUTION

     53   

Section 10.5

 

RESERVE

     54   

Section 10.6

 

FINAL ACCOUNTING

     54   

 

ii


ARTICLE XI AMENDMENTS

     54   

Section 11.1

 

AUTHORITY TO AMEND

     54   

Section 11.2

 

NOTICE OF AMENDMENTS

     55   

ARTICLE XII POWER OF ATTORNEY

     55   

Section 12.1

 

POWER

     55   

Section 12.2

 

SURVIVAL OF POWER

     56   

ARTICLE XIII CONSENTS, APPROVALS, VOTING AND MEETINGS

     56   

Section 13.1

 

METHOD OF GIVING CONSENT OR APPROVAL

     56   

Section 13.2

 

MEETINGS OF LIMITED PARTNERS

     57   

Section 13.3

 

OPINION

     57   

Section 13.4

 

SUBMISSIONS TO PARTNERS

     57   

ARTICLE XIV MISCELLANEOUS

     58   

Section 14.1

 

GOVERNING LAW

     58   

Section 14.2

 

AGREEMENT FOR FURTHER EXECUTION

     58   

Section 14.3

 

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

     58   

Section 14.4

 

SEVERABILITY

     58   

Section 14.5

 

NOTICES

     58   

Section 14.6

 

TITLES AND CAPTIONS

     58   

Section 14.7

 

COUNTERPARTS

     58   

Section 14.8

 

PRONOUNS

     59   

Section 14.9

 

SURVIVAL OF RIGHTS

     59   

 

EXHIBIT A     List of Partners and Initial Contributed Assets
EXHIBIT B     Federal Income Tax Matters
EXHIBIT C     Notice of Exercise of Redemption Right
EXHIBIT D     Notice of Election by Partner to Convert LTIP Units into Common Partnership Units
EXHIBIT E     Notice of Election by Partnership to Force Conversion of LTIP Units into Common Partnership Units
EXHIBIT F     Form of Partnership Interest and Partnership Unit Certificate

 

iii


AMENDED AND RESTATED

AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

OF

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

RECITALS:

This Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership is entered into effective November 19, 2013 (the “ Effective Date ”).

WHEREAS, Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (the “ Partnership ”) was formed as a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware by the filing of a Certificate of Limited Partnership with the Secretary of State of Delaware on April 5, 2013;

WHEREAS, the General Partner and the Original Limited Partner entered into the Agreement of Limited Partnership as of April 5, 2013 (the “ Prior Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, before the Effective Date, the Partnership was classified as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

WHEREAS, Section 11.8 of the Prior Agreement permits the General Partner to amend the Prior Agreement;

WHEREAS, the General Partner and Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC desire to amend and restate the Prior Agreement to make the revisions to the Prior Agreement set forth below;

WHEREAS, the Company, which is the sole member of the General Partner and of Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC, has directed the General Partner and Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC to amend the Prior Agreement as set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the General Partner and Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC desire to so amend and restate the Prior Agreement, as of the Effective Date;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, of the mutual covenants between the parties hereto, and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:


ARTICLE I

DEFINED TERMS

Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in this Article I , unless otherwise expressly provided herein or unless the context otherwise requires:

Act ” shall mean the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del C. § 17-101, et. seq., as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such statute.

Additional Funds ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4 hereof.

Additional Limited Partner ” shall mean a Person admitted to this Partnership as a Limited Partner pursuant to and in accordance with Section 2.3(b) of this Agreement.

Additional Securities ” means any additional REIT Shares (other than REIT Shares issued in connection with a redemption pursuant to Section 7.4 hereof) or rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities containing the right to subscribe for or purchase REIT Shares, as set forth in Section 4.3(a)(ii) .

Adjustment Event ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(d) hereof.

Advisor ” means Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in its capacity as advisor to the Partnership pursuant to the Advisory Agreement dated on or about the Effective Date by and between Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC, the Company and the Partnership, as it may be amended, and any successor advisor to the Partnership.

Affiliate ” of another Person shall mean (a) any Person directly or indirectly owning, controlling or holding with power to vote ten percent (10%) or more of the outstanding voting securities of such other Person; (b) any Person ten percent (10%) or more of whose outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly owned, controlled or held with power to vote by such other Person; (c) any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other Person; (d) any officer, director, member or partner of such other Person; and (e) if such other Person is an officer, director, member or partner in a company, the company for which such Person acts in any such capacity.

Agreed Value ” shall mean the fair market value of Contributed Property as agreed to by the contributing partner and the Partnership, using such reasonable method of valuation as they may adopt.

Agreement ” shall mean this Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, as amended from time to time.

AMEX ” shall mean the American Stock Exchange or any successor thereto.

 

2


Articles of Organization ” means the Certificate of Formation of the General Partner filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, as amended or restated from time to time.

Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC ” means Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Bankruptcy Code ” shall mean the United States Bankruptcy Code, as amended, 11 U.S.C. ss.ss. 101 ET SEQ., and as hereafter amended from time to time.

Business Day ” shall mean any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.

Capital Account ” shall mean, as to any Partner, the account established and maintained for such Partner pursuant to Section 5.3 hereof.

Capital Account Limitation ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(b) hereof.

Capital Contribution ” shall mean the amount in cash or the Agreed Value of Contributed Property (net of liabilities secured by the contributed property that the Partnership is considered to assume or take subject to under Code Section 752) contributed by each Partner (or its original predecessor in interest) to the capital of the Partnership for its interest in the Partnership.

Carrying Value ” shall mean, with respect to any property, the adjusted basis of such property for federal income tax purposes as of the time of determination except as follows: (a) the initial Carrying Value of any property contributed by a Partner to the Partnership shall be its Agreed Value, (b) the Carrying Value of property distributed to a Partner shall the fair market value of such property, as determined by the General Partner, and (c) the Carrying Value of property shall be adjusted as provided by Exhibit B , items A.1., B.1(c), B.3., and B.4.

Cash Amount ” means an amount of cash per Common Partnership Unit equal to the Value on the Valuation Date of the REIT Common Shares Amount.

Cash Flow ” shall mean the excess of cash revenues actually received by the Partnership in respect of Partnership operations for any period, and the amount of any reduction in reserves of the Partnership, over Operating Expenses for such period. Cash Flow shall not include Disposition Proceeds.

Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and as hereafter amended from time to time. Reference to any particular provision of the Code shall mean that provision in the Code at the date hereof and any succeeding provision of the Code.

Commission ” shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

3


Common Partnership Interest ” shall mean an ownership interest in the Partnership, other than a Preferred Partnership Interest, and includes any and all benefits to which the holder of such an ownership interest may be entitled as provided in this Agreement or the Act, together with all obligations of such Person to comply with the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the Act.

Common Partnership Unit ” shall mean a fractional, undivided share of the Common Partnership Interests of all Partners issued hereunder. At all times there shall be maintained an economic equivalency of Common Partnership Units and REIT Common Shares, except as otherwise provided herein.

Common Partnership Unit Distribution ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(d) hereof.

Common Partnership Unit Distribution Period ” shall mean any quarter or shorter period with respect to which a distribution is to be made to the holders of the Common Partnership Units.

Common Partnership Unit Economic Balance ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5 hereof.

Common Percentage Interest ” shall mean the percentage ownership interest in the Common Partnership Units of each Partner, as determined by dividing the Common Partnership Units owned by a Partner by the total number of Common Partnership Units then outstanding, subject to Sections 4.3(d) and 4.3(e) which treat LTIP Units as Common Partnership Units for this purpose.

Company ” means Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

Constituent Person ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(f) hereof.

Contributed Property ” shall mean a Partner’s interest in property or other consideration (excluding services and cash) contributed to the Partnership by such Partner.

Conversion Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(b) hereof.

Conversion Factor ” shall mean 1.0; provided, however, that if the Company (i) declares or pays a dividend on its outstanding REIT Common Shares in REIT Common Shares or makes a distribution to all holders of its outstanding REIT Common Shares in REIT Common Shares, (ii) subdivides its outstanding REIT Common Shares, or (iii) combines its outstanding REIT Common Shares into a smaller number of REIT Common Shares, the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted by multiplying the Conversion Factor by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of REIT Common Shares issued and outstanding on the record date for such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination (assuming for such purposes that such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination has occurred as of such time), and the denominator of which shall be the actual number of REIT Common Shares (determined without the above assumption)

 

4


issued and outstanding on the record date for such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination. Any adjustment to the Conversion Factor shall become effective immediately after the effective date of such event retroactive to the record date, if any, for such event; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the General Partner receives a Notice of Redemption after the record date, but prior to the effective date of such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination, the Conversion Factor shall be determined as if the General Partner had received the Notice of Redemption immediately prior to the record date for such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination.

Conversion Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(b) hereof.

Conversion Right ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a) hereof.

Disposition Proceeds ” shall mean the excess of the proceeds received by the Partnership from the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Partnership’s Property less any expenses incurred or paid by the Partnership in connection with such transaction.

Distribution Payment Date ” shall mean the dates upon which the General Partner makes distributions in accordance with Section 8.1 hereof.

Economic Capital Account Balance ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5 hereof.

Effective Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Event of Bankruptcy ” shall mean as to any Person the filing of a petition for relief as to such Person as debtor or bankrupt under the Bankruptcy Code or similar provision of law of any jurisdiction (except if such petition is contested by such Person and has been dismissed within ninety (90) days of the filing thereof); insolvency of such Person as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction; filing by such Person of a petition or application to accomplish the same or for the appointment of a receiver or a trustee for such Person or a substantial part of such Person’s assets; commencement of any proceedings relating to such Person as a debtor under any other reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, adjustment of debt or liquidation law of any jurisdiction, whether now in existence or hereinafter in effect, either by such Person or by another, but if such proceeding is commenced by another, only if such Person indicates his approval of such proceeding, or such proceeding is contested by such Person and has not been finally dismissed within ninety (90) days.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Forced Conversion ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(c) hereof.

Forced Conversion Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(c) hereof.

 

5


Full Distribution Amount ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(a) hereof.

General Partner ” shall mean Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC and any Person who becomes a substitute or additional General Partner as provided herein, and any of their successors as General Partner.

General Partnership Interest ” shall mean the ownership interest of a General Partner in the Partnership, provided that the General Partner shall have no interest in profits or losses of the Partnership with respect to its General Partnership Interest.

Government Obligations ” shall mean securities that are (i) direct obligations of the United States of America, for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged, or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, that are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust as custodian with respect to any such obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

Hotels ” means the hotel properties owned by the Partnership, directly or through any other entity, from time to time.

Indemnitee ” shall mean (i) any Person made a party to a proceeding by reason of his or her status as (A) the General Partner, (B) the Advisor, or (B) a director, officer, employee or agent of the Partnership, the General Partner or the Advisor, and (ii) such other Persons (including Affiliates of the General Partner, the Advisor or the Partnership) as the General Partner may designate from time to time (whether before or after the event giving rise to potential liability), in its sole and absolute discretion.

Ineligible Unit ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5 hereof.

Initial Contributed Assets ” shall mean that cash and those properties identified as Initial Contributed Assets on Exhibit A hereto.

IRS ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Service.

Limited Partner ” shall mean any Person named as a Limited Partner on Exhibit A attached hereto and any Person who becomes a Substitute Limited Partner pursuant to Section 9.6 hereof or an Additional Limited Partner pursuant to Section 2.3(b) hereof, in such Person’s capacity as a Limited Partner in the Partnership.

 

6


Limited Partnership Interest ” shall mean the ownership interest of a Limited Partner in the Partnership at any particular time, including the right of such Limited Partner to any and all benefits to which such Limited Partner may be entitled as provided in this Agreement and in the Act, together with the obligations of such Limited Partner to comply with all the provisions of this Agreement and of the Act.

LTIP Unit ” shall mean a Partnership Unit that is designated as an LTIP Unit and which has the rights, preferences and other privileges designated in Sections 4.3(d) and 4.3(e) hereof and elsewhere in this Agreement in respect of LTIP Unitholders. The allocation of LTIP Units among the Partners shall be set forth on Exhibit A , as may be amended from time to time.

LTIP Unitholder ” shall mean a Partner that holds LTIP Units.

NASDAQ ” shall mean the NASDAQ Global Market or any successor thereto.

Newly Issued Common Partnership Unit ” shall mean with respect to any Common Partnership Unit Distribution Period, a Common Partnership Unit issued during such Common Partnership Unit Distribution Period, other than to Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC and other than Common Partnership Units issued on the Effective Date.

Notice of Redemption ” shall mean the Notice of Exercise of Redemption Right substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C hereto.

NYSE ” shall mean the New York Stock Exchange or any successor thereto.

Operating Expenses ” shall mean (i) all administrative and operating costs and expenses incurred by the Partnership, (ii) those administrative costs and expenses of the General Partner, including any salaries or other payments to directors, officers or employees of the General Partner, and any accounting and legal expense of the General Partner, which expenses, the Partners have agreed, are expenses of the Partnership and not the General Partner, and (iii) to the extent not included in clause (ii) above, REIT Expenses; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Operating Expenses shall not include any administrative costs and expenses incurred by the General Partner that are attributable to Properties or partnership interests in a Subsidiary that are owned by the General Partner or the Company directly.

Original Limited Partner ” shall mean Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC.

Partner ” shall mean the General Partner or any Limited Partner.

Partnership ” shall mean Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership.

Partnership Interest ” shall mean an ownership interest in the Partnership and includes any and all benefits to which the holder of such an ownership interest may be

 

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entitled as provided in this Agreement or the Act, together with all obligations of such Person to comply with the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the Act.

Partnership Record Date ” shall mean the record date established by the General Partner for the distribution of Cash Flow pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, which record date, as to Common Partnership Units, shall be the corresponding record date established by the Company with respect to the REIT Common Shares and which record date, as to a series of Preferred Partnership Units, shall be the corresponding record date established by the Company with respect to the corresponding series of REIT Preferred Shares.

Partnership Unit ” shall mean a Common Partnership Unit, a Preferred Partnership Unit, an LTIP Unit, or any other fractional, undivided share of the Partnership Interests that the General Partner has authorized pursuant to this Agreement. The Partnership Units of the Partners shall be set forth on Exhibit A , as may be amended from time to time.

Person ” shall mean any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, trust or other entity.

Plan ” shall mean each of the Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan and the Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. Advisor Equity Incentive Plan, each as amended and/or one or more successor or additional equity incentive plans or programs that the Company has adopted or may adopt, as amended (each individually and all of them collectively, as the context requires).

Preferred Partnership Interest ” shall mean an ownership interest in the Partnership evidenced by a designated series of Preferred Partnership Units, having a preference in payment of distributions or on liquidation as determined by the General Partner for such series of Preferred Partnership Units and as set forth in an amendment to this Agreement, and includes all benefits to which the holder of such an ownership interest may be entitled as provided in this Agreement or the Act, together with all obligations of such Person to comply with the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the Act.

Preferred Partnership Unit ” shall mean a fractional, undivided share of Preferred Partnership Interests of all Partners in the specified series issued hereunder.

Preferred Percentage Interest ” with respect to a series of Preferred Partnership Units, shall mean the percentage ownership interest in the Preferred Partnership Units of each Partner holding Preferred Partnership Units of such specified series, as determined by dividing the Preferred Partnership Units of such series owned by a Partner by the total number of Preferred Partnership Units of that series then outstanding.

Preferred Return ” shall mean any payment made or to be made on any Preferred Partnership Unit corresponding to any dividend paid or to be paid on the related series of preferred stock issued by the Company, in accordance with Section 4.3 hereof.

Prior Agreement ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Recitals.

 

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Property ” shall mean any hotel property or other investment in which the Partnership holds an ownership interest.

Redeeming Partner ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 7.4(a) hereof.

Redemption Right ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 7.4(a) hereof.

REIT ” shall mean a real estate investment trust under Sections 856 through 860, inclusive, of the Code.

REIT Common Share ” shall mean a share of the common stock of the Company.

REIT Common Shares Amount ” shall mean a whole number of REIT Common Shares equal to the product of the number of Common Partnership Units offered for redemption by a Redeeming Partner, multiplied by the Conversion Factor in effect on the Specified Redemption Date (rounded down to the nearest whole number if such product is not a whole number); provided, however, that if the Company at any time issues to all holders of REIT Common Shares rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities entitling the stockholders to subscribe for or purchase REIT Common Shares, or any other securities or property (collectively, the “Rights”), which Rights have not expired pursuant to their terms, then the REIT Common Shares Amount thereafter shall also include such Rights that a holder of that number of REIT Common Shares would be entitled to receive.

REIT Expenses ” means (i) costs and expenses relating to the formation and continuity of existence of the Company and any Subsidiaries thereof (which Subsidiaries shall, for purposes hereof, be included within the definition of Company), including taxes, fees and assessments associated therewith, any and all costs, expenses or fees payable to any director, officer, or employee of the Company, (ii) costs and expenses relating to the public offering and registration of securities or private offering of securities by the Company and all statements, reports, fees and expenses incidental thereto, including underwriting discounts and selling commissions applicable to any such offering of securities, (iii) costs and expenses associated with the preparation and filing of any periodic reports by the Company under federal, state or local laws or regulations, including filings with the Commission, (iv) costs and expenses associated with compliance by the Company with laws, rules and regulations promulgated by any regulatory body, including the Commission, and (v) all other operating or administrative costs of the Company, including, without limitation, insurance premiums, and legal, accounting and directors’ fees, incurred in the ordinary course of its business on behalf of or in connection with the Partnership.

REIT Preferred Share ” shall mean a share of the preferred stock of the Company.

REIT Share ” shall mean a REIT Common Share or a REIT Preferred Share.

Safe Harbor ” means, the election described in the Safe Harbor Regulation, pursuant to which a partnership and all of its partners may elect to treat the fair market

 

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value of a partnership interest that is transferred in connection with the performance of services as being equal to the liquidation value of that interest.

Safe Harbor Election ” means the election by a partnership and its partners to apply the Safe Harbor, as described in the Safe Harbor Regulation and Internal Revenue Service Notice 2005-43, issued on May 19, 2005.

Safe Harbor Regulation ” means Proposed Treasury Regulations Section 1.83-3(l) issued on May 19, 2005.

Special Partnership Interest ” shall mean a Common Partnership Interest, except that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 7.4 , the General Partner shall not have the right, directly or indirectly, to satisfy any Redemption Right exercised by a Limited Partner with respect to the Special Partnership Interest through the issuance of the REIT Common Shares Amount as set forth in Section 7.4(b) .

Special Partnership Unit ” shall mean a Common Partnership Unit, except that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 7.4 , the General Partner shall not have the right, directly or indirectly, to satisfy any Redemption Right exercised by a Limited Partner with respect to a Special Partnership Unit through the issuance of the REIT Common Shares Amount as set forth in Section 7.4(b) .

Specified Redemption Date ” shall mean, with respect to a given Partner and Notice of Redemption, the later of any date so specified in the Notice of Redemption and the third (3rd) Business Day after receipt by the General Partner of the Notice of Redemption, provided that no Specified Redemption Date may occur with respect to any Partnership Unit before one year after such Partnership Unit is issued by the Partnership.

Subsidiary ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any corporation or other entity of which a majority of (i) the voting power of the voting equity securities, or (ii) the outstanding equity interests, are owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person.

Substitute General Partner ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2 .

Substitute Limited Partner ” shall mean any Person admitted to the Partnership as a Limited Partner pursuant to Section 9.6 hereof.

Surviving Partner ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(c) hereof.

Target Balance ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5(a) hereof.

Transaction ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b) hereof.

Transfer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.5(a) hereof.

Treasury Regulations ” means the regulations promulgated by the United States Department of the Treasury pursuant to and in respect of provisions of the Code.

 

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Unit Transaction ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(f) hereof.

Unvested Incentive Units ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(e)(i) hereof.

Valuation Date ” shall mean the date of receipt by the General Partner of a Notice of Redemption or, if such date is not a Business Day, the first Business Day thereafter.

Value ” shall mean, with respect to a REIT Common Share, the average of the daily market price for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the Valuation Date. The market price for each such trading day shall be: (i) if the REIT Common Shares are listed or admitted to trading on any securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System, the closing price, regular way, on such day, or if no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day; (ii) if the REIT Common Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System, the last reported sale price on such day or, if no sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day, as reported by a reliable quotation source designated by the General Partner; or (iii) if the REIT Common Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System and no such last reported sale price or closing bid and asked prices are available, the average of the reported high bid and low asked prices on such day, as reported by a reliable quotation source designated by the General Partner, or if there shall be no bid and asked prices on such day, the average of the high bid and low asked prices, as so reported, on the most recent day (not more than ten (10) days prior to the date in question) for which prices have been so reported; provided, however, that if there are no bid and asked prices reported during the ten (10) days prior to the date in question, the Value of the REIT Common Shares shall be determined by the General Partner acting in good faith on the basis of such quotations and other information as it considers, in its reasonable judgment, appropriate. If the REIT Common Shares Amount includes rights that a holder of REIT Common Shares would be entitled to receive, and the General Partner acting in good faith determines that the value of such rights is not reflected in the Value of the REIT Common Shares determined as aforesaid, then the Value of such rights shall be determined by the General Partner acting in good faith on the basis of such quotations and other information as it considers, in its reasonable judgment, appropriate.

Vested LTIP Units ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(e)(i) hereof.

Vesting Agreement ” shall mean each or any, as the context implies, LTIP Unit Award Agreement entered into by a LTIP Unitholder upon acceptance of an award of LTIP Units under the Plan (as such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time).

 

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ARTICLE II

PARTNERSHIP CONTINUATION; ADMISSION OF LIMITED PARTNERS; NAME; PLACE OF BUSINESS AND REGISTERED AGENT

Section 2.1 CONTINUATION . The Partners hereby agree to continue the Partnership pursuant to the provisions of the Act and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Except as expressly provided herein, the rights and obligations of the Partners and the administration and termination of the Partnership shall be governed by the Act. The Partnership Interest of each Partner shall be personal property for all purposes.

Section 2.2 CERTIFICATE OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP; OTHER FILINGS . The General Partner shall prepare (or caused to be prepared), execute, acknowledge, record and file at the expense of the Partnership, a Certificate of Limited Partnership and all requisite fictitious name statements and notices in such places and jurisdictions as may be required by the Act or necessary to cause the Partnership to be treated as a limited partnership under, and otherwise to comply with, the laws of each state or other jurisdiction in which the Partnership conducts business.

Section 2.3 ADDITIONAL LIMITED PARTNERS . The General Partner shall in timely fashion amend this Agreement and, if required by the Act, the Certificate of Limited Partnership filed for record to reflect the admission pursuant to the terms of this Agreement of a Person as a Limited Partner.

Section 2.4 NAME, OFFICE AND REGISTERED AGENT . The name of the Partnership shall be Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership. The principal place of business of the Partnership shall be at 14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100, Dallas, Texas 75254. The General Partner may at any time change the location of such office, provided the General Partner gives notice to the Partners of any such change. The name and address of the Partnership’s statutory agent for service of process on the Partnership in Texas is Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, 14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100, Dallas, Texas 75254. The name and address of the Partnership’s statutory agent for service of process on the Partnership in Delaware is Corporation Service Company, 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington, Delaware 19808.

ARTICLE III

BUSINESS AND TERM OF PARTNERSHIP

Section 3.1 BUSINESS . The purpose and nature of the business of the Partnership is to conduct any business that may lawfully be conducted by a limited partnership organized pursuant to the Act; provided, however, that such business shall be limited to and conducted in such a manner as to permit the Company at all times to be qualified as a REIT under the Code, unless the board of directors of the Company determines to cease to qualify as a REIT. To consummate the foregoing and to carry out the obligations of the Partnership in connection therewith or incidental thereto, the General Partner shall have the authority, in accordance with and subject to the limitations set forth elsewhere in this Agreement, to make, enter into, perform and carry out any

 

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arrangements, contracts or agreements of every kind for any lawful purpose, without limit as to amount or otherwise, with any corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company, firm, trustee, syndicate, individual or any political or governmental division, subdivision or agency, domestic or foreign, and generally to make and perform agreements and contracts of every kind and description and to do any and all things necessary or incidental to the foregoing for the protection and enhancement of the assets of the Partnership.

Section 3.2 TERM . The Partnership as herein constituted shall continue in perpetuity and shall have perpetual existence, unless earlier dissolved or terminated pursuant to law or the provisions of this Agreement.

ARTICLE IV

CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Section 4.1 GENERAL PARTNER . The General Partner has not contributed, and shall not be required to contribute, cash or other assets to the capital of the Partnership.

Section 4.2 LIMITED PARTNERS . The Limited Partners have contributed cash and their respective ownership interests in the Contributed Property to the Partnership as identified on Exhibit A attached hereto. The Agreed Values of the Limited Partners’ proportionate ownership interest in the Contributed Properties as of the date of contribution are set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto.

Section 4.3 ADDITIONAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ISSUANCES OF ADDITIONAL PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS . Except as provided in this Section 4.3 or in Section 4.4 , the Partners shall have no preemptive or other right or obligation to make any additional Capital Contributions or loans to the Partnership. The General Partner or Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC may contribute additional capital or property to the Partnership, from time to time, and receive additional Partnership Interests in respect thereof, in the manner contemplated in this Section 4.3 .

(a) ISSUANCES OF ADDITIONAL PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS.

(i) GENERAL. The General Partner is hereby authorized to cause the Partnership to issue such additional Partnership Interests in the form of Common Partnership Units and Preferred Partnership Units for any Partnership purpose at any time or from time to time, to the Partners or to other Persons for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as shall be established by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, all without the approval of any of the Limited Partners. Any additional Partnership Interest issued thereby may be issued in one or more classes, or one or more series of any of such classes, with such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, powers and duties, including rights, powers and duties senior to Limited Partnership Interests, all as shall be determined by the

 

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General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion and without the approval of any Limited Partner, subject to Delaware law, and all as may be set forth in an Exhibit to this Agreement, each of which Exhibit shall be incorporated into and become part of this Agreement upon adoption by the General Partner, including, without limitation, (i) the allocations of items of Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction and credit to each such class or series of Partnership Interests; (ii) the right of each such class or series of Partnership Interests to share in Partnership distributions; (iii) the rights of each class or series of Partnership Interests upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership and (iv) the right to vote; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no additional Partnership Interests shall be issued to the General Partner or Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC unless:

(ii) (1) (A) The additional Partnership Interests are issued in connection with an issuance of REIT Shares of or other interests in the Company, all such that the economic interests are substantially similar to the designations, preferences and other rights of the additional Partnership Interests issued to the General Partner or Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC by the Partnership in accordance with this Section 4.3 and (B) the Company shall make, directly or through one or more Affiliates, a Capital Contribution to the Partnership in an amount equal to the proceeds raised or other property received by the Company, directly or through one or more Affiliates, in connection with the issuance of such stock or other interests in the Company, (2) the additional Partnership Interests are issued in exchange for property owned by the Company, the General Partner or Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC, as the case may be, with a fair market value, as determined by the General Partner, in good faith, equal to the value of the Partnership Interests, or (3) the additional Partnership Interests are issued to all Partners in proportion to their respective Common Percentage Interests or Preferred Percentage Interests, as applicable.

Without limiting the foregoing, the General Partner is expressly authorized to cause the Partnership to issue Common Partnership Units or Preferred Partnership Units for less than fair market value, so long as the General Partner concludes in good faith that such issuance is in the best interests of the Company and the Partnership.

(b) UPON ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL SECURITIES. After the Effective Date, the Company shall not issue any additional REIT Shares (other than REIT Shares issued in connection with a redemption pursuant to Section 7.4 hereof) or rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities containing the right to subscribe for or purchase REIT Shares (collectively, “ Additional Securities ”) other than to all holders of REIT Shares, unless (A) the General Partner shall cause the Partnership to issue to the Company or its Affiliates, Partnership Interests or rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities of the Partnership having designations, preferences and

 

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other rights, all such that the economic interests are substantially similar to those of the Additional Securities, and (B) the Company contributes, directly or through one or more Affiliates, the proceeds or other property received from the issuance of such Additional Securities and from any exercise of rights contained in such Additional Securities to the Partnership.

Without limiting the foregoing, the Company may issue Additional Securities for less than fair market value, and as a result the General Partner is expressly authorized to cause the Partnership to issue to the Company or its Affiliates corresponding Partnership Interests, so long as (x) the Company concludes in good faith that such issuance is in the best interests of the Company and the Partnership, and (y) the Company, directly or through one or more Affiliates, contributes all proceeds or other property received from such issuance to the Partnership. For example, if the Company issues REIT Common Shares for a cash purchase price and contributes, directly or through one or more Affiliates, all of the proceeds of such issuance to the Partnership as required hereunder, the Company or its Affiliates shall be issued a number of additional Common Partnership Units equal to the product of (A) the number of such REIT Common Shares issued by the Company, the proceeds of which were so contributed, multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is 100%, and the denominator of which is the Conversion Factor in effect on the date of such contribution.

(c) CERTAIN DEEMED CONTRIBUTIONS OF PROCEEDS OF ISSUANCE OF REIT SHARES. In connection with any and all issuances of REIT Shares, the Company, directly or through one or more Affiliates, shall contribute all of the proceeds raised in connection with such issuance to the Partnership as Capital Contributions, PROVIDED THAT if the proceeds actually received and contributed by the Company or its Affiliates are less than the gross proceeds of such issuance as a result of any underwriter’s discount or other expenses paid or incurred in connection with such issuance, then the Company, directly or through one or more Affiliates, shall be deemed to have made Capital Contributions to the Partnership in the aggregate amount of the gross proceeds of such issuance and the Partnership shall be deemed simultaneously to have paid such offering expenses in connection with the required issuance of additional Partnership Units to the Company or its Affiliates for such Capital Contributions pursuant to Section 4.3(a) hereof. The provisions of this Section 4.3(c) shall also apply with respect to the cash contributed to the Company on the Effective Date with respect to the proceeds of 12,250,782 shares of common stock of Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. issued in June 2013 and July 2013 and the related offering expenses.

(d) LTIP UNITS. The General Partner may from time to time issue LTIP Units to Persons who provide services to the Partnership, for such consideration as the General Partner may determine to be appropriate, and admit such Persons as Limited Partners. The Capital Accounts of such LTIP Unitholders shall be credited with the amount of their respective Capital

 

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Contributions pursuant to Section 5.3 . Except to the extent a Capital Contribution is made with respect to an LTIP Unit, an LTIP Unit is intended to qualify as a “profits interest” in the Partnership. Subject to the provisions of Sections 4.3(d) and 4.3(e) and the special provisions of Sections 5.5 , 7.7 and 7.8 , LTIP Units shall be treated as Common Partnership Units, with all of the rights, privileges and obligations attendant thereto. For purposes of computing the Common Percentage Interests, holders of LTIP Units shall be treated as Common Partnership Unitholders and LTIP Units shall be treated as Common Partnership Units. In particular, the Partnership shall comply with the following procedures:

(i) If an Adjustment Event (as defined below) occurs, then the General Partner shall make a corresponding adjustment to the LTIP Units to maintain a one-for-one conversion and economic equivalence ratio between Common Partnership Units and LTIP Units. The following shall be “ Adjustment Events ”: (A) the Partnership makes a distribution on all outstanding Common Partnership Units in Partnership Units, (B) the Partnership subdivides the outstanding Common Partnership Units into a greater number of units or combines the outstanding Common Partnership Units into a smaller number of units, or (C) the Partnership issues any Partnership Units in exchange for its outstanding Common Partnership Units by way of a reclassification or recapitalization of its Common Partnership Units. If more than one Adjustment Event occurs, the adjustment to the LTIP Units need be made only once using a single formula that takes into account each and every Adjustment Event as if all Adjustment Events occurred simultaneously. For the avoidance of doubt, the following shall not be Adjustment Events: (x) the issuance of Partnership Units in a financing, reorganization, acquisition or other similar business transaction, (y) the issuance of Partnership Units pursuant to any employee benefit or compensation plan or distribution reinvestment plan, or (z) the issuance of any Partnership Units to Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC in respect of a capital contribution to the Partnership of proceeds from the sale of securities by the Company. If the Partnership takes an action affecting the Common Partnership Units other than actions specifically described above as “Adjustment Events” and in the opinion of the General Partner such action would require an adjustment to the LTIP Units to maintain the one-to-one correspondence described above, the General Partner shall have the right to make such adjustment to the LTIP Units, to the extent permitted by law and by the Plan, in such manner and at such time as the General Partner, in its sole discretion, may determine to be appropriate under the circumstances. If an adjustment is made to the LTIP Units as herein provided the Partnership shall promptly file in the books and records of the Partnership an officer’s certificate setting forth such adjustment and a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment, which certificate shall be conclusive evidence of the correctness of such adjustment absent manifest error. Promptly after filing of such certificate, the Partnership shall mail a notice to each LTIP

 

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Unitholder setting forth the adjustment to his or her LTIP Units and the effective date of such adjustment; and

(ii) Subject to the provisions of Section 10.4 , the LTIP Unitholders shall, in respect of each Distribution Payment Date, when, as and if authorized and declared by the General Partner out of assets legally available for that purpose, be entitled to receive distributions in an amount per LTIP Unit equal to the distributions per Common Partnership Unit (the “ Common Partnership Unit Distribution ”), paid to holders of record on the same Partnership Record Date established by the General Partner with respect to such Distribution Payment Date. The term “ Newly Issued Common Partnership Unit ” shall be deemed to include LTIP Units issued during a Common Partnership Unit Distribution Period and Section 8.1(a) shall apply in full to LTIP Units. During any Common Partnership Unit Distribution Period, so long as any LTIP Units are outstanding, except upon liquidation of the Partnership and as provided in the following sentence and Section 10.4 , no distributions (whether in cash or in kind) shall be authorized, declared or paid on Common Partnership Units, unless equal distributions have been or contemporaneously are authorized, declared and paid on the LTIP Units for such Common Partnership Unit Distribution Period.

The LTIP Units shall rank pari passu with the Common Partnership Units as to the payment of regular and special periodic or other distributions and distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, provided upon liquidation the amount distributed with respect to a LTIP Unit shall be limited to the related Capital Account balance as provided by Section 10.4 . As to the payment of distributions and as to distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, any class or series of Partnership Units or Partnership Interests which by its terms specifies that it shall rank junior to, on a parity with, or senior to the Common Partnership Units shall also rank junior to, or pari passu with, or senior to, as the case may be, the LTIP Units. Subject to the terms of any Vesting Agreement, a LTIP Unitholder shall be entitled to transfer his or her LTIP Units to the same extent, and subject to the same restrictions as holders of Common Partnership Units are entitled to transfer their Common Partnership Units pursuant to Article IX .

(e) TERMS OF LTIP UNITS. LTIP Units shall be subject to the following special provisions:

(i) VESTING AGREEMENTS. LTIP Units may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, be issued subject to vesting, forfeiture and additional restrictions on transfer pursuant to the terms of a Vesting Agreement. The terms of any Vesting Agreement may be modified by the General Partner from time to time in its sole discretion, subject to any restrictions on amendment imposed by the relevant Vesting Agreement or by the Plan, if applicable. LTIP Units that have vested under the terms of

 

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a Vesting Agreement are referred to as “ Vested LTIP Units ”; all other LTIP Units shall be treated as “ Unvested Incentive Units .”

(ii) FORFEITURE. Unless otherwise specified in the Vesting Agreement, upon the occurrence of any event specified in a Vesting Agreement as resulting in the right of the Partnership to repurchase LTIP Units at a specified purchase price or some other forfeiture of any LTIP Units, then if the Partnership exercises such right to repurchase or forfeiture in accordance with the applicable Vesting Agreement, then the relevant LTIP Units shall immediately, and without any further action, be treated as cancelled and no longer outstanding for any purpose. Unless otherwise specified in the Vesting Agreement, no consideration or other payment shall be due with respect to any LTIP Units that have been forfeited, other than any distributions declared with respect to a Partnership Record Date prior to the effective date of the forfeiture. In connection with any repurchase or forfeiture of LTIP Units, the balance of the portion of the Capital Account of the LTIP Unitholder that is attributable to all of his or her LTIP Units shall be reduced by the amount, if any, by which it exceeds the Target Balance contemplated by Section 5.5 , calculated with respect to the LTIP Unitholder’s remaining LTIP Units, if any, with such reduction being accomplished by an allocation of gross deductions or losses to the applicable LTIP Unitholder.

(iii) ALLOCATIONS. LTIP Units shall generally be treated as Common Partnership Units for purposes of Article V , but LTIP Unitholders shall also be entitled to certain special allocations of gain under Section 5.5 .

(iv) REDEMPTION. The Redemption Right provided to Limited Partners under Section 7.4 shall not apply with respect to LTIP Units unless and until they are converted to Common Partnership Units as provided in clause (vi) below and Section 7.7 .

(v) LEGEND. Any certificate evidencing an LTIP Unit shall bear an appropriate legend indicating that additional terms, conditions and restrictions on transfer, including without limitation any Vesting Agreement, apply to the LTIP Unit.

(vi) CONVERSION TO COMMON PARTNERSHIP UNITS. Vested LTIP Units are eligible to be converted into Common Partnership Units under Section 7.7 .

(vii) VOTING. LTIP Units shall have the voting rights provided in Section 7.8 .

(viii) ISSUANCE. An LTIP Unit shall be considered issued to an LTIP Unitholder upon the later to occur of: (i) execution of a

 

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counterpart signature page to this Agreement, unless such Person is already a Limited Partner, (ii) execution by such LTIP Unitholder and the Partnership of a Vesting Agreement with respect to such LTIP Unit, if applicable, and (iii) payment to the Partnership of the Capital Contribution, if any, provided for in the related Vesting Agreement.

Section 4.4 ADDITIONAL FUNDING . If the General Partner determines that it is in the best interests of the Partnership to provide for additional Partnership funds (“ Additional Funds ”) for any Partnership purpose, the General Partner may (i) cause the Partnership to obtain such funds from outside borrowings, or (ii) elect to have the General Partner provide such Additional Funds to the Partnership through loans or otherwise.

Section 4.5 INTEREST . No interest shall be paid on the Capital Contribution of any Partner.

Section 4.6 RETURN OF CAPITAL . Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Partner shall be entitled to demand or receive the return of his Capital Contribution.

Section 4.7 PERCENTAGE INTEREST . If the number of outstanding Common Partnership Units increases or decreases during a taxable year, the General Partner shall adjust each holder of Common Partnership Units’ Percentage Interest, as reflected on Exhibit A , to a percentage equal to the number of Common Partnership Units held by such Partner divided by the aggregate number of outstanding Common Partnership Units.

ARTICLE V

PROFITS, LOSSES AND ACCOUNTING

Section 5.1 ALLOCATION OF PROFITS AND LOSSES . Except as otherwise provided herein or in Exhibit B , profits earned and losses incurred by the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners as follows:

(a) Profits for each year shall be allocated among the Partners, and shall be credited to the respective Capital Accounts of the Partners, in the following order and priority:

(i) First, items of gross income to the holders of Preferred Partnership Units in the amount necessary so that the cumulative amount of gross income allocated to holders of Preferred Partnership Units pursuant to this Section 5.1(a)(i) is equal to the cumulative amount of distributions of Preferred Return (as defined, for each series of Preferred Partnership Units, in the exhibit to this Agreement setting forth the terms of such Preferred Partnership Units) distributed to holders of Preferred Partnership Units;

 

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(ii) Second, to the Partners to the extent of losses, in the proportions and in the reverse order in which losses were allocated to them pursuant to Section 5.1(b) , until the cumulative amounts allocated to each Partner pursuant to this Section 5.1(a)(ii) are equal to the cumulative losses so allocated to such Partner;

(iii) Third, any remaining profits shall be allocated to the holders of Common Partnership Units in accordance with their Common Percentage Interests.

(b) Losses for each year shall be allocated among the Partners, and shall be debited to the respective Capital Accounts of the Partners, in the following order and priority:

(i) First, to the holders of Common Partnership Units pro rata in accordance with, and to the extent of, the positive balances in their Adjusted Capital Account Balances (as defined in Exhibit B hereto) attributable to Common Partnership Units;

(ii) Second, to the holders of Preferred Partnership Units pro rata in accordance with, and to the extent of, the positive balances in their Adjusted Capital Account Balances (as defined in Exhibit B hereto) attributable to Preferred Partnership Units; and

(iii) Thereafter any remaining losses will be allocated to the holders of Common Partnership Units in accordance with their Common Percentage Interests.

(c) If the Partnership issues additional Partnership Units pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the General Partner is hereby authorized to make revisions to this Section 5.1 as it determines are necessary or desirable to reflect the terms of the issuance of such additional Partnership Units, including, without limitation, making preferential allocations to certain classes of Partnership Units. For purposes of determining the income, gain, loss, deduction or any other items allocable to any period, income, gain, loss, deduction, and any such other items shall be determined on a daily, monthly, or other basis, as determined by the General Partner using any permissible method under Code Section 706 and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.1(a) and Section 5.1(b) , upon liquidation of the Partnership or upon redemption of any redeemable Preferred Partnership Units, items of gross income and/or items of deduction or loss shall be allocated to the holder of the Preferred Partnership Units and/or the Common Partnership Units, such that the Capital Accounts attributable to the Preferred Partnership Units equal, after all allocations of profit and loss are completed, the amount to be distributed to the Preferred Partnership Units.

Section 5.2 ACCOUNTING .

 

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(a) The books of the Partnership shall be kept on the accrual basis and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.

(b) The fiscal year of the Partnership shall be the calendar year.

(c) The terms “profits” and “losses,” as used herein, shall mean all items of income, gain, expense or loss as determined utilizing federal income tax accounting principles and shall also include each Partner’s share of income described in Section 705(a)(1)(B) of the Code, any expenditures described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code, any expenditures described in Section 709(a) of the Code which are not deducted or amortized in accordance with Section 709(b) of the Code, losses not deductible pursuant to Sections 267(a) and 707(b) of the Code and adjustments made pursuant to Exhibit B attached hereto.

(d) The General Partner shall be the Tax Matters Partner of the Partnership within the meaning of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code. As Tax Matters Partner, the General Partner shall have the right and obligation to take all actions authorized and required, respectively, by the Code for the Tax Matters Partner. The General Partner shall have the right to retain professional assistance in respect of any audit of the Partnership by the IRS, and all out-of-pocket expenses and fees incurred by the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership as Tax Matters Partner shall constitute Operating Expenses of the Partnership. If the General Partner receives notice of a final Partnership adjustment under Section 6223(a)(2) of the Code, the General Partner shall either (i) file a court petition for judicial review of such final adjustment within the period provided under Section 6226(a) of the Code, a copy of which petition shall be mailed to each Limited Partner on the date such petition is filed, or (ii) mail a written notice to each Limited Partner, within such period, that describes the General Partner’s reasons for determining not to file such a petition.

(e) Except as specifically provided herein, all elections required or permitted to be made by the Partnership under the Code shall be made by the General Partner in its sole discretion.

(f) Any Partner shall have the right to a private audit of the books and records of the Partnership, provided such audit is made at the expense of the Partner desiring it, and it is made during normal business hours.

(g) The Partners agree that the Partnership shall be authorized and directed to make the Safe Harbor Election and the Partnership and each Partner (including any person to whom Partnership Interest is transferred in connection with the performance of services) agrees to comply with all requirements of the Safe Harbor with respect to all Partnership Interests transferred in connection with the performance of services while the Safe Harbor Election remains effective. The General Partner, as the Tax Matters Partner, shall be authorized to (and shall) prepare, execute, and file the Safe Harbor Election.

 

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Section 5.3 PARTNERS’ CAPITAL ACCOUNTS .

(a) There shall be maintained a Capital Account for each Partner in accordance with this Section 5.3 and the principles set forth in Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof. The amount of cash and the Agreed Value of property contributed to the Partnership by each Partner, net of liabilities assumed by the Partnership or securing property contributed by such Partner, shall be credited to its Capital Account, and from time to time, but not less often than annually, the share of each Partner in profits, losses and Carrying Value of distributions (net of liabilities secured by the distributed property that such Partner is considered to assume or take subject to) shall be credited or charged to its Capital Account. The determination of Partners’ Capital Accounts, and any adjustments thereto, shall be made consistent with tax accounting and other principles set forth in Section 704(b) of the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations thereunder and Exhibit B attached hereto.

(b) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, in a deficit restoration obligation agreement or in a guarantee of a Partnership liability, signed by a Limited Partner, no Limited Partner shall be required to make any further contribution to the capital of the Partnership to restore a loss, to discharge any liability of the Partnership or for any other purpose, nor shall any Limited Partner personally be liable for any liabilities of the Partnership or of the General Partner except as provided by law or this Agreement. All Limited Partners hereby waive their right of contribution which they may have against other Partners in respect of any payments made by them under any guarantee of Partnership debt.

(c) Immediately following the transfer of any Partnership Interest, the Capital Account of the transferee Partner shall be equal to the Capital Account of the transferor Partner attributable to the transferred interest.

(d) For purposes of computing the amount of any item of income, gain, deduction or loss to be reflected in the Partners’ Capital Accounts, the determination, recognition and classification of any such item shall be the same as its determination, recognition and classification for federal income tax purposes, taking into account any adjustments required pursuant to Section 704(b) of the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations thereunder as more fully described in Exhibit B attached hereto.

(e) The provisions of the Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b), and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such Treasury Regulations. If the General Partner shall determine that it is prudent to modify the manner in which the Capital Accounts, or any debits or credits thereto (including, without limitation, debits or credits relating to liabilities which are secured by contributed or distributed property or which are assumed by the Partnership, the General Partner, or the Limited Partners) are computed in order to comply with such Treasury Regulations, the General Partner may make such

 

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modification, provided that it is not likely to have a material effect on the amounts distributable to any Person upon the dissolution of the Partnership. The General Partner also shall (i) make any adjustments that are necessary or appropriate to maintain equality between the Capital Accounts of the Partners and the amount of Partnership capital reflected on the Partnership’s balance sheet, as computed for book purposes, in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(q) and (ii) make appropriate modifications if unanticipated events might otherwise cause this Agreement not to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b) or 1.704-2.

Section 5.4 SECTION 754 ELECTIONS . The General Partner shall elect, pursuant to Section 754 of the Code, to adjust the basis of the Partnership’s assets for (i) all transfers of Partnership Interests, and (ii) any distribution of Company property as described in Section 734 of the Code, if such election would benefit any Partner or the Partnership.

Section 5.5 SPECIAL ALLOCATION OF GAIN TO LTIP UNITHOLDERS . Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.1 above, but subject to the prior allocation of income, gain, deduction and loss under the terms of the Agreement in respect of any class of Partnership Interests ranking senior to the LTIP Units with respect to return of capital or any preferential or priority return, any net capital gains realized in connection with the actual or hypothetical sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership, including but not limited to net capital gain realized in connection with an adjustment to the Carrying Value of Partnership assets under Section 704(b) of the Code, shall first be allocated to the LTIP Unitholders until the Economic Capital Account Balances of such Limited Partners, to the extent attributable to their ownership of LTIP Units, are equal to (i) the Common Partnership Unit Economic Balance, multiplied by (ii) the number of their LTIP Units. For this purpose, the “ Economic Capital Account Balances ” of the LTIP Unitholders will be equal to their Capital Account balances, plus the amount of their shares of any Partner Minimum Gain or Partnership Minimum Gain, in each case to the extent attributable to their ownership of LTIP Units. For clarification, each Limited Partner will have only one Capital Account as to all Partnership Interests it owns, but solely for determining the Economic Capital Account Balance of LTIP Units of an LTIP Unitholder its Capital Account will be separately computed for each group of LTIP Units having the same issue date. Similarly, the “ Common Partnership Unit Economic Balance ” shall mean (i) the Capital Account Balance of Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC, plus the amount of Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC’s share of any Partner Minimum Gain or Partnership Minimum Gain, in either case to the extent attributable to Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC’s ownership of Common Partnership Units and computed on a hypothetical basis after taking into account all allocations under Article V through the date on which any allocation is made under this Section 5.5 , divided by (ii) the number of Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC’s Partnership Common Partnership Units (with respect to each holder, the “ Target Balance ”). Any such allocations shall be made among the LTIP Unitholders in proportion to the amounts required to be allocated to each under this Section 5.5 , provided, however, that no amounts will be allocated with respect to any particular LTIP Unit (each, an “ Ineligible Unit ”) until all special allocations pursuant to Part A of

 

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Exhibit B with respect to such LTIP Unit have been reversed to the extent required by paragraph 10 of Part A of Exhibit B . If, notwithstanding the foregoing, not all LTIP Units (including Ineligible Units) are fully booked up, an LTIP Unitholder may determine how net capital gains shall be allocated among such LTIP Unitholder’s LTIP Units (other than Ineligible Units); provided, however, if such LTIP Unitholder does not make such a determination, net capital gains shall generally be allocated so that the Economic Capital Account Balance of the maximum amount of Vested LTIP Units held by such LTIP Unitholder is equal to the Common Partnership Unit Economic Balance on a per LTIP Unit basis; provided, further, that such net capital gains may only be allocated to LTIP Units that are held by such LTIP Unitholder on the date of the allocation under this Section 5.5 . The parties agree that the intent of this Section 5.5 is to make the Capital Account balances of the LTIP Unitholders with respect to their LTIP Units economically equivalent to the Capital Account balance of Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC (on a per-Partnership Unit basis) with respect to its Common Partnership Units.

ARTICLE VI

POWERS, DUTIES, LIABILITIES, COMPENSATION AND VOTING OF GENERAL PARTNER

Section 6.1 POWERS OF GENERAL PARTNER . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the General Partner’s discretion and authority are subject to the limitations imposed by law, and by the General Partner’s Articles of Organization and operating agreement. Subject to the foregoing and to other limitations imposed by this Agreement, the General Partner shall have full, complete and exclusive discretion to manage and control the business and affairs of the Partnership and make all decisions affecting the business and assets of the Partnership. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing (but subject to the restrictions specifically contained in this Agreement), the General Partner shall have the power and authority to take the following actions on behalf of the Partnership:

(a) to acquire, purchase, own, manage, operate, lease and dispose of any real property and any other property or assets that the General Partner determines are necessary or appropriate or in the best interests of conducting the business of the Partnership in each case not inconsistent with the Company’s qualification as a REIT;

(b) to construct buildings and make other improvements (including renovations) on or to the properties owned or leased by the Partnership;

(c) to borrow money for the Partnership, issue evidences of indebtedness in connection therewith, refinance, guarantee, increase the amount of, modify, amend or change the terms of, or extend the time for the payment of, any indebtedness or obligation of or to the Partnership, and secure such indebtedness by mortgage, deed of trust, pledge or other lien on the Partnership’s assets;

 

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(d) to pay, either directly or by reimbursement, for all Operating Expenses to third parties or to the General Partner (as set forth in this Agreement);

(e) to lease all or any portion of any of the Partnership’s assets, whether or not the terms of such leases extend beyond the termination date of the Partnership and whether or not any portion of the Partnership’s assets so leased are to be occupied by the lessee, or, in turn, subleased in whole or in part to others, for such consideration and on such terms as the General Partner may determine;

(f) to prosecute, defend, arbitrate, or compromise any and all claims or liabilities in favor of or against the Partnership, on such terms and in such manner as the General Partner may reasonably determine, and similarly to prosecute, settle or defend litigation with respect to the Partners, the Partnership, or the Partnership’s assets; provided, however, that the General Partner may not, without the consent of all of the Partners, confess a judgment against the Partnership;

(g) to file applications, communicate, and otherwise deal with any and all governmental agencies having jurisdiction over, or in any way affecting, the Partnership’s assets or any other aspect of the Partnership business;

(h) to make or revoke any election permitted or required of the Partnership by any taxing authority;

(i) to maintain such insurance coverage for public liability, fire and casualty, and any and all other insurance for the protection of the Partnership, for the conservation of Partnership assets, or for any other purpose convenient or beneficial to the Partnership, in such amounts and such types as the General Partner shall determine from time to time;

(j) to determine whether or not to apply any insurance proceeds for any Property to the restoration of such Property or to distribute the same;

(k) to retain providers of services of any kind or nature in connection with the Partnership business and to pay therefor such reasonable remuneration as the General Partner may deem proper, including the Advisor;

(l) to negotiate and conclude agreements on behalf of the Partnership with respect to any of the rights, powers and authority conferred upon the General Partner, including, without limitation, management agreements, franchise agreements, agreements with federal, state or local liquor licensing agencies and agreements with operators of restaurants and bars;

(m) to maintain accurate accounting records and to file promptly all federal, state and local income tax returns on behalf of the Partnership;

 

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(n) to form or acquire an interest in, and contribute property to, any further limited or general partnerships, joint ventures or other relationships that it deems desirable (including, without limitation, the acquisition of interests in, and the contributions of property to, its Subsidiaries and any other Person in which it has an equity interest from time to time);

(o) to distribute Partnership cash or other Partnership assets in accordance with this Agreement;

(p) to establish Partnership reserves for working capital, capital expenditures, contingent liabilities or any other valid Partnership purpose;

(q) to authorize, issue, sell, redeem or otherwise purchase any Partnership Interests or any securities (including secured and unsecured debt obligations of the Partnership, debt obligations of the Partnership convertible into any class or series of Partnership Interests, or options, rights, warrants or appreciation rights relating to any Partnership Interests) of the Partnership;

(r) subject to the provisions of Section 9.1 , to merge, consolidate or combine the Partnership with or into another Person (to the extent permitted by applicable law);

(s) to do any and all acts and things necessary or prudent to ensure that the Partnership will not be classified as a “publicly traded partnership” for purposes of Section 7704 of the Code;

(t) to issue additional Partnership Interests pursuant to Section 4.3 hereof;

(u) to pay cash to redeem Partnership Units held by a Limited Partner in connection with a Limited Partner’s exercise of its Redemption Right under Section 7.4 hereof;

(v) to amend and restate Exhibit A hereto to reflect accurately at all times the Capital Contributions, Common Percentage Interests and Preferred Percentage Interests of the Partners as the same are adjusted from time to time to the extent necessary to reflect redemptions, Capital Contributions, the issuance of Partnership Units, the admission of any Additional Limited Partner or any Substitute Limited Partner or otherwise, which amendment and restatement, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, shall not be deemed an amendment to this Agreement, as long as the matter or event being reflected in Exhibit A hereto otherwise is authorized by this Agreement;

(w) to take whatever action the General Partner deems appropriate to maintain the economic equivalency of Common Partnership Units and REIT Common Shares and Preferred Partnership Units and REIT Preferred Shares, respectively; and

 

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(x) to take such other action, execute, acknowledge, swear to or deliver such other documents and instruments, and perform any and all other acts the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate for the formation, continuation and conduct of the business and affairs of the Partnership (including, without limitation, all actions consistent with qualification of the Company as a REIT) and to possess and enjoy all of the rights and powers of a general partner as provided by the Act.

Each of the Limited Partners agrees that the General Partner is authorized to execute, deliver and perform the above-mentioned agreements and transactions on behalf of the Partnership without any further act, approval or vote of the Partners, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement (except as provided in Section 6.1(r) , Section 9.1 or Article XI ), the Act or any applicable law, rule or regulation to the fullest extent permitted under the Act or other applicable law, rule or regulation. The execution, delivery or performance by the General Partner or the Partnership of any agreement authorized or permitted under this Agreement shall not constitute a breach by the General Partner of any duty that the General Partner may owe the Partnership or the Limited Partners or any other persons under this Agreement or of any duty stated or implied by law or equity.

Except as otherwise provided herein, to the extent the duties of the General Partner require expenditures of funds to be paid to third parties, the General Partner shall not have any obligations hereunder except to the extent that Partnership funds are reasonably available to it for the performance of such duties, and nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize or require the General Partner, in its capacity as such, to expend its individual funds for payment to third parties or to undertake any individual liability or obligation on behalf of the Partnership.

Section 6.2 DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY . The General Partner may delegate any or all of its powers, rights and obligations hereunder, and may appoint, employ, contract or otherwise deal with any Person for the transaction of the business of the Partnership, which Person may, under supervision of the General Partner, perform any acts or services for the Partnership as the General Partner may approve.

Section 6.3 DUTIES OF GENERAL PARTNER .

(a) The General Partner, subject to the limitations contained elsewhere in this Agreement, shall manage or cause to be managed the affairs of the Partnership in a prudent and businesslike manner and shall devote sufficient time and effort to the Partnership affairs.

(b) In carrying out its obligations, the General Partner shall:

(i) Render annual reports to all Partners with respect to the operations of the Partnership;

(ii) Mail to all persons who were Partners at any time during the Partnership’s prior fiscal year an annual report of the Partnership,

 

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including all necessary tax information, and any other information regarding the Partnership and its operations during the prior fiscal year deemed by the General Partner to be material;

(iii) Maintain complete and accurate records of all business conducted by the Partnership and complete and accurate books of account (containing such information as shall be necessary to record allocations and distributions), and make such books of account available for inspection and audit by any Limited Partner (at the sole expense of such Limited Partner) to the extent provided in Section 7.1(b) ; and

(iv) Cause to be filed such certificates and do such other acts as may be required by law to qualify and maintain the Partnership as a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware.

(c) The General Partner shall take such actions as it deems necessary to maintain the economic equivalency of Common Partnership Units and REIT Common Shares and Preferred Partnership Units and REIT Preferred Shares, respectively, required by this Agreement.

Section 6.4 LIABILITIES OF GENERAL PARTNER; INDEMNIFICATION .

(a) The General Partner shall not be liable for the return of all or any part of the Capital Contributions of the Limited Partners. Any returns shall be made solely from the assets of the Partnership according to the terms of this Agreement.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, none of the General Partner or the Company nor any of their officers, directors, agents or employees shall be liable or accountable in damages or otherwise to the Partnership, any Partners or any assignees, or any of their successors or assigns, for any losses sustained, liabilities incurred or benefits not derived as a result of errors in judgment or mistakes of fact or law or any act or omission if the General Partner acted in good faith. The General Partner shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part on any agent appointed by it in good faith pursuant to Section 6.2 hereof. The Limited Partners expressly acknowledge that the General Partner is acting on behalf of the Partnership, the General Partner, the General Partner’s members and the Company’s stockholders collectively, and that the General Partner is under no obligation to consider the separate interests of the Limited Partners (including, without limitation, the tax consequences to Limited Partners or their assignees) in deciding whether to cause the Partnership to take (or decline to take) any actions. In the event of a conflict between the interests of the members of the General Partner or stockholders of the Company on one hand and the Limited Partners on the other, the General Partner shall endeavor in good faith to resolve the conflict in a manner not adverse to either the stockholders of the Company or the Limited Partners; provided, however, that for so long as the Company owns a controlling

 

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interest, directly or indirectly, in the Partnership, any such conflict that cannot be resolved in a manner not adverse to either the stockholders of the Company or the Limited Partners shall be resolved in favor of the stockholders of the Company. The General Partner shall not be liable for monetary damages for losses sustained, liabilities incurred, or benefits not derived by Limited Partners in connection with such decisions, provided that the General Partner has acted in good faith.

(c) The Partnership shall indemnify an Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law and save and hold it harmless from and against, and in respect of, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (joint or several), expenses (including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, that relate to the operations of the Partnership as set forth in this Agreement in which any Indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise; provided, however, that this indemnification shall not apply if: (A) the act or omission of the Indemnitee was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and either was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; (B) the Indemnitee actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or (C) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. The termination of any proceeding by judgment, order or settlement does not create a presumption that the Indemnitee did not meet the requisite standard of conduct set forth in this Section 6.4(c) . The termination of any proceeding by conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, or an entry of an order of probation prior to judgment, creates a rebuttable presumption that the Indemnitee acted in a manner contrary to that specified in this Section 6.4(c) . Any indemnification pursuant to this Section 6.4 shall be made only out of the assets of the Partnership, and any insurance proceeds from the liability policy covering the General Partner and any Indemnitee.

(d) The Partnership may reimburse an Indemnitee for reasonable expenses incurred by an Indemnitee who is a party to a proceeding in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding upon receipt by the Partnership of (i) a written affirmation by the Indemnitee of the Indemnitee’s good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Partnership as authorized in this Section 6.4 has been met, and (ii) a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay the amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met.

(e) The indemnification provided by this Section 6.4 shall be in addition to any other rights to which an Indemnitee or any other Person may be entitled under any agreement, pursuant to any vote of the Partners, as a matter of law or otherwise, and shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to serve in such capacity.

 

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(f) The Partnership may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of the Indemnitees, and such other Persons as the General Partner shall determine, against any liability that may be asserted against or expenses that may be incurred by such Person in connection with the Partnership’s activities, regardless of whether the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such Person against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement.

(g) For purposes of this Section 6.4 , the Partnership shall be deemed to have requested an Indemnitee to serve as fiduciary of an employee benefit plan whenever the performance by the Indemnitee of its duties to the Partnership also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, the Indemnitee to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan; excise taxes assessed on an Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law shall constitute fines within the meaning of this Section 6.4 ; and actions taken or omitted by the Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan in the performance of its duties for a purpose reasonably believed by the Indemnitee to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose which is not opposed to the best interests of the Partnership.

(h) In no event may an Indemnitee subject the Limited Partners to personal liability by reason of the indemnification provisions set forth in this Agreement.

(i) An Indemnitee shall not be denied indemnification in whole or in part under this Section 6.4 because the Indemnitee had an interest in the transaction with respect to which the indemnification applies if the transaction was otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement.

(j) Any amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 6.4 or any provision hereof shall be prospective only and shall not in any way affect the limitations on the General Partner’s liability to the Partnership and the Limited Partners under this Section 6.4 as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when claims relating to such matters may arise or be asserted. The provisions of this Section 6.4 are for the benefit of the Indemnitees, their heirs, successors, assigns and administrators and shall not be deemed to create any rights for the benefit of any other Persons.

(k) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement or the Act, any action of the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership or any decision of the General Partner to refrain from acting on behalf of the Partnership, undertaken in the good faith belief that such action or omission is necessary or advisable in order (i) to protect the ability of the Company to continue to qualify as a REIT, or (ii) to prevent the Company from incurring any taxes under Section 857 or Section 4981 of the Code, is expressly authorized under this Agreement and is deemed approved by all of the Limited Partners. Further, any provision of this Agreement that might jeopardize the Company’s REIT status shall be (i) void

 

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and of no effect, or (ii) reformed, as necessary, to avoid the Company’s loss of REIT status.

Section 6.5 COMPENSATION OF GENERAL PARTNER; REIMBURSEMENT . The General Partner, as such, shall not receive any compensation for services rendered to the Partnership. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the General Partner shall be entitled, in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.7 below, to pay reasonable compensation to its Affiliates and other entities in which it may be associated for services performed. The General Partner shall be reimbursed on a monthly basis, or such other basis as the General Partner may determine in its sole and absolute discretion, for all REIT Expenses.

Section 6.6 RELIANCE ON ACT OF GENERAL PARTNER . No financial institution or any other person, firm or corporation dealing with the General Partner or the Partnership shall be required to ascertain whether the General Partner is acting in accordance with this Agreement, but such financial institution or such other person, firm or corporation shall be protected in relying solely upon the assurance of and the execution of any instrument or instruments by the General Partner.

Section 6.7 OUTSIDE SERVICES; DEALINGS WITH AFFILIATES; OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES .

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Article VI to the contrary, the General Partner may employ such agents, accountants, attorneys and others as it shall deem advisable, including its directors, officers, members, and its Affiliates and entities with which the General Partner, any Limited Partner or their respective Affiliates may be associated, the Company’s directors, officers and stockholders, and may pay them reasonable compensation from Partnership funds for services performed, which compensation shall be reasonably believed by the General Partner to be comparable to and competitive with fees charged by unrelated Persons who render comparable services which could reasonably be made available to the Partnership. The General Partner shall not be liable for the neglect, omission or wrongdoing of any such Person so long as it appointed such Person in good faith.

(b) The Partnership may lend or contribute to its Subsidiaries or other Persons in which it has an equity investment Partnership funds on terms and conditions established in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner. The foregoing authority shall not create any right or benefit in favor of any Subsidiary or any other Person.

(c) The Partnership may transfer assets to joint ventures, other partnerships, corporations or other business entities in which it is or thereby becomes a participant upon such terms and subject to such conditions as are consistent with this Agreement and applicable law.

 

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(d) Except as expressly permitted by this Agreement, neither the General Partner nor any of its Affiliates nor any Limited Partner shall sell, transfer or convey any property to, or purchase any property from, the Partnership, directly or indirectly, except pursuant to transactions that are on terms that are fair and reasonable to the Partnership.

(e) Subject to the Articles of Organization and any agreements entered into by the General Partner or its Affiliates with the Partnership or a Subsidiary, any officer, director, employee, agent, trustee, Affiliate or member of the General Partner shall be entitled to and may have business interests and engage in business activities in addition to those relating to the Partnership, including business interests and activities substantially similar or identical to those of the Partnership. Neither the Partnership nor any of the Limited Partners shall have any rights by virtue of this Agreement in any business ventures of such person.

(f) If the Company exercises its rights under its Articles of Incorporation to redeem REIT Common Shares, then the General Partner shall cause the Partnership to purchase from the Company a number of Common Partnership Units determined based on the application of the Conversion Factor on the same terms as those on which the Company redeemed such REIT Common Shares.

Section 6.8 ADDITIONAL LOANS TO THE PARTNERSHIP . If additional funds are required by the Partnership for any purpose relating to the business of the Partnership or for any of its obligations, expenses, costs, or expenditures, including operating deficits, the Partnership may borrow such funds as are needed from time to time from any Person (including, without limitation, the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner; provided, however, that the terms of any loan from the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner shall be substantially equivalent to the terms that could be obtained from a third party on an arm’s-length basis) on such terms as the General Partner and such other Person may agree.

Section 6.9 CONTRIBUTION OF ASSETS . The Company, directly or through one or more of its Affiliates, shall contribute to the capital of the Partnership from time to time each asset it owns from time to time during the existence of the Partnership, but it is not required to so contribute:

(a) its interests in the General Partner or Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC;

(b) its direct or indirect interest in any entity in a chain of entities of which the Company is the sole beneficial owner, so long as all of the assets or other ownership interests in the entity in that chain furthest removed from the General Partner are contributed directly or indirectly to the Partnership; or

(c) any equity interest in any entity of which the Company is the sole beneficial owner that is created or used solely by the General Partner in

 

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connection with any borrowing transaction in whole or in part for the benefit of the Partnership.

ARTICLE VII

RIGHTS, PROHIBITIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS WITH RESPECT TO LIMITED PARTNERS

Section 7.1 RIGHTS OF LIMITED PARTNERS .

(a) The Partnership may engage the Limited Partners or persons or firms associated with them for specific purposes and may otherwise deal with such Partners on terms and for compensation to be agreed upon by any such Partner and the Partnership; provided, however, that no Limited Partner shall be entitled to participate in the management or control of the business of the Partnership.

(b) Each Limited Partner shall be entitled to have the Partnership books kept at the principal place of business of the Partnership and at all times, during reasonable business hours and at such Limited Partner’s sole expense, upon written demand shall be entitled to inspect and copy any of them for any purpose reasonably related to the Limited Partner’s interest as a Limited Partner and demand in writing true and full information of all things affecting the Partnership and a formal accounting of Partnership affairs whenever circumstances render it just and reasonable and reasonably related to the Limited Partner’s interest as a Limited Partner; provided, however, that any such demand shall state the purpose of such demand and provided further for such period of time as the General Partner determines in its sole and absolute discretion to be reasonable, the General Partner may keep confidential from the Limited Partners any information that (i) the General Partner believes to be in the nature of trade secrets or other information the disclosure of which the General Partner in good faith believes is not in the best interest of the Partnership or could damage the Partnership or its business or (ii) the Partnership or the General Partner is required by law or by agreements with unaffiliated third parties to keep confidential; provided, further, that as long as Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership is a Partner in the Partnership, the Partnership and the General Partner shall timely provide such information as Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership reasonably requests such that Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. may determine that it qualifies as a REIT for purposes of the Code, may prepare all of its tax returns and prepare its financial statements and filings with the applicable government authorities.

(c) No Limited Partner shall be liable for any debts, liabilities, contracts or obligations of the Partnership. A Limited Partner shall be liable to the Partnership only to make payments of its Capital Contribution, if any, as and when due hereunder. After its Capital Contribution is fully paid, no Limited Partner shall, except as otherwise required by the Act, be required to make any further Capital Contributions or other payments or lend any funds to the Partnership.

 

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Section 7.2 PROHIBITIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE LIMITED PARTNERS . No Limited Partner shall have the right:

(a) To take part in the control or management of the Partnership business, to transact business for or on behalf of the Partnership or to sign for or to bind the Partnership, such powers being vested solely in the General Partner as set forth herein;

(b) To have such Partner’s Capital Contributions repaid except to the extent provided in this Agreement;

(c) To require partition of Partnership property or to compel any sale or appraisement of Partnership assets or sale of a deceased Partner’s interests therein, notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary; or

(d) To sell or assign all or any portion of such Partner’s Limited Partnership Interest in the Partnership or to constitute the vendee or assignee thereunder a Substitute Limited Partner, except as provided in Article IX hereof.

Section 7.3 OWNERSHIP BY LIMITED PARTNER OF CORPORATE GENERAL PARTNER OR AFFILIATE . No Limited Partner shall at any time, either directly or indirectly, own any shares or other interest in the General Partner or in any Affiliate thereof if such ownership by itself or in conjunction with other shares or other interests owned by other Limited Partners would, in the opinion of counsel for the Partnership, jeopardize the classification of the Partnership as a partnership or the Company as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. The General Partner shall be entitled to make such reasonable inquiry of the Limited Partners as is required to establish compliance by the Limited Partners with the provisions of this Section 7.3 and the Limited Partners shall promptly and fully respond to such inquiries.

Section 7.4 REDEMPTION RIGHT .

(a) Subject to Section 7.4(b) and Section 7.4(c) , and the provisions of any agreements between the Partnership and one or more Limited Partners, each Limited Partner, other than Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC, shall have the right (the “ Redemption Right ”) to require the Partnership to redeem on a Specified Redemption Date all or a portion of the Common Partnership Units held by such Limited Partner (the “ Redeeming Partner ”) at a redemption price per Common Partnership Unit equal to and in the form of the Cash Amount to be paid by the Partnership on the Specified Redemption Date. The Redemption Right shall be exercised pursuant to a Notice of Redemption delivered to the Partnership (with a copy to the General Partner) by the Redeeming Partner. A Limited Partner may not exercise the Redemption Right for less than one thousand (1,000) Common Partnership Units or, if such Limited Partner holds less than one thousand (1,000) Common Partnership Units, all of the Common Partnership Units held by such Partner. Neither the Redeeming Partner nor any permitted or purported assignee of any Limited Partner shall have any right, with respect to

 

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any Common Partnership Units so redeemed, to receive any distributions paid after the Specified Redemption Date. Each Redeeming Partner agrees to provide such representations and related indemnities regarding good and unencumbered title, and to execute such documents, as the General Partner may reasonably require in connection with any redemption.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7.4(a) , if a Limited Partner elects to exercise the Redemption Right, the General Partner at the direction of the Company, directly or indirectly through one or more Affiliates, may, in its sole and absolute discretion, elect to assume directly and satisfy a Redemption Right by paying to the Redeeming Partner either (i) the Cash Amount, as provided for in Section 7.4(a) , or (ii) the REIT Common Shares Amount, as elected by the General Partner, as directed by the Company (in its sole and absolute discretion), on the Specified Redemption Date, provided that if the General Partner has not affirmatively notified the Redeeming Partner on or before one Business Day before the Specified Redemption Date that either the Partnership, the General Partner or its Affiliates will pay the Cash Amount then the General Partner shall be deemed to have elected, directly or through one or more Affiliates, to pay the REIT Common Shares Amount to the Redeeming Partner on the Specified Redemption Date, and the Company agrees that it will provide such REIT Common Shares on the Specified Redemption Date, subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.4 . On any such election of the General Partner to assume and satisfy a Redemption Right, the Company, directly or indirectly through one or more Affiliates, shall acquire the Common Partnership Units offered for redemption by the Redeeming Partner and shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as the owner of such Common Partnership Units. Unless the General Partner, as directed by the Company (in its sole and absolute discretion), shall exercise its right to assume and satisfy the Redemption Right, or unless the General Partner has been deemed to assume the Redemption Right as provided in this Section 7.4(b) , neither the General Partner nor the Company itself shall have any obligation to the Redeeming Partner or to the Partnership with respect to the Redeeming Partner’s exercise of the Redemption Right. If the General Partner, as directed by the Company, shall exercise its right, or shall be deemed to have elected, to satisfy the Redemption Right in the manner described in the first sentence of this Section 7.4(b) , except as provided in the following paragraph, the Partnership shall have no obligation to pay any amount to the Redeeming Partner with respect to such Redeeming Partner’s exercise of the Redemption Right, and each of the Redeeming Partner, the Partnership, and the Company shall treat the transaction between the Company and the Redeeming Partner for federal income tax purposes as a sale of the Redeeming Partner’s Common Partnership Units to the Company or its Affiliates; provided that if the Redeeming Partner is redeeming all of its Common Partnership Units, the Partnership shall redeem any fractional Common Partnership Unit (constituting less than one Common Partnership Unit owned by the Redeeming Partner by paying the Cash Amount with respect to such fractional Common Partnership Unit to such Redeeming Partner. Each Redeeming Partner agrees to provide such representations and related indemnities regarding good title, and to execute such

 

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documents, as the Company may reasonably require in connection with the issuance of REIT Common Shares upon exercise of the Redemption Right. If the Redemption Right is satisfied by the delivery of REIT Common Shares, the Redeeming Partner shall be deemed to become a holder of REIT Common Shares as of the close of business on the Specified Redemption Date or on such later date permitted by this Section 7.4(b) that the Company delivers REIT Common Shares, as the case may be.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 7.4(a) or this Section 7.4(b) , and in addition to the right of the Company to deliver REIT Common Shares in satisfaction of the Redemption Right, as provided above, should the General Partner, as directed by the Company elect, or be deemed to elect, to satisfy a Redemption Right by paying the Redeeming Partner the REIT Common Shares Amount, and it is necessary to obtain Company stockholder approval in order for it to issue sufficient REIT Common Shares to satisfy such Redemption Right in full, then the Company shall have one hundred twenty (120) days beyond the Specified Redemption Date in which to obtain such stockholder approval and to pay the REIT Common Shares Amount, and the redemption date shall be required to occur by ten (10) days after stockholder approval of the issuance of the REIT Common Shares has been obtained, if it is obtained. If such stockholder approval is not obtained within one hundred and thirty (130) days after such Common Partnership Units are presented for redemption or the stockholders have voted against the issuance of the REIT Common Shares, the Partnership shall pay to the Redeeming Partner the Cash Amount no later than the earlier of (i) ten (10) days after stockholders have voted against the issuance of the REIT Common Shares, or (ii) one hundred and thirty (130) days after such Common Partnership Units are presented for redemption, together with interest on such Cash Amount at the rate equal to the lesser of (i) the Company’s annual dividend rate on REIT Common Shares for the twelve (12) month period prior to the Valuation Date and based upon the Cash Amount for Common Partnership Units redeemed, or (ii) eight percent (8%).

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7.4(a) and Section 7.4(b) , a Limited Partner shall not be entitled to receive REIT Common Shares if the delivery of REIT Common Shares to such Partner on the Specified Redemption Date (or such later date permitted by Section 7.4(b) , as applicable) by the Company pursuant to Section 7.4(b) would be prohibited under the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended or restated from time to time. Without limiting the effect of the preceding sentence, no Person shall be permitted to receive REIT Common Shares if as a result of, and after giving effect to, such exercise any Person would Beneficially Own (as defined in the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended or restated from time to time) more than 9.8% of the total number of issued and outstanding REIT Common Shares, unless waived by the board of directors of the Company in its sole discretion. To the extent any attempted redemption for REIT Common Shares would be a violation of this Section 7.4(c) , it shall be null and void ab initio. The Cash

 

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Amount shall be paid in such instances, in accordance with the terms set forth in Section 7.4(a) or Section 7.4(b) .

(d) Each Limited Partner covenants and agrees with the General Partner that all Common Partnership Units delivered for redemption shall be delivered to the Partnership, the Company or its Affiliates, as the case may be, free and clear of all liens and, notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, neither the General Partner, the Company (nor any of its Affiliates) nor the Partnership shall be under any obligation to acquire Common Partnership Units which are or may be subject to any liens. Each Limited Partner further agrees that, if any state or local property transfer tax is payable as a result of the transfer of its Common Partnership Units to the General Partner, Partnership or the Company, such Limited Partner shall assume and pay such transfer tax.

(e) REIT Common Shares issued pursuant to Section 7.4(b) may contain such legends regarding restrictions on transfer as the Company in good faith determines to be necessary or advisable in order to (1) comply with restrictions on transfer under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws and (2) protect the ability of the Company to continue to qualify as a REIT.

Section 7.5 BASIS ANALYSIS . Upon the request of any Limited Partner but subject to the General Partner’s agreement, which may be withheld in the General Partner’s sole discretion, the General Partner may, prior to the end of each calendar year, beginning in 2013, cause accountants to prepare and provide to the Limited Partners a study analyzing each refinancing, reduction (other than scheduled periodic amortization of principal) of debt or other event that occurred during that year that reduced the amount of any nonrecourse liabilities of the Partnership that a Limited Partner may include in the tax basis of its Partnership Interests.

Section 7.6 LIMITED PARTNER GUARANTEES . Upon the request of the General Partner, or upon a Limited Partner’s own election but subject to the General Partner’s agreement, which may be withheld in the General Partner’s sole discretion, a Limited Partner (the “ Initiating Limited Partner ”) from time to time, may, but shall not be required to, guarantee or otherwise provide credit support for Partnership indebtedness or a deficit restoration obligation as such Limited Partner may elect; provided, however, that the Limited Partner shall be entitled to take such action only if the General Partner determines that any such action would not have a material adverse effect on the tax position of the General Partner. All Partners are entitled to notice of any such guarantee or credit support, and shall have the right to provide guarantees or credit support on the same terms and conditions as the Initiating Limited Partner does, and all Limited Partners interested in providing such guarantee or credit support shall cooperate with the General Partner and each other in considering any guarantee or credit support proposal, and the General Partner will cooperate in permitting or obtaining any consents for such guarantees or credit support.

 

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Section 7.7 CONVERSION OF LTIP UNITS .

(a) An LTIP Unitholder shall have the right (the “ Conversion Right ”), at his or her option, at any time to convert all or a portion of his or her Vested LTIP Units into Common Partnership Units; provided, however, that a holder may not exercise the Conversion Right for less than one thousand (1,000) Vested LTIP Units or, if such holder holds less than one thousand Vested LTIP Units, all of the Vested LTIP Units held by such holder. LTIP Unitholders shall not have the right to convert Unvested Incentive Units into Common Partnership Units until they become Vested LTIP Units; provided, however, that when a LTIP Unitholder is notified of the expected occurrence of an event that will cause his or her Unvested Incentive Units to become Vested LTIP Units, such LTIP Unitholder may give the Partnership a Conversion Notice conditioned upon and effective as of the time of vesting and such Conversion Notice, unless subsequently revoked by the LTIP Unitholder, shall be accepted by the Partnership subject to such condition. The General Partner shall have the right at any time to cause a conversion of Vested LTIP Units into Common Partnership Units. In all cases, the conversion of any LTIP Units into Common Partnership Units shall be subject to the conditions and procedures set forth in this Section 7.7 .

(b) A holder of Vested LTIP Units may convert such LTIP Units into an equal number of fully paid and non-assessable Common Partnership Units, giving effect to all adjustments (if any) made pursuant to Sections 4.3(d) , 4.3(e) and 5.5 . Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may a holder of Vested LTIP Units convert a number of Vested LTIP Units that exceeds (x) the Economic Capital Account Balance of such LTIP Unitholder, to the extent attributable to its ownership of LTIP Units, divided by (y) the Common Partnership Unit Economic Balance, in each case as determined as of the effective date of conversion (the “ Capital Account Limitation ”).

In order to exercise his or her Conversion Right, a LTIP Unitholder shall deliver a notice (a “ Conversion Notice ”) in the form attached as Exhibit D (with a copy to the General Partner) not less than 3 Business Days nor more than 10 Business Days prior to a date for conversion (the “ Conversion Date ”) specified in such Conversion Notice; provided, however, that if the General Partner has not given to the LTIP Unitholders notice of a proposed or upcoming Unit Transaction (as defined below) at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of such Unit Transaction, then LTIP Unitholders shall have the right to deliver a Conversion Notice until the earlier of (x) the tenth (10th) day after such notice from the General Partner of a Unit Transaction or (y) the third Business Day immediately preceding the effective date of such Unit Transaction. A Conversion Notice shall be provided in the manner provided in Section 14.5 . Each LTIP Unitholder covenants and agrees with the Partnership that all Vested LTIP Units to be converted pursuant to this Section 7.7 shall be free and clear of all liens. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a holder of LTIP Units may deliver a Redemption Notice pursuant to Section 7.4 relating to those Common

 

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Partnership Units that will be issued to such holder upon conversion of such LTIP Units into Common Partnership Units in advance of the Conversion Date; provided, however, that the redemption of such Common Partnership Units by the Partnership shall in no event take place until on or after the Conversion Date. For clarity, it is noted that the objective of this paragraph is to put a LTIP Unitholder in a position where, if he or she so wishes, the Common Partnership Units into which his or her Vested LTIP Units will be converted can be redeemed by the Partnership simultaneously with such conversion, with the further consequence that, if the General Partner elects to assume the Partnership’s redemption obligation with respect to such Common Partnership Units under Section 7.4(b) by delivering to such holder REIT Common Shares rather than cash, then such holder can have such REIT Common Shares issued to him or her simultaneously with the conversion of his or her Vested LTIP Units into Common Partnership Units. The General Partner shall cooperate with a LTIP Unitholder to coordinate the timing of the different events described in the foregoing sentence.

(c) The Partnership, at any time at the election of the General Partner, may cause any number of Vested LTIP Units held by a LTIP Unitholder to be converted (a “ Forced Conversion ”) into an equal number of Common Partnership Units, giving effect to all adjustments (if any) made pursuant to Sections 4.3(d) , 4.3(e) and 5.5 ; provided, however, that the Partnership may not cause a Forced Conversion of any LTIP Units that would not at the time be eligible for conversion at the option of such LTIP Unitholder pursuant to Section 7.7(b) . In order to exercise its right of Forced Conversion, the Partnership shall deliver a notice (a “ Forced Conversion Notice ”) in the form attached as Exhibit E to the applicable LTIP Unitholder not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the Conversion Date specified in such Forced Conversion Notice. A Forced Conversion Notice shall be provided in the manner provided in Section 14.5 .

(d) A conversion of Vested LTIP Units for which the holder thereof has given a Conversion Notice or the Partnership has given a Forced Conversion Notice shall occur automatically after the close of business on the applicable Conversion Date without any action on the part of such LTIP Unitholder, as of which time such LTIP Unitholder shall be credited on the books and records of the Partnership with the issuance as of the opening of business on the next day of the number of Common Partnership Units issuable upon such conversion. After the conversion of LTIP Units as aforesaid, the Partnership shall deliver to such LTIP Unitholder, upon his or her written request, a certificate of the General Partner certifying the number of Common Partnership Units and remaining LTIP Units, if any, held by such person immediately after such conversion. The assignee of any Limited Partner pursuant to Article IX hereof may exercise the rights of such Limited Partner pursuant to this Section 7.7 and such Limited Partner shall be bound by the exercise of such rights by the assignee.

(e) For purposes of making future allocations under Section 5.5 and applying the Capital Account Limitation, the portion of the Economic Capital Account Balance of the applicable LTIP Unitholder that is treated as attributable

 

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to his or her LTIP Units shall be reduced, as of the date of conversion, by the product of the number of LTIP Units converted and the Common Partnership Unit Economic Balance.

(f) If the Partnership, the General Partner or the Company shall be a party to any transaction (including without limitation a merger, consolidation, unit exchange, self tender offer for all or substantially all Common Partnership Units or other business combination or reorganization, or sale of all or substantially all of the Partnership’s assets, but excluding any transaction which constitutes an Adjustment Event) in each case as a result of which Common Partnership Units shall be exchanged for or converted into the right, or the holders of such Partnership Units shall otherwise be entitled, to receive cash, securities or other property or any combination thereof (each of the foregoing being referred to herein as a “ Unit Transaction ”), then the General Partner may, immediately prior to the Unit Transaction, exercise its right to cause a Forced Conversion with respect to the maximum number of LTIP Units then eligible for conversion, taking into account any allocations that occur in connection with the Unit Transaction or that would occur in connection with the Unit Transaction if the assets of the Partnership were sold at the Unit Transaction price or, if applicable, at a value determined by the General Partner in good faith using the value attributed to the Partnership Units in the context of the Unit Transaction (in which case the Conversion Date shall be the effective date of the Unit Transaction).

In anticipation of such Forced Conversion and the consummation of the Unit Transaction, the Partnership shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each LTIP Unitholder to be afforded the right to receive in connection with such Unit Transaction in consideration for the Common Partnership Units into which his or her LTIP Units will be converted the same kind and amount of cash, securities and other property (or any combination thereof) receivable upon the consummation of such Unit Transaction by a holder of the same number of Common Partnership Units, assuming such holder of Common Partnership Units is not a Person with which the Partnership consolidated or into which the Partnership merged or which merged into the Partnership or to which such sale or transfer was made, as the case may be (a “ Constituent Person ”), or an Affiliate of a Constituent Person. If holders of Common Partnership Units have the opportunity to elect the form or type of consideration to be received upon consummation of the Unit Transaction, prior to such Unit Transaction the General Partner shall give written notice to each LTIP Unitholder of such election, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to afford the LTIP Unitholders the right to elect, by written notice to the General Partner, the form or type of consideration to be received upon conversion of each LTIP Unit held by such holder into Common Partnership Units in connection with such Unit Transaction. If a LTIP Unitholder fails to make such an election, such holder (and any of its transferees) shall receive upon conversion of each LTIP Unit held him or her (or by any of his or her transferees) the same kind and amount of consideration that a holder of a Common Partnership Unit would receive if such Common Partnership Unit holder failed to make such an election.

 

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Subject to the rights of the Partnership, the General Partner and the Company, under any Vesting Agreement and the Plan, the Partnership shall use commercially reasonable effort to cause the terms of any Unit Transaction to be consistent with the provisions of this Section 7.7(f) and to enter into an agreement with the successor or purchasing entity, as the case may be, for the benefit of any LTIP Unitholders whose LTIP Units will not be converted into Common Partnership Units in connection with the Unit Transaction that will (i) contain provisions enabling the holders of LTIP Units that remain outstanding after such Unit Transaction to convert their LTIP Units into securities as comparable as reasonably possible under the circumstances to the Common Partnership Units and (ii) preserve as far as reasonably possible under the circumstances the distribution, special allocation, conversion, and other rights set forth in this Agreement for the benefit of the LTIP Unitholders.

Section 7.8 VOTING RIGHTS OF LTIP UNITS . LTIP Unitholders shall (a) have those voting rights required from time to time by applicable law, if any, (b) have the same voting rights as a holder of Common Partnership Units, with the LTIP Units voting as a single class with the Common Partnership Units and having one vote per LTIP Unit; and (c) have the additional voting rights that are expressly set forth below. So long as any LTIP Units remain outstanding, the Partnership shall not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the LTIP Units outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (voting separately as a class), amend, alter or repeal, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, the provisions of this Agreement applicable to LTIP Units so as to materially and adversely affect any right, privilege or voting power of the LTIP Units or the LTIP Unitholders as such, unless such amendment, alteration, or repeal affects equally, ratably and proportionately the rights, privileges and voting powers of the holders of Common Partnership Units; but subject, in any event, to the following provisions:

(a) With respect to any Unit Transaction, so long as the LTIP Units are treated in accordance with Section 7.7(f) hereof, the consummation of such Unit Transaction shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of the LTIP Units or the LTIP Unitholders as such; and

(b) Any creation or issuance of any Partnership Units or of any class or series of Partnership Interest including without limitation additional Common Partnership Units, LTIP Units or Preferred Partnership Units, whether ranking senior to, junior to, or on a parity with the LTIP Units with respect to distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of the LTIP Units or the LTIP Unitholders as such.

The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required will be effected, all outstanding LTIP Units shall have been converted into Common Partnership Units.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

DISTRIBUTIONS AND PAYMENTS TO PARTNERS

Section 8.1 DISTRIBUTIONS OF CASH FLOW .

(a) The General Partner shall cause the Partnership to distribute on a quarterly basis such portion of the Cash Flow of the Partnership as the General Partner shall determine in its sole discretion. Except as provided in Section 10.4 , such distributions shall be made to the Partners who are Partners on the applicable record date as follows:

first , to the holders of the Preferred Partnership Units, an amount equal to the unpaid portion of the Preferred Return due to the holders of the Preferred Partnership Units on the applicable Partnership Record Date, as determined pursuant to the applicable exhibit hereto setting forth the terms of such Preferred Partnership Units;

second , to all Partners who are Partners on the applicable Partnership Record Date and who beneficially own Common Partnership Units, in accordance with their respective Common Percentage Interests;

provided , however , if for any Common Partnership Unit Distribution Period, a Newly Issued Common Partnership Unit is outstanding on the Partnership Record Date for such period, there shall not be distributed in respect of such Newly Issued Common Partnership Unit the amount (the “ Full Distribution Amount ”) that would otherwise be distributed in respect of such Partnership Unit in accordance with its respective Common Percentage Interest, but rather, the General Partner shall cause to be distributed with respect to each such Newly Issued Common Partnership Unit an amount equal to the Full Distribution Amount multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which equals the number of days such Newly Issued Common Partnership Unit has been outstanding during the Common Partnership Unit Distribution Period and the denominator of which equals the total number of days in such Common Partnership Unit Distribution Period.

Any Cash Flow not distributed to the holders of Partnership Units by operation of this provision shall be retained by the Partnership and applied toward future distributions or payment of Partnership expenses.

(b) In no event may a Partner receive a distribution of Cash Flow with respect to a Partnership Unit if such Partner is entitled to receive a dividend out of

 

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the Company’s share of such Cash Flow with respect to a REIT Share for which all or part of such Partnership Unit has been exchanged.

(c) If the Partnership issues additional Partnership Units pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the General Partner is hereby authorized to make such revisions to this Article VIII as it determines are necessary or desirable to reflect the issuance of such additional Partnership Units, including without limitation, making preferential distributions to certain classes of Partnership Units.

Section 8.2 REIT DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS . Unless the General Partner determines that such a distribution would not be in the best interests of the Partnership, the General Partner shall cause the Partnership to distribute sufficient amounts to enable the Company (i) to meet its distribution requirement for qualification as a REIT as set forth in Section 857(a)(1) of the Code, and (ii) to avoid the excise tax imposed by Section 4981 of the Code.

Section 8.3 NO RIGHT TO DISTRIBUTIONS IN KIND . No Partner shall be entitled to demand property other than cash in connection with any distribution by the Partnership.

Section 8.4 DISPOSITION PROCEEDS . Disposition Proceeds (less reasonable reserves set aside by the General Partner for reasonably anticipated expenses or needs of the Partnership) shall be distributed to the holders of Common Partnership Interests in accordance with their respective Common Percentage Interests in the Partnership.

Section 8.5 WITHDRAWALS . No Partner shall be entitled to make withdrawals from its Capital Account, or withdraw as a Limited Partner, except as expressly provided herein.

Section 8.6 AMOUNTS WITHHELD .

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the General Partner is authorized to take any action that it determines to be necessary or appropriate to cause the Partnership to comply with any withholding requirements established under the Code or any other federal, state or local law including, without limitation, pursuant to Sections 1441, 1442, 1445 and 1446 of the Code. To the extent that the Partnership is required to withhold and pay over to any taxing authority any amount resulting from the allocation or distribution of income to any Partner or assignee (including by reason of Section 1446 of the Code), either (i) if the actual amount to be distributed to the Partner equals or exceeds the amount required to be withheld by the Partnership, the amount withheld shall be treated as a distribution of cash in the amount of such

 

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withholding to such Partner, or (ii) if the actual amount to be distributed to the Partner is less than the amount required to be withheld by the Partnership, the actual amount shall be treated as a distribution of cash in the amount of such withholding and the additional amount required to be withheld shall be treated as a loan (a “ Partnership Loan ”) from the Partnership to the Partner on the day the Partnership pays over such amount to a taxing authority. A Partnership Loan shall be repaid through withholding by the Partnership with respect to subsequent distributions to the applicable Partner or assignee. If a Limited Partner (a “ Defaulting Limited Partner ”) fails to pay any amount owed to the Partnership with respect to the Partnership Loan within fifteen (15) days after demand for payment thereof is made by the Partnership on the Limited Partner, the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, may elect to make the payment to the Partnership on behalf of such Defaulting Limited Partner. In such event, on the date of payment, the General Partner shall be deemed to have extended a loan (a “ General Partner Loan ”) to the Defaulting Limited Partner in the amount of the payment made by the General Partner and shall succeed to all rights and remedies of the Partnership against the Defaulting Limited Partner as to that amount. Without limitation, the General Partner shall have the right to receive any distributions that otherwise would be made by the Partnership to the Defaulting Limited Partner until such time as the General Partner Loan has been paid in full, and any such distributions so received by the General Partner shall be treated as having been received by the Defaulting Limited Partner and immediately paid to the General Partner.

Any amounts treated as a Partnership Loan or a General Partner Loan pursuant to this Section 8.6(a) shall bear interest at the lesser of (i) the base rate on corporate loans at large United States money center commercial banks, as published from time to time in The Wall Street Journal, or (ii) the maximum lawful rate of interest on such obligation, such interest to accrue from the date the Partnership or the General Partner, as applicable, is deemed to extend the loan until such loan is repaid in full.

(b) All amounts withheld pursuant to the Code or any provisions of any state or local tax law and Section 8.6(a) with respect to any allocation, payment or distribution to any Partner shall be treated as amounts paid or distributed to such Partner pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof for all purposes under this Agreement.

ARTICLE IX

TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS

Section 9.1 GENERAL PARTNER .

(a) Other than to an Affiliate of the General Partner, the General Partner may not transfer any of its General Partnership Interest or withdraw as General Partner except (i) the General Partner may grant a security interest in or pledge its General Partnership Interest in the Partnership to secure debt for borrowed money, or any guaranty thereof, now existing or hereinafter incurred, (ii) as provided in Section 9.1(b) or (iii) in connection with a transaction described in Section 9.1(c) .

 

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(b) Except as otherwise provided in Section 6.7 or Section 9.1(c) , the General Partner, the Company or their Subsidiaries shall not engage in any merger, consolidation or other combination with or into another Person or in any sale of all or substantially all of its assets, or any reclassification, or recapitalization or change of outstanding REIT Common Shares (other than a change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or as a result of a subdivision or combination as described in the definition of “Conversion Factor”) (each of the foregoing being herein referred to as a “ Transaction ”), unless the Transaction also includes a merger of the Partnership or sale of substantially all of the assets of the Partnership or other transaction as a result of which all Limited Partners will receive for each Common Partnership Unit an amount of cash, securities or other property equal to the product of the Conversion Factor and the greatest amount of cash, securities or other property paid to a holder of one REIT Common Share in consideration of one REIT Common Share as a result of the Transaction; provided, however, that if, in connection with the Transaction, a purchase, tender or exchange offer shall have been made to and accepted by the holders of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding REIT Common Shares, the holders of Common Partnership Units shall receive the greatest amount of cash, securities or other property which a Limited Partner would have received had it exercised the Redemption Right and the General Partner at the direction of the Company had exercised its election to satisfy the Redemption Right by the issuance of REIT Common Shares immediately prior to the expiration of such purchase, tender or exchange offer.

(c) Notwithstanding Section 9.1(b) , the General Partner, the Company or their Subsidiaries may merge into or consolidate with another entity if immediately after such merger or consolidation (i) substantially all of the assets of the successor or surviving entity (the “ Surviving Partner ”), other than Partnership Units held by the General Partner, the Company or their Subsidiaries, are contributed to the Partnership as a Capital Contribution in exchange for Partnership Units with a fair market value equal to the value of the assets so contributed as determined by the Surviving Partner in good faith and (ii) the Surviving Partner or one of its Subsidiaries expressly agrees to assume all obligations of the General Partner hereunder. Upon such contribution and assumption, the Surviving Partner shall have the right and duty to amend this Agreement as set forth in this Section 9.1(c) . The Surviving Partner shall in good faith arrive at a new method for the calculation of the Cash Amount and Conversion Factor for a Common Partnership Unit after any such merger or consolidation so as to approximate the existing method for such calculation as closely as reasonably possible. Such calculation shall take into account, among other things, the kind and amount of securities, cash and other property that was receivable upon such merger or consolidation by a holder of REIT Shares or options, warrants or other rights relating thereto, and which a holder of Common Partnership Units could have acquired had such Common Partnership Units been redeemed immediately prior to such merger or consolidation. Such amendment to this Agreement shall provide for adjustment to such method of calculation, which shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments provided for

 

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with respect to the Conversion Factor. The above provisions of this Section 9.1(c) shall similarly apply to successive mergers or consolidations permitted hereunder.

Section 9.2 ADMISSION OF A SUBSTITUTE OR ADDITIONAL GENERAL PARTNER . A Person shall be admitted as a Substitute or Additional General Partner of the Partnership only if the transaction giving rise to such substitution or admission is otherwise permitted under this Agreement and the following terms and conditions are satisfied:

(a) the Person to be admitted as a Substitute or Additional General Partner shall have accepted and agreed to be bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement by executing a counterpart thereof and such other documents or instruments as may be required or appropriate in order to effect the admission of such Person as a General Partner, and a certificate evidencing the admission of such Person as a General Partner shall have been filed for recordation and all other actions required by the Act in connection with such admission shall have been performed;

(b) if the Person to be admitted as a Substitute or Additional General Partner is a corporation or a partnership, it shall have provided the Partnership with evidence satisfactory to counsel for the Partnership of such Person’s authority to become a General Partner and to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement; and

(c) counsel for the Partnership shall have rendered an opinion (relying on such opinions from counsel of the state or any other jurisdiction as may be necessary) that the admission of the Person to be admitted as a Substitute or Additional General Partner is in conformity with the Act and that none of the actions taken in connection with the admission of such Person as a Substitute or Additional General Partner will cause the termination of the Partnership under Section 708 of the Code, or will cause it to be classified as other than a partnership for federal income tax purposes, or will result in the loss of any Limited Partner’s limited liability status.

Section 9.3 EFFECT OF BANKRUPTCY, WITHDRAWAL, DEATH OR DISSOLUTION OF A GENERAL PARTNER .

(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Bankruptcy as to a General Partner (and its automatic removal pursuant to Section 9.4(a) hereof) or the withdrawal or dissolution of a General Partner (except that, if a General Partner is on the date of such occurrence a partnership, the withdrawal, death, dissolution, Event of Bankruptcy as to or removal of a partner in such partnership shall be deemed not to be a dissolution of such General Partner if the business of such General Partner is continued within ninety (90) days by the remaining general partners or all remaining members of such partnership), the Partnership shall be dissolved and terminated unless the Partnership is continued pursuant to Section 9.3(b) .

 

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(b) Following the occurrence of an Event of Bankruptcy as to a General Partner or the withdrawal or dissolution of a General Partner (except that, if a General Partner is on the date of such occurrence a partnership, the withdrawal, death, dissolution, Event of Bankruptcy as to or removal of a partner in such partnership shall be deemed not be a dissolution of such General Partner if the business of such General Partner is continued within ninety (90) days by all remaining general partners or all remaining members of such partnership), persons holding at least a majority of the Limited Partnership interests, within ninety (90) days after such occurrence, may elect to continue the business of the Partnership for the balance of the term specified in Section 3.2 by selecting, subject to Section 9.2 and any other applicable provisions of this Agreement, a Substitute General Partner by majority consent of the Limited Partners. If the Limited Partners elect to reconstitute the Partnership and admit a Substitute General Partner, the relationship between the Partners and any Person who has acquired an interest of a Partner in the Partnership shall be governed by this Agreement.

Section 9.4 REMOVAL OF A GENERAL PARTNER .

(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Bankruptcy as to, or the dissolution of, a General Partner, such General Partner shall be deemed to be removed automatically; provided, however, that if a General Partner is on the date of such occurrence a partnership, the withdrawal, death, dissolution, Event of Bankruptcy as to or removal of a partner in such partnership shall be deemed not to be a dissolution of the General Partner if the business of such General Partner is continued within ninety (90) days by the remaining general partners or all remaining members of such Partnership.

(b) If a General Partner has been removed pursuant to this Section 9.4(a) and the Partnership is not continued pursuant to Section 9.3(b) , the partnership shall be dissolved.

(c) A General Partner may not be removed by the Limited Partners with or without cause.

Section 9.5 RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS .

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Article IX , no Limited Partner may offer, sell, assign, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise transfer its Limited Partnership Interest, in whole or in part, whether voluntarily or by operation of law or at judicial sale or otherwise (collectively, a “ Transfer ”), without the written consent of the General Partner, which consent may be withheld in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner. The General Partner may require, as a condition of any Transfer, that the transferor assume all costs incurred by the Partnership in connection therewith. The General Partner consents to the following Transfers of Common Partnership Units on the Effective Date: (i) by

 

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Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership to it limited partners, (ii) by Ashford OP Limited Partner LLC to Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., (iii) by Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. to the Company and (iv) by the Company to Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC.

(b) No Limited Partner may effect a Transfer of its Limited Partnership Interest if, (i) in the opinion of legal counsel for the Partnership, such proposed Transfer would require the registration of the Limited Partnership Interest under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or would otherwise violate any applicable federal or state securities or “Blue Sky” law (including investment suitability standards) or (ii) the assignee is not an Accredited Investor within the meaning of Rule 501 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(c) No Transfer by a Limited Partner of its Partnership Units may be made to any Person if (i) in the opinion of legal counsel for the Partnership, the Transfer would result in the Partnership’s being treated as an association taxable as a corporation (other than a qualified REIT subsidiary within the meaning of Section 856(i) of the Code), (ii) such transfer is effectuated through an “established securities market” or a “secondary market” (or the substantial equivalent thereof) within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code, (iii) the Transfer would create a risk that the Company would not be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes or (iv) assuming the Partnership Units subject to the Transfer were redeemed for REIT Shares, the redemption would create a risk that the Company would not be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.

(d) Subject to the other provisions of this Section 9 , Section 9.5(a) shall not prevent any donative Transfer by an individual Limited Partner to his immediate family members or any trust in which the individual or his immediate family members own, collectively, one hundred percent (100%) of the beneficial interests, provided that the transferor assumes all costs of the Partnership in connection therewith and any such transferee shall not have the rights of a Substitute Limited Partner (unless and until admitted as a Substitute Limited Partner pursuant to this Section 9.5 and Section 9.6 of this Agreement).

(e) Any Transfer in contravention of any of the provisions of this Article IX shall be void and ineffectual and shall not be binding upon, or recognized by, the Partnership.

Except as required by operation of law Transfers of Partnership Interests and Partnership Units shall be made on the books of the Partnership, and in the case of certificated Partnership Interests and Partnership Units, only by the person named in the certificate or by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the certificate therefor, properly endorsed; or, in the case of uncertificated Partnership Interests and Partnership Units, upon receipt of proper transfer instructions from the registered holder of the Partnership Interests and Partnership Units and upon compliance with the other provisions of this Article IX .

 

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Section 9.6 ADMISSION OF SUBSTITUTE LIMITED PARTNER .

(a) Subject to the other provisions of this Article IX (including, without limitation, the provisions of Section 9.5(a) regarding consent of the General Partner), an assignee of the Limited Partnership Interest of a Limited Partner (including, without limitation, any purchaser, transferee, donee, or other recipient of any disposition of such Limited Partnership Interest) shall be deemed admitted as a Limited Partner of the Partnership only upon the satisfactory completion of the following:

(i) the assignee has obtained the prior written consent of the General Partner as to its admission as a Substitute Limited Partner, which consent may be given or denied in the exercise of the General Partner’s sole and absolute discretion; provided, however, that this Section 9.6(a)(i) shall not apply in the case of assignee resulting from a Transfer by a Limited Partner that was a partner as of the date of this Agreement to any of its partners;

(ii) the assignee shall have accepted and agreed to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement by executing a counterpart or an amendment thereof, including a revised Exhibit A , and such other documents or instruments as the General Partner may require in order to effect the admission of such Person as a Limited Partner;

(iii) to the extent required, an amended certificate of limited partnership evidencing the admission of such Person as a Limited Partner shall have been signed, acknowledged and filed for record in accordance with the Act;

(iv) the assignee shall have delivered a letter containing the representation and warranty set forth in Section 9.12 and the agreement set forth in Section 9.12 ;

(v) if the assignee is a corporation, partnership or trust, the assignee shall have provided the General Partner with evidence satisfactory to counsel for the Partnership of the assignee’s authority to become a Limited Partner under the terms and provisions of this Agreement;

(vi) the assignee shall have executed a power of attorney containing the terms and provisions set forth in Article XII ; and

(vii) the assignee shall have paid all reasonable legal fees of the Partnership and the General Partner and all filing and publication costs incurred in connection with its substitution as a Limited Partner.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.6(a) , any assignee of Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership on the Effective Date

 

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shall be admitted to the Partnership as a Limited Partner and be bound by the terms of this Agreement pursuant to Act § 17-101-(12)a.(ii) without any written execution by such assignee if such assignee does not object to such admittance in writing to the General Partner within 30 days of being notified by the General Partner of such assignment and upon such objection shall continue to be an assignee for purposes of this Agreement and the Act.

(c) For the purpose of allocating profits and losses and distributing cash received by the Partnership, a Substitute Limited Partner shall be treated as having become, and appearing in the records of the Partnership as, a Partner upon the filing of the certificate described in Section 9.6(a)(ii) or, if no such filing is required, the later of the date specified in the transfer documents, or the date on which the General Partner has received all necessary instruments of transfer and substitution.

(d) The General Partner shall as promptly as practicable take all action required to effectuate the admission of the Person seeking to become a Substitute Limited Partner, including preparing the documentation required by this Section 9.6 and making all official filings and publications.

Section 9.7 RIGHTS OF ASSIGNEES OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS .

(a) Subject to the provisions of Sections 9.5 and 9.6 hereof, except as required by operation of law, the Partnership shall not be obligated for any purposes whatsoever to recognize the assignment by any Limited Partner of his Partnership Interest until the Partnership has received notice thereof. If the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, does not consent (subject to the proviso in Section 9.6(a)(i) ) to the admission of any transferee of any Partnership Interest as a Substitute Limited Partner in connection with a Transfer permitted by Section 9.5 , such transferee shall be considered an assignee for the purposes of this Agreement. An assignee shall be entitled to all the rights of an assignee of a limited partnership interest under the Act, including the right to receive distributions attributable to the Partnership Units assigned, but such assignee shall not be entitled to effect a consent or vote on any matter presented to the Limited Partners for approval or, except as waived by the General Partner, effect a Redemption Right with respect to such Partnership Units (such right to consent or vote or effect a Redemption Right, to the extent provided in this Agreement or under the Act, fully remaining with the transferor Limited Partner).

(b) Any Person who is the assignee of all or any portion of a Limited Partner’s Limited Partnership Interest, but does not become a Substitute Limited Partner and desires to make a further assignment of such Limited Partnership Interest, shall be subject to all of the provisions of this Article IX to the same extent and in the same manner as any Limited Partner desiring to make an assignment of its Limited Partnership Interest.

 

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Section 9.8 EFFECT OF BANKRUPTCY, DEATH, INCOMPETENCE OR TERMINATION OF A LIMITED PARTNER . The occurrence of an Event of Bankruptcy as to a Limited Partner, the death of a Limited Partner or a final adjudication that a Limited Partner is incompetent (which term shall include, but not be limited to, insanity) shall not cause the termination or dissolution of the Partnership, and the business of the Partnership shall continue. If an order for relief in a bankruptcy proceeding is entered against an individual Limited Partner, the trustee or receiver of his estate or, if he dies, his executor, administrator or trustee, or, if he is finally adjudicated incompetent, his committee, guardian or conservator, shall have the rights of such Limited Partner for the purpose of settling or managing his estate property and such power as the bankrupt, deceased or incompetent Limited Partner possessed to assign all or any part of his Partnership Interest and to join with the assignee in satisfying conditions precedent to the admission of the assignee as a Substitute Limited Partner.

Section 9.9 JOINT OWNERSHIP OF INTERESTS . A Partnership Interest may be acquired by two (2) individuals as joint tenants with right of survivorship (but not as tenants in common), provided that such individuals either are married or are related and share the same home as tenants in common. The written consent or vote of both owners of any such jointly held Partnership Interest shall be required to constitute the action of the owners of such Partnership Interest; provided, however, that the written consent of only one (1) joint owner will be required if the Partnership has been provided with evidence satisfactory to counsel for the Partnership that the actions of a single joint owner can bind both owners under the applicable laws of the state of residence of such joint owners. Upon the death of one (1) owner of a Partnership Interest held in a joint tenancy with a right of survivorship, the Partnership Interest shall become owned solely by the survivor as a Limited Partner and not as an assignee. The Partnership need not recognize the death of one (1) of the owners of a jointly held Partnership Interest until it shall have received notice of such death. Upon notice to the General Partner from either owner that the tenancy satisfying the first sentence of this Section 9.9 has been destroyed, the General Partner shall cause the Partnership Interest to be divided into two (2) equal Partnership Interests, which shall thereafter be owned separately by each of the former owners.

Section 9.10 TRANSFEREES . Any Partnership Interests owned by the Partners and transferred pursuant to this Article IX shall be and remain subject to all of the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 9.11 ABSOLUTE RESTRICTION . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, unless waived in writing by the General Partner, the sale or exchange of any interest in the Partnership will not be permitted if the interest sought to be sold or exchanged, when added to the total of all other interests sold or exchanged within the period of twelve (12) consecutive months ending with the proposed date of the sale or exchange, would result in the termination of the Partnership under Section 708 of the Code, if such termination would materially and adversely affect the Partnership or any Partner.

 

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Section 9.12 INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION . Each Limited Partner hereby represents and warrants to the General Partner and to the Partnership that the acquisition of his Partnership Interest is made as a principal for his account for investment purposes only and not with a view to the resale or distribution of such Partnership Interest. Each Limited Partner agrees that he will not sell, assign or otherwise transfer his Partnership Interest or any fraction thereof, whether voluntarily or by operation of law or at judicial sale or otherwise, to any Person who does not similarly represent and warrant and similarly agree not to sell, assign or transfer such Partnership Interest or fraction thereof to any Person who does not similarly represent, warrant and agree.

Section 9.13 CERTIFICATES . Partnership Interest and Partnership Unit ownership in the Partnership shall be maintained in the books and records of the Partnership, set forth on Exhibit A , as amended from time to time, and shall not be certificated, except that at the request of any Partner its Partnership Interest and Partnership Unit shall also be evidenced by a certificate in the form and substance of Exhibit F hereto with such legends, notations and endorsements, if any, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion. Any certificates issued representing Partnership Interests and Partnership Units shall be issued in consecutive order, shall be identified by the class of the Partnership Interest and shall be numbered in the order of their issue and shall be signed by, or in the name of, the Partnership by or on behalf of the General Partner. The General Partner shall note on Exhibit A as to any Partnership Interests and Partnership Units evidenced by a certificate the certificate number thereof. If any certificate representing Partnership Interests and Partnership Units is subject to any loss, theft, destruction or mutilation, the Partnership may issue to the holder a new certificate or certificates for such Partnership Interests and Partnership Units, upon the surrender of the mutilated certificate or, in the case of loss, theft or destruction of the certificate, upon satisfactory proof of such loss, theft or destruction; provided that the General Partner may, in its discretion, require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such person’s legal representative, to give the Partnership a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as it may direct to indemnify the Partnership and the General Partner against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate. Partnership Interests and Partnership Units shall be securities governed by (and for purposes of) Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code.

ARTICLE X

TERMINATION OF THE PARTNERSHIP

Section 10.1 TERMINATION . The Partnership shall be dissolved upon (i) an Event of Bankruptcy as to the General Partner or the dissolution or withdrawal of the General Partner (unless within ninety (90) days thereafter Limited Partners holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the Limited Partnership Interests in the Partnership elect to continue the Partnership and to elect one or more persons to serve as the General Partner or General Partners of the Partnership), (ii) ninety (90) days following the sale of all or substantially all of the Partnership’s assets (provided that if the Partnership receives an installment obligation as consideration for such sale or other disposition, the Partnership

 

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shall continue, unless sooner dissolved under the provisions of this Agreement, until such time as such obligation is paid in full), (iii) the expiration of the term specified in Section 3.2 , (iv) the redemption of all Limited Partnership Interests (other than any of such interests held by the General Partner or Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC), or (v) the election by the General Partner (but only in accordance with and as permitted by applicable law) that the Partnership should be dissolved. Upon dissolution of the Partnership (unless the business of the Partnership is continued as set forth above), the General Partner (or its trustee, receiver, successor or legal representative) shall proceed with the winding up of the Partnership, and its assets shall be applied and distributed as herein provided.

Section 10.2 PAYMENT OF DEBTS . The assets shall first be applied to the payment of the liabilities of the Partnership (other than any loans or advances that may have been made by Partners to the Partnership) and the expenses of liquidation. A reasonable time shall be allowed for the orderly liquidation of the assets of the Partnership and the discharge of liabilities to creditors so as to enable the General Partner to minimize any losses resulting from liquidation.

Section 10.3 DEBTS TO PARTNERS . The remaining assets shall next be applied to the repayment of any loans made by any Partner to the Partnership.

Section 10.4 REMAINING DISTRIBUTION .

(a) The remaining assets shall then be distributed first, to the holders of the Preferred Partnership Units as provided in the exhibit hereto setting forth the terms of such Preferred Partnership Units, and second, to the holders of the Common Partnership Units in accordance with their positive Capital Account balances, determined after taking into account all Capital Account adjustments for all prior periods and the Partnership taxable year during which the liquidation occurs.

(b) If the Partnership is liquidated within the meaning of Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g), distributions shall be made pursuant to Section 10.4(a) in compliance with Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. In the discretion of the General Partner, a pro rata portion of the distributions that would otherwise be made to the Partners pursuant to Section 10.4(a) may be:

(i) distributed to a trust established for the benefit of the Partners for the purposes of liquidating Partnership assets, collecting amounts owed to the Partnership, and paying any contingent or unforeseen liabilities or obligations of the Partnership or the Partners arising out of or in connection with the Partnership. The assets of any such trust shall be distributed to the Partners from time to time, in the reasonable discretion of the General Partner, in the same proportions as the amount distributed to such trust by the Partnership would otherwise have been distributed to the Partners pursuant to Section 10.4(a) ; or

 

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(ii) withheld to provide a reasonable reserve for Partnership liabilities (contingent or otherwise) and to reflect the unrealized portion of any installment obligations owed to the Partnership, provided that such withheld amounts shall be distributed to the Partners as soon as practicable.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Article X , if the Partnership is liquidated within the meaning of Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g) of the Treasury Regulations but no event resulting in the termination of the Partnership pursuant to Section 10.1 has occurred, the Property shall not be liquidated, the Partnership’s liabilities shall not be paid or discharged, and the Partnership’s affairs shall not be wound up. Instead, solely for federal income tax purposes, the Partnership shall be deemed to have contributed all its Property and liabilities to a new partnership in exchange for an interest in such new partnership and, immediately thereafter, the Partnership will be deemed to liquidate by distributing interests in the new partnership to the Partners.

Section 10.5 RESERVE . Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 10.3 and 10.4 , the General Partner may retain such amount as it deems necessary as a reserve for any contingent liabilities or obligations of the Partnership, which reserve, after the passage of a reasonable period of time, shall be distributed pursuant to the provisions of this Article X .

Section 10.6 FINAL ACCOUNTING . Each of the Partners shall be furnished with a statement examined by the Partnership’s independent accountants, which shall set forth the assets and liabilities of the Partnership as of the date of the complete liquidation. Upon the compliance by the General Partner with the foregoing distribution plan, the Limited Partners shall cease to be such, and the General Partner, as the sole remaining Partner of the Partnership, shall execute and cause to be filed a Certificate of Cancellation of the Partnership and any and all other documents necessary with respect to termination and cancellation of the Partnership.

ARTICLE XI

AMENDMENTS

Section 11.1 AUTHORITY TO AMEND .

(a) This Agreement may be amended by the General Partner without the approval of any other Partner if such amendment (i) is solely for the purpose of clarification or is of an inconsequential nature and (ii) does not change the substance hereof and the Partnership has obtained an opinion of counsel to that effect.

(b) This Agreement may be amended by the General Partner without the approval of any other Partner if such amendment is to reflect the admission, substitution or withdrawal of Limited Partners; to reflect the issuance of

 

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additional Partnership Interests or to amend the calculation of the Cash Amount and the Conversion Factor pursuant to a transaction described in Section 9.1(c) .

(c) This Agreement may be amended by the General Partner without the approval of any other Partner if such amendment is, in the opinion of counsel for the Partnership, necessary or appropriate to satisfy requirements of the Code with respect to partnerships or REITs or of any federal or state securities laws or regulations. Any amendment made pursuant to this Section 11.1(c) may be made effective as of the date of this Agreement.

(d) Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Agreement, any amendment to this Agreement or other act which would (i) adversely affect the limited liabilities of the Limited Partners, (ii) impose on the Limited Partners any obligation to make additional Capital Contributions to the Partnership, (iii) except as provided in Section 11.1(b), change the method of allocation of profit and loss as provided in Article V or the distribution provisions of Articles VIII and X hereof, (iv) seek to impose personal liability on the Limited Partners, or (v) affect the operation of the Conversion Factor of the Redemption Right shall require the consent and approval of Limited Partners holding more than sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the Common Percentage Interests of the Limited Partners.

(e) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Section 11.1 , amendments to this Agreement shall require the approval of the General Partner and Limited Partners holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the Common Percentage Interests of the Limited Partners.

Section 11.2 NOTICE OF AMENDMENTS . A copy of any amendment to be approved by the Partners pursuant to Sections 11.1(d) or 11.1(e) shall be mailed in advance to such Partners. Partners shall be notified as to the substance of any amendment pursuant to Sections 11.1(a) , (b)  or (c) , and upon request shall be furnished a copy thereof.

ARTICLE XII

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Section 12.1 POWER . Each of the Limited Partners irrevocably constitutes and appoints the General Partner as such Limited Partner’s true and lawful attorney in such Limited Partner’s name, place and stead to make, execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver and file:

(a) Any certificates or other instruments which may be required to be filed by the Partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware or of any other state or jurisdiction in which the General Partner shall deem it advisable to file;

(b) Any documents, certificates or other instruments, including, but not limited to, (i) any and all amendments and modifications of this Agreement or of the instruments described in Section 12.1(a) which may be required or deemed

 

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desirable by the General Partner to effectuate the provisions of any part of this Agreement, (ii) all instruments relating to the admission, withdrawal, removal or substitution of any Partner, and (iii) by way of extension and not limitation, to do all such other things as shall be necessary to continue and to carry on the business of the Partnership; and

(c) All documents, certificates or other instruments that may be required to effectuate the dissolution and termination of the Partnership, to the extent such dissolution and termination is authorized hereby. The power of attorney granted hereby shall not constitute a waiver of, or be used to avoid, the rights of the Partners to approve certain amendments to this Agreement pursuant to Sections 11.1(d) and 11.1(e) or be used in any other manner inconsistent with the status of the Partnership as a limited partnership or inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement. Each such Limited Partner hereby agrees to be bound by any representation made by the General Partner, acting in good faith pursuant to such power of attorney; and each such Limited Partner hereby waives any and all defenses which may be available to contest, negate or disaffirm the action of the General Partner taken in good faith under such power of attorney.

Section 12.2 SURVIVAL OF POWER . It is expressly intended by each of the Partners that the foregoing power of attorney is coupled with an interest, is irrevocable and shall survive the death, incompetence, dissolution, liquidation or adjudication of insanity or bankruptcy or insolvency of each such Partner. The foregoing power of attorney shall survive the delivery of an assignment by any of the Partners of such Partner’s entire interest in the Partnership, except that where an assignee of such entire interest has become a substitute Limited Partner, then the foregoing power of attorney of the assignor Partner shall survive the delivery of such assignment for the sole purpose of enabling the General Partner to execute, acknowledge and file any and all instruments necessary to effectuate such substitution.

ARTICLE XIII

CONSENTS, APPROVALS, VOTING AND MEETINGS

Section 13.1 METHOD OF GIVING CONSENT OR APPROVAL . Any consent or approval required by this Agreement may be given as follows:

(a) by a written consent given by the consenting Partner and received by the General Partner at or prior to the doing of the act or thing for which the consent is solicited, provided that such consent shall not have been nullified by:

(i) Notice to the General Partner of such nullification by the consenting Partner prior to the doing of any act or thing, the doing of which is not subject to approval at a meeting called pursuant to Section 13.2 , or

 

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(ii) Notice to the General Partner of such nullification by the consenting Partner prior to the time of any meeting called pursuant to Section 13.2 to consider the doing of such act or thing, or

(iii) The negative vote by such consenting Partner at any meeting called pursuant to Section 13.2 to consider the doing of such act or thing;

(b) by the affirmative vote by the consenting Partner for the doing of the act or thing for which the consent is solicited at any meeting called pursuant to Section 13.2 to consider the doing of such act or thing; or

(c) by the failure of the Partner to respond or object to a request from the General Partner for such Partner’s consent within thirty (30) days from its receipt of such request (or such shorter period of time as the General Partner may indicate in such request in order to ensure that the General Partner has sufficient time to respond, if required, to any third party with respect to the subject matter of such request).

Section 13.2 MEETINGS OF LIMITED PARTNERS . Any matter requiring the consent or vote of all or any of the Partners may be considered at a meeting of the Partners held not less than five (5) nor more than sixty (60) days after notice thereof shall have been given by the General Partner to all Partners. Such notice (i) may be given by the General Partner, in its discretion, at any time, or (ii) shall be given by the General Partner within fifteen (15) days after receipt from Limited Partners holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the Common Percentage Interests of the Limited Partners of a request for such meeting.

Section 13.3 OPINION . Except for Consents obtained pursuant to Sections 13.1 or 13.2 , no Limited Partner shall exercise any consent or voting rights unless either (a) at the time of the giving of consent or casting of any vote by the Partners hereunder, counsel for the Partnership or counsel employed by the Limited Partners shall have delivered to the Partnership an opinion satisfactory to the Partners to the effect that such conduct (i) is permitted by the Act, (ii) will not impair the limited liability of the Limited Partners, and (iii) will not adversely affect the classification of the Partnership as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, or (b) irrespective of the delivery or non-delivery of such opinion of counsel, Limited Partners holding more than seventy-five percent (75%) of the Common Percentage Interests of the Limited Partners determine to exercise their consent or voting rights.

Section 13.4 SUBMISSIONS TO PARTNERS . The General Partner shall give the Partners notice of any proposal or other matter required by any provision of this Agreement, or by law, to be submitted for consideration and approval of the Partners. Such notice shall include any information required by the relevant provision or by law.

 

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ARTICLE XIV

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 14.1 GOVERNING LAW . The Partnership and this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

Section 14.2 AGREEMENT FOR FURTHER EXECUTION . At any time or times upon the request of the General Partner, the Limited Partners hereby agree to sign, swear to, acknowledge and deliver all further documents and certificates required by the laws of Delaware, or any other jurisdiction in which the Partnership does, or proposes to do, business, or which may be reasonable, necessary, appropriate or desirable to carry out the provisions of this Agreement or the Act. This Section 14.2 shall not prejudice or affect the rights of the Limited Partners to approve certain amendments to this Agreement pursuant to Sections 11.1(d) and 11.1(e) .

Section 14.3 ENTIRE AGREEMENT . This Agreement and the exhibits attached hereto contain the entire understanding among the parties and supersede any prior understandings or agreements among them respecting the within subject matter. There are no representations, agreements, arrangements or understandings, oral or written, between or among the parties hereto relating to the subject matter of this Agreement which are not fully expressed herein.

Section 14.4 SEVERABILITY . This Agreement is intended to be performed in accordance with, and only to the extent permitted by, all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of the jurisdictions in which the Partnership does business. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall, for any reason and to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby, but rather shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.

Section 14.5 NOTICES . Notices to Partners or to the Partnership shall be deemed to have been given when personally delivered or mailed, by prepaid registered or certified mail, addressed as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto, unless a notice of change of address has previously been given in writing by the addressee to the addressor, in which case such notice shall be addressed to the address set forth in such notice of change of address.

Section 14.6 TITLES AND CAPTIONS . All titles and captions are for convenience only, do not form a substantive part of this Agreement, and shall not restrict or enlarge any substantive provisions of this Agreement.

Section 14.7 COUNTERPARTS . This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each one of which shall constitute an original executed copy of this Agreement.

 

58


Section 14.8 PRONOUNS . All pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural, as the identity of the person or persons may require.

Section 14.9 SURVIVAL OF RIGHTS . Subject to the provisions hereof limiting transfers, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Partners and the Partnership and their respective legal representatives, successors, transferees and assigns.

 

59


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto set their hands as of the day and year first above written.

 

GENERAL PARTNER:

Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

  David A. Brooks, Vice President
LIMITED PARTNER :

Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

as a Limited Partner of Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership

By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

  David A. Brooks, Vice President


The undersigned has executed this Agreement not as a Partner of the Partnership but to agree to the provisions of this Agreement imposing obligations on, granting rights to, the Company.

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.
By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

  David A. Brooks, Chief Operating Officer and
  General Counsel


EXHIBIT A

[Begins on Next Page]

 

Exhibit A


EXHIBIT A

LIST OF PARTNERS AND CONTRIBUTED ASSETS

Ashford Hospitality Prime

as of November 19, 2013

 

    Contributed Asset     Cash
Contribution
  Agreed
Value of
Contributed
Asset
  Common
Partnership
Units
    Common
Percentage
Interest
    Preferred
Partnership
Units
  Preferred
Percentage
Interest
  Treasury
Stock

COMMON UNITS

               

Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC

    Spin-off 11/19/13            16,113,112.0        64.7394      

Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership
(Partnership Unit Certificate No. C-001)

    Spin-off 11/19/13            4,977,853.1        20.0000      

Dartmore General Partnership

    Spin-off 11/19/13      None       551,205.6        2.2146      

5820 General Partnership

    Spin-off 11/19/13            551,205.6        2.2146      

3 MB Associates

    Spin-off 11/19/13            24,129.4        0.0969      

Ashford Financial Corporation

    Spin-off 11/19/13      None       205,000.0        0.8236      

Helmut Horn

    Spin-off 11/19/13            1,388.8        0.0056      

Graham Hershman

    Spin-off 11/19/13            1,045.2        0.0042      

Emily Landau

    Spin-off 11/19/13            23,507.0        0.0944      

Martin Edelman

    Spin-off 11/19/13      None       19,642.2        0.0789      

FGT, L.P.

    Spin-off 11/19/13      None       200,861.2        0.8070      

 

Page 1


EXHIBIT A

LIST OF PARTNERS AND CONTRIBUTED ASSETS

Ashford Hospitality Prime

as of November 19, 2013

 

    Contributed Asset     Cash
Contribution
  Agreed
Value of
Contributed
Asset
  Common
Partnership
Units
    Common
Percentage
Interest
    Preferred
Partnership
Units
  Preferred
Percentage
Interest
  Treasury
Stock

Lawrence D. Barkman

    Spin-off 11/19/13            8,240.0        0.0331      

Arthur A. Birney

    Spin-off 11/19/13            4,120.0        0.0166      

Washington Brick & Terra Cotta Company, L.P., L.L

    Spin-off 11/19/13            407,890.2        1.6388      

Barbara Fleischman

    Spin-off 11/19/13            13,178.8        0.0529      

Laura Glassman

    Spin-off 11/19/13            381.0        0.0015      

Paul Glassman

    Spin-off 11/19/13            381.0        0.0015      

Kogod Family Holding Group LLC

    Spin-off 11/19/13            69,788.2        0.2804      

Arlene R. Kogod

    Spin-off 11/19/13            32,124.0        0.1291      

Lauren Sue Kogod

    Spin-off 11/19/13            12,360.2        0.0497      

Leslie Susan Kogod

    Spin-off 11/19/13            12,360.2        0.0497      

 

Page 2


EXHIBIT A

LIST OF PARTNERS AND CONTRIBUTED ASSETS

Ashford Hospitality Prime

as of November 19, 2013

 

    Contributed Asset     Cash
Contribution
  Agreed
Value of
Contributed
Asset
  Common
Partnership
Units
    Common
Percentage
Interest
    Preferred
Partnership
Units
  Preferred
Percentage
Interest
  Treasury
Stock

Robert P. Kogod

    Spin-off 11/19/13            31,988.8        0.1285      

Stuart Allan Kogod

    Spin-off 11/19/13            12,360.2        0.0497      

Clarice Smith Marital Deduction Trust

    Spin-off 11/19/13            70,293.4        0.2824      

MC II Associates

    Spin-off 11/19/13            54,386.0        0.2185      

Archie Bennett Jr.

    Spin-off 11/19/13            168,000.0        0.6750      

Monty Bennett

    Spin-off 11/19/13            329,220.0        1.3227      

David Kimichik

    Spin-off 11/19/13      None       154,157.6        0.6194      

David Brooks

    Spin-off 11/19/13      None       282,387.0        1.1346      

Mark Nunneley

    Spin-off 11/19/13      None       127,978.0        0.5142      

Doug Kessler

    Spin-off 11/19/13            271,220.0        1.0897      

Rob Hays

    Spin-off 11/19/13            59,000.0        0.2370      

Pia Ackerman

    Spin-off 11/19/13            6,800.0        0.0273      

Deric Eubanks

    Spin-off 11/19/13            24,000.0        0.0964      

Jeremy Welter

    Spin-off 11/19/13            63,000.0        0.2531      

 

Page 3


EXHIBIT A

LIST OF PARTNERS AND CONTRIBUTED ASSETS

Ashford Hospitality Prime

as of November 19, 2013

 

    Contributed Asset     Cash
Contribution
  Agreed
Value of
Contributed
Asset
  Common
Partnership
Units
    Common
Percentage
Interest
    Preferred
Partnership
Units
  Preferred
Percentage
Interest
  Treasury
Stock

Milissa Foshee

    Spin-off 11/19/13            1,400.0        0.0056      
          —             

Ben Ansell

    Spin-off 11/19/13            1,100.0        0.0044      
          —             

Kamal Jafarnia

    Spin-off 11/19/13            1,100.0        0.0044      
          —             

Michael Murphy

    Spin-off 11/19/13            1,100.0        0.0044      
       

 

 

   

 

 

       

TOTAL UNITS

          24,889,264.7        100.0000      
       

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

Page 4


EXHIBIT B

FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS

For purposes of interpreting and implementing Article V of the Partnership Agreement, the following rules shall apply and shall be treated as part of the terms of the Partnership Agreement:

A. SPECIAL ALLOCATION PROVISIONS.

1. To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Section 743(b) is required pursuant to Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) or Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4) of the Treasury Regulations to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as the result of a distribution to a Partner in complete liquidation of its Partnership Interest, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis) and such gain or loss shall be specially allocated to the Partners in accordance with their interests in the Partnership if Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) of the Treasury Regulations applies, or to the Partnership to whom such distribution was made if Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4) of the Treasury Regulations applies.

2. If a Partner transfers any part or all of its Partnership Interest or if Common Percentage Interests or Preferred Percentage Interests vary during a taxable year of the Partnership, the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall determine which method authorized under the Code (including Section 706 of the Code) and the Treasury Regulations shall be used to allocate the distributive shares.

3. To the extent required by law, income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to property contributed to the Partnership by a Partner shall be shared among the Partners so as to take into account any variation between the basis of the property and the fair market value of the property at the time of contribution in accordance with the requirements of Section 704(c) of the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations thereunder as more fully described in Part B hereof. Treasury Regulations under Section 704(c) of the Code allow partnerships to use any reasonable method for accounting for Book-Tax Differences for contributions of property so that a contributing partner receives the tax benefits and burdens of any built-in gain or loss associated with contributed property. The Partnership shall account for Book-Tax Differences using a method specifically approved in the Treasury Regulations, such as the traditional method. An allocation of remaining built-in gain under Section 704(c) will be made when Section 704(c) property is sold.

4. If the Partnership is entitled to a deduction for interest imputed under any provision of the Code on any loan or advance from a Partner (whether such interest is currently deducted, capitalized or amortized), such deduction shall be allocated solely to such Partner.

5. To the extent any payments in the nature of fees made to a Partner or reimbursements of expenses to any Partner are finally determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be distributions to a Partner for federal income tax purposes, there will be a gross income allocation to such Partner in the amount of such distribution.

 

Exhibit B – Page 1


6. (a) Notwithstanding any provision of the Partnership Agreement to the contrary and subject to the exceptions set forth in Section 1.704-2(f)(2)-(5) of the Treasury Regulations, if there is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain during any Partnership fiscal year, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to such Partner’s share of the net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain determined in accordance with Section 1.704-2(g)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Partner pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.704-2(f) of the Treasury Regulations. This paragraph 6(a) is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in such Section of the Treasury Regulations and shall be interpreted consistently therewith. To the extent permitted by such Section of the Treasury Regulations and for purposes of this paragraph 6(a) only, each Partner’s Adjusted Capital Account Balance shall be determined prior to any other allocations pursuant to Article V of the Partnership Agreement with respect to such fiscal year and without regard to any net decrease in Partner Minimum Gain during such fiscal year.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of the Partnership Agreement to the contrary, except paragraph 6(a) of this Exhibit B and subject to the exceptions set forth in Section 1.704-2(i)(4) of the Treasury Regulations, if there is a net decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain during any Partnership fiscal year, each Partner who has a share of the Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with Section 1.704-2(i)(3) of the Treasury Regulations, shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to such Partner’s share of the net decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with Section 1.704-2(i)(5) of the Treasury Regulations. Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Partner pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.704-2(i)(4) of the Treasury Regulations. This paragraph 6(b) is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in such Section of the Treasury Regulations and shall be interpreted consistently therewith. Solely for purposes of this paragraph 6(b) , each Partner’s Adjusted Capital Account Balance shall be determined prior to any other allocations pursuant to Article V of the Partnership Agreement with respect to such fiscal year, other than allocations pursuant to paragraph 6(a) hereof.

7. If any Partners unexpectedly receive any adjustments, allocations or distributions described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5) or 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6), items of Partnership income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Partners in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate the deficits in their Adjusted Capital Account Balances created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as quickly as possible, provided that an allocation pursuant to this paragraph 7 shall be made only if and to the extent that the Partner would have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account Balance after all other allocations provided for Article V of the Partnership Agreement and this Exhibit B have been tentatively made as if this paragraph 7 were not in this Exhibit B .

 

Exhibit B – Page 2


8. No loss shall be allocated to any Partner to the extent that such allocation would result in a deficit in its Adjusted Capital Account Balance while any other Partner continues to have a positive Adjusted Capital Account Balance; in such event, losses shall first be allocated to any Partners with positive Adjusted Capital Account Balances, and in proportion to such balances, to the extent necessary to reduce their positive Adjusted Capital Account Balances to zero. Any excess shall be allocated to the General Partner.

9. If any Partner has a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account Balance at the end of any fiscal year or other period, such Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership gross income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible; provided, however , that an allocation pursuant to this paragraph 9 shall be made only if and to the extent that such Partner would have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account Balance after all other allocations provided in this Part A have been tentatively made as if paragraph 7 and this paragraph 9 were not in this Exhibit B .

10. Any special allocations of items pursuant to this Part A shall be taken into account in computing subsequent allocations so that the net amount of any items so allocated and the profits, losses and all other items allocated to each such Partner pursuant to Article V of the Partnership Agreement shall, to the extent possible, be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each such Partner pursuant to the provisions of Article V of the Partnership Agreement if such special allocations had not occurred.

11. Nonrecourse Deductions for any fiscal year or other period shall be specially allocated to the Partners in the manner set forth in Section 5.1(b)(iii) of the Partnership Agreement.

12. Any Partner Nonrecourse Deduction for any fiscal year or other period shall be specially allocated to the Partner who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the Partner Nonrecourse Debt to which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Section 1.704-2(i) of the Treasury Regulations. If more than one Partner bears the economic risk of loss (in accordance with Section 1.704-2(i) of the Treasury Regulations) with respect to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt, Partner Nonrecourse Deductions attributable thereto shall be allocated between or among such Partners in accordance with the ratios in which they share such economic risk of loss.

13. Notwithstanding any provision in Article V of the Partnership Agreement or this Exhibit B to the contrary, if the Partnership disposes of all or substantially all of its assets in a transaction that will lead to a liquidation of the Partnership pursuant to Article X , then any profits or losses realized in connection with such transaction and thereafter (and, if necessary, constituent items of income, gain, loss and deduction) shall be specially allocated for such taxable year of the Partnership (and to the extent permitted by Section 761(c) of the Code, for the immediately preceding taxable year of the Partnership) among the Partners as required so as to cause liquidating distributions pursuant to Section 10.4(a) of the Partnership Agreement to be made in the same amounts and proportions as would have resulted had such distributions instead been made pursuant to Article VIII of the Partnership Agreement.

B. CAPITAL ACCOUNT ADJUSTMENTS AND TAX ALLOCATIONS.

 

Exhibit B – Page 3


1. For purposes of computing the amount of any item of income, gain, deduction or loss to be reflected in the Partners’ Capital Accounts, the determination, recognition and classification of any such item shall be the same as its determination, recognition and classification for federal income tax purposes; provided, however, that:

(a) Any income, gain or loss attributable to the taxable disposition of any property shall be determined by the Partnership as if the adjusted basis of such property as of such date of disposition was equal in amount to the Carrying Value.

(b) The computation of all items of income, gain, loss and deduction shall be made by the Partnership and, as to those items described in Section 705(a)(1)(B) or Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code, without regard to the fact that such items are not includable in gross income or are neither currently deductible nor capitalizable for federal income tax purposes.

(c) In lieu of the depreciation, amortization, and other cost recovery deductions taken into account in computing the Partnership’s taxable income or loss, there shall be taken into account Depreciation for a fiscal year or other period.

(d) The Partnership shall be treated as owning directly its proportionate share (as determined by the General Partner based upon the provisions of the applicable partnership agreement of a Subsidiary of the Partnership) of all property owned by (i) a Subsidiary of the Partnership that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (ii) any other partnership, limited liability company, unincorporated business or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes of which the Partnership or a Subsidiary of the Partnership is, directly or indirectly, a partner, member or other equity holder.

2. A transferee of a Partnership Interest will succeed to the Capital Account relating to the Partnership Interest transferred.

3. Upon (i) an issuance of additional Partnership Interests in exchange for more than a de minimis capital contribution to the Partnership, (ii) an issuance of additional Partnership Interests (other than a de minimis interest) as consideration for the provision of services to or for the benefit of the Partnership by an existing Partner acting in a partner capacity or by a new Partner acting in a partner capacity or in anticipation of being a Partner, or (iii) the distribution by the Partnership to a Partner of more than a de minimis amount of property as consideration for an interest in the Partnership, the Capital Accounts of all Partners (and the Carrying Values of all Partnership properties) shall, immediately prior to such event, be adjusted (consistent with the provisions hereof) upward or downward to reflect any unrealized gain or unrealized loss attributable to each Partnership property (as if such unrealized gain or unrealized loss had been recognized upon an actual sale of such property at the fair market value thereof, immediately prior to such issuance, and had been allocated to the Partners, at such time, pursuant to Article V of the Partnership Agreement). In determining such unrealized gain or unrealized loss attributable to the properties, the fair market value of Partnership properties shall be determined by the General Partner using such reasonable methods of valuation as it may adopt.

 

Exhibit B – Page 4


4. Immediately prior to the distribution of any Partnership property, the Capital Accounts of all Partners shall be adjusted (consistent with the provisions hereof and Section 704 of the Code) upward or downward to reflect any unrealized gain or unrealized loss attributable to the Partnership property distributed (as if such unrealized gain or unrealized loss had been recognized upon an actual sale of each such property, immediately prior to such distribution, and had been allocated to the Partners, at such time, pursuant to Article V of the Partnership Agreement). In determining such unrealized gain or unrealized loss attributable to property, the fair market value of Partnership property distributed shall be determined by the General Partner using such reasonable methods of valuation as it may adopt.

5. In accordance with Section 704(c) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to any property shall, solely for tax purposes, and not for Capital Account purposes, be allocated among the Partners so as to take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the Partnership for federal income tax purposes. The General Partner shall make any elections or other decisions relating to such allocations.

6. If the Carrying Value of any Partnership asset is adjusted as described in paragraph 3 above, subsequent allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to such asset shall take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such asset for federal income tax purposes and its Carrying Value in the same manner as under Section 704(c) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

7. Any elections or other decisions relating to such allocations shall be made by the General Partner in any manner that reasonably reflects the purpose and intention of the Partnership Agreement and this Exhibit B .

C. DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Exhibit B , the following terms shall have the meanings indicated unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

ADJUSTED CAPITAL ACCOUNT BALANCE ”: means the balance in the Capital Account of a Partner as of the end of the relevant fiscal year of the Partnership, after giving effect to the following: (i) credit to such Capital Account any amounts the Partner is obligated to restore, pursuant to the terms of the Partnership Agreement or otherwise, or is deemed obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5) of the Treasury Regulations, and (ii) debit to such capital account the items described in Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6) of the Treasury Regulations.

DEPRECIATION ”: means, for each fiscal year or other period, an amount equal to the depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction allowable for federal income tax purposes with respect to property for such fiscal year or other period, except that (a) with respect to any property the Carrying Value of which differs from its adjusted tax basis for federal income tax purposes and which difference is being eliminated by use of the remedial allocation method pursuant to Section 1.704-3(d) of the Treasury Regulations, Depreciation for such fiscal year or other period shall be the amount of book basis recovered for such fiscal year or other period under the rules prescribed by Section 1.704-3(d)(2) of the Treasury Regulations, and (b) with respect to any other property the Carrying Value of which differs from its adjusted

 

Exhibit B – Page 5


tax basis at the beginning of such fiscal year or other period, Depreciation shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to such beginning Carrying Value as the federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction for such fiscal year or other period bears to such beginning adjusted tax basis; provided , that if the adjusted tax basis of any property at the beginning of such fiscal year or other period is zero, Depreciation with respect to such property shall be determined with reference to such beginning value using any reasonable method selected by the General Partner.

NONRECOURSE DEDUCTIONS ”: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.704-2(b)(1) of the Treasury Regulations. The amount of Nonrecourse Deductions for a Partnership fiscal year equals the excess, if any, of the net increase, if any, in the amount of Partnership Minimum Gain during that fiscal year over the aggregate amount of any distributions during that fiscal year of proceeds of a Nonrecourse Liability, that are allocable to an increase in Partnership Minimum Gain, determined according to the provisions of Section 1.704-2(c) of the Treasury Regulations.

NONRECOURSE LIABILITY ”: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.704-2(b)(3) of the Treasury Regulations.

PARTNER NONRECOURSE DEBT MINIMUM GAIN ”: means an amount, with respect to each Partner Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Section 1.704-2(i) of the Treasury Regulations.

PARTNER NONRECOURSE DEBT ”: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.704-2(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations.

PARTNER NONRECOURSE DEDUCTIONS ”: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.704-2(i)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. For any Partnership taxable year, the amount of Partner Nonrecourse Deductions with respect to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt equal the net increase during the year, if any, in the amount of Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain reduced (but not below zero) by proceeds of the liability that are both attributable to the liability and allocable to an increase in the Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain.

PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT ”: shall mean this Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, as amended.

PARTNERSHIP MINIMUM GAIN ”: shall have the meaning set forth in Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d) of the Treasury Regulations.

For purposes of this Exhibit B , all other capitalized terms will have the same definition as in the Partnership Agreement.

 

Exhibit B – Page 6


EXHIBIT C

NOTICE OF EXERCISE OF REDEMPTION RIGHT

The undersigned hereby irrevocably (i) presents for redemption on                      (such date being at least 3 Business Days after the date set forth below)                      Partnership Units (as defined in the Partnership Agreement defined below) in Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, in accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (the “ Partnership Agreement ”), and the Redemption Right (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) referred to therein, (ii) surrenders such Partnership Units and all right, title and interest therein, and (iii) directs that the Cash Amount or REIT Shares (both as defined in the Partnership Agreement) deliverable upon exercise of the Redemption Right be delivered to the address specified below, and if REIT Shares are to be delivered, such REIT Shares be registered or placed in the name(s) and at the addresses specified below.

 

Dated:  

 

Name of Limited Partner:

 

(Signature of Limited Partner)

 

(Street Address)

 

 

(City State Zip Code)
IF REIT Shares are to be issued, issue to:

 

(Name)

 

(Social Security or Identifying Number)

 

Exhibit C – Page 1


EXHIBIT D

NOTICE OF ELECTION BY PARTNER TO CONVERT

LTIP UNITS INTO COMMON PARTNERSHIP UNITS

The undersigned LTIP Unitholder hereby irrevocably (i) elects to convert the number of LTIP Units in Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (the “ Partnership ”) set forth below into Common Partnership Units in accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, as amended; and (ii) directs that any cash in lieu of Common Partnership Units that may be deliverable upon such conversion be delivered to the address specified below. The undersigned hereby represents, warrants, and certifies that the undersigned (a) has title to such LTIP Units, free and clear of the rights or interests of any other person or entity other than the Partnership; (b) has the full right, power, and authority to cause the conversion of such LTIP Units as provided herein; and (c) has obtained the consent or approval of all persons or entities, if any, having the right to consent or approve such conversion.

 

Name of LTIP Unitholder:  

 

 

  (Please Print: Exact Name as Registered with Partnership)

Number of LTIP Units to be Converted:                     

Date to be Converted                      (such date being not less than 3 Business Days nor more than 10 Business Days prior to the Date of this Notice set forth below)

Date of this Notice:                     

 

 

 
(Signature of Limited Partner: Sign Exact Name as Registered with Partnership)  

 

 
(Street Address)  

 

 
(City)    (State)               (Zip Code)  

 

Exhibit D – Page 1


EXHIBIT E

NOTICE OF ELECTION BY PARTNERSHIP TO FORCE CONVERSION

OF LTIP UNITS INTO COMMON PARTNERSHIP UNITS

Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (the “ Partnership ”) hereby irrevocably (i) elects to cause the number of LTIP Units held by the LTIP Unitholder set forth below to be converted into Common Partnership Units in accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, as amended.

 

Name of LTIP Unitholder:  

 

 

  (Please Print: Exact Name as Registered with Partnership)

 

Number of LTIP Units to be Converted:  

 

  

 

Date of this Notice:

 

 

  

 

Exhibit E – Page 1


EXHIBIT F

FORM OF PARTNERSHIP INTEREST

AND PARTNERSHIP UNIT CERTIFICATE

THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS (THE “INTERESTS”) REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”). SUCH INTERESTS MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF REGISTRATION OF SAID ACT AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS THEREUNDER AND ALL APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES OR “BLUE SKY LAWS.”

THE INTERESTS REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN TRANSFER AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF THE PARTNERSHIP, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PARTNERSHIP AT ITS PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE, AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OR WITHOUT COMPLYING WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH AGREEMENT.

CERTIFICATE FOR

[CLASS]

UNITS(S) OF PARTNERSHIP INTEREST AND PARTNERSHIP UNITS

IN

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

 

   Class             

No.     

   Unit(s)         

This certifies that                      is a [limited] [general] partner of Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”) whose Partnership Interest in the Partnership, as set forth in the Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership, as amended and restated from time to time (the “Partnership Agreement”) represents          Unit(s) of [Class] Partnership Interest and [Class] Partnership Units in the Partnership.

In witness whereof, the General Partner of the Partnership has caused this Certificate to be signed by its duly authorized officer this      day of             , 20    .

 

ASHFORD PRIME OP GENERAL PARTNER LLC
By:  

 

 

Exhibit F - Page 1


ASSIGNMENT

FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto

 

TIN =

 

 

     (Please insert taxpayer identification number of assignee)

 

 

 

 

     (Please print or type name and address, including postal zip code, of assignee)

the within Certificate No.     , issued by Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing

                     Attorney to transfer said Certificate on the books of Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, with full power of substitution in the premises.

 

 

 

    

(name of registered holder)

 

By:

 

 

    

(authorized signature)

 

 

    

(printed name & title)

[NO SIGNATURE GUARANTEE REQUIRED]

 

Exhibit F - Page 2

Exhibit 10.2

EXECUTION VERSION

ADVISORY AGREEMENT

THIS ADVISORY AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), is dated and effective as of November 19, 2013 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC., a Maryland corporation (“ Ashford Prime ”), ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Operating Partnership” ), and ASHFORD HOSPITALITY ADVISORS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Advisor ”).

WHEREAS, Ashford Prime, through its interest in the Operating Partnership, is in the business of investing in the hospitality industry including, the acquiring, developing, owning, asset managing and disposing of hotels (for purposes hereof, unless the context otherwise requires, the term “ Company ” shall collectively include Ashford Prime and the Operating Partnership);

WHEREAS, Ashford Prime is a newly formed corporation that intends to qualify as a Real Estate Investment Trust (a “ REIT ”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”);

WHEREAS, the Company desires to avail itself of the experience, brand relationships, lender and capital provider sources and relationships, asset management expertise, sources of information, advice, assistance and certain facilities of the Advisor and to have the Advisor provide the services hereinafter set forth, on behalf of, and subject to the supervision of, the board of directors of Ashford Prime (the “ Board of Directors ”), all as provided herein; and

WHEREAS, the Advisor is willing to provide such services to the Company on the terms set forth herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties agree as follows:

1. APPOINTMENT OF ADVISOR. The Company hereby appoints the Advisor to serve as its exclusive advisor and asset manager to provide the management and real estate services specified herein on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the Advisor hereby accepts such appointment.

2. DUTIES OF ADVISOR. Subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors, the Advisor will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Company (and all subsidiaries and joint ventures of the Company) and shall perform (or cause to be performed) all services relating to the acquisition and disposition of hotels, asset management, financing and operations of the Company as may be reasonably required, which shall include the following related to the Company’s hotel assets:

(a) source, investigate and evaluate acquisitions and dispositions consistent with the Company’s Investment Guidelines (as defined in Section 9.2(a) below) and make recommendations to the Board of Directors;


(b) engage and supervise, on the Company’s behalf and at the Company’s expense, third parties to provide development management, property management, project management, design and construction services, investment banking services, financial services, property disposition brokerage services, independent accounting and auditing services and tax reviews and advice, transfer agent and registrar services, feasibility studies, appraisals, engineering studies, environmental property inspections and due diligence services, underwriting review services, consulting services and all other services reasonably necessary for Advisor to perform its duties hereunder;

(c) negotiate, on the Company’s behalf, any acquisitions, dispositions, financings, restructurings or other transactions with sellers, purchasers, lenders, brokers, agents and other applicable representatives;

(d) coordinate and manage joint ventures with the Company, including monitoring and enforcing compliance with applicable joint venture or partnership governing documents;

(e) negotiate, on behalf of the Company, terms of hotel management agreements, franchise agreements and other contracts or agreements of the Company, and modifications, extensions, waivers or terminations thereof including, without limitation, the negotiation and approval of annual operating and capital budgets thereunder;

(f) on behalf of the Company, enforce, monitor and manage compliance of hotel management agreements, franchise agreements and other contracts or agreements of the Company, and modifications, extensions, waivers or terminations thereof;

(g) negotiate, on behalf of the Company, terms of loan documents for the Company’s financings;

(h) enforce, monitor and manage compliance, on behalf of the Company, loan documents to which the Company is a party;

(i) administer bookkeeping and accounting functions as are required for the management and operation of the Company, contract for audits and prepare or cause to be prepared such periodic reports and filings as may be required by any governmental authority in connection with the ordinary conduct of the Company’s business, and otherwise advise and assist the Company with its compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including without limitation, periodic reports, returns or statements required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Code and any regulations or rulings thereunder, the securities and tax statutes of any jurisdiction in which the Company is obligated to file such reports, or the rules and regulations promulgated under any of the foregoing;

(j) advise and assist in the preparation and filing of all offering documents, registration statements, prospectuses, proxies, and other forms or documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities regulators (it being understood that the Company shall be

 

2


responsible for the content of any and all of its offering documents, SEC filings or state regulatory filings, including, without limitation, those filings referred to in subparagraph 2(i) above, and Advisor shall not be held liable for any costs or liabilities arising out of any misstatements or omissions in the Company’s offering documents, SEC filings, state regulatory filings or other filings referred to in subparagraphs 2(i) and (j), whether or not material, and the Company shall promptly indemnify Advisor for such costs and liabilities);

(k) retain counsel, consultants and other third party professionals on behalf of the Company, coordinate, supervise and manage all consultants, third party professionals and counsel, and investigate, evaluate, negotiate and oversee the processing of claims by or against the Company;

(l) advise and assist with the Company’s risk management and oversight function;

(m) provide office space, office equipment and personnel necessary for the performance of services;

(n) perform or supervise the performance of such administrative functions reasonably necessary for the establishment of bank accounts, related controls, collection of revenues and the payment of Company debts and obligations;

(o) communicate with the Company’s investors and analysts as required to satisfy reporting or other requirements of any governing body or exchange on which the Company’s securities are traded and to maintain effective relations with such investors;

(p) advise and assist the Company with respect to the Company’s public relations, preparation of marketing materials, website and investor relation services;

(q) counsel the Company regarding qualifying, and maintaining Ashford Prime’s qualification as a REIT;

(r) assist the Company in complying with all regulatory requirements applicable to the Company;

(s) counsel the Company in connection with policy decisions to be made by the Board of Directors;

(t) furnish reports and statistical and economic research to the Company regarding the Company’s activities, investments, financing and capital market activities and services performed for the Company by the Advisor;

(u) asset manage and monitor the operating performance of the Company’s real estate investments, including the management and implementation of capital improvement programs, pursue property tax appeals (as appropriate), and provide periodic reports with respect to the Company’s investments to the Board of Directors, including comparative

 

3


information with respect to such operating performance and budgeted or projected operating results;

(v) maintain cash in U.S. Treasuries or bank accounts (with the understanding that Advisor’s duties shall not include providing or assisting in proactive investment management strategies or investment in securities other than U.S. Treasuries), and make payment of fees, costs and expenses, or the payment of distributions to stockholders of the Company;

(w) advise the Company as to its capital structure and capital raising;

(x) take all actions reasonably necessary to enable the Company to comply with and abide by all applicable laws and regulations in all material respects subject to the Company providing appropriate, necessary and timely funding of capital;

(y) provide the Company with an internal audit staff with the ability to satisfy any applicable regulatory requirements, including, requirements of the New York Stock Exchange and the SEC, and any additional duties that are determined reasonably necessary or appropriate by the Company’s audit committee; and

(z) take such other actions and render such other services as may reasonably be requested by the Company consistent with the purpose of this Agreement and the aforementioned services.

The Advisor shall make available sufficient experienced and appropriate personnel to perform the services and functions specified including, without limitation, the initial positions of the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, executive vice president-asset management, senior vice president-corporate strategy and senior vice president-finance (collectively, “ Executives ”) or such positions as Advisor deems reasonably necessary. The Advisor shall not be obligated to dedicate any of its officers or other personnel exclusively to the Company nor is the Advisor, its Affiliates or any of its officers or other employees obligated to dedicate any specific portion of its or their time to the Company or its business, except as necessary to perform the services provided above. The Advisor shall be entitled to rely on qualified experts and professionals (including, without limitation, accountants, legal counsel and other professional service providers) hired by the Advisor at the Company’s sole cost and expense. The Advisor may retain, for and on behalf, and at the sole cost and expense, of the Company, such services of any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity (each, a “ Person ”) as the Advisor deems necessary or advisable in connection with the management and operations of the Company.

Any waiver, consent, approval, modification, enforcement matter or election required to be made by the Company under the Mutual Exclusivity Agreement between the Company, Remington Lodging and Hospitality LLC (“ Remington ”) and Monty J. Bennett, dated the date hereof, as the same may be amended from time to time, or the Master Management Agreement between the Company and Remington, dated the date hereof, as the same may be amended or

 

4


supplemented from time to time, shall be within the exclusive discretion and control of a majority of the Independent Directors (or higher vote thresholds specifically set forth in such agreements) unless specifically delegated to the Advisor by a majority of the Independent Directors. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Independent Director ” shall mean any director of Ashford Prime who, on the date at issue, is currently serving on the Board of Directors and is “independent” as determined by application of the current rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange in effect as of the Effective Date of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Affiliate ” shall mean a Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Person in question and any officer, director, trustee, key decision-making employee, stockholder or partner of any Person referred to in the preceding clause, except that for purposes of this Agreement, the Company shall not be considered an Affiliate of the Advisor.

Any increase in the scope of duties or services to be provided by the Advisor must be jointly approved by the Company and the Advisor and will be subject to additional compensation determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.4 and the process set forth in Section 9.3 below.

3. AUTHORITY OF ADVISOR. Subject to the express limitations set forth in this Agreement and the continuing authority of the Board of Directors over the management of the Company, the power to direct the management, operation and policies of the Company shall be vested in the Advisor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all material decisions with respect to annual capital plans, brand conversions, the commencement or settlement of litigation matters, investment decisions, capital market transactions, annual budgets and management and franchise options recommended by the Advisor, including the acquisition, sale, financing and refinancing of assets, shall be subject to the prior authorization of the Board of Directors, except to the extent such authority is expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to the Advisor. Additionally, if the charter or Maryland General Corporation Law require the prior approval of the Board of Directors, the Advisor may not take any action on behalf of the Company without the prior approval of the Board of Directors or duly authorized committees thereof. In such cases where prior approval is required, the Advisor will deliver to the Board of Directors such documents and supporting information as may be reasonably requested by the Board of Directors to evaluate a proposed investment (and any related financing) or other matter requiring the Board of Directors’ authorization.

4. BANK ACCOUNTS. The Advisor may establish and maintain, subject to any applicable conditions or limitations of loan documents applicable to the Company, one or more bank accounts in its own name for the account of the Company or in the name of the Company and may collect and deposit into any account or accounts, and disburse from any such account or accounts, any money on behalf of the Company, under such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors may approve, provided that no funds shall be comingled with the funds of the Advisor. The Advisor shall from time to time render appropriate accountings of such collections and payments to the Board and the independent auditors of the Company.

5. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES. In addition to the compensation paid to the Advisor pursuant to Section 6 hereof, the Company shall pay directly or reimburse the Advisor, on a

 

5


monthly basis, for all of the expenses paid or incurred by the Advisor or its Affiliates on behalf of the Company or in connection with the services provided to the Company pursuant to this Agreement, including, but not limited to, tax, legal, accounting, advisory, investment banking and other third party professional fees, Board of Directors’ fees, debt service, taxes, insurance (including errors and omissions insurance and any additional insurance required by Section 8.2 ), underwriting, brokerage, reporting, registration, listing fees and charges, travel and entertainment expenses, conference sponsorships, transaction diligence and closing costs, dead deal costs, dividends, office space, the cost of all equity awards or compensation plans established by the Company, including the value of awards made by the Company to the employees, officers, Affiliates and representatives of the Advisor, and any other costs which are reasonably necessary for the performance by the Advisor of its duties and functions under this Agreement and also including any expenses incurred by Advisor to comply with new or revised laws or governmental rules or regulations that impose additional duties on the Company or the Advisor in its capacity as advisor to the Company, including any personnel costs incurred to satisfy such additional duties. In addition, the Company shall pay its pro rata share of the office overhead and administrative expenses of the Advisor incurred in providing its duties pursuant to this Agreement.

The Advisor shall be responsible for all wages, salaries, cash bonus payments and benefits related to all employees of the Advisor providing services to the Company (including any officers of the Company who are also officers of the Advisor), excluding expenses related to (i) the provision of internal audit services as described in the next sentence and (ii) equity compensation awarded by the Company to employees, officers, Affiliates and representatives of the Advisor pursuant to Section 6(c) below. The Company shall reimburse the Advisor, on a monthly basis, the Company’s pro-rata portion (as reasonably agreed to between the Advisor and a majority of the Company’s Independent Directors or Ashford Prime’s audit committee, chairman of the audit committee or lead director) of all expenses related to (i) employment of the Advisor’s internal audit managers and other employees of the Advisor who are actively engaged in providing internal audit services to the Company, (ii) the reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket costs of the Advisor relating to the activities of the Advisor’s internal audit employees and the reasonable third party expenses which the Advisor incurs, in each case, in connection with providing internal audit services, and (iii) all reasonable international office expenses, overhead, personnel costs, travel and other costs directly related to Advisor’s non-Executive personnel that are located internationally. Such expenses shall include, but are not limited to, salary, wages, payroll taxes and the cost of employee benefit plans.

6. COMPENSATION.

6.1 Base Fee . The Company shall pay to the Advisor a quarterly base fee (the “ Base Fee ”) payable in arrears in cash, for services provided by the Advisor in the preceding quarter.

For purposes of this Agreement, the “Base Fee” will be equal to 0.70% per annum of the Total Enterprise Value of the Company, subject to the payment of a minimum quarterly base fee (“ Minimum Base Fee ”), if applicable. For purposes of this Agreement, “Total Enterprise Value” shall be calculated on a quarterly basis as (i) the average of the volume-weighted average price

 

6


per share of Ashford Prime’s common stock for each trading day of the preceding quarter multiplied by the average number of shares of Ashford Prime’s common stock outstanding during such quarter, on a fully-diluted basis (assuming all common units and long term incentive partnership units in the Operating Partnership which have achieved economic parity with common units in the Operating Partnership have been converted to common stock in the Company), plus (ii) the quarterly average of the aggregate principal amount of the Company’s consolidated indebtedness (including the Company’s proportionate share of debt of any entity that is not consolidated but excluding the Company’s joint venture partners’ proportionate share of consolidated debt), plus (iii) the quarterly average of the liquidation value of the Company’s outstanding preferred equity. The Minimum Base Fee for each quarter will be equal to the greater of (i) 90% of the Base Fee paid for the same quarter in the prior year and (ii) the G&A Ratio multiplied by the Company’s Total Enterprise Value. For purposes of this Agreement, the “ G&A Ratio ” will be calculated as the simple average of the ratios of total general and administrative expenses, less any non-cash expenses but including any dead deal costs, paid in the applicable quarter by each member of a select peer group set forth in Exhibit A (each, a “ Peer Group Member ” and collectively, the “ Peer Group ”), divided by the total enterprise value of such Peer Group Member (calculated in the same manner as the Company’s Total Enterprise Value). The G&A Ratio for each Peer Group Member will be calculated based on the financial information presented in such Peer Group Member’s Form 10-Q or 10-K periodic filings with the SEC following the end of each quarter. The Peer Group may be modified from time to time by mutual written agreement of the Advisor and a majority of the Independent Directors, negotiating in good faith.

The Base Fee, as calculated above, shall be payable in arrears no later than the 15th day following the end of each quarter (i.e., one-fourth of 0.70% of the Total Enterprise Value of the Company). The Minimum Base Fee shall be calculated as soon as practicable following the end of the quarter, and to the extent the Minimum Base Fee exceeds the Base Fee paid to the Advisor with respect to any quarter, the Company will pay the Advisor the difference between Minimum Base Fee and the Base Fee within 5 business days of final calculation of the Minimum Base Fee.

For purposes of payment of the Base Fee for a partial quarter relating to the first quarter in which this Agreement is effective or for the last quarter in which this Agreement is terminated, the Base Fee shall be calculated as 0.70% of the Total Enterprise Value of the Company, calculated using each trading day of such partial quarter prior to termination, multiplied by the number of days in the applicable quarter in which this Agreement is in effect divided by 365 or 366 days, as applicable. The Minimum Base Fee shall be similarly reduced proportionately based on the number of days in the applicable quarter in which this Agreement is in effect divided by 365 or 366 days, as applicable.

6.2 Incentive Fee . In each year that the Company’s total shareholder return exceeds the average total shareholder return for the Peer Group (the “ Incentive Fee Threshold ”), the Company shall pay to the Advisor an incentive fee (the “ Incentive Fee ”), calculated as set forth in the following paragraph. For purposes of this Agreement, beginning with the calendar year ending December 31, 2013, the Company’s total shareholder return will be calculated using the year-end stock price equal to the closing price of Ashford Prime’s common stock on the last

 

7


trading day of the year, assuming all dividends on the common stock are reinvested into additional shares of Ashford Prime common stock as compared to the closing stock price of Ashford Prime’s common stock on the last trading day of the prior year. The average total shareholder return for each Peer Group Member will be calculated in the same manner, and the average for the Peer Group will be the simple average of the total shareholder return for each Peer Group Member. For the purposes of calculating the Company’s total shareholder return for the year ending December 31, 2013, the starting price of the Company’s common stock will be based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the first trading day on which the Company’s common stock is listed and available for trading on the New York Stock Exchange or other national securities exchange, and for each Peer Group Member, the starting price will be based on the closing price of such company’s common stock on the same day.

If the Company’s total shareholder return exceeds the Incentive Fee Threshold with respect to any calendar year (or stub period), the annual Incentive Fee payable to the Advisor for such calendar year (or stub period) shall be calculated, for each year (or stub period) beginning with the stub period ending December 31, 2013, as (i) 10% of the amount (expressed as a percentage) by which the Company’s annual total shareholder return exceeds the Incentive Fee Threshold, multiplied by (ii) the Fully Diluted Equity Value (defined below) of the Company at December 31 of such calendar year; provided, for the stub period ending December 31, 2013, the product from the preceding calculation shall be reduced proportionately based on the number of days in which this Agreement is in effect for the calendar year 2013 divided by 365 days. The Company’s “ Fully Diluted Equity Value ” shall be calculated by assuming that all units in the Operating Partnership, including long term incentive partnership units of the Operating Partnership that have achieved economic parity with the common units of the Operating Partnership, if any, are converted into common stock and that the per share value of each share of our common stock is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the last trading day of the year.

If this Agreement is terminated on a day other than the last trading day of a calendar year, then the Company’s total shareholder return, the Incentive Fee Threshold and the total shareholder return for each Peer Group Member will be calculated using the stock price of Ashford Prime’s common stock and each Peer Group Member’s common stock closing price on the last trading day immediately preceding the date of termination of this Agreement.

The Incentive Fee, if any, shall be payable in arrears on an annual basis, on or before January 15 following each year or on the date of termination of this Agreement, if applicable. Except in the case when the Incentive Fee is payable on the date of termination of this Agreement, up to 50% of the Incentive Fee may be paid by the Company, at the option of the Company, in shares of common stock of Ashford Prime or common units of the Operating Partnership, with the balance payable in cash, unless at the time for payment of the Incentive Fee, the Advisor (or its Affiliates) owns common stock or common units in an amount (determined with reference to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the last trading day of the year or stub period) greater than or equal to three times the Base Fee for the preceding four quarters (the “ Base Fee Limitation ”). If the Advisor owns common stock or common units in an amount more than the Base Fee Limitation, then the entire Incentive Fee shall be paid by the Company in cash.

 

8


6.3 Equity Compensation . To incentivize employees, officers, consultants, non-employee directors, Affiliates or representatives of the Advisor to achieve goals and business objectives of the Company, as established by the Board of Directors, in addition to the Base Fee and the Incentive Fee set forth above, the Board of Directors will have the authority to and shall make recommendations of annual equity awards to the Advisor or directly to employees, officers, consultants, non-employee directors, Affiliates or representatives of the Advisor, based on the achievement by the Company of certain financial or other objectives established by the Board of Directors.

The Company, at its option, may choose to issue such compensation in the form of equity awards in Ashford Prime or the Operating Partnership, unless and to the extent that receipt of such equity awards would adversely affect the Company’s status as a REIT, in which case, the equity awards shall be limited to equity awards in the Operating Partnership. For a period of one year from the date of issuance, any such equity awards in the Operating Partnership shall not be transferable, except by operation of law, without the written consent of the General Partner which consent may be withheld in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner; provided, however, the Advisor may assign, without the consent of the General Partner, such equity awards to employees, officers, consultants, non-employees, directors, Affiliates or representatives of Advisor provided the one-year restriction on transfer shall remain applicable to such assignee. In addition, except as expressly provided above, any transfer of such equity awards at any time must comply with the transfer restrictions of Ashford Prime OP’s partnership agreement or the Company’s charter and bylaws, as applicable.

6.4 Additional Services . If, and to the extent that, the Company requests the Advisor to render services on behalf of the Company other than those required to be rendered by the Advisor under this Agreement, such additional services shall be compensated separately at Market Rates as determined in accordance with the process set forth in Section 9.3 below.

7. LIMITATION ON ACTIVITIES. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Advisor shall not take any action (unless directed by the Board of Directors, in which case the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Advisor and each of its officers, directors, employees, members, managers, agents and representatives, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, costs and expenses threatened or incurred by Advisor or any other indemnified person, which, directly or indirectly, results from the Advisor following the directive of the Board of Directors), which would (a) adversely affect the status of the Company as a REIT, (b) subject the Company to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (c) knowingly and intentionally violate any law, rule or regulation of any governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the Company (provided that without adequate assurance of funding by the Company necessary for compliance, Advisor shall not be responsible for such violations and the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Advisor and each of its officers, directors, employees, members, managers, agents and representatives, from and against all claims, liabilities, costs and expenses threatened or incurred by Advisor, directly or indirectly, as a result of the Company’s failure to timely fund adequate capital to comply with any applicable law, rule or regulation), (d) violate any of the rules or regulations of any

 

9


exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed or (e) violate the Company’s charter, bylaws or resolutions of the Board of Directors, all as in effect from time to time.

The Advisor acknowledges receipt of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Code of Conduct for CEO, CFO and CAO, and Policy on Insider Training, and agrees to require its employees who provide services to the Company to comply with such codes and policies.

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION.

8.1 Limitation on Liability . The Advisor shall have no responsibility other than to render the services and take the actions described herein in good faith and with the exercise of due care and shall not be responsible for any action of the Board of Directors in following or declining to follow any advice or recommendation of the Advisor. The Advisor (including its officers, directors, managers, employees and members) will not be liable for any act or omission by the Advisor (or its officers, directors, managers, employees and members) performed in accordance with and pursuant to this Agreement, except by reason of acts constituting gross negligence, bad faith, willful misconduct or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement.

8.2 Insurance Coverage of the Advisor . The Advisor shall maintain errors and omissions insurance coverage and other insurance coverage in amounts which are customarily carried by asset managers performing functions similar to those of the Advisor under this Agreement. No fidelity bond shall be required.

8.3 Indemnification .

(a) The Company shall reimburse, indemnify and hold harmless the Advisor and its partners, directors, officers, stockholders, managers, members, agents, employees and each other Person, if any, controlling the Advisor (each, an “ Advisor Indemnified Party ”), to the full extent lawful, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities of any nature whatsoever (“ Losses ”) with respect to or arising from any acts or omission of the Advisor (including ordinary negligence) in its capacity as such, except with respect to losses, claims, damages or liabilities with respect to or arising out of such Advisor Indemnified Party’s gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement.

(b) The Advisor shall reimburse, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, and its partners, directors, officers, stockholders, managers, members, agents, employees and each other Person, if any, controlling the Company (each, a “ Company Indemnified Party ”; Advisor Indemnified Party and Company Indemnified Party are each sometimes hereinafter referred to as an “ Indemnified Party ”) of and from any and all Losses in respect of or arising from (i) any acts or omissions of the Advisor constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties of the Advisor under this Agreement or (ii) any claims by the Advisor’s employees relating to the terms and conditions of their employment by the Advisor.

 

10


(c) Notwithstanding the indemnification provisions in Section 8.3(a) and Section 8.3(b) above, indemnification will not be allowed for any liability arising from or out of a violation of state or federal securities laws by an Indemnified Party. Indemnification will be allowed for settlements and related expenses of lawsuits alleging securities law violations, and for expenses incurred in successfully defending such lawsuits, provided that a court either (i) approves the settlement and finds that indemnification of the settlement and related costs should be made, or (ii) approves indemnification of litigation costs if a successful defense is made. If indemnification is unavailable as a result of this Section 8.3(c) , the indemnifying party shall contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Indemnified Party may be subject in such amount as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by each of the indemnifying party and the party seeking contribution on the one hand and the relative faults of the indemnifying party and the party seeking contribution on the other, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.

(d) Promptly after receipt by an Indemnified Party of notice of the commencement of any action, such Indemnified Party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made pursuant hereto, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the omission to so notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to any Indemnified Party pursuant to this Section 8.3 . In case any such action shall be brought against an Indemnified Party and it shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such Indemnified Party and, after notice from the indemnifying party to such Indemnified Party of its election to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such Indemnified Party under Section 8.3(a) or (b)  hereof, as applicable, for any legal expenses of other counsel or any of the expenses, in each case subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Party, unless (i) the indemnifying party and the Indemnified Party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel, or (ii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the indemnifying party and Indemnified Party and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate in the reasonable opinion of the Indemnified Party, due to actual or potential differing interests between them. The obligations of the indemnifying party under this Section 8.3 shall be in addition to any liability which the indemnifying party otherwise may have.

(e) The Company shall be required to advance funds to an Indemnified Party for legal expenses and other costs incurred as a result of any legal action or proceeding if a claim in respect thereof is to be made pursuant hereto and if requested by such Indemnified Party if (i) such suit, action or proceeding relates to or arises out of, or is alleged to relate to or arise out of or has been caused or alleged to have been caused in whole or in part by, any action or inaction on the part of the Indemnified Party in the performance of its duties or provision of its services on behalf of the Company; and (ii) the Indemnified Party undertakes to repay any funds advanced pursuant to this Section 8.3(3) in cases in which such Indemnified Party would not be entitled to indemnification under Section 8.3(a) . If advances are required under this Section 8.3(3) , the Indemnified Party shall furnish the Company with an undertaking as set forth in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence and shall thereafter have the right to bill the Company

 

11


for, or otherwise require the Company to pay, at any time and from time to time after such Indemnified Party shall become obligated to make payment therefor, any and all reasonable amounts for which such Indemnified Party is entitled to indemnification under Section 8.3 , and the Company shall pay the same within thirty (30) days after request for payment. In the event that a determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction or an arbitrator that the Company is not so obligated in respect of any amount paid by it to a particular Indemnified Party, such Indemnified Party will refund such amount within sixty (60) days of such determination, and in the event that a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction or an arbitrator is made that the Company is so obligated in respect to any amount not paid by the Company to a particular Indemnified Party, the Company will pay such amount to such Indemnified Party within thirty (30) days of such final determination, in either case together with interest at the current prime rate plus two percent (2%) from the date paid until repaid or the date it was obligated to be paid until the date actually paid.

9. RELATIONSHIP OF ADVISOR AND COMPANY.

9.1 Relationship .

(a) The Company and the Advisor are not partners or joint venturers with each other, and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to make them such partners or joint venturers. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the Advisor from engaging in other activities, including, without limitation, the rendering of advice to other Persons (including other REITs) and to the management of Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (“ Ashford Trust ”), the Advisor’s parent, or other programs advised, sponsored or organized by the Advisor or its Affiliates. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Advisor may not act as an external advisor for an entity with Investment Guidelines substantially similar to the Company’s Initial Investment Guidelines (as set forth in Section 9.2(a) below); provided, however, that if the Company revises its Investment Guidelines, the Advisor will not be restricted from advising other Persons with Investment Guidelines that conflict with the Investment Guidelines of the Company. The Company shall not revise its Investment Guidelines to be directly competitive with all or any portion of the Investment Guidelines of Ashford Trust as of the date hereof. The Company acknowledges that Ashford Trust’s investment guidelines as of the date hereof include all segments of the hospitality industry (including, without limitation, direct, joint venture and debt investments in hotels, condo-hotels, time-shares and other hospitality related assets), with RevPAR criteria less than two times the then-current U.S. average RevPAR, and the Company further acknowledges that any subsequent change to Ashford Trust’s Investment Guidelines, including in connection with any future spin-off, carve-out, split-off or other consummation of a transfer of a division or subset of assets for the purpose of forming a joint venture, a newly created private platform or a new publicly traded company will not have any impact on or change the “Investment Guidelines of Ashford Trust as of the date hereof” for purposes of enforcing this Section 9 . Except as described in this Section 9.1 , this Agreement shall not limit or restrict the right of any manager, director, officer, employee or equityholder of the Advisor or its Affiliates to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other Person. The Advisor may, with respect to any investment in which the Company is a participant, also render advice and service to each and every other participant therein. While the

 

12


information and recommendations provided to the Company shall, in the Advisor’s reasonable and good faith judgment, be appropriate under the circumstances, they may be different from those supplied to other persons.

(b) To the extent the Advisor deems an investment opportunity suitable for recommendation, the Advisor must present any such individual investment opportunity that satisfies the Company’s Initial Investment Guidelines (as set forth and subject to the limitations in Section 9.2 below) to the Company, and the Board of Directors will have 10 business days to accept such opportunity prior to it being available to Ashford Trust or any other Person advised by the Advisor. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, the Company recognizes that it is not entitled to preferential treatment and is only entitled to equitable treatment in receiving information, recommendations and other services. The Company shall have the benefit of the Advisor’s best judgment and effort, and the Advisor shall not undertake any activities that, in its good faith judgment, will materially and adversely affect the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

(c) The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that each of the Company, the Advisor and Ashford Trust, as well as other companies that the Advisor may advise in the future, may benefit from the strategic relationships between such companies and accordingly intend to cooperate to achieve results that are in the best interests of each such entities’ respective shareholders. From time to time, as may be determined by the independent directors of the Advisor, the Company, Ashford Trust and any other company subsequently advised by the Advisor, each such entity may provide financial accommodations, guaranties, back-stop guaranties, and other forms of financial assistance to the other entities on terms that the respective Independent Directors determine to be fair and reasonable.

9.2 Conflicts of Interest .

(a) To minimize conflicts with Ashford Trust and the Company, both of which are advised by the Advisor, Ashford Trust and the Company have identified the asset type that such party intends to select as its principal investment focus and to set parameters for its real estate investments, including parameters primarily relating to RevPAR, segments, markets and other factors or financial metrics. The asset type, together with the relevant parameters for investments are referred to as such Person’s “ Investment Guidelines ,” and the “ Initial Investment Guidelines ” of the Company are the Investment Guidelines of the Company as set forth below. The Board of Directors may modify or supplement, after consultation with Advisor, the Company’s Investment Guidelines upon written notice to the Advisor from time to time (subject, however, to the prohibition in Section 9.1(a) restricting the Company from changing its Initial Investment Guidelines to be directly competitive with all or any portion of Ashford Trust’s Investment Guidelines as of the date hereof). As of the Effective Date, the Advisor is a subsidiary of Ashford Trust and advises Ashford Trust, and also, commencing on the Effective Date, advises the Company. The Advisor may enter into an advising relationship with additional companies in the future, subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 9.1(a) . The Company hereby declares its Initial Investment Guidelines to be hotel real estate assets primarily consisting of equity or ownership interests, as well as debt investments when such debt is acquired with the intent of obtaining an equity or ownership interest, in:

 

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  (i) full service and urban select service hotels with trailing twelve (12) month average RevPAR or anticipated twelve (12) month average RevPAR of at least twice the then-current U.S. national average RevPAR for all hotels as determined with reference to the most current Smith Travel Research reports, generally in the 20 most populous metropolitan statistical areas, as estimated by the United States Census Bureau and delineated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget;

 

  (ii) upscale, upper-upscale and luxury hotels meeting the RevPAR criteria set forth in clause (i) above and situated in markets that may be generally recognized as resort markets; and

 

  (iii) international hospitality assets predominantly focused in areas that are general destinations or in close proximity to major transportation hubs or business centers, such that the area serves as a significant entry or departure point to a foreign country or region of a foreign country for business or leisure travelers and meet the RevPAR criteria set forth in clause (i) above (after any applicable currency conversion to U.S. dollars).

When determining whether an asset satisfies the Company’s Investment Guidelines, the Advisor shall make a good faith determination of projected RevPAR, taking into account historical RevPAR as well as such additional considerations as conversions or reposition of assets, capital plans, brand changes and other factors that may reasonably be forecasted to raise RevPAR after stabilization of such initiative.

(b) If the Company materially modifies its Initial Investment Guidelines set forth in Section 9.2(a) above without the written consent of the Advisor, the Advisor will not have an obligation to present investment opportunities to the Company as set forth in Section 9.1(b) above at any time thereafter, regardless of any subsequent modifications by the Company to its Investment Guidelines. Instead, the Adviser shall use its best judgment in determining how to allocate investment opportunities to Persons (including Ashford Trust and the Company) which Advisor advises, taking into account such factors as the Advisor deems relevant, in its discretion, subject to any then existing or future obligations that the Advisor may have to other Persons. The Company acknowledges that if it materially modifies its Initial Investment Guidelines, it will not be entitled to preferential treatment from the Advisor and only will be entitled to the Advisor’s best judgment in allocating investment opportunities.

(c) In the event that the Advisor obtains a portfolio acquisition opportunity composed of asset types that satisfies the Initial Investment Guidelines of the Company and Ashford Trust or, as applicable, one or more other Persons managed by the Advisor, the Advisor will endeavor in its good faith judgment to present such opportunity to the Board of Directors, Ashford Trust and, if applicable, such other Person(s) to the extent the portfolio can be reasonably divided by asset type and acquired on the basis of such asset types in satisfaction of each Person’s Investment Guidelines. If the board of directors of Ashford Trust, the Board of Directors and, if applicable, such other Person(s) approve its portion of such acquisition, Ashford Trust, the Company and, if applicable, such other Person(s) will cooperate in good

 

14


faith in completing the acquisition of the portfolio. If the portfolio cannot be reasonably separated by asset type, the Advisor shall allocate portfolio investment opportunities between the Company, Ashford Trust and, if applicable, other Persons advised by the Advisor, in a fair and equitable manner consistent with the investment objectives of the Company, Ashford Trust and, if applicable, other Persons advised by the Advisor. In making this determination, the Advisor will consider, in its sole discretion, the Investment Guidelines and investment strategy of each entity with respect to the acquisition of properties, portfolio concentrations, tax consequences, regulatory restrictions, liquidity requirements, leverage and other factors deemed appropriate by the Advisor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company materially modifies its Initial Investment Guidelines set forth in Section 9.2(a) above without the written consent of the Advisor, the Advisor will not have an obligation to present portfolio acquisition opportunities to the Company as set forth in this Section 9.2(c) at any time thereafter, regardless of any subsequent modifications by the Company to its Investment Guidelines. Instead, the Adviser shall use its best judgment in determining how to allocate such portfolio investment opportunities to Persons (including Ashford Trust and the Company) which Advisor advises, taking into account such factors as the Advisor deems relevant, in its discretion, subject to any then existing or future obligations that the Advisor may have to other Persons. In making the allocation determination with respect to any portfolio opportunity, the Advisor will have no obligation to make any such portfolio investment opportunity available to the Company.

9.3 Exclusive Provider of Products or Services . At any time the Company desires to engage a third party for the performance of services or delivery of products and provided that the Company has the right to control the decision on the award of the applicable contract, the Advisor shall have the exclusive right to provide such service or product at market rates for the provision of such services (“ Market Rates ”). For purposes of this Agreement, Market Rates shall be determined by reference to fees charged by third party providers who are not discounting such fees as a result of fees generated from other sources.

If the Company, after consultation with the Advisor, intends to solicit bids or enter the market for a particular service or product, the Company shall afford the Advisor the opportunity to provide such service or product. In any event, the Advisor shall be provided at least 20 days to elect to provide such service or product at Market Rates. If a majority of the Independent Directors of the Company affirmatively vote that the proposed pricing of the Advisor is not at Market Rates, then the Company and Advisor shall engage a consultant acceptable to the parties to determine the Market Rate for such services. If the consultant’s opinion reflects fees lower than the pricing proposed by the Advisor, the Advisor will pay the expenses of the Consultant and shall have the option to provide the services or product at the Market Rate as determined by the consultant. If the Consultant determines that the proposed pricing by the Advisor is at or below Market Rates, then the Company shall pay the expenses of the Consultant and shall engage Advisor at the Market Rate as determined by the consultant.

9.4 The Ashford Name . The Advisor and its Affiliates have a proprietary interest in the trademarked “Ashford” name and logo. The Advisor hereby grants to the Company a non-transferable, non-assignable, non-exclusive royalty-free right and license to use the “Ashford” name and logo during the term of this Agreement. Accordingly, and in recognition

 

15


of this right, if at any time the Company ceases to retain the Advisor or one of its Affiliates to perform advisory services for the Company, the Company will, within 60 days after receipt of written request from the Advisor, cease to conduct business under or use the name “Ashford” or any derivative thereof and the Company shall change its name and the names of any of its subsidiaries to a name that does not contain the name “Ashford” or any other word or words that might, in the reasonable discretion of the Advisor, be susceptible of indication of some form of relationship between the Company and the Advisor or any its Affiliates. At such time, the Company will also make any changes to any trademarks, servicemarks, logos, or other marks necessary to remove any references to the word “Ashford.” Consistent with the foregoing, it is specifically recognized that the Advisor or one or more of its Affiliates has in the past and may in the future organize, sponsor or otherwise permit to exist other investment vehicles (including vehicles for investment in real estate) and financial and service organizations having “Ashford” as a part of their name and using the “Ashford” logo, all without the need for any consent (and without the right to object thereto) by the Company.

10. BOOKS AND RECORDS. All books and records compiled by the Advisor in the course of discharging its responsibilities under this Agreement shall be the property of the Company and shall be delivered by the Advisor to the Company immediately upon any termination of this Agreement regardless of the grounds for such termination (including, but not limited to, a breach by the Company of this Agreement); provided, however, that the Advisor shall have reasonable access to such books and records to the extent reasonably necessary in connection with the conduct of its services hereunder. The Advisor shall not maintain or assert any lien against or upon any of the books and records. During the term of this Agreement, the books and records of the Company maintained by the Advisor shall be accessible for inspection by any designated representative of the Company upon reasonable advance notice and during normal business hours.

11. CONFIDENTIALITY. The Advisor shall keep confidential any and all non-public information (“ Confidential Information ”), written or oral, obtained by it in connection with the performance of services to the Company except that the Advisor may share such Confidential Information (i) with Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents and other parties who need such Confidential Information for the Advisor to be able to perform its duties hereunder, (ii) with appraisers, lenders, bankers and other parties as necessary in the ordinary course of the Company’s business, (iii) in connection with any governmental or regulatory filings of the Company, filings with the New York Stock Exchange or other applicable securities exchanges or markets, or disclosure or presentations to Company investors (subject to compliance with Regulation FD), (iv) with governmental officials having jurisdiction over the Company and (v) as required by law.

Nothing will prevent the Advisor from disclosing Confidential Information (i) upon the order of any court or administrative agency, (ii) upon the request or demand of, or pursuant to any law or regulation to, any regulatory agency or authority, (iii) to the extent reasonably required in connection with the exercise of any remedy under this Agreement, or (iv) to the Advisor’s legal counsel or independent auditors; provided, however that with respect to (i) and

 

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(ii), so long as legally permissible, the Advisor will give notice to the Company so that the Company may seek, at its sole expense, an appropriate protective order or waiver.

For purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information shall not include (i) information that is available to the public from a source other than the Advisor, (ii) information that is released in writing by the Company to the public or to persons who are not under similar obligations of confidentiality to the Company, or (iii) information that is obtained by the Advisor from a third-party which, to the best of the Advisor’s knowledge, does not constitute a breach by such third-party of an obligation of confidence.

12. TERM AND TERMINATION.

(a) This Agreement shall have an initial term of five (5) years from the Effective Date and shall be automatically extended for successive one year terms thereafter without further action by either the Company or the Advisor unless earlier terminated, as provided herein. This Agreement shall be automatically renewed for additional one (1) year terms commencing on the 5th anniversary of the Effective Date unless:

 

  (i) the Advisor gives written notice to the Company of termination at least 180 days prior to the expiration of the then current term; or

 

  (ii) the Company gives written notice to the Advisor of termination (a “ Termination Notice ”) at least 180 days prior to the expiration of the then current term; provided, however, that any such termination must receive the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the Independent Directors of the Company based on a good faith finding that either (A) there has been unsatisfactory performance by the Advisor that is materially detrimental to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (B) the Base Fee and/or Incentive Fee is not fair (and the Advisor does not offer to negotiate a lower fee that at least two-thirds of the Independent Directors of the Company determines is fair.)

If the reason for non-renewal specified by the Company in its Termination Notice is (ii)(B) above, then the Advisor may, at its option, provide a notice of proposal to renegotiate the Base Fee and Incentive Fees (a “ Renegotiation Proposal ”) not less than 150 days prior to the pending termination date. Thereupon, each party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate in good faith to find a resolution on fees within 120 days following the Company’s receipt of the Renegotiation Proposal. If a resolution is achieved between the Advisor and at least two-thirds of the Independent Directors of the Company within the 120 day period, then the Advisory Agreement shall continue in full force and effect with modification only to the agreed upon Base Fee and/or Incentive Fee.

(b) The Advisor may also, at any time, terminate this Agreement upon a default by the Company in the performance or observance of any material term, condition or

 

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covenant under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Advisor must, before terminating this Agreement, give written notice of the default to the Company and provide the Company with an opportunity to cure the default within 45 days, or if such cure is not reasonably susceptible to cure within 45 days, such additional cure period as is necessary to cure the default so long as the Company is diligently and in good faith pursuing such cure and the additional cure period does not exceed 90 days.

(c) The Company may also, at any time, terminate this Agreement:

 

  (i) upon a default by the Advisor in the performance or observance of any material term, condition or covenant under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Company must, before terminating this Agreement, give written notice of the default to the Advisor and provide the Advisor with an opportunity to cure the default within 45 days, or if such cure is not reasonably susceptible to cure within 45 days, such additional cure period as is reasonably necessary to cure the default so long as the Advisor is diligently and in good faith pursuing such cure and the additional cure period does not exceed 90 days.

 

  (ii) immediately upon providing written notice to the Advisor following an event rendering the Advisor insolvent (an “ Insolvency Event ”); provided the Advisor shall notify the Company no later than 30 days following the Advisor’s knowledge of an Insolvency Event. For purposes of this Agreement, an Insolvency Event is any occurrence in which the Advisor shall (A) authorize or agree to the commencement of a voluntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to itself or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of its property, (B) make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (C) have an involuntary or other proceeding commenced against it seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to it or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or thereafter in effect, and such involuntary case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period exceeding sixty (60) days or (D) commence an action for dissolution.

 

  (iii) immediately upon providing written notice to the Advisor, following the advisor’s conviction (including a plea or nolo contendere) of a felony;

 

  (iv)

immediately upon providing written notice to the Advisor, if the Advisor commits an act of fraud against the Company, misappropriates the funds of the Company or acts in a manner constituting willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of its material duties under this Agreement (including a failure to act); provided, however, that if any such actions or omissions described in this Section 12(c)(iv) are

 

18


  caused by an employee and/or an officer of the Advisor (or an Affiliate of the Advisor) and the Advisor takes all reasonable necessary and appropriate action against such person and cures the damage caused by such actions or omissions within 45 days of the Advisor’s actual knowledge of its commission or omission, the Company will not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 12(c)(iv) ; and

 

  (v) immediately upon providing written notice to the Advisor following an Advisor Change of Control unless such Advisor Change of Control constitutes a permissible assignment under Section 14 hereof.

Advisor Change of Control ” shall be deemed to have occurred upon any of the following events affecting Ashford Trust or Advisor; provided, however, if Advisor is no longer a subsidiary of Ashford Trust as a result of a permitted assignment under Section 14 hereof or otherwise through a transaction not constituting an Advisor Change of Control, then an Advisor Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred upon any of the following events that affect Advisor only (and no Advisor Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred if such event affects Ashford Trust):

 

  A.

any “person” (as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), and as modified in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) other than (A) Ashford Trust, the Advisor or any of their respective subsidiaries, (B) any employee benefit plan of Ashford Trust, the Advisor or any of their respective subsidiaries, (C) Remington or any Affiliate of Remington, (D) a company owned, directly or indirectly, by stockholders of Ashford Trust or the Advisor in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of Ashford Trust or the Advisor, as applicable, or (E) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of Ashford Trust or the Advisor representing 35% or more of the shares of voting stock of Ashford Trust or the Advisor, as applicable, then outstanding; provided, however, if any of the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, or Chief Financial Officer of the Advisor or Ashford Trust, as applicable, immediately before the event (collectively, the “ Advisor Key Officers ”) remain in such capacity or similar capacity with the Advisor or Ashford Trust, as applicable, immediately after the event, or if a majority of the board of directors of Advisor or Ashford Trust, as applicable, immediately before the event remain on the board of directors of Advisor or

 

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  Ashford Trust, as applicable, immediately after the event, then no Advisor Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred;

 

  B. the consummation of any merger, organization, business combination or consolidation of Ashford Trust or the Advisor, as applicable, or one of its respective subsidiaries, as applicable, with or into any other company, other than a merger, reorganization, business combination or consolidation which would result in the holders of the voting securities of Ashford Trust or the Advisor, as applicable, outstanding immediately prior thereto holding securities which represent immediately after such merger, reorganization, business combination or consolidation more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of Ashford Trust or the Advisor, as applicable, or the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company, provided, however, if any of the Advisor Key Officers remain in such capacity or similar capacity with the Advisor, Ashford Trust or surviving entity immediately after the event, or if a majority of the board of directors of Advisor or Ashford Trust, as applicable, immediately before the event remain on the board of directors of Advisor, Ashford Trust or surviving entity immediately after the event, then no Advisor Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred; or

 

  C. the consummation of a sale or disposition by Ashford Trust or the Advisor, as applicable, of all or substantially all of such entity’s assets, other than a sale or disposition if the holders of the voting securities of such entity outstanding immediately prior thereto hold securities immediately thereafter which represent more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the acquiror, or parent of the acquiror, of such assets provided, however, if any of the Advisor Key Officers remain in such capacity or similar capacity with the Advisor, Ashford Trust or acquiring entity immediately after the event, or if a majority of the board of directors of Advisor, Ashford Trust or acquiring entity immediately before the event remain on the board of directors of Advisor or Ashford Trust, as applicable, immediately after the event, then no Advisor Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred.

(d) Upon any termination of this Agreement (including a termination pursuant to Section 16 hereof), the parties shall have the following obligations (“ Termination Obligations ”):

 

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  (i) The Company shall pay all Base Fees, Incentive Fees and expense reimbursements due and owing through the date of termination (collectively, “ Accrued Fees ”).

 

  (ii) Upon any termination pursuant to Section 12(a)(ii) , based on unsatisfactory performance by the Advisor or unfair fees with no resolution within the time period set forth in Section 12(a)(ii) , the Company shall pay a termination fee equal to three (3) times the sum of the average annual Base Fee and average annual Incentive Fee over the 24 calendar months preceding termination (a “ Termination Fee ”). The Termination Fee, if any, shall be payable to the Advisor on or before the termination date of this Agreement.

 

  (iii) In the event of any termination of this Agreement, the Company (and any of its Affiliates) shall not, without the consent of the Advisor, solicit for employment, employ or otherwise retain (directly or indirectly) any employee of the Advisor (or any of its Affiliates) for a period of two years.

 

  (iv) Immediately upon termination, the Advisor shall promptly (a) pay over all money collected and held for the account of the Company, provided that the Advisor shall be permitted to deduct any Accrued Fees in lieu of receiving payment for such Accrued Fees pursuant to Section 12(d)(i) ; (b) deliver a full accounting of all accounts held by the Advisor in the name of or on behalf of the Company; (c) deliver all property, documents, files, contracts and assets of the Company to the Company; and (d) cooperate with and assist the Company in executing an orderly transition of the management of the company’s assets to a new advisor.

(e) The following Sections, including the rights and obligations contained therein, shall survive the termination of this Agreement:

 

  (i) The parties’ Termination Obligations pursuant to Section 12(d) and the obligations pursuant to Section 16 ;

 

  (ii) The Advisor’s confidentiality obligations pursuant to Section 11 ;

 

  (iii) The limitation of the Advisor’s liability pursuant to Section 8.1 ;

 

  (iv) The parties’ indemnification obligations pursuant to Section 8.3 ; and

 

  (v) The Company’s obligations to cease using the trademarked name “Ashford” and other obligations pursuant to Section 9.4.

13. NOTICES. Any notices, instructions or other communications required or contemplated by this Agreement shall be deemed to have been properly given and to be effective

 

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upon delivery if delivered in person, sent electronically or upon receipt if sent by courier service. All such communications to the Company shall be addressed as follows:

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Attn: Chief Executive Officer

With a copy to:

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 110

Dallas, TX 75254

Attn: General Counsel

All such communications to the Advisor shall be addressed as follows:

Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Attn: Chief Executive Officer

With a copy to:

Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Attn: General Counsel

Either party hereto may designate a different address by written notice to the other party delivered in accordance with this Section 13 .

14. DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITY AND ASSIGNMENT.

(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, the Advisor shall have the power to delegate all or any part of its rights and powers to manage and control the business and affairs of the Company to such officers, employees, Affiliates, agents and representatives of the Advisor or the Company as it may deem appropriate. Any authority delegated by the Advisor to any other person shall be subject to the limitations on the rights and powers of the Advisor specifically set forth in this Agreement or the charter of the Company.

The Advisor may assign this Agreement to any Affiliate that remains under the control of Ashford Trust without the consent of the Company. The Advisor may also assign this Agreement to a newly formed publicly traded company without Company approval in connection with a spin-off, carve-out, split-off or distribution to the Advisor’s or Ashford Trust’s stockholders.

 

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(b) The Company may not assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Advisor, except in the case of assignment by the Company to another REIT or other organization that is a successor, by merger, consolidation, purchase of assets, or other similar transaction, to the Company.

15. FUTURE SPIN-OFF BY THE COMPANY. If the Company elects to spin-off, carve-out, split-off or otherwise consummate a transfer of a division or subset of assets for the purpose of forming a joint venture, a newly created private platform or a new publicly traded company to hold such division or subset of assets constituting a distinct asset type and/or Investment Guidelines (collectively, a “ Spin-Off Company ”), the Company and Advisor agree that such Spin-Off Company shall be externally advised by the Advisor pursuant to an advisory agreement containing substantially the same material terms set forth in this Agreement.

16. TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE UPON CHANGE OF CONTROL OF COMPANY. Upon a Company Change of Control (defined below), the Company shall have the right, at its election, to terminate this Agreement upon the payment of the COC Termination Fee (defined below) and subject to the conditions and terms of this Section 16 .

(a) “ Company Change of Control ” shall mean any of the following events:

 

  (i) any “person” (as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act , and as modified in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) other than (A) the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (B) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (C) a company owned, directly or indirectly, by stockholders of Ashford Prime in substantially the same proportions as the ownership of Ashford Prime, or (D) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of Ashford Prime representing 35% or more of the shares of voting stock of Ashford Prime then outstanding;

 

  (ii) the consummation of any merger, reorganization, business combination or consolidation of the Company, or one of its respective subsidiaries, as applicable, with or into any other company, other than a merger, reorganization, business combination or consolidation which would result in the holders of the voting securities of Ashford Prime outstanding immediately prior thereto holding securities which represent immediately after such merger, reorganization, business combination or consolidation more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;

 

  (iii)

the consummation of a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of its assets, other than a sale or disposition if the holders of the voting securities of Ashford Prime outstanding immediately prior

 

23


  thereto hold securities immediately thereafter which represent more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the acquirer, or parent of the acquirer, of such assets.

(b) If the Company desires to enter into a transaction which constitutes a Company Change of Control and the Board of Directors approves (subject to diligence, shareholder approval, conditions or otherwise) such proposed transaction, the Company shall promptly notify the Advisor in writing (the “ Transaction Notice ”), or in any event within five (5) business days following the Board approval. The Transaction Notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the material terms of the proposed Company Change of Control transaction, the proposed timing, pricing, identity of the acquirer(s), and all material conditions including, without limitation, whether or not the proposed transaction is conditioned upon the termination of this Agreement. If the proposed Company Change in Control transaction is not conditioned upon a termination of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect following the closing of the Company Change of Control transaction with the Company, the acquirer or successor, as the case may be. If the proposed Company Change in Control transaction is conditioned upon the termination of this Agreement, then subject to the payment of the COC Termination Fee, together will all other Base Fees, Incentive Fees, and other charges, costs and reimbursements accrued through the date of termination of this Agreement required to be paid to Advisor pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Company may elect to terminate this Agreement by setting forth its election in the Transaction Notice or by written notice to Advisor, which notice must be delivered at least sixty (60) days prior to the closing of the Company Change of Control transaction. As a condition to the effectiveness of a termination of this Agreement, the Company shall pay to Advisor the COC Termination Fee (together with all other Base Fees, Incentive Fees, and other charges, costs and reimbursements accrued through the date of termination of this Agreement) on the closing of the Company Change of Control transaction. If an election to terminate this Agreement is not timely made by the Company, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect with the Company, acquirer or successor, as the case may be.

(c) If a Company Change in Control occurs by reason of an action not taken by the Board but through an involuntary action, then, within ten (10) days following the occurrence of such Company Change in Control, the Company may elect by delivering written notice thereof to Advisor, subject to the payment of the COC Termination Fee (together with all Base Fees, Incentive Fees, and other charges, costs and reimbursements accrued through the date of termination of this Agreement required to be paid to Advisor pursuant to the terms of this Agreement), to terminate this Agreement, which such termination may occur no earlier than thirty (30) days or greater than sixty (60) days following the date such written election is received by Advisor. If such election is timely made by the Company, the Company shall pay to Advisor, on the termination date of this Agreement, the COC Termination Fee and all Base Fees, Incentive Fees, and other charges, costs and reimbursements accrued through the date of termination of this Agreement required to be paid pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. If an election to terminate this Agreement is not timely made by the Company, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect with the Company, acquirer or successor, as the case may be.

 

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(d) The “ COC Termination Fee ” payable to the Advisor in cash, for purposes of a termination of this Agreement shall be calculated as follows:

 

  (i) So long as Advisor’s common stock is not publicly traded:

(A) 14 multiplied by the earnings of the Advisor attributable to this Agreement, after costs and expenses (including taxes) of the Advisor attributable to the performance of its duties under this Agreement (“ Net Earnings ”) for the 12-month period preceding the termination date of this Agreement; plus

(B) an additional amount such that the total net amount received by Advisor after the reduction by assumed state and federal income taxes at an assumed combined rate of 40% on the amounts described in (A) and (B) shall equal the amount described in (A).

 

  (ii) If at the time the Transaction Notice is given to Advisor, Advisor’s common stock is publicly traded separate from the common stock of Ashford Trust:

(A) 1.1 times the greater of:

(I) 12 multiplied by the Net Earnings of the Advisor for the 12-month period preceding the termination date of this Agreement; or

(II) the earnings multiple (based on net earnings after taxes) for the Advisor’s common stock for the 12-month period preceding the termination date of this Agreement multiplied by the Net Earnings of the Advisor for the 12-month period preceding the termination date of this Agreement; or

(III) the simple average of the earnings multiples (based on net earnings after taxes) for the Advisor’s common stock for each of the three fiscal years preceding the termination date of this Agreement, multiplied by the Net Earnings of the Advisor for the 12-month period preceding the termination date of this Agreement, plus

(B) an additional amount such that the total net amount received by Advisor after the reduction by assumed state and federal income taxes at an assumed combined rate of 40% on the amounts described in (A) and (B) shall equal the amount described in (A).

(e) Following the closing of a Company Change in Control Transaction and termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 16 , the Advisor will reasonably

 

25


cooperate in an orderly transition of management for a period of up to thirty (30) days for the payment of Base and Incentive Fees based on the average monthly amounts for the three (3) months prior to the Transaction Notice, or in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 16(c) above, based on the average monthly amounts for the three (3) months prior to the public announcement of the Company Change in Control.

17. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF THE ADVISOR. The Advisor represents and warrants to, and covenants and agrees with, the Company as follows:

(a) The Advisor, taking into account its own personnel and the personnel available to it through its Affiliates, has access to personnel trained and experienced in the business of acquisitions, leasing of hotels, asset management, financing, the ownership and dispositions of hotels and such other areas as may be necessary and sufficient to enable the Advisor to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(b) The Advisor shall comply with all laws, rules, regulations and ordinances applicable to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

Neither the Advisor nor any of its Affiliates is party to or otherwise bound by or, during the term of this Agreement (including any extension thereof), will become party to or otherwise bound by, any agreement that would restrict or prevent (i) the Advisor from performing any obligation contemplated by this Agreement or (ii) the Company from operating its business as proposed to be conducted, including, without limitation, acquiring any hotel in any geographic market in the United States or any foreign country.

18. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to the conflict of laws principals thereof.

19. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement reflects the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and replaces all agreements between the Company and the Advisor with respect to the subject matter hereof.

20. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and no other Person shall acquire or have any right under, or by virtue of, this Agreement. The Company shall be entitled to assign this Agreement to any successor to all or substantially all of its assets, rights and/or obligations; the Advisor shall have the right to assign this Agreement to any Affiliate (as such term is defined in Section 2 ).

21. AMENDMENT, MODIFICATIONS AND WAIVER. This Agreement hereto shall not be altered or otherwise amended in any respect, except pursuant to an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto; provided, that any additions to or deletions from the Peer Group Members identified in Exhibit A shall only be made with the approval of a majority of the Independent Directors of the Company and a majority of the Independent Directors of Ashford

 

26


Trust, the indirect parent of the Advisor. The waiver by a party of a breach of any provisions of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.

22. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

(SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE)

* * * * *

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

ASHFORD PRIME:
Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.
By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

Name:   David A. Brooks
Title:   Chief Operating Officer
OPERATING PARTNERSHIP:
Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC,
its general partner
  By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

  Name:   David A. Brooks
  Title:   Vice President
ADVISOR:
Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC
By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

Name:   David A. Brooks
Title:   Vice President

[Signature page to the Advisory Agreement]


Exhibit A

Peer Group Members

Strategic Hotels and Resorts, Inc.

Chesapeake Lodging Trust

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

Lasalle Hotel Properties

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

 

A-1

Exhibit 10.3

EXECUTION VERSION

RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER AGREEMENT

THIS RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), is dated and effective as of November 19, 2013 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC., a Maryland corporation (“ Ashford Trust ”), and ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC., a Maryland corporation (“ Ashford Prime ”) (Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime are referred to herein as a “ Party ”).

WHEREAS, each of Ashford Prime and Ashford Trust is in the business of investing in the hospitality industry through their interests in their respective operating partnerships, Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, (“ Ashford Prime OP ”) and Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership (“ Ashford Trust OP ”) (collectively, the “ Operating Partnerships ”), including through the acquiring, developing, owning and disposing of hotels (for purposes hereof, unless the context otherwise requires, the term “ Ashford Prime ” and “ Ashford Trust ” shall include their respective Operating Partnerships);

WHEREAS, Ashford Hospitality Advisor LLC (“ Ashford Advisor ”) provides advisory services to Ashford Trust pursuant to that certain Advisory Agreement of even date herewith by and between Ashford Trust, Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Advisor (the “ Ashford Trust Advisory Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, Ashford Advisor provides advisory services to Ashford Prime pursuant to that certain Advisory Agreement of even date herewith by and between Ashford Prime, Ashford Prime OP and Ashford Advisor (the “ Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement ” and together with the Ashford Trust Advisory Agreement, the “ Advisory Agreements ”);

WHEREAS, each Advisory Agreement provides that the respective Party must identify the asset type that such Party intends to select as its principal investment focus and to set parameters for its investments, including parameters relating to financial metrics and targeted markets (the “ Investment Guidelines ”);

WHEREAS, the Parties acknowledge that Ashford Trust directly or indirectly owns certain assets set forth on “ Exhibit A ” attached hereto (the “ Initial Prime ROFO Assets ”) that meet the initial Investment Guidelines of Ashford Prime;

WHEREAS, each Party desires to grant to the other Party a right of first offer upon and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties agree as follows:

 

  1. GRANT OF RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER.

1.1 Grant of Right of First Offer .

(a) If Ashford Trust or any of its Affiliates (in such context, the “ Selling Party ”) (i) desires to offer for sale any of the Initial Prime ROFO Assets


or any other asset hereafter owned by Selling Party that meets the initial Investment Guidelines of Ashford Prime to a Third Party, or (ii) receives from a Third Party an offer to purchase any such asset and Selling Party desires to accept such offer (in each case whether by transfer of the asset or all or a portion of the direct or indirect equity interests in the owner of such asset owned by the Selling Party) (in such context, the “ ROFO Interest ”), then, prior to offering such asset for sale or accepting such offer to purchase, the Selling Party shall first offer the ROFO Interest to Ashford Prime (in such context, the “ Purchasing Party ”) in accordance with this Agreement (the “ Ashford Prime ROFO ”).

(b) If Ashford Prime or any of its Affiliates (in such context, the “ Selling Party ”) acquires a portfolio of assets (or direct or indirect equity interests in one or more owners of a portfolio of assets) and the board of directors of Ashford Prime determines that it is appropriate for Ashford Prime to offer for sale to a Third Party or accept an offer to purchase received from a Third Party any assets within such portfolio at any time after Ashford Prime acquires such portfolio (whether by transfer of the asset or all or a portion of the direct or indirect equity interests in the owner of such asset owned by the Selling Party), and such assets meet the Investment Guidelines of Ashford Trust as of the date of this Agreement (in such context, the “ ROFO Interest ”), then, prior to offering such asset for sale or accepting such offer to purchase, the Selling Party shall first offer the ROFO Interest to Ashford Trust (in such context, the “ Purchasing Party ”) in accordance with this Agreement (the “ Ashford Trust ROFO ”) (the Ashford Prime ROFO and the Ashford Trust ROFO are referred to herein, as the context requires, as the “ ROFO ”).

(c) A ROFO Interest shall not include (i) a lease or license of interior or ancillary space within any asset, (ii) the sale, purchase, transfer, issuance, redemption or conversion of any publicly traded security (or security that is convertible into a publicly traded security), or any hedging or derivative contract, (iii) an asset that a Party does not possess or control the right to sell, (iv) a transfer of the direct or indirect equity interests in the owner of an asset to a lender or other provider of financing as an accommodation to, or in connection with, the structuring of a financing transaction, or (v) a portfolio of assets (or direct or indirect equity interests in one or more owners of a portfolio of assets) that is being offered for sale or for which an offer to purchase was received in which one or more assets, but not all of the assets, meet the Investment Guidelines of the Purchasing Party and the pool of assets cannot be reasonably split up by asset type. If the pool of assets can be reasonably split by asset type, the ROFO Interest shall include the assets in the pool that would otherwise constitute a ROFO Interest pursuant to Sections 1.1(a) and (b)  above. A Selling Party that obtains an indication of value from a broker shall not be deemed to be offering an asset for sale for purposes of this Agreement.

(d) The ROFO (i) shall not apply to any transfer by asset or equity interest foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure pursuant to any applicable mortgage, pledge or security agreement, and (ii) shall be subject and subordinate

 

2


to any other right to purchase a ROFO Interest either now existing or, with respect to any ROFO Interest other than the ROFO Interests in the Initial Prime ROFO Assets, any such rights hereafter granted (in good faith), in each case to any other Third Party, including any manager, franchisor, ground lessor or direct or indirect joint venture partner of an asset.

1.2 Right of First Offer Procedures . Each ROFO shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

(a) Selling Party shall deliver prior written notice (the “ Offer Notice ”) to Purchasing Party of its intention to offer for sale or accept an offer to purchase any ROFO Interest. The Offer Notice shall specify (i) the ROFO Interest, (ii) the material terms on which Selling Party either desires to offer for sale or accept an offer to purchase the ROFO Interest, including, without limitation, the sales price of the ROFO Interest, and (iii) any then existing rights to purchase the ROFO Interest held by a Third Party to which the ROFO is subordinate.

(b) If a Purchasing Party receives an Offer Notice, Purchasing Party shall have the right by written notice (the “ Election Notice ”) delivered to Selling Party within thirty (30) days after receiving the Offer Notice (the “ Election Period ”) to elect to purchase the ROFO Interest at a purchase price equal to that set forth in the Offer Notice (the “ Offered Purchase Price ”). If Purchasing Party elects to purchase the ROFO Interest, the parties shall have to the expiration of the Election Period to negotiate in good faith commercially reasonable terms and conditions for the sale of the ROFO Interest (to the extent not otherwise expressly set forth in the Offer Notice) and to mutually execute and deliver a purchase and sale agreement for the ROFO Interest (the “ PSA ”).

(c) If (i) Purchasing Party provides written notice that it will not elect to purchase the ROFO Interest, (ii) Purchasing Party fails to provide an Election Notice within the Election Period, or (iii) following delivery of an Election Notice, Selling Party and Purchasing Party fail to mutually execute and deliver the PSA within the Election Period, the ROFO shall be deemed not to apply to the ROFO Interest and the Selling Party shall be free to sell the ROFO Interest unencumbered by this Agreement upon substantially the same terms as those contained in the Offer Notice, but not less than 95% of the Offered Purchase Price; provided, however, if Selling Party does not close on the sale of the ROFO Interest to a Third Party within 180 days following the expiration of the Election Period (the “ Sale Period ”), subject to subparagraph (d) below, the Purchasing Party’s right to purchase such ROFO Interest shall be reinstated on the same terms contained in this Section 1.2 .

(d) If during the Sale Period, Selling Party desires to sell the ROFO Interest on materially less favorable terms to the Selling Party as those contained in the Offer Notice, or at less than 95% of the Offered Purchase Price, Selling Party shall deliver Purchasing Party written notice of such new terms (a “ Revised Offer Notice ”) and Selling Party and Purchasing Party shall have ten (10) days to negotiate in good faith commercially reasonable terms and conditions for the sale of the ROFO Interest (to the extent not otherwise expressly set forth in the Revised Offer Notice) and to mutually

 

3


execute and deliver a PSA. If the Selling Party and Purchasing Party fail to mutually execute and deliver the PSA within such ten (10) day period, the ROFO shall again be deemed not to apply to the applicable ROFO Interest and the Selling Party shall be free to sell such ROFO Interest unencumbered by this Agreement upon substantially the same terms as those contained in the Revised Offer Notice, but not less than Offered Purchase Price contained in the Revised Offer Notice; provided, however, if Selling Party does not close on the sale of the ROFO Interest to a Third Party prior to the expiration of the Sale Period, the Purchasing Party’s right to purchase such ROFO Interest shall be reinstated on the same terms contained in this Section 1.2 . The provisions of the subparagraph (e) shall continue to apply if Selling Party again desires to sell the ROFO Interest on materially less favorable terms to the Selling Party as those contained in the Revised Offer Notice, or at less than the Offered Purchase Price set forth in the Revised Offer Notice.

1.3 Affiliate of Party . Each Party that is a Selling Party or a Purchasing Party shall cause its respective Affiliates to perform any applicable obligations of such Party contained in this Agreement. Selling Party shall have the right to have its applicable Affiliate that owns the ROFO Interest enter into the PSA, and Purchasing Party shall have the right to designate an Affiliate to enter into the PSA.

1.4 Continuing ROFO . The ROFO provided in this Agreement shall be a continuing ROFO for the benefit of the Purchasing Party. Failure of a Purchasing Party to purchase or elect to purchase a ROFO Interest shall not affect the right of the Purchasing Party to purchase a different ROFO Interest (or the same ROFO Interest if reinstated pursuant to this Agreement). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 1.4 , if a Selling Party completes the sale of a ROFO Interest to a Third Party, the ROFO created by this Agreement in such ROFO Interest shall terminate. No ROFO shall run with the land.

 

  2. CLOSING PROCEDURES

2.1 Timing . The closing of a sale of a ROFO Interest (a “ Closing ”) by a Selling Party and a Purchasing Party shall take place on the date set forth in the Offer Notice or the Revised Offer Notice, if applicable, or if not so set forth, on a date that is no later than ninety (90) days after the date that the parties mutually execute and deliver the PSA. During the period that Selling Party and Purchasing Party are negotiating in good faith commercially reasonable terms and conditions of the PSA, Selling Party may permit Purchasing Party reasonable access to the ROFO Interest to conduct customary due diligence pursuant to an access agreement mutually agreed upon by Selling Party and Purchasing Party. If the Offer Notice or Revised Notice, if applicable, contains a customary due diligence period during which the purchaser would not have “at-risk” earnest money (a “ Due Diligence Period ”), the Due Diligence Period to be contained in the PSA shall be reduced by the number of days that Purchasing Party was permitted to conduct due diligence prior to the effective date of the PSA, unless otherwise agreed to by Selling Party and Purchasing Party.

2.2 Closing Deliveries . At a Closing, the Selling Party shall execute and deliver to the Purchasing Party appropriate and customary conveyance documents which convey full right, title and interest in and to the ROFO Interest, free and clear of all liens, security

 

4


interests, adverse claims or restrictions of any kind and nature (except for liens and encumbrances permitted pursuant to the terms of the PSA).

2.3 Payment . Simultaneously with delivery of such conveyance documents to the Purchasing Party, the Purchasing Party shall deliver to the Selling Party, an amount in immediately available funds (or other agreed-upon consideration) equal to the Offered Purchase Price for the ROFO Interest (as revised pursuant to a Revised Offer Notice, if applicable), together with any other consideration, in full payment of the purchase price of the ROFO Interest, as adjusted for any prorations, debits or credits permitted pursuant to the terms of the PSA.

2.4 PSA Termination . If a PSA is terminated for any reason permitted in the PSA (other than by reason of a default), the ROFO shall be deemed not to apply to the ROFO Interest, and the Selling Party shall be free to sell the ROFO Interest unencumbered by this Agreement, subject to any applicable reinstatement provisions of Section 1.2 of this Agreement. If Purchasing Party breaches its obligation to close the purchase of a ROFO Interest pursuant to the PSA or defaults in any material respect under any of the other terms and conditions of the PSA, and Selling Party terminates the PSA on account thereof, Purchasing Party shall have no further rights to acquire the ROFO Interest that is the subject of such terminated PSA pursuant to this Agreement, and Selling Party shall thereafter forever be free to sell the ROFO Interest unencumbered by this Agreement on such terms and conditions as Selling Party shall determine in its discretion. If Selling Party breaches its obligation to close the sale of a ROFO Interest pursuant to the PSA or defaults in any material respect under any of the other terms and conditions of the PSA, Purchasing Party’s sole remedy shall be to exercise such remedies as are expressly provided in the PSA.

 

  3. TERMINATION

3.1 This Agreement shall be effective for an initial term of ten (10) years from the Effective Date, and shall be subject to automatic one-year renewal periods on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date and each anniversary thereafter (each, a “ Renewal Date ”) unless a Party gives written notice (“ Termination Notice ”) to the other Party at least 180 days prior to the expiration of the then current term that such Party is electing to terminate this Agreement as of the next Renewal Date.

3.2 A Party (a “ Terminating Party ”) may terminate this Agreement upon a default by the other Party (the “ Default Party ”) in the performance or observance of any material term, condition or covenant under this Agreement owed to or for the benefit of the Terminating Party; provided, however, that the Terminating Party must, before terminating this Agreement, give written notice of the default to Default Party and provide Default Party with an opportunity to cure the default within 45 days, or if such cure is not reasonably susceptible to cure within 45 days, such additional cure period as is reasonably necessary to cure the default so long as Default Party is diligently and in good faith pursuing such cure and the cure period does not exceed 90 days. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement on account of a default by the other Party under a PSA, and the notice and cure periods set forth in the previous sentence shall not apply to any default under a PSA.

 

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3.3 Notwithstanding Section 3.2 to the contrary, a Party may terminate this Agreement immediately following an event rendering the other Party insolvent (an “ Insolvency Event ”). For purposes of this Agreement, an Insolvency Event is any occurrence in which a Party shall (A) authorize or agree to the commencement of a voluntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to itself or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of its property, (B) make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (C) have an involuntary or other proceeding commenced against it seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to it or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or thereafter in effect, and such involuntary case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period exceeding one hundred twenty (120) days or (D) commence an action for dissolution.

3.4 If Ashford Prime materially modifies its initial Investment Guidelines without the written consent of Ashford Trust, which consent may be withheld in its sole and absolute discretion, then, at the option of Ashford Trust, the Ashford Prime ROFO for any assets then owned or later acquired by Ashford Trust and its Affiliates, other than the Initial Prime ROFO Assets, shall terminate and be of no further force and effect, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties. For purposes hereof, a “material” modification of Ashford Prime’s initial Investment Guidelines shall mean any modification of the Investment Guidelines which cause Ashford Prime’s Investment Guidelines to be competitive with Ashford Trust’s Investment Guidelines.

3.5 This Agreement will automatically terminate upon (i) a termination of the Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement or (ii) a Change of Control of Ashford Prime or Ashford Trust, excluding any Change of Control that results from a spin-off carve-out, split-off or other transfer of a division or subset of assets for the purpose of forming a joint venture, a newly created private platform or a new publicly traded company to hold such division or subset of assets constituting a distinct asset type and/or Investment Guidelines.

 

  4. MISCELLANEOUS

4.1 Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement:

(a) “Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, a Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly , of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise; provided, however, no Party shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of Ashford Advisor or any other Party solely as a result of an Advisory Agreement.

(b) “Change of Control ” means shall mean, with respect to any entity, any of the following events:

 

6


  i) any “person” (as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), and as modified in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) other than (A) such entity or any of its subsidiaries, (B) any employee benefit plan of such entity or any of its subsidiaries, (C) a company owned, directly or indirectly, by stockholders of such entity in substantially the same proportions as the ownership of such entity, or (D) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of such entity representing 35% or more of the shares of voting stock of such entity then outstanding;

 

  ii) the consummation of any merger, reorganization, business combination or consolidation of such entity, or one of its respective subsidiaries, as applicable, with or into any other company, other than a merger, reorganization, business combination or consolidation which would result in the holders of the voting securities of such entity outstanding immediately prior thereto holding securities which represent immediately after such merger, reorganization, business combination or consolidation more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of such entity or the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;

 

  iii) the consummation of a sale or disposition by such entity of all or substantially all of its assets, other than a sale or disposition if the holders of the voting securities of such entity outstanding immediately prior thereto hold securities immediately thereafter which represent more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the acquirer, or parent of the acquirer, of such assets.

(c) “ Person ” means, an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

(d) “ Third Party ” means as to any Person, any other Person that is not an Affiliate of such Person.

4.2 Confidentiality . The Parties or any agent acting by, through, under or on their behalf shall be strictly prohibited from disclosing to any Third Party (other than financial sources, consultants, representatives and prospective Third Party transferees) the terms, conditions or status of negotiations or discussions concerning the proposed transfer of the ROFO

 

7


Interest (the “ Confidential Information ”) except to the extent such matters are already public knowledge or are required under applicable securities law.

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, nothing will prevent the parties from disclosing Confidential Information (i) upon the order of any court or administrative agency, (ii) upon the request or demand of, or pursuant to any law or regulation to, any regulatory agency or authority, (iii) to the extent reasonably required in connection with the exercise of any remedy under this Agreement, (iv) to the parties’ legal counsel or independent auditors; provided, however that with respect to (i) and (ii), so long as legally permissible, the Advisor will give notice to the Company so that the Company may seek, at its sole expense, an appropriate protective order or waiver.

For purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information shall not include (i) information that is available to the public from a source other than the parties, (ii) information that is released in writing by either party to the public or to Persons who are not under similar obligation of confidentiality to the parties, or (iii) information that is obtained by any party from a third party which, to the best of such party’s knowledge, does not constitute a breach by such third party of an obligation of confidence.

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, the parties hereby acknowledge and agree that this Agreement may be filed as an exhibit to a registration statement filed by Ashford Prime with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

4.3 Notices . Any notices, instructions or other communications required or contemplated by this Agreement shall be deemed to have been properly given and to be effective upon delivery if delivered in person, sent electronically or upon receipt if sent by courier service.

All such communications to Ashford Prime shall be addressed as follows:

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

c/o Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Attn: Chief Operating Officer

All such communications to Ashford Trust shall be addressed as follows:

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.

c/o Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Attn: Chief Operating Officer

Either Party may designate a different address by written notice to the other party delivered in accordance with this Section 4.3 .

 

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4.4 Entire Agreement . This Agreement reflects the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and replaces all agreements with respect to the subject matter hereof.

4.5 Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and no other person or entity shall acquire or have any right under, or by virtue of, this Agreement. A Party shall be entitled to assign this Agreement to any successor to all or substantially all of its assets, rights and/or obligations.

4.6 Amendment, Modifications and Waiver . This Agreement hereto shall not be altered or otherwise amended in any respect, except pursuant to an instrument in writing signed by all of the Parties. The waiver by a party of a breach of any provisions of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.

4.7 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any entity, person or circumstance shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of the provisions hereof to other entities, persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby and shall be enforce to the fullest extent permitted by law.

4.8 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to the conflict of laws principals thereof.

4.9 Headings . The paragraph and section headings utilized herein are in no way intended to interpret or limit the terms and conditions hereof, but rather, they are intended for purposes of convenience only.

4.10 Exhibits . The exhibits attached hereto are hereby incorporated herein by reference and made a parte hereof.

4.11 Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures . This Agreement may be executed by facsimile and in any number of counterparts and by each of the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. A facsimile signature shall be deemed an original for purposes of evidencing execution of this Agreement.

(SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE)

* * * * *

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

ASHFORD PRIME:
Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.
By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

Name:   David A. Brooks
Title:   Chief Operating Officer
ASHFORD TRUST:
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.
By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

Name:   David A. Brooks
Title:   Chief Operating Officer

[Signature Page to the Right of First Offer Agreement]


Exhibit A

Initial Prime ROFO Assets

 

Hotel Property

  

Location

   Total
Rooms
     %
Owned
 

Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills

   Beverly Hills, CA      260         100

Embassy Suites Crystal City

   Arlington, VA      267         100

Crowne Plaza Key West

   Key West, FL      160         100

Hyatt Coral Gables

   Coral Gables, FL      242         100

One Ocean Jacksonville

   Jacksonville, FL      193         100

Houston Embassy Suites

   Houston, TX      150         100

Portland Embassy Suites

   Portland, OR      276         100

Ritz-Carlton Atlanta

   Atlanta, GA      637         72 %* 

Hilton Boston Back Bay

   Boston, MA      390         72 %* 

Courtyard Boston Downtown

   Boston, MA      315         72 %* 

The Churchill

   Washington D.C.      173         72 %* 

The Melrose

   Washington D.C.      240         72 %* 

 

* These hotels are owned by a joint venture in which Ashford Trust holds an approximate 72% common equity interest and a $25.0 million preferred equity interest. To the extent Ashford Trust has the opportunity to acquire the entire interest in these hotels or controls the right to sell these hotels, the right of first offer agreement will extend to these properties.

 

A-1

Exhibit 10.4

EXECUTION VERSION

OPTION AGREEMENT

PIER HOUSE RESORT & SPA

THIS OPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Option Agreement ”) is executed as of this 19th day of November, 2013 (the “ Effective Date ”) by ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (“ Ashford Prime OP ”) and ASHFORD HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. (“ Ashford Trust OP ”), with respect to the Property Entities (defined below), and ASHFORD TRS CORPORATION (“ Ashford Trust TRS ” and together with Ashford Trust OP, the “ Grantors ”) and ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION (“ Ashford Prime TRS ” and together with Ashford Prime OP, the “ Optionees ”), with respect to the TRS Entities (defined below).

WHEREAS, Ashford Trust OP directly or indirectly owns 100% of Ashford Pier House LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Property Partnership ”), through its ownership of 100% of the membership interest of Ashford Pier House Mezz B LLC (“ Mezz B ”), which owns 100% of the membership interest of Ashford Pier House Mezz A LLC (“ Mezz A ”), which owns 100% of the limited partnership interest in the Property Partnership and 100% of the equity interest in Ashford Pier House GP LLC, the general partner of the Property Partnership (the “ General Partner ” and together with Mezz B, Mezz A and the Property Partnership, the “ Property Entities ”);

WHEREAS, Ashford Trust TRS owns 100% of the membership interest in TRS Pier House Mezz B LLC (“ Mezz B TRS ”), which owns 100% of the membership interest in Ashford TRS Pier House Mezz A LLC (“ Mezz A LLC ”), which owns 100% of the membership interest in Ashford TRS Pier House LLC (the “ Pier House TRS ” and together with Mezz B TRS and Mezz A TRS (the “ TRS Entities ”);

WHEREAS, the Property Partnership owns the hotel property more fully described on Exhibit A attached hereto, together with all improvements and personal property located thereon or related thereto (collectively, the “ Property ”) and the Pier House TRS operates the Property pursuant to an operating lease with the Property Partnership;

WHEREAS, Ashford Prime OP desires to acquire from Ashford Trust OP, and Ashford Trust OP desires to grant to Ashford Prime OP, an option to purchase 100% of Ashford Trust OP’s interest in Mezz B (collectively, the “ Ashford Trust Equity Interests ”) in exchange for the Property Purchase Price (defined below) and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein;

WHEREAS, Ashford Prime TRS desires to acquire from Ashford Trust TRS, and Ashford Trust TRS desires to grant to Ashford Prime TRS, an option to purchase 100% of Ashford Trust TRS’ interest in Mezz B TRS (the “ Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests ”) in exchange for the TRS Purchase Price (defined below) and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of ten dollars ($10.00) paid by the Optionees to the Grantors, the mutual covenants and conditions set forth herein and other good


and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Optionees and Grantors agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

THE OPTION

Section 1.1 Grant of Option . Ashford Trust OP hereby grants to Ashford Prime OP an irrevocable option to acquire the Ashford Trust Equity Interests in exchange for the Property Purchase Price, and Ashford Trust TRS hereby grants to Ashford Prime TRS an irrevocable option to acquire the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests in exchange for the TRS Purchase Price (collectively, the “ Purchase Option ”), in each case subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. Optionees acknowledge and agree that the options to purchase the Ashford Trust Equity Interests and the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests (collectively, the “ Grantor Equity Interests ”) may only be exercised together and simultaneously as a single Purchase Option.

Section 1.2 Term and Exercise of Option . The Purchase Option may be exercised beginning from and after the Effective Date through 5:00 p.m. on the 18 month anniversary of the Effective Date (the “ Option Termination Date ”). The Optionees may only exercise the Purchase Option by delivering a written purchase notice (“ Purchase Notice ”) substantially in the form of Exhibit B to the Grantors on or before the Option Termination Date. If Optionees do not deliver a Purchase Notice on or before the Option Termination Date, the Purchase Option shall be deemed terminated and shall be of no further force and effect, and the Grantors shall have no further obligations hereunder.

Section 1.3 Purchase Price and Payment .

(a) The full purchase price for the Ashford Trust Equity Interests (as adjusted pursuant to Section 2.7(b) and the other terms of this Option Agreement, the “ Property Purchase Price ”) upon the exercise of the Purchase Option shall be an amount equal to:

(i) $92,604,676 (the “ Base Amount ”) plus the actual cost of any owner funded capital improvements made by Ashford Trust OP between the Effective Date and the Closing Date (“ CapEx ”) for the six month period commencing on the Effective Date (the “ Initial Exercise Period ”);

(ii) the Base Amount, plus one percent of the Base Amount, plus CapEx, if any, for the six month period immediately following the end of the Initial Exercise Period (the “ Second Exercise Period ”); or

(iii) the Base Amount, plus two percent of the Base Amount, plus CapEx, if any, for the six month period immediately following the end of the Second Exercise Period.

(b) The Property Purchase Price is payable in either cash or common units of limited partnership of Ashford Prime OP (“ Ashford Prime OP Units ”), at the option of Ashford Trust OP. Ashford Trust OP must notify Ashford Prime OP of its election to receive cash or Ashford

 

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Prime OP Units no later than the Business Day following the delivery of the Purchase Notice. If Ashford Trust OP elects to receive the Property Purchase Price in Ashford Prime OP Units, the number of Ashford Prime OP Units will be calculated based on the assumption that the Value (as defined below) of each Ashford Prime OP Unit will equal the Value of a share common stock of Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. (“ Ashford Prime ”), calculated as of the date the Purchase Option is exercised (the “ Option Exercise Date ”). The issuance of the Ashford Prime OP Units, if applicable, shall be evidenced by an amendment to the operating partnership agreement of Ashford Prime OP in such form as shall be reasonably acceptable to Ashford Trust OP (the “ Partnership Amendment ”).

(c) As used herein, the term “ Value ” shall mean, with respect to a share of common stock of Ashford Prime, the average of the daily market price for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding a specified date. The market price for each such trading day shall be: (i) if the stock of Ashford Prime is listed or admitted to trading on any securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System, the closing price, regular way, on such day, or if no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day; (ii) if the stock of Ashford Prime is not listed or admitted to trading on any securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System, the last reported sale price on such day or, if no sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day, as reported by a reliable quotation source designated by the General Partner; or (iii) if the stock of Ashford Prime is not listed or admitted to trading on any securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System and no such last reported sale price or closing bid and asked prices are available, the average of the reported high bid and low asked prices on such day, as reported by a reliable quotation source designated by the General Partner, or if there shall be no bid and asked prices on such day, the average of the high bid and low asked prices, as so reported, on the most recent day (not more than ten (10) days prior to the date in question) for which prices have been so reported; provided, however, that if there are no bid and asked prices reported during the ten (10) days prior to the date in question, the Value of a share of common stock of Ashford Prime shall be determined by the General Partner acting in good faith on the basis of such quotations and other information as it considers, in its reasonable judgment, appropriate.

(d) The full purchase price for the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests (the “ TRS Purchase Price ”) upon the exercise of the Purchase Option shall be an amount of cash equal to $616,000.

(e) If Ashford Trust OP elects to receive the Property Purchase Price in Ashford Prime OP Units, the transfer of Mezz B pursuant to this Agreement will be intended to be a contribution governed by Section 721(a) of the Code. In such event, Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Prime OP agree to such tax treatment and shall file their respective Tax Returns consistent with such treatment, unless otherwise required by applicable law.

 

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ARTICLE II

CONTRACT TO PURCHASE OR CONTRIBUTE AND CLOSING PROCEDURES

Section 2.1 Purchase and Sale or Contribution . Upon Optionees’ exercise of the Purchase Option, Ashford Trust OP shall, subject to Section 2.2 hereof, contribute or sell, transfer, assign, and convey to Ashford Prime OP, and Ashford Prime OP shall accept or purchase, as applicable, from Ashford Trust OP, the Ashford Trust Equity Interests, free and clear of all Encumbrances (defined below) in exchange for the Property Purchase Price. Simultaneously, Ashford Trust TRS shall, subject to Section 2.2 hereof, sell, transfer, assign, and convey to Ashford Prime TRS, and Ashford Prime TRS shall purchase from Ashford Trust TRS, the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests, free and clear of all Encumbrances in exchange for the TRS Purchase Price. Each such sale shall be closed in accordance with this Article II.

Section 2.2 Closing . The Purchase Notice delivered by Optionees upon exercise of the Purchase Option shall specify a closing date (“ Closing Date ”) , which date will be no later than the first day of a calendar month following the date that is 90 days from the date of delivery of the Purchase Notice, for the closing (the “ Closing ”) of the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement. The Closing shall be held at a place and time determined by mutual agreement of Optionees and Grantors, or if Optionees and Grantors fail to mutually agree, at a place and time determined by Ashford Prime OP in its sole discretion. At or before such Closing, Optionees and Grantors will execute and deliver all closing documents required by the parties in accordance with Section 2.4 (the “ Closing Documents ”).

Section 2.3 Conditions to Performance of Obligations . Upon exercise of the Purchase Option by the Optionees, the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement and the Closing Documents will be consummated subject only to satisfaction of the following conditions or written waiver of such conditions by Optionees and Grantors:

(i) All consents and approvals of Governmental Authorities or third parties, including the waiver of any applicable right of first offer or right of first refusal with respect to each Property Entity, each TRS Entity or the Property, necessary for the parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (except for those the absence of which would not have a material adverse effect on the ability of the parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement) shall have been obtained.

(ii) No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, judgment, injunction or other Order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent), in any case which is in effect and which prevents or prohibits consummation of any of the transactions contemplated in this Option Agreement nor shall any of the same brought by a Government Authority of competent jurisdiction be pending that seeks the foregoing.

(iii) The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement shall not cause Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (“ Ashford Trust ”), Ashford Trust OP or any affiliate to breach any covenants under that certain Credit Agreement,

 

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dated September 26, 2011, by and among Grantor, Ashford Trust, KeyBanc Capital Markets and KeyBank, National Association, as amended (the “ Ashford Trust Credit Agreement ”).

Section 2.4 Closing Deliverables .

(a) At the Closing, Ashford Trust OP shall execute, acknowledge where deemed desirable or necessary by Ashford Prime OP, and deliver to Ashford Prime OP, in addition to any other documents mentioned elsewhere herein, the following:

(i) An assignment, assumption and admission agreement (“ Assignment Agreement ”) substantially in the form of Exhibit C with respect to Mezz B, assigning 100% of the equity interest of Mezz B held by Ashford Trust OP to Ashford Prime OP, with Mezz B acknowledging the admission of Ashford Prime OP as the successor to Ashford Trust OP’s existing equity interest in Mezz B and further acknowledging Ashford Prime OP’s admission as a member of Mezz B.

(ii) A closing certificate which shall be in a form reasonably satisfactory to Ashford Prime OP and shall reaffirm the accuracy, in all material respects, of all representations and warranties and the satisfaction, in all material respects, of all covenants made by Ashford Trust OP in Article III hereof.

(iii) A certified copy of all appropriate corporate resolutions or partnership actions authorizing the execution, delivery and performance by Ashford Trust OP of this Option Agreement and the Closing Documents to which Ashford Trust OP is a party.

(iv) The Guarantee Schedule (as defined in Section 8.1(c)).

(v) Any other documents reasonably necessary to contribute or assign, transfer and convey, as applicable, the Ashford Trust Equity Interests to Ashford Prime OP, to admit Ashford Trust OP as a partner of Ashford Prime OP (if Ashford Trust OP elects to receive the Property Purchase Price in Ashford Prime OP Units) and to effectuate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) At the Closing, Ashford Trust TRS shall execute, acknowledge where deemed desirable or necessary by Ashford Prime TRS, and deliver to Ashford Prime TRS, in addition to any other documents mentioned elsewhere herein, the following:

(i) An Assignment Agreement with respect to Mezz B TRS, assigning 100% of the equity interest of Mezz B TRS held by Ashford Trust TRS to Ashford Prime TRS, with Mezz B TRS acknowledging the admission of Ashford Prime TRS as the successor to Ashford Trust TRS’s existing equity interest in Mezz B TRS and further acknowledging Ashford Prime TRS’s admission as a member of Mezz B TRS.

(ii) A closing certificate which shall be in a form reasonably satisfactory to Ashford Prime TRS and shall reaffirm the accuracy, in all material respects, of all representations and warranties and the satisfaction, in all material respects, of all covenants made by Ashford Trust TRS in Article IV hereof.

 

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(iii) A certified copy of all appropriate corporate resolutions authorizing the execution, delivery and performance by Ashford Trust TRS of this Option Agreement and the Closing Documents to which Ashford Trust TRS is a party.

(iv) Any other documents reasonably necessary to assign, transfer and convey the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests to Ashford Prime TRS and effectuate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(c) At the Closing, Ashford Prime and/or Ashford Prime OP, as applicable, shall execute, acknowledge where deemed desirable or necessary by Ashford Trust OP, and deliver to Ashford Trust OP, in addition to any other documents mentioned elsewhere herein, the following:

(i) If Ashford Trust OP elects to receive the Property Purchase Price in Ashford Prime OP Units, the Partnership Amendment.

(ii) If Ashford Trust OP elects to receive the Property Purchase Price in Ashford Prime OP Units, a registration rights agreement with respect to the registration of the common stock of Ashford Prime into which the Ashford Prime OP Units may be converted, at the option of Ashford Prime, upon the redemption of the Ashford Prime OP Units, as provided in the limited partnership agreement of Ashford Prime OP.

(iii) The Assignment Agreement with respect to Mezz B.

(iv) The Guarantee Schedule.

(d) At the Closing, Ashford Prime TRS shall execute, acknowledge where deemed desirable or necessary by Ashford Trust TRS, and deliver to Ashford Trust TRS, in addition to any other documents mentioned elsewhere herein, the following:

(i) The TRS Purchase Price by making a wire transfer of immediately available federal funds to the account of Ashford Trust TRS (or other party designated by Ashford Trust TRS).

(ii) The Assignment Agreement with respect to Mezz B TRS.

Section 2.5 Closing Costs . In connection with the exercise of the Purchase Option, each party shall be responsible for the payment of the fees and expenses of their respective legal counsel, accountants and other professional advisors; Ashford Prime OP shall pay for all applicable transfer taxes and recording fees; and all other closing costs shall be allocated to the parties in accordance with the custom of the jurisdiction in which the Property is located.

Section 2.6 Further Assurances . The Grantors, from time to time, shall execute and deliver to the applicable Optionee all such other and further instruments and documents and take or cause to be taken all such other and further action as either Optionee may reasonably request in order to effect the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement, including instruments or documents deemed necessary or desirable by Optionees to effect and evidence the conveyance of the Grantor Equity Interests in accordance with the terms of this Option Agreement.

 

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Section 2.7 Adjustments to Property Purchase Price .

(a) All revenues and expenses with respect to the Property, and applicable to the period of time before and after Closing, determined in accordance with sound accounting principles consistently applied, including rent under any ground leases and real and personal property taxes for the Property, shall be prorated and allocated between Ashford Prime OP and Ashford Trust OP as provided herein. Pursuant to such allocation, Ashford Trust OP shall be entitled to all revenue and shall be responsible for all expenses for the period of time up to but not including the date of Closing, and Ashford Prime OP shall be entitled to all revenue and shall be responsible for all expenses for the period of time from, after and including the date of Closing. Such allocations and adjustments shall be shown on the closing statement (with such supporting documentation as the parties hereto may reasonably require being attached as exhibits to the closing statements) as an adjustment to the Property Purchase Price; provided, if Ashford Trust OP elects to receive the Property Purchase Price in Ashford Prime OP Units, such adjustments shall be settled in cash.

(b) Ashford Prime OP shall receive a credit against the Property Purchase Price for (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amounts of any existing mortgage loan against the Property and mezzanine loans against any Properties Entities and/or TRS entities on the Closing Date (collectively, the “ Existing Mortgage ”), (ii) the portion of the debt service payment due on the next payment date of any such mortgage loan that accrues to the period from and after the Closing Date, and (iii) the total of (A) prepaid rents, (B) prepaid room receipts and deposits, function receipts and deposits and other reservation receipts and deposits, and (C) unforfeited security deposits held by Grantors under leases; provided, if Ashford Trust OP elects to receive the Property Purchase Price in Ashford Prime OP Units, the credits described in clauses (ii) and (iii) above shall be settled in cash. Ashford Trust OP shall receive a cash payment for (i) any prepaid expenses accruing to periods on or after the Closing Date, (ii) all cash balances in house banks and cash funds remaining at the Property, and the outstanding balance of any funds in reserve accounts (whether for FF&E repairs or replacements, taxes or insurance) held by lenders or property managers that are not returned to Ashford Trust OP at Closing; and (iii) all accounts receivables for the Property at 100% of face value, including the so-called “guest ledger” as mutually approved by Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Prime OP for the Property of guest accounts receivable payable to the Property as of the check out time on the Closing Date (based on guests and customers then using the Property) both (A) in occupancy from the preceding night through check out time the morning of the Closing Date, and (B) previously in occupancy prior to check out time on the Closing Date. Notwithstanding Section 2.7(a) to the contrary, Ashford Prime OP shall be entitled to all revenue from the collection of such account receivables. Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Prime OP agree that in connection with the sale of the Ashford Trust Equity Interests, Ashford Trust OP will also receive a cash payment equal to the value of all inventories of food and beverage in opened or unopened cases and all in-use or reserve stock of linens, towels, paper goods, soaps, cleaning supplies and the like with respect to the Property.

(c) If accurate allocations cannot be made at Closing because current bills are not obtainable (as, for example, in the case of utility bills and/or real estate or personal property taxes), the parties shall allocate such revenue or expenses at Closing on the best available information, subject to cash adjustment upon receipt of the final bill or other evidence of the

 

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applicable revenue or expense. Any revenue received or expense incurred by Ashford Trust OP or Ashford Prime OP with respect to the Property after the date of Closing shall be promptly allocated in the manner described herein and the parties shall promptly pay or reimburse any amount due.

Section 2.8 Right to Terminate .

(a) If Ashford Trust OP elects to receive the Property Purchase Price in Ashford Prime OP Units, Ashford Prime OP, in its sole discretion, may terminate this Option Agreement and the obligation of the Optionees to acquire the Grantor Equity Interests if the Value of the Ashford Prime OP Units to be delivered as the Property Purchase Price, calculated as of the Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date, has increased by more than 20% of the Value of such Ashford Prime OP Units as of the Option Exercise Date.

(b) If Ashford Trust OP elects to receive the Property Purchase Price in Ashford Prime OP Units, Ashford Trust OP, in its sole discretion, may terminate this Option Agreement and the obligation of the Grantors to convey the Grantor Equity Interests if the Value of the Ashford Prime OP Units to be delivered as the Property Purchase Price, calculated as of the Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date, has decreased by more than 20% of the Value of such Ashford Prime OP Units as of the Option Exercise Date.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ASHFORD TRUST OP

As a material inducement to Optionees to enter into this Option Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Ashford Trust OP hereby makes to Optionees each of the representations and warranties and covenants set forth in this Article III. The representations and warranties set forth in this Article III are true as of the date hereof. As a condition to Optionees’ obligation to complete the purchase of the Grantor Equity Interests after the exercise of the Purchase Option, such representations and warranties must continue to be true and correct, in all material respects, as of the Closing Date.

Section 3.1 Organization . Ashford Trust OP and each of the Property Entities are duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the respective jurisdiction of such entity’s organization.

Section 3.2 Authorization of Transaction . Subject to the receipt of third-party consents and waivers as required as a condition to closing pursuant to Section 2.3(i) , Ashford Trust OP has full right, authority, power and capacity to: (i) enter into this Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Trust OP pursuant to this Option Agreement, including, without limitation, the Closing Documents to which it is a party; (ii) carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; and (iii) contribute or transfer, sell and deliver, as applicable, the Ashford Trust Equity Interests to Ashford Prime OP (or its designee) upon payment therefor in accordance with this Option Agreement. This Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Trust OP pursuant to this Option Agreement

 

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constitutes, or when executed and delivered will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of Ashford Trust OP, each enforceable in accordance with its respective terms.

Section 3.3 Authority to Conduct Business . Each Property Entity is duly authorized to conduct business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where such qualification is required. Each Property Entity has full power and authority and all licenses, permits, and authorizations necessary to carry on the businesses in which it is engaged and to own and use the properties owned and used by it, including the Property. Ashford Trust OP has delivered to Ashford Prime OP correct and complete copies of the partnership or limited liability company agreement, as applicable of each Property Entity, as amended to date (each, an “ Operating Agreement ”). No Property Entity is in default under or in violation of any provision of its Operating Agreement.

Section 3.4 Noncontravention . Subject to the receipt of third-party consents and waivers as required as a condition to closing pursuant to Section 2.3(i) , the execution, delivery and performance of this Option Agreement and each additional agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Trust OP pursuant to this Option Agreement, including, without limitation, the Closing Documents: (A) does not and will not violate the Operating Agreement of any Property Entity or Ashford Trust OP’s partnership agreement; (B) does not and will not violate any foreign, federal, state, local or other Law applicable to any Property Entity or Ashford Trust OP, or require any Property Entity or Ashford Trust OP to obtain any approval, consent or waiver of, or make any filing with, any Person or authority (governmental or otherwise) that has not been obtained or made or which does not remain in effect; and (C) subject to the satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section 2.3(iii) , does not and will not result in a breach of, constitute a default under, accelerate any obligation under or give rise to a right of termination of, any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, contract, instrument, mortgage, Lien, lease, permit, authorization, Order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or arbitration award to which any Property Entity or Ashford Trust OP is a party or by which the property of any Property Entity or Ashford Trust OP is bound or affected, or result in the creation of any Encumbrance on any Property Entity or the Ashford Trust Equity Interests.

Section 3.5 No Encumbrances . Subject to the receipt of third party consents and waivers as required as a condition to closing pursuant to Section 2.3(i) , as of the Closing Date, Ashford Trust OP will be the beneficial and record holder of the Ashford Trust Equity Interests, free and clear of any restrictions on transfer (other than any restrictions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”) or the securities laws of any state (“ Blue Sky Laws ”)), claim, Lien, pledge, voting agreement, option, charge, security interest, mortgage, deed of trust, encumbrance, rights of assignment, purchase rights or other rights of any nature whatsoever of any third party (collectively, “ Encumbrances ”), and as of the Closing Date, Ashford Trust OP will have the full power and authority to convey the Ashford Trust Equity Interests free and clear of any Encumbrances, and upon delivery of the Assignment Agreement by Ashford Trust OP conveying the Ashford Trust Equity Interests and receipt by Ashford Trust OP of the Property Purchase Price as herein provided, Ashford Prime OP (or its designee) will acquire good and valid title thereto, free and clear of all Encumbrances. No Property Entity has issued any outstanding partnership, LLC membership or other equity ownership interests and no Property Entity has any outstanding options, warrants, convertible securities, calls, rights,

 

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commitments, preemptive rights, agreements, arrangements or understanding of any character obligating any Property Entity to (i) issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional equity ownership interests in such Property Entity or any securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for ownership interests in such Property Entity; or (ii) grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, convertible security, call, right, commitment, preemptive right, agreement, arrangement or understanding.

Section 3.6 No Other Agreements to Sell . Ashford Trust OP represents that it has made no agreement with, and will not enter into any agreement with, and has no obligation (absolute or contingent) to, any other Person or firm to sell, transfer or in any way encumber the Ashford Trust Equity Interests or to not sell the Ashford Trust Equity Interests, or to enter into any agreement with respect to a sale, transfer or Encumbrance of or put or call right with respect to the Ashford Trust Equity Interests.

Section 3.7 Title to Assets . The Property Partnership has good and marketable or indefeasible fee simple title to the Property. The Property is owned by the Property Partnership free and clear of all Encumbrances, except the Existing Mortgage and any other Encumbrances set forth in the existing title policy for the Property (and any updated title report or commitment thereto), copies of which have been made available to Ashford Prime OP. No Property Entity owns nor has any interest in any assets or liabilities except as described herein. No Property Entity is in default in any manner, nor has any event occurred that with the passage of time would cause any Property Entity to be in default in any manner, under any provision of the Existing Mortgage or any other agreement or instrument to which any Property Entity is a party or by which it or the Property may be bound.

Section 3.8 Compliance With Laws . Each Property Entity has conducted its business in compliance with all applicable Laws, except for such failures that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of any Property Entity or the Property.

Section 3.9 Licenses and Permits . Each Property Entity possesses such certificates, authorities or permits issued by the appropriate state or federal agencies or bodies necessary to conduct the business conducted by it to the extent that failure to have any such certificates, authorities or permits would have a material adverse effect on such entity. None of Ashford Trust OP or any Property Entity has received any written notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification or any such certificate, authority or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling, or finding, would materially and adversely affect the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of any Property Entity or the Property.

Section 3.10 Taxes . Except as set forth on Schedule 3.10 attached hereto, (i) all Taxes (including, but not limited to, real estate and personal property Taxes due and owing with respect to the Property) required to be paid by each Property Entity on or before the date hereof have been paid and all Tax Returns required to be filed on or before the date hereof (taking into account any extensions to file previously received) by or on behalf of any Property Entity have been timely filed; and (ii) there is no action, suit or proceeding pending against or threatened with respect to any Property Entity or the Property in respect of any Tax, nor is any claim for

 

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additional Tax asserted by any Property Entity nor are any of the Property Entity’s federal, state and local income or franchise Tax Returns the subject of any audit or examination by any taxing authority. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.10 attached hereto, no Property Entity has executed or filed with the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority any agreement now in effect extending the period for assessment or collection of any income or other Taxes.

Section 3.11 Litigation . Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11 , there is no action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Ashford Trust OP, threatened against Ashford Trust OP or any Property Entity which, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to have a material and adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of any Property Entity or the Property. There is no action, suit, or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Ashford Trust OP, threatened against Ashford Trust OP which challenges or impairs the ability of Ashford Trust OP to execute or deliver, or materially perform its obligations under this Option Agreement or to consummate the transactions hereby or thereby, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a materially and adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of any Property Entity.

Section 3.12 No Insolvency Proceedings . No bankruptcy or similar insolvency proceeding has been filed, or is currently contemplated, with respect to Ashford Trust OP or any of the Property Entities.

Section 3.13 Investment Representations . Ashford Trust OP hereby represents:

(a) If Ashford Trust OP elects to receive the Property Purchase Price in Ashford Prime OP Units, Ashford Trust OP will be acquiring the Ashford Prime OP Units for its own account and not with the view to the sale or distribution of the same or any part thereof in violation of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Act ”).

(b) Ashford Trust OP understands that the Ashford Prime OP Units to be issued to Ashford Trust OP, if any, will not be registered under the Act, or the securities laws of any state (“ Blue Sky Laws ”) by reason of a specific exemption or exemptions from registration under the Act and applicable Blue Sky Laws and that Ashford Prime OP’s reliance on such exemptions is predicated in part on the accuracy and completeness of the representations and warranties of Ashford Trust OP.

(c) Ashford Trust OP understands that, for the reasons set forth in paragraph (b) above the Ashford Prime OP Units may not be offered, sold, transferred, pledged (other than pursuant to the Ashford Trust Credit Agreement) or otherwise disposed of by Ashford Trust OP except (i) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Act and any applicable Blue Sky Laws, (ii) pursuant to a no-action letter issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission to the effect that a proposed transfer of the Ashford Prime OP Units may be made without registration under the Act, together with either registration or an exemption under applicable Blue Sky Laws, or (iii) upon Ashford Prime OP or Ashford Prime, as the case may be, receiving an opinion of counsel knowledgeable in securities law matters and reasonably acceptable to Ashford Prime OP to the effect that the proposed transfer is exempt from the registration requirements of the Act and any applicable Blue Sky Laws, and that, accordingly, Ashford Trust

 

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OP must bear the economic risk of an investment in Ashford Prime Common Units for an indefinite period of time.

(d) Ashford Trust OP is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a) promulgated under the Act.

(e) Ashford Trust OP understands that an investment in Ashford Prime involves substantial risks. Ashford Trust OP has had the opportunity to review all documents and information which it has requested concerning its investment in Ashford Prime OP and Ashford Prime and to ask questions of the proposed management of Ashford Prime OP and Ashford Prime, which questions were answered to its satisfaction.

(f) Ashford Trust OP understands that the Ashford Prime OP Units (and any shares of common stock of Ashford Prime issued upon exchange of the Ashford Prime OP Units) will bear a legend substantially to the effect of the following:

The securities represented by this certificate have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Act ”), or the securities laws of any state. The securities may not be offered, sold, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of without an effective registration statement under the Act and under any applicable state securities laws, receipt of a no-action letter issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (together with either registration or an exemption under applicable state securities laws) or an opinion of counsel acceptable to Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership and Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. that the proposed transaction will be exempt from registration under the Act and applicable state securities laws.

and that Ashford Prime OP or Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc, as the case may be, reserve the right to place a stop order against the transfer of the Ashford Prime OP Units (and any shares of common stock of Ashford Prime issued upon exchange of the Ashford Prime OP Units), and to refuse to effect any transfers thereof, in the absence of satisfying the conditions contained in the foregoing legend.

Section 3.14 No Other Representations and Warranties . Other than the representations and warranties expressly set forth in this Article III, Ashford Trust OP shall not be deemed to have made any other representation or warranty in connection with this Option Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ASHFORD TRUST TRS

As a material inducement to Optionees to enter into this Option Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Ashford Trust TRS hereby makes to Optionees each of the representations and warranties and covenants set forth in this Article IV. The representations and warranties set forth in this Article IV are true as of the date hereof. As a condition to Optionees’ obligation to complete the purchase of the Grantor Equity Interests after

 

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the exercise of the Purchase Option, such representations and warranties must continue to be true, in all material respects, as of the date of the Closing.

Section 4.1 Organization . Ashford Trust TRS and each of the TRS Entities are duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the respective jurisdiction of such entity’s organization.

Section 4.2 Authorization of Transaction . Subject to the receipt of third-party consents as required as a condition to closing pursuant to Section 2.3(i) , Ashford Trust TRS has full right, authority, power and capacity to: (i) enter into this Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Trust TRS pursuant to this Option Agreement, including, without limitation, the Closing Documents to which it is a party; (ii) carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; and (iii) transfer, sell and deliver the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests to Ashford Prime TRS (or its designee) upon payment therefor in accordance with this Option Agreement. This Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Trust TRS pursuant to this Option Agreement constitutes, or when executed and delivered will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of Ashford Trust TRS, each enforceable in accordance with its respective terms.

Section 4.3 Authority to Conduct Business . Each TRS Entity is duly authorized to conduct business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where such qualification is required. Each TRS Entity has full power and authority and all material licenses, permits, and authorizations necessary to carry on the businesses in which it is engaged and to own and use the properties owned and used by it. Ashford Trust TRS has delivered to Ashford Prime TRS correct and complete copies of the governing documents of each TRS Entity, as amended to date. No TRS Entity is in default under or in violation of any provision of its governing documents.

Section 4.4 Noncontravention . Subject to the receipt of third-party consents as required as a condition to closing pursuant to Section 2.3(i) , the execution, delivery and performance of this Option Agreement and each additional agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Trust TRS pursuant to this Option Agreement, including, without limitation, the Closing Documents: (A) does not and will not violate the governing documents of any TRS Entity or Ashford Trust TRS’s governing documents; (B) does not and will not violate any foreign, federal, state, local or other Law applicable to any TRS Entity or Ashford Trust TRS, or require any TRS Entity or Ashford Trust TRS to obtain any approval, consent or waiver of, or make any filing with, any Person or authority (governmental or otherwise) that has not been obtained or made or which does not remain in effect; and (C) subject to the satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section 2.3(iii) , does not and will not result in a breach of, constitute a default under, accelerate any obligation under or give rise to a right of termination of, any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, contract, instrument, mortgage, Lien, lease, permit, authorization, Order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or arbitration award to which any TRS Entity or Ashford Trust TRS is a party or by which the property of any TRS Entity or Ashford Trust TRS is bound or affected, or result in the creation of any Encumbrance on any TRS Entity or the Ashford Trust Equity Interests.

 

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Section 4.5 No Encumbrances . Subject to the receipt of third-party consents and waivers as required as a condition to closing pursuant to Section 2.3(i) , , as of the Closing Date, Ashford Trust TRS will be the beneficial and record holder of the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests, free and clear of any restrictions on transfer (other than any restrictions under the Securities Act or any Blue Sky Laws) or Encumbrances; and as of the Closing Date, Ashford Trust TRS will have the full power and authority to convey the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests free and clear of any Encumbrances, and upon delivery of the Assignment Agreement by Ashford Trust TRS conveying the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests and receipt by Ashford Trust TRS of the TRS Purchase Price as herein provided, Ashford Prime TRS (or its designee) will acquire good and valid title thereto, free and clear of all Encumbrances. No TRS Entity has issued any LLC membership or other equity ownership interests, and no TRS Entity has any outstanding options, warrants, convertible securities, calls, rights, commitments, preemptive rights, agreements, arrangements or understanding of any character obligating any TRS Entity to (i) issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional equity ownership interests in such TRS Entity or any securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for ownership interests in such TRS Entity; or (ii) grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, convertible security, call, right, commitment, preemptive right, agreement, arrangement or understanding.

Section 4.6 No Other Agreements to Sell . Ashford Trust TRS represents that it has made no agreement with, and will not enter into any agreement with, and has no obligation (absolute or contingent) to, any other Person or firm to sell, transfer or in any way encumber the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests or to not sell the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests, or to enter into any agreement with respect to a sale, transfer or Encumbrance of or put or call right with respect to the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests.

Section 4.7 Compliance With Laws . Each TRS Entity has conducted its business in compliance with all applicable Laws, except for such failures that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of any TRS Entity or the Property.

Section 4.8 Licenses and Permits . Each TRS Entity possesses such certificates, authorities or permits issued by the appropriate state or federal agencies or bodies necessary to conduct the business conducted by it to the extent that failure to have any such certificates, authorities or permits would have a material adverse effect on such entity. Neither Ashford Trust TRS nor any TRS Entity has received any written notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification or any such certificate, authority or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling, or finding, would materially and adversely affect the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of any TRS Entity or the Property.

Section 4.9 Taxes . Except as set forth on Schedule 4.9 attached hereto, (i) all Taxes required to be paid by each TRS Entity on or before the date hereof have been paid and all Tax Returns required to be filed on or before the date hereof (taking into account any extensions to file previously received) by or on behalf of any TRS Entity have been timely filed; and (ii) there is no action, suit or proceeding pending against or threatened with respect to any TRS Entity in respect of any Tax, nor is any claim for additional Tax asserted by any TRS Entity nor are any of

 

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the TRS Entities’ federal, state and local income or franchise Tax Returns the subject of any audit or examination by any taxing authority. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.9 attached hereto, no TRS Entity has executed or filed with the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority any agreement now in effect extending the period for assessment or collection of any income or other Taxes.

Section 4.10 Litigation . Except as set forth in Schedule 4.10 , there is no action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Ashford Trust TRS, threatened against Ashford Trust TRS or any TRS Entity which, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to have a material and adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of any TRS Entity. There is no action, suit, or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Ashford Trust TRS, threatened against Ashford Trust TRS which challenges or impairs the ability of Ashford Trust TRS to execute or deliver, or materially perform its obligations under this Option Agreement or to consummate the transactions hereby or thereby, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a materially and adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of any TRS Entity.

Section 4.11 No Insolvency Proceedings . No bankruptcy or similar insolvency proceeding has been filed, or is currently contemplated, with respect to Ashford Trust TRS or any TRS Entity.

Section 4.12 No Other Representations and Warranties . Other than the representations and warranties expressly set forth in this Article IV, Ashford Trust TRS shall not be deemed to have made any other representation or warranty in connection with this Option Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES OF ASHFORD PRIME OP

As a material inducement to the Grantors to enter into this Option Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Ashford Prime OP hereby makes to the Grantors each of the representations and warranties set forth in this Article V. The representations and warranties set forth in this Article V are true as of the date hereof. As a condition to Grantors’ obligation to complete the contribution or sale of the Grantor Equity Interests after the exercise of the Purchase Option, such representations and warranties must continue to be true and correct, in all material respects, as of the date of the Closing.

Section 5.1 Organization . Ashford Prime OP is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing as a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware.

Section 5.2 Authority . Ashford Prime OP hereby represents and warranties that it has full right, authority, power and capacity to: (i) enter into this Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of it pursuant to this Option Agreement, including without limitation, the Closing Documents to which it is a party; and (ii) carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Option

 

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Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument executed and delivered by Ashford Prime OP pursuant to this Option Agreement constitutes, or when executed and delivered will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of Ashford Prime OP, each enforceable in accordance with its respective terms.

Section 5.3 Noncontravention . The execution, delivery and performance of this Option Agreement and each additional agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Prime OP pursuant to this Option Agreement: (A) does not and will not violate the partnership agreement of Ashford Prime OP; (B) does not and will not violate any foreign, federal, state, local or other Law applicable to Ashford Prime OP, or require Ashford Prime OP to obtain any approval, consent or waiver of, or make any filing with, any Person or authority (governmental or otherwise) that has not been obtained or made or which does not remain in effect; and (C) does not and will not result in a breach of, constitute a default under, accelerate any obligation under or give rise to a right of termination of, any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, contract, instrument, mortgage, Lien, lease, permit, authorization, Order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or arbitration award to which Ashford Prime OP is a party or by which the property of Ashford Prime OP is bound or affected.

Section 5.4 Litigation . There is no action, suit or proceeding pending or to Ashford Prime OP’s knowledge, threatened against Ashford Prime OP, that challenges or would reasonably be expected to impair the ability of Ashford Prime OP to execute or deliver or materially perform its obligations under this Option Agreement and the documents executed by it pursuant to this Option Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

Section 5.5 Validity of Ashford Prime OP Units . The Ashford Prime OP Units to be issued to AHT OP upon the exercise of the Purchase Option, if any, will be duly authorized by Ashford Prime OP and, when issued against the consideration therefor, will be validly issued by Ashford Prime OP, free and clear of all Liens created by Ashford Prime OP.

Section 5.6 No Other Representations and Warranties . Other than the representations and warranties expressly set forth in this Article V, Ashford Prime OP shall not be deemed to have made any other representation or warranty in connection with this Option Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

ARTICLE VI

REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES OF ASHFORD PRIME TRS

As a material inducement to the Grantors to enter into this Option Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Ashford Prime TRS hereby makes to the Grantors each of the representations and warranties set forth in this Article VI. The representations and warranties set forth in this Article VI are true as of the date hereof. As a condition to Grantors’ obligation to complete the sale of the Grantor Equity Interests after the exercise of the Purchase Option, such representations and warranties must continue to be true and correct, in all material respects, as of the date of the Closing.

 

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Section 6.1 Organization . Ashford Prime TRS is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing as a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware.

Section 6.2 Authority . Ashford Prime TRS hereby represents and warranties that it has full right, authority, power and capacity to: (i) enter into this Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of it pursuant to this Option Agreement, including without limitation, the Closing Documents to which it is a party; and (ii) carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument executed and delivered by Ashford Prime TRS pursuant to this Option Agreement constitutes, or when executed and delivered will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of Ashford Prime TRS, each enforceable in accordance with its respective terms.

Section 6.3 Noncontravention . The execution, delivery and performance of this Option Agreement and each additional agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Prime TRS pursuant to this Option Agreement: (A) does not and will not violate the governing documents of Ashford Prime TRS; (B) does not and will not violate any foreign, federal, state, local or other Law applicable to Ashford Prime TRS, or require Ashford Prime TRS to obtain any approval, consent or waiver of, or make any filing with, any Person or authority (governmental or otherwise) that has not been obtained or made or which does not remain in effect; and (C) does not and will not result in a breach of, constitute a default under, accelerate any obligation under or give rise to a right of termination of, any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, contract, instrument, mortgage, Lien, lease, permit, authorization, Order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or arbitration award to which Ashford Prime TRS is a party or by which the property of Ashford Prime TRS is bound or affected.

Section 6.4 Litigation . There is no action, suit or proceeding pending or to Ashford Prime TRS’ knowledge, threatened against Ashford Prime TRS, that challenges or would reasonably be expected to impair the ability of Ashford Prime TRS to execute or deliver or materially perform its obligations under this Option Agreement and the documents executed by it pursuant to this Option Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

Section 6.5 No Other Representations and Warranties . Other than the representations and warranties expressly set forth in this Article VI, Ashford Prime TRS shall not be deemed to have made any other representation or warranty in connection with this Option Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

ARTICLE VII

COVENANTS

Section 7.1 Covenant Not to Substantially Alter the Grantor Equity Interests . From the date hereof through the earlier of the Closing Date or the Option Termination Date, except as otherwise provided for or as contemplated by this Option Agreement or the other

 

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agreements, documents and instruments contemplated hereby, Grantors shall not, without the prior written consent of Ashford Prime OP:

(a) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any portion of the Grantor Equity Interests;

(b) further mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, encumber (or permit to become encumbered) all or any portion of the Grantor Equity Interests;

(c) amend the governing documents of any Property Entity or any TRS Entity; or

(d) adopt a plan of liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or reorganization with respect to Ashford Trust OP, Ashford Trust TRS, any Property Entity or any TRS Entity.

Section 7.2 Covenant to Use Reasonable Commercial Efforts . Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Prime OP shall each use commercially reasonable efforts and cooperate with each other in (a) promptly determining wither any filings are required to be made or consents, approvals, waivers, permits or authorizations are required to be obtained (under any applicable Law or regulation from any Governmental Authority or third party) in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement and (b) following the exercise of the Purchase Option, promptly making any such filings, in furnishing information required in connection therewith and in timely seeking to obtain any such consents, approvals, waivers, permits or authorizations.

Section 7.3 Covenant by Ashford Prime OP to Replace Ashford Trust OP as Guarantor Where Applicable .

(a) To the extent that, prior to the date of this Option Agreement, Ashford Trust has guaranteed any obligations under the Existing Mortgage, or any portion thereof, or any management agreement or franchise matters or other agreement related to the Property (“ Existing Guarantees ”), Ashford Prime agrees to enter into substantially similar guarantees in favor of the lenders, managers, franchisors or other beneficiaries of such Existing Guarantees.

(b) To the extent that, prior to the date of this Option Agreement, Ashford Trust OP has entered into any Existing Guarantees, Ashford Prime OP agrees to enter into substantially similar guarantees in favor of the lenders, managers, franchisors or other beneficiaries of such Existing Guarantees.

Section 7.4 Covenant by Ashford Prime OP to Admit Ashford Trust OP as a Limited Partner . If the Purchase Option is Exercised and Ashford Trust OP elects to receive the Property Purchase Price in Ashford Prime OP Units, Ashford Prime OP shall amend the partnership agreement of Ashford Prime OP to reflect Ashford Trust OP as a limited partner, owning the Ashford Prime OP Units payable as the Property Purchase Price.

Section 7.5 Casualty . If, following exercise of the Purchase Option and prior to Closing, the Property is damaged by fire or other casualty which is fully insured (without regard to deductibles) and would cost not more than Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) to repair,

 

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then neither party shall have the right to terminate this Option Agreement by reason thereof, and the Closing shall take place without abatement of the Property Purchase Price and TRS Purchase Price, but Grantors shall assign to Optionees at the Closing all of Grantor’s interest in any insurance proceeds (except use and occupancy insurance, rent loss and business interruption insurance, and any similar insurance for the period preceding the Closing Date) that may be payable to Grantors on account of any such fire or other casualty, to the extent such proceeds have not been previously expended or are otherwise required to reimburse Grantors for actual expenditures of restoration, plus Ashford Prime OP shall credit the amount of any deductibles under any policies related to such proceeds to the Property Purchase Price. If any such damage due to fire or other casualty is insured and would cost in excess of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000), then Optionees may terminate their obligations under this Option Agreement by written notice given to Grantors within ten (10) days after Ashford Trust OP has given Ashford Prime OP notice of such damage or casualty. Should Optionees elect to proceed to Closing notwithstanding the amount of the insured loss, the Closing shall take place without abatement of the Property Purchase Price and TRS Purchase Price and at Closing, Grantors shall assign to Optionees the insurance proceeds and grant to Ashford Prime OP a credit against the Property Purchase Price equal to the amount of the applicable deductible.

Section 7.6 Condemnation . Following exercise of the Purchase Option and prior to Closing, Ashford Trust OP agrees to give Ashford Prime OP prompt notice of any notice it receives of any taking by condemnation of any part of or rights appurtenant to the Property. If such taking will materially interfere with the operation or use of the Property, the Optionees may terminate their obligations under this Option Agreement by written notice to Ashford Trust OP within ten (10) days after Ashford Trust OP has given Ashford Prime OP such notice of taking. If Optionees do not so elect to terminate this Option Agreement, or if such taking will not materially interfere with the operation or use of the Property, then the Closing shall take place as provided herein, and Grantors shall assign to Optionees at the Closing all of Grantor’s interest in any condemnation award which may be payable to Grantors on account of any such condemnation and, at Closing, Ashford Trust OP shall credit the Property Purchase Price by the amount, if any, of condemnation proceeds received by Grantors less (i) any amounts reasonably expended by Grantors in collecting such sums, (ii) any amounts reasonably used by Grantors to repair the Property as a result of such condemnation, and (iii) any amounts which are reasonably allocated to lost earnings or other damages or losses (other than unrepaired property damages) reasonably allocated or attributed to the period of time prior to Closing.

ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 8.1 Indemnity .

(a) From and after the Closing, each party hereto (each of which is an “ Indemnifying Party ”) shall indemnify and hold harmless the other party and its Affiliates (each of which is an “ Indemnified Party ”) from and against any and all charges, complaints, claims, actions, causes of action, losses, damages, liabilities and expenses of any nature whatsoever (each, a “ Claim ”), including amounts paid in settlement, reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs of investigation, costs of investigative judicial or administrative proceedings or appeals therefrom and costs of attachment

 

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or similar bonds (collectively, “ Losses ”) arising out of or relating to, asserted against, imposed upon or incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with or as a result of any breach of a representation, warranty or covenant of the Indemnifying Party contained in this Option Agreement or in any schedule, exhibit, certificate or affidavit or Closing Document (to the extent not known by Indemnified Party prior to Closing Date); provided, however, that: (i) no Optionee shall have any obligation under this Article to indemnify any Indemnified Party against any Losses to the extent that such Losses arise by virtue of (A) either Grantors’ breach of this Option Agreement, gross negligence, willful misconduct or fraud or (B) the operation of the business of Ashford Trust OP, the Property Entities, Ashford Trust TRS or the TRS Entities, or the ownership and operation of the Property for the period prior to the Closing Date; and (ii) no Grantor shall have any obligation under this Article to indemnify any Indemnified Party against any Losses to the extent that such Losses arise by virtue of (A) any diminution in value of the Property, (B) either Optionee’s breach of this Option Agreement, gross negligence, willful misconduct or fraud or (C) the operation of the business of Ashford Prime OP, the Property Entities, Ashford Prime TRS or the TRS Entities, or the ownership and operation of the Property for the period from and after the Closing Date; and

(b) Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Trust TRS shall indemnify Optionees and hold them harmless from and against all Losses arising from: (A) all Taxes of the Grantors for all Tax periods ending on or before the Closing Date, (B) with respect to any Tax period including but not ending on the Closing Date, all Taxes of the Grantors attributable to the portion of such Tax period that ends on and includes the Closing Date, and (C) all Taxes of any Person imposed on the Optionees as a transferee or successor, by contract or pursuant to any Law (including, but not limited to, Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 and V.T.C.A., Tax Code, Chapter 171) with respect to obligations or relationships existing on or prior to the Closing Date or by agreements entered into or transactions entered into on or prior to the Closing Date; provided, however, that for the avoidance of doubt:

(i) Neither Ashford Trust OP nor Ashford Trust TRS shall have liability for any Taxes or Losses with respect to Taxes that are attributable to any transaction that occurs on or after the Closing.

(ii) Neither Ashford Trust OP nor Ashford Trust TRS shall have liability to either Optionee for any Losses attributable to Taxes with respect to (A) any Tax period beginning after the Closing Date, or (B) any portion of a straddle period (a Tax period which includes but does not end on the Closing Date) that accrue to the period following the Closing Date.

(iii) Neither Ashford Trust OP nor Ashford Trust TRS shall have liability for any transfer Taxes related to the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement or the exercise of the Purchase Option, which shall be paid by Ashford Prime.

(c) From and after the Closing Date, Ashford Prime OP and Ashford Prime agree to jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless Ashford Trust, Ashford Trust OP and their respective Affiliates from and against any and all Losses and Claims arising from and after the Closing Date under the Existing Guarantees, which Existing Guarantees, if any, shall be specifically identified to and acknowledged by Ashford Prime OP and Ashford Prime at the time

 

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of the Closing (the “ Guarantee Schedule ”). The obligations of Ashford Prime OP and Ashford Prime under this Section 8.1(c) shall continue as to each Existing Guarantee until such Existing Guarantee is terminated in accordance with its terms or Ashford Trust, Ashford Trust OP and their Affiliates, as applicable, are otherwise released in writing from such Existing Guarantees.

(d) For the avoidance of doubt, Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Trust TRS shall be jointly and severally liable to Optionees for any Losses for which Optionees are entitled to indemnification under this Article VIII, and Optionees shall be jointly and severally liable to Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Trust TRS for any Losses for which Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Trust TRS are entitled to indemnification under this Article VIII.

Section 8.2 Notice of Claims . At the time when any Indemnified Party learns of any potential Claim against the Indemnifying Party it will promptly give written notice (a “ Claim Notice ”) to the Indemnifying Party; provided that failure to do so shall not prevent recovery under this Option Agreement, except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party shall have been materially prejudiced by such failure. Each Claim Notice shall describe in reasonable detail the facts known to such Indemnified Party giving rise to such Claim, and the amount or good faith estimate of the amount of Losses arising therefrom. Unless prohibited by Law, such Indemnified Party shall deliver to the Indemnifying Party, promptly after such Indemnified Party’s receipt thereof, copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by such Indemnified Party relating to claims asserted by third parties (“ Third Party Claims ”). Any Indemnified Party may at its option demand indemnity under this Article VII as soon as a Claim has been threatened by a third party, regardless of whether an actual Loss has been suffered, so long as such Indemnified Party shall in good faith determine that such claim is not frivolous and that such Indemnified Party may be liable for, or otherwise incur, a Loss as a result thereof.

Section 8.3 Third Party Claims . The Indemnifying Party shall be entitled, at its own expense, to assume and control the defense of any Claims based on Third Party Claims, through counsel chosen by the Indemnifying Party and reasonably acceptable to such Indemnified Party (or any Person authorized by such Indemnified Party to act on its behalf), if it gives written notice of its intention to do so to such Indemnified Party within 30 days of the receipt of the applicable Claim Notice; provided, however, that such Indemnified Party may at all times participate in such defense at its expense. Without limiting the foregoing, in the event that the Indemnifying Party exercises the right to undertake any such defense against a Third Party Claim, such Indemnified Party shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in such defense and make available to the Indemnifying Party (unless prohibited by Law), at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, all witnesses, pertinent records, materials and information in such Indemnified Party’s possession or under such Indemnified Party’s control relating thereto as is reasonably required by the Indemnifying Party. No compromise or settlement of such Third Party Claim may be effected by either such Indemnified Party, on the one hand, or the Indemnifying Party, on the other hand, without the other’s consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) unless (i) there is no finding or admission of any violation of Law and no effect on any other claims that may be made against such other party and (ii) each Indemnified Party that is party to such other claim is released from all liability with respect to such other claim.

 

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Section 8.4 Procedure for Indemnification . Upon determination of the amount of a Claim that is binding on both the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party, the Indemnifying Party shall, within ten (10) days of the date such amount is determined, pay the amount of such Claim by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Indemnified Party.

Section 8.5 Expiration .

(a) Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 8.5(b) below, all representations, warranties, covenants and agreements (including those relating to indemnification in Section 8.1 ) made herein shall survive the Closing Date.

(b) All representations, warranties and covenants of the Indemnifying Party contained in this Option Agreement shall survive until twelve months after the Closing Date (the “ Expiration Date ”); provided, however, (i) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.11 or Section 4.9 with respect to Taxes, shall survive Closing until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations for making a claim for such matters and (ii) the covenants set forth in Section 8.1(c) shall survive Closing without limitation. If written notice of a claim in accordance with the provisions of this Article VIII has been given prior to the Expiration Date, then the relevant representation, warranty and covenant shall survive, but only with respect to such specific claim, until such claim has been finally resolved. Any claim for indemnification not so asserted in writing by the Expiration Date, as applicable, may not thereafter be asserted and shall forever be waived.

Section 8.6 Limitations on Amount .

(a) Except as provided in subparagraph (b) below, neither Ashford Trust OP nor Ashford Trust TRS shall have any liability under Section 8.1 for any Losses hereunder (i) unless and until the aggregate total amount of all such Losses for which Ashford Trust OP or Ashford Trust TRS would, but for this provision, be liable exceeds, on a cumulative basis, one percent (1%) of the aggregate of the Property Purchase Price and the TRS Purchase Price on the Closing Date, and then only to the extent of such excess, (ii) in excess of, on a cumulative basis, five percent (5%) of the aggregate of the Property Purchase Price and the TRS Purchase Price.

(b) The limitations set forth in Section 8.6(a) above shall not apply to any Losses resulting from Claims made under Section 8.1(c) .

ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 9.1 Additional Definitions . For the purposes of this Option Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) “ Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, a Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common

 

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control with”) as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise; provided, however, for purposes of this Option Agreement, Ashford Prime and the Optionees shall not be deemed to be Affiliates of Ashford Trust and the Grantors.

(b) “ Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the State of Texas.

(c) “ Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated or issued thereunder.

(d) “ Governmental Authority ” means any government or agency, bureau, board, commission, court, department, official, political subdivision, tribunal or other instrumentality of any government, whether federal, state or local, domestic or foreign.

(e) “ Law ” means laws, statutes, rules, regulations, codes, Orders, ordinances, judgments, injunctions, decrees and policies of any Governmental Authority.

(f) “ Liens ” means all pledges, claims, liens, charges, restrictions, controls, easements, rights of way, exceptions, reservations, leases, licenses, grants, covenants and conditions, Encumbrances and security interests of any kind or nature whatsoever.

(g) “ Order ” means any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, ruling, assessment, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any court or other Governmental Authority or arbitrator.

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

(i) “ Tax ” means all federal, state, local and foreign income, property, withholding, sales, franchise, employment, excise and other Taxes, tariffs or governmental charges of any nature whatsoever, including estimated Taxes, together with penalties, interest or additions to Tax with respect thereto.

(j) “ Tax Return ” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or information return or statement related to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.

Section 9.2 Amendment . Any amendment hereto shall be in writing and signed by all parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Option Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.

Section 9.3 Entire Agreement; Counterparts; Applicable Law . This Option Agreement and all ancillary agreements executed in connection with this Option Agreement (a) constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, (b) may be executed in several counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which shall

 

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constitute one and the same instrument and (c) shall be governed in all respects, including validity, interpretation and effect, by the laws of the State of Texas without giving effect to the conflict of law provisions thereof.

Section 9.4 Assignability . This Option Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall be enforceable by and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Option Agreement may not be assigned (except by operation of law) by any party without the prior written consent of the other parties, and any attempted assignment without such consent shall be void and of no effect; provided, however, that Optionees may assign this Option Agreement, the Closing Documents and any agreement contemplated hereunder or thereunder to Ashford Prime or to an Affiliate of either Optionee or Ashford Prime without the consent of either Grantor. In the event that Optionees assign this Option Agreement as provided herein, Optionees shall remain fully liable under this Option Agreement to issue the Ashford Prime OP Units and shall not be released from any of the obligations and liabilities included herein following such assignment.

Section 9.5 Titles . The titles and captions of the Articles, Sections and paragraphs of this Option Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and shall have no effect on the construction or meaning of this Option Agreement.

Section 9.6 Third Party Beneficiary . No provision of this Option Agreement is intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to provide or create any third party beneficiary rights or any other rights of any kind in any customer, Affiliate, stockholder, partner, director, officer or employee of any party hereto or any other Person or entity; provided, however, that Article VIII of this Option Agreement shall be enforceable by and shall inure to the benefit of the Persons described therein.

Section 9.7 Severability . If any provision of this Option Agreement, or the application thereof, is for any reason held to any extent to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Option Agreement and application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as reasonably to effect the intent of the parties hereto. The parties further agree to replace such void or unenforceable provision of this Option Agreement with a valid and enforceable provision that will achieve, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of the void or unenforceable provision and to execute any amendment, consent or agreement deemed necessary or desirable by an Optionee to effect such replacement.

Section 9.8 Equitable Rights . The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Option Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Option Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any federal or state court located in the State of Texas (as to which the parties agree to submit to jurisdiction for the purposes of such action), this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.

 

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Section 9.9 Attorneys’ Fees . In connection with any litigation or a court proceeding arising out of this Option Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover all costs incurred, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal assistants’ fees and costs whether incurred prior to trial, at trial or on appeal.

Section 9.10 Notices; Exercise of Purchase Option . Any notice or demand which must or may be given under this Option Agreement (including the exercise by Optionees of the Purchase Option) or by law shall, except as otherwise provided, be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (i) when physically received by personal delivery (which shall include the confirmed receipt of a telecopied facsimile transmission), or (ii) three (3) Business Days after being deposited in the United States certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (iii) one (1) Business Day after being deposited with a nationally known commercial courier service providing next day delivery service (such as Federal Express); addressed and delivered or telecopied (a) in the case of a notice to the Optionees at the following address and telecopy number:

c/o Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, Texas 75254

Phone: (972) 490-9600

and (b) in the case of a notice to a Grantors, to:

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, Texas 75254

Phone: (972) 490-9600

Section 9.11 Computation of Time . Any time period provided for herein which shall end on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday shall extend to 5:00 p.m. of the next full Business Day. All times are Central Standard Time.

Section 9.12 Time of the Essence . Time is of the essence with respect to all obligations of the Grantors under this Option Agreement.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has executed this Option Agreement, or caused the Option Agreement to be duly executed on its behalf, as of the date first above written.

 

OPTIONEES :
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
  By:  

/s/ David Brooks

    David Brooks, Vice President
ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ David Kimichik

  David Kimichik, President


GRANTORS :
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:   Ashford OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
  By:  

/s/ David Brooks

    David Brooks, Vice President
ASHFORD TRS CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ David Kimichik

  David Kimichik, President

 

Pier House Option Agreement – Signature Page


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AGREEMENT:

The undersigned has executed this Option Agreement to acknowledge and agree to the provisions of this Agreement imposing obligations on Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., including but not limited to Section 7.3 and Article VIII.

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.
By:  

/s/ David Brooks

  David Brooks, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel

CONSENT TO PLEDGE:

The undersigned is the sole general partner of Ashford Prime OP and hereby consents to the pledge by Ashford Trust OP under the Ashford Trust Credit Facility of any Ashford Prime OP Units issued to Ashford Trust OP in connection with the exercise of this Option Agreement.

 

ASHFORD PRIME OP GENERAL PARTNER LLC
By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

  David A. Brooks, Vice President

 

Pier House Option Agreement – Signature Page


LIST OF SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS

Exhibits

Exhibit A – Description of Property

Exhibit B – Purchase Notice

Exhibit C – Form of Assignment Agreement

Schedules

Schedule 3.10 – Taxes of Ashford Trust OP

Schedule 3.11 – Claims or Litigation related to Ashford Trust OP

Schedule 4.9 – Taxes of Ashford Trust TRS

Schedule 4.10 – Claims or Litigation related to Ashford Trust TRS

 

Pier House Option Agreement – List of Schedules and Exhibits


EXHIBIT A

Legal Description of Site of New Hotel

THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF MONROE, STATE OF FLORIDA, AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

PARCEL I:

A PARCEL OF LAND, A PORTION OF WHICH IS FILLED SOVEREIGNTY LAND IN KEY WEST HARBOR ON THE ISLAND OF KEY WEST, SECTION 31, TOWNSHIP 67 SOUTH, RANGE 25 EAST, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND BEING A PARCEL OF LAND FORMERLY SUBMERGED NORTHERLY OF AND ADJACENT TO SQUARE 2 OF WILLIAM A. WHITEHEAD’S MAP DELINEATED IN FEBRUARY 1829, AND BEING MORE SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

COMMENCE AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHWESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF FRONT STREET AND THE NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF DUVAL STREET; THENCE NORTH 45°00’00” WEST ALONG THE SAID NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF DUVAL STREET FOR 125.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE NORTH 45°00’00” WEST ALONG THE SAID NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF DUVAL STREET FOR 200.50 FEET TO A POINT ON THE MEAN HIGH WATER LINE, SAID MEAN HIGH WATER LINE BEING EVIDENCED BY THE OUTSIDE FACE OF AN EXISTING CONCRETE SEAWALL; THENCE NORTH 45°00’00” WEST ALONG THE NORTHERLY EXTENSION OF THE SAID NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF DUVAL STREET, 7.41 FEET TO A POINT (NOTE: THE BEARING ON THE NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF DUVAL STREET IS ASSUMED TO BE NORTH 45°00’00” WEST AND ALL BEARINGS ON THE NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF DUVAL STREET CONTAINED HEREIN ARE BASED UPON THIS ASSUMED BEARING); THENCE NORTH 45°21’40” EAST ALONG THE OUTSIDE FACE OF AN EXISTING CONCRETE SEAWALL 43.41 FEET TO THE POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE OUTSIDE FACE OF AN EXISTING CONCRETE SEAWALL EXTENDING NORTHWESTERLY; THENCE NORTH 46°18’30” WEST ALONG THE OUTSIDE FACE OF AN EXISTING CONCRETE SEAWALL 36.38 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE NORTH 50°12’47” WEST ALONG THE OUTSIDE FACE OF AN EXISTING STEEL SEAWALL, 71.46 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE NORTH 39°09’24” WEST ALONG THE OUTSIDE FACE OF AN EXISTING SEAWALL 58.77 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE NORTH 41°13’56” WEST ALONG THE OUTSIDE FACE OF A PROPOSED NEW SEAWALL 133.71 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE NORTH 44°45’35” EAST ALONG THE OUTSIDE FACE OF A PROPOSED NEW SEAWALL 63.33 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE SOUTH 48°03’43” EAST ALONG THE OUTSIDE FACE OF A PROPOSED NEW SEAWALL 87.47 FEET TO A POINT, SAID POINT BEING THE END OF THE PROPOSED NEW SEAWALL; THENCE ALONG A BOULDER RIP-RAP SEAWALL AND MEAN HIGH WATER LINE FOR THE FOLLOWING TWO METES AND BOUNDS, SAID LINE ALSO THE APPROVED SHORELINE PER TRUSTEE NO. 29827 (4645-44); (1) THENCE NORTH 86°19’57” EAST FOR 56.46 FEET; (2) THENCE SOUTH 45°47’54” EAST FOR 4.90 FEET TO THE NORTHWESTERLY LINE OF T.I.I.F. DEED NO. 24519; THENCE NORTH 45°00’00” EAST ALONG THE SAID NORTHWESTERLY LINE OF T.I.I.F. DEED NO. 24519 FOR 72.18 FEET; THENCE ALONG A BOULDER RIP-RAP SEAWALL AND THE MEAN HIGH WATER LINE FOR THE FOLLOWING 7 METES AND BOUNDS; SAID LINE ALSO THE APPROVED SHORELINE PER TRUSTEE NO. 29827 (4645-44);

(1) THENCE NORTH 39°05’51” WEST FOR 6.42 FEET;

(2) THENCE NORTH 16°50’35” WEST FOR 7.75 FEET;

(3) THENCE NORTH 30°34’04” EAST FOR 11.52 FEET;

(4) THENCE NORTH 45°10’00” EAST FOR 40.46 FEET;

(5) THENCE NORTH 48°13’19” EAST FOR 42.23 FEET;

(6) THENCE NORTH 52°26’50” EAST FOR 59.05 FEET;

(7) THENCE NORTH 79°49’31” EAST FOR 6.99 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 45°00’00” EAST FOR 508.45 FEET TO THE SAID NORTHWESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF FRONT STREET; THENCE SOUTH 45°00’00” WEST ALONG THE SAID NORTHWESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF FRONT STREET FOR 243.72 FEET; THENCE NORTH 45°00’00” WEST AND LEAVING THE SAID NORTHWESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF FRONT STREET FOR 125.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 45°00’00” WEST FOR 150.00 FEET TO THE SAID NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF DUVAL STREET AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING.


PARCEL II:

THAT PART OF LOT 1, SQUARE 2, ACCORDING TO WILLIAM A. WHITEHEAD’S MAP OF THE ISLAND OF KEY WEST, DELINEATED IN FEBRUARY A.D. 1829, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

BEGINNING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE WESTERLY LINE OF SIMONTON STREET AND THE NORTHERLY LINE OF FRONT STREET; THENCE RUN WESTERLY ALONG THE NORTHERLY LINE OF FRONT STREET, 88 FEET, 4 INCHES TO LOT 2 OF SAID SQUARE; THENCE RUN AT RIGHT ANGLES NORTHERLY AND PARALLEL WITH SIMONTON STREET, A DISTANCE OF 245 FEET; THENCE RUN AT RIGHT ANGLES AND PARALLEL WITH FRONT STREET, A DISTANCE OF 88 FEET, 4 INCHES, BACK TO SAID WESTERLY LINE OF SIMONTON STREET; THENCE RUN ALONG THE SAID WESTERLY LINE OF SIMONTON STREET, A DISTANCE OF 245 FEET BACK TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.

PARCEL III:

(LEASE PARCEL “C”)

A PARCEL OF SOVEREIGNTY SUBMERGED LAND ADJACENT TO LOTS 2, 3, AND 4, SQUARE 2 OF WILLIAM A WHITEHEAD’S MAP OF THE ISLAND OF KEY WEST, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA AND LYING IN SECTION 31, TOWNSHIP 67 SOUTH, RANGE 25 EAST AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 2, SQUARE 2, ACCORDING TO WILLIAM A. WHITEHEAD’S MAP OF ISLAND OF KEY WEST, DELINEATED IN FEBRUARY, 1829, SAID CORNER BEING THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHWESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF FRONT STREET (50’R/W) WITH THE NORTHEASTERLY BOUNDARY LINE OF SAID LOT 2; THENCE NORTH 45°00’00” WEST (ASSUMED BEARING BASED ON THE R/W LINE OF FRONT STREET) ALONG THE NORTHEASTERLY BOUNDARY LINE OF SAID LOT 2 A DISTANCE OF 508.45 FEET TO THE MEAN HIGH WATER LINE OF KEY WEST HARBOR AS LYING ALONG A BOULDER RIP-RAP SEAWALL AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE ALONG SAID MEAN HIGH WATER LINE AND BOULDER RIP-RAP SEAWALL FOR THE FOLLOWING SEVEN (7) METES AND BOUNDS:

(1) SOUTH 79°49’31” WEST FOR 6.99 FEET; THENCE

(2) SOUTH 52°26’50” WEST FOR 59.05 FEET; THENCE

(3) SOUTH 48°13’19” WEST FOR 42.23 FEET; THENCE

(4) SOUTH 45°10’00” WEST FOR 40.46 FEET; THENCE

(5) SOUTH 30°34’04” WEST FOR 11.52 FEET; THENCE

(6) SOUTH 16°50’35” EAST FOR 7.75 FEET; THENCE

(7) SOUTH 39°05’51” EAST FOR 6.42 FEET TO THE NORTHWESTERLY LINE OF T.I I.F. DEED NO. 24519; THENCE SOUTH 45°00’00” WEST ALONG THE SAID NORTHWESTERLY LINE OF T.I.I.F. DEED NO. 24519 FOR 72.18 FEET; THENCE ALONG THE MEAN HIGH WATER LINE OF A BOULDER RIP-RAP SEAWALL FOR THE FOLLOWING TWO (2) METES AND BOUNDS, SAID LINE ALSO THE APPROVED SHORELINE PER TRUSTEE NO. 29827 (4645-44); (1) THENCE NORTH 45°47’54” WEST FOR 4.90 FEET; (2) THENCE SOUTH 86°19’57” WEST FOR 56.46 FEET; THENCE NORTH 47°30’00” WEST ALONG THE NORTHEASTERLY LINE OF PARCEL “B”, AS PREPARED BY PHILIPS & TRICE SURVEYING, INC., DATED AND REVISED ON MARCH 16, 1978 FOR 77.97 FEET (77.5 FEET PER P. & T SURVEY); THENCE NORTH 47°30’00” EAST FOR 280.69 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 45°00’00” EAST FOR 105.89 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.

PARCEL IV:

(LEASE PARCEL “A”)

A PARCEL OF SOVEREIGNTY SUBMERGED LAND ADJACENT TO SECTION 31, TOWNSHIP 61 SOUTH, RANGE 25 EAST, IN KEY WEST HARBOR, KEY WEST, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

COMMENCE AT A POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF DUVAL STREET WITH THE MEAN HIGH WATER LINE OF KEY WEST HARBOR, SAID MEAN HIGH WATER LINE BEING EVIDENCED BY THE OUTSIDE FACE OF AN EXISTING CONCRETE SEAWALL AS DEPICTED AND DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “B” AS RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 869, PAGE 781 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA; THENCE NORTH 45° WEST (BEARINGS SHOWN HEREON BASED ON AN ASSUMED MERIDIAN) ALONG THE NORTHWESTERLY EXTENSION OF SAID NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF DUVAL STREET FOR 7.41 FEET TO A POINT ON THE SOUTHWESTERLY EXTENSION OF THE NORTHWESTERLY OUTSIDE FACE OF AN EXISTING SEAWALL, SAID POINT BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED PARCEL IV (LEASE PARCEL “A”); THENCE ALONG SAID SOUTHWESTERLY EXTENSION AND ALONG THE OUTSIDE FACE OF SAID EXISTING SEAWALL AS DESCRIBED IN CORRECTIVE DISCLAIMER DEED RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 830, PAGE 980 AND 981 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, FOR THE FOLLOWING FIVE (5) COURSES: (1) NORTH 45°21’40” EAST FOR 43.41 FEET; (2) NORTH 46°18’30” WEST FOR 36.88 FEET; (3) NORTH 50°12’47” WEST FOR 71.46 FEET; (4) NORTH


39°09’24” WEST FOR 58.77 FEET; (5) NORTH 41°13’56” WEST FOR 133.71 FEET TO THE POINT OF TERMINATION ALONG SAID EXISTING SEAWALL; THENCE SOUTH 48°46’04” WEST FOR 5.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 41°13’56” EAST FOR 133.71 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 39°09’24” EAST FOR 6.09 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 50°50’36” WEST FOR 30.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 40°14’08” EAST FOR 79.51 FEET; THENCE NORTH 50°50’36” EAST FOR 33.68 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 50°12’47” EAST FOR 44.93 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 46°18’30” EAST FOR 5.28 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 43°41’30” WEST FOR 37.72 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 45°00’00” EAST FOR 30.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.

PARCEL V:

(LEASE PARCEL “D”)

A PARCEL OF SOVEREIGNTY SUBMERGED LAND ADJACENT TO SECTION 31, TOWNSHIP 61 SOUTH, RANGE 25 EAST, IN KEY WEST HARBOR, KEY WEST, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

COMMENCE AT THE POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF DUVAL STREET WITH THE MEAN HIGH WATER LINE OF KEY WEST HARBOR, SAID MEAN HIGH WATER LINE BEING EVIDENCED BY THE OUTSIDE FACE OF AN EXISTING CONCRETE SEAWALL AS DEPICTED AND DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “B” AS RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 869, PAGE 781 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA; THENCE NORTH 45° WEST (BEARINGS SHOWN HEREON BASED ON AN ASSUMED MERIDIAN ) ALONG THE NORTHWESTERLY EXTENSION OF SAID NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF DUVAL STREET FOR 7.41 FEET TO A POINT, SAID POINT BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF LEASE PARCEL “A” AS DEPICTED AND DESCRIBED IN SAID EXHIBIT “B”; THENCE NORTH 45°00’00” WEST ALONG THE SOUTHWESTERLY LIMIT OF SAID LEASE PARCEL “A” FOR 30.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED PARCEL V (LEASE PARCEL “D”); THENCE CONTINUE NORTH 45°00’00” WEST ALONG THE NORTHWESTERLY EXTENSION OF SAID SOUTHWESTERLY LIMIT FOR 54.31 FEET TO AN INTERSECTION WITH THE LIMITS OF SAID LEASE PARCEL “A”; THENCE ALONG THE LIMITS OF SAID LEASE PARCEL “A” FOR THE FOLLOWING FOUR (4) COURSES; (1) NORTH 50°50’36” EAST FOR 33.68 FEET; (2) SOUTH 50°12’47” EAST FOR 44.93 FEET; (3) SOUTH 46°18’30” EAST FOR 5.28 FEET; (4) SOUTH 43°41’30” WEST FOR 37.72 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.


EXHIBIT B

Form of

PURCHASE NOTICE

[Insert Notice Date]

Reference is made to that certain Option Agreement Pier House Resort & Spa, dated as of November 19, 2013 by Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (“ Ashford Prime OP ”) and Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership (“ Ashford Trust OP ”) with respect to the Property Entities (defined therein) and Ashford TRS Corporation (“ Ashford Trust TRS ”) and Ashford Prime TRS Corporation (“ Ashford Prime TRS ”), with respect to the TRS Entities (defined therein) (the “ Option Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meaning set forth in the Option Agreement.

Ashford Prime OP, together with Ashford Prime TRS (collectively, the “ Optionees ”) hereby exercise the option to acquire the Ashford Trust Equity Interests in exchange for the Property Purchase Price and the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interest in exchange for the TRS Purchase Price, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Option Agreement. The Closing Date shall be [Insert Closing Date] , which date is not later than the first day of a calendar month following [Date 90 days from date of notice] .

As required by the Option Agreement, Ashford Trust OP must notify us Ashford Prime OP no later than the Business Day following the date hereof of its election to receive cash or Ashford Prime OP Units in connection with the exercise of the Purchase Option.

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
  By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION
By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 


EXHIBIT C

ASSIGNMENT, ASSUMPTION AND ADMISSION AGREEMENT

[Insert Property Entity or TRS Entity]

This Assignment, Assumption and Admission Agreement, dated as of [Insert date] (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into by and between [Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership (“ Ashford Trust OP ”) and Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (“ Ashford Prime OP ”)] or [Ashford TRS Corporation (“ Ashford Trust TRS ”) and Ashford Prime TRS Corporation (“ Ashford Prime TRS ”)]. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in the [Insert applicable organizational document] (as defined below).

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, [Insert Appropriate Whereas clauses to (i) identify the Property Entity or the TRS Entity, as applicable, (ii) describe the ownership structure of such entity, and (iii) identify the parties with authority to consent to the transfer e.g. general partner, members] ;

WHEREAS, [Ashford Trust OP/Ashford Trust TRS] desires to assign, transfer and convey all of its Conveyed Interest in the [Property Entity/TRS Entity] to Ashford Prime OP, and Ashford Trust OP desires to cease to be a [Limited Partner/Member] of such entity;

WHEREAS, [Ashford Prime OP/Ashford Prime TRS] desires to acquire and accept the Conveyed Interest, and [Ashford Prime OP/Ashford Prime TRS] desires to be admitted to the [Partnership/Company] as a successor [Limited Partner of the Partnership/Member of the Company];

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, in consideration of the premises, covenants and agreements contained herein, do hereby agree as follows:

1. Assignment and Assumption . For good and valuable consideration received, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, upon the execution of this Agreement by the parties hereto, [Ashford Trust OP/Ashford Trust TRS] does hereby assign, transfer and convey the Conveyed Interest to [Ashford Prime OP/Ashford Prime TRS], and [Ashford Prime OP/Ashford Prime TRS] does hereby accept such Conveyed Interest and agrees to become a [Limited Partner of the Partnership and to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Partnership Agreement][Member of the Company and to be bound by the terms and conditions of the LLC Agreement.

2. Admission . Contemporaneously with the assignment of the Conveyed Interest described in paragraph 1 of this Agreement, [Ashford Prime OP/Ashford Prime TRS] shall be admitted to the [Partnership as a substitute Limited Partner of the Partnership][Company as a Member of the Company] without any further action by any Person.

 

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3. Withdrawal . Contemporaneously with the admission of [Ashford Prime OP/Ashford Prime TRS] as a successor [Limited Partner of the Partnership][Member of the Company], [Ashford Trust OP/Ashford Trust TRS] shall cease to be a [Limited Partner of the Partnership][Member of the Company] without any further action by any Person.

4. [Partnership Agreement/LLC Agreement] . Except as hereby amended to reflect the substitution of a [Limited Partner/Member], the [Partnership Agreement/LLC Agreement] shall remain in full force and effect.

5. Condition Precedent . The obligation and ability of each party to effect the assignment of the Conveyed Interest contemplated by this Agreement is subject to [Identify any conditions precedent to the transfer – e.g. Lender consents] .

6. Future Cooperation . Each of the parties hereto agrees to cooperate at all times from and after the date hereof with respect to all of the matters described herein, and to execute such other documents as may be reasonably requested for the purpose of giving effect to, or evidencing or giving notice of, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

7. Binding Effect of this Agreement . This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

8. Execution in Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

9. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of [Delaware], all rights and remedies being governed by such laws without regard to principles of conflict of laws.

[Signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

ASSIGNOR:
[Insert appropriate signature block]
ASSIGNEE:
[Insert appropriate signature block]

[Insert any acknowledgement or consent language required, e.g. consent of general partner]

 

Assignment, Assumption and Admission Agreement

Signature Page


Schedule 3.10

Taxes of Ashford Trust OP

None.

 

Pier House Option Agreement – Schedules


Schedule 3.11

Claims or Litigation related to Ashford Trust OP

None.

 

Pier House Option Agreement – Schedules


Schedule 4.9

Taxes of Ashford Trust TRS

None.

 

Pier House Option Agreement – Schedules


Schedule 4.10

Claims or Litigation related to Ashford Trust TRS

None.

 

Pier House Option Agreement – Schedules

Exhibit 10.5

EXECUTION VERSION

OPTION AGREEMENT

CRYSTAL GATEWAY MARRIOTT

THIS OPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Option Agreement ”) is executed as of this 19th day of November, 2013 (the “ Effective Date ”) by ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (“ Ashford Prime OP ”) and ASHFORD HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (“ Ashford Trust OP ”), with respect to the Property Entities (defined below); and ASHFORD TRS CORPORATION (“ Ashford Trust TRS ” and together with Ashford Trust OP, the “ Grantors ”) and ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION (“ Ashford Prime TRS ” and together with Ashford Prime OP, the “ Optionees ”), with respect to the TRS Entity (defined below).

WHEREAS, Ashford Trust OP directly or indirectly owns 100% of Ashford Crystal Gateway LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Property Partnership ”), through its ownership of 100% of the limited partnership interest in the Property Partnership and 100% of the equity interest in Ashford Crystal Gateway GP LLC, the general partner of the Property Partnership (the “ General Partner ” and together with the Property Partnership, the “ Property Entities ”);

WHEREAS, Ashford Trust TRS owns 100% of the outstanding equity interest in Ashford Gateway TRS Corporation (the “ TRS Entity ”);

WHEREAS, the Property Partnership owns the hotel property more fully described on Exhibit A attached hereto, together with all improvements and personal property located thereon or related thereto (collectively, the “ Property ”) and the TRS Entity operates the Property pursuant to an operating lease with the Property Partnership;

WHEREAS, Ashford Prime OP desires to acquire from Ashford Trust OP, and Ashford Trust OP desires to grant to Ashford Prime OP, an option to purchase 100% of Ashford Trust OP’s interest in the Property Entities described above (collectively, the “ Ashford Trust Equity Interests ”) in exchange for the Property Purchase Price (defined below) and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein;

WHEREAS, Ashford Prime TRS desires to acquire from Ashford Trust TRS, and Ashford Trust TRS desires to grant to Ashford Prime TRS, an option to purchase 100% of Ashford Trust TRS’ interest in the TRS Entity described above (the “ Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests ”) in exchange for the TRS Purchase Price (defined below) and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of ten dollars ($10.00) paid by the Optionees to the Grantors, the mutual covenants and conditions set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Optionees and Grantors agree as follows:


ARTICLE I

THE OPTION

Section 1.1 Grant of Option . Ashford Trust OP hereby grants to Ashford Prime OP an irrevocable option to acquire the Ashford Trust Equity Interests in exchange for the Property Purchase Price, and Ashford Trust TRS hereby grants to Ashford Prime TRS an irrevocable option to acquire the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests in exchange for the TRS Purchase Price (collectively, the “ Purchase Option ”), in each case subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. Optionees acknowledge and agree that the options to purchase the Ashford Trust Equity Interests and the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests (collectively, the “ Grantor Equity Interests ”) may only be exercised together and simultaneously as a single Purchase Option.

Section 1.2 Term and Exercise of Option . The Purchase Option may be exercised beginning from and after the six month anniversary of the Effective Date through 5:00 p.m. on the 18 month anniversary of the Effective Date (the “ Option Termination Date ”). The Optionees may only exercise the Purchase Option by delivering a written purchase notice (“ Purchase Notice ”) substantially in the form of Exhibit B to the Grantors on or before the Option Termination Date. If Optionees do not deliver a Purchase Notice on or before the Option Termination Date, the Purchase Option shall be deemed terminated and shall be of no further force and effect, and the Grantors shall have no further obligations hereunder.

Section 1.3 Purchase Price and Payment .

(a) The full purchase price for the Property Entities (as adjusted pursuant to Section 2.7(b) and the other terms of this Option Agreement, the “ Property Purchase Price ”) upon the exercise of the Purchase Option shall be equal to the fair market value of the Property at the time of the exercise of the Purchase Option, as determined by an appraisal performed by a nationally recognized appraiser jointly selected by Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Prime OP, as encumbered by the Property lease with Ashford Trust TRS. The Property Purchase Price is payable in common units of limited partnership of Ashford Prime OP (“ Ashford Prime OP Units ”), with the number of Ashford Prime OP Units being calculated based on the assumption that the Value (as defined below) of each Ashford Prime OP Unit will equal the Value of a share common stock of Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. (“ Ashford Prime ”), calculated as of the date the Purchase Option is exercised (the “ Option Exercise Date ”). The issuance of the Ashford Prime OP Units shall be evidenced by an amendment to the operating partnership agreement of Ashford Prime OP in such form as shall be reasonably acceptable to Ashford Trust OP (the “ Partnership Amendment ”).

As used herein, the term “ Value ” shall mean, with respect to a share of common stock of Ashford Prime, the average of the daily market price for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding a specified date. The market price for each such trading day shall be: (i) if the stock of Ashford Prime is listed or admitted to trading on any securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System, the closing price, regular way, on such day, or if no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day; (ii) if the stock of Ashford Prime is not listed or admitted to trading on any securities exchange or the

 

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NASDAQ National Market System, the last reported sale price on such day or, if no sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day, as reported by a reliable quotation source designated by the General Partner; or (iii) if the stock of Ashford Prime is not listed or admitted to trading on any securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System and no such last reported sale price or closing bid and asked prices are available, the average of the reported high bid and low asked prices on such day, as reported by a reliable quotation source designated by the General Partner, or if there shall be no bid and asked prices on such day, the average of the high bid and low asked prices, as so reported, on the most recent day (not more than ten (10) days prior to the date in question) for which prices have been so reported; provided, however, that if there are no bid and asked prices reported during the ten (10) days prior to the date in question, the Value of a share of common stock of Ashford Prime shall be determined by the General Partner acting in good faith on the basis of such quotations and other information as it considers, in its reasonable judgment, appropriate.

(b) The full purchase price for the TRS Entity (the “ TRS Purchase Price ”) upon the exercise of the Purchase Option shall be an amount of cash equal to the fair market value of the TRS Entity at the time of the exercise of the Purchase Option, as determined by an appraisal performed by a nationally recognized appraiser jointly selected by Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Prime OP.

(c) The transfer of the Property Entities pursuant to this Agreement is intended to be a contribution governed by Section 721(a) of the Code. Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Prime OP agree to such tax treatment and shall file their respective Tax Returns consistent with such treatment, unless otherwise required by applicable law.

ARTICLE II

CONTRACT TO PURCHASE OR CONTRIBUTE AND CLOSING PROCEDURES

Section 2.1 Purchase and Sale or Contribution . Upon Optionees’ exercise of the Purchase Option, Ashford Trust OP shall, subject to Section 2.2 hereof, contribute to Ashford Prime OP, and Ashford Prime OP shall accept from Ashford Trust OP, the Ashford Trust Equity Interests, free and clear of all Encumbrances (defined below) in exchange for the Property Purchase Price. Simultaneously, Ashford Trust TRS shall, subject to Section 2.2 hereof, sell, transfer, assign, and convey to Ashford Prime TRS, and Ashford Prime TRS shall purchase from Ashford Trust TRS, the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests, free and clear of all Encumbrances in exchange for the TRS Purchase Price. Each such sale shall be closed in accordance with this Article II.

Section 2.2 Closing . The Purchase Notice delivered by Optionees upon exercise of the Purchase Option shall specify a closing date (“ Closing Date ”), which date will be no later than the first day of a calendar month following the date that is 90 days from the date of delivery of the Purchase Notice, for the closing (the “ Closing ”) of the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement. The Closing shall be held at a place and time determined by mutual agreement of Optionees and Grantors, or if Optionees and Grantors fail to mutually agree, at a place and time determined by Ashford Prime OP in its sole discretion. At or before such

 

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Closing, Optionees and Grantors will execute and deliver all closing documents required by the parties in accordance with Section 2.4 (the “ Closing Documents ”).

Section 2.3 Conditions to Performance of Obligations . Upon exercise of the Purchase Option by the Optionees, the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement and the Closing Documents will be consummated subject only to satisfaction of the following conditions or written waiver of such conditions by Optionees and Grantors:

(i) All consents and approvals of Governmental Authorities or third parties, including the waiver of any applicable right of first offer or right of first refusal with respect to each Property Entity, the TRS Entity or the Property, necessary for the parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (except for those the absence of which would not have a material adverse effect on the ability of the parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement) shall have been obtained.

(ii) No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, judgment, injunction or other Order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent), in any case which is in effect and which prevents or prohibits consummation of any of the transactions contemplated in this Option Agreement nor shall any of the same brought by a Government Authority of competent jurisdiction be pending that seeks the foregoing.

(iii) The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement shall not cause Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (“ Ashford Trust ”), Ashford Trust OP or any affiliate to breach any covenants under that certain Credit Agreement, dated September 26, 2011, by and among Grantor, Ashford Trust, KeyBanc Capital Markets and KeyBank, National Association, as amended (the “ Ashford Trust Credit Agreement ”).

Section 2.4 Closing Deliverables .

(a) At the Closing, Ashford Trust OP shall execute, acknowledge where deemed desirable or necessary by Ashford Prime OP, and deliver to Ashford Prime OP, in addition to any other documents mentioned elsewhere herein, the following:

(i) An assignment, assumption and admission agreement (“ Assignment Agreement ”) substantially in the form of Exhibit C with respect to each Property Entity, assigning 100% of the equity interest of such Property Entity held by Ashford Trust OP to Ashford Prime OP, with each Property Entity acknowledging the admission of Ashford Prime OP as the successor to Ashford Trust OP’s existing equity interest in such Property Entity and further acknowledging Ashford Prime OP’s admission as a partner or member of such Property Entity, as applicable.

(ii) A closing certificate which shall be in a form reasonably satisfactory to Ashford Prime OP and shall reaffirm the accuracy, in all material respects, of all representations and warranties and the satisfaction, in all material respects, of all covenants made by Ashford Trust OP in Article III hereof.

 

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(iii) A certified copy of all appropriate corporate resolutions or partnership actions authorizing the execution, delivery and performance by Ashford Trust OP of this Option Agreement and the Closing Documents to which Ashford Trust OP is a party.

(iv) The Guarantee Schedule (as defined in Section 8.1(c)).

(v) Any other documents reasonably necessary to contribute the Ashford Trust Equity Interests to Ashford Prime OP, to admit Ashford Trust OP as a partner of Ashford Prime OP, and to effectuate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) At the Closing, Ashford Trust TRS shall execute, acknowledge where deemed desirable or necessary by Ashford Prime TRS, and deliver to Ashford Prime TRS, in addition to any other documents mentioned elsewhere herein, the following:

(i) An Assignment Agreement with respect to the TRS Entity, assigning 100% of the equity interest of the TRS Entity held by Ashford Trust TRS to Ashford Prime TRS, with the TRS Entity acknowledging the admission of Ashford Prime TRS as the successor to Ashford Trust TRS’s existing equity interest in the TRS Entity and further acknowledging Ashford Prime TRS’s admission as a stockholders of the TRS Entity.

(ii) A closing certificate which shall be in a form reasonably satisfactory to Ashford Prime TRS and shall reaffirm the accuracy, in all material respects, of all representations and warranties and the satisfaction, in all material respects, of all covenants made by Ashford Trust TRS in Article IV hereof.

(iii) A certified copy of all appropriate corporate resolutions authorizing the execution, delivery and performance by Ashford Trust TRS of this Option Agreement and the Closing Documents to which Ashford Trust TRS is a party.

(iv) Any other documents reasonably necessary to assign, transfer and convey the TRS Entity to Ashford Prime TRS and effectuate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(c) At the Closing, Ashford Prime and/or Ashford Prime OP, as applicable, shall execute, acknowledge where deemed desirable or necessary by Ashford Trust OP, and deliver to Ashford Trust OP, in addition to any other documents mentioned elsewhere herein, the following:

(i) The Partnership Amendment.

(ii) A registration rights agreement with respect to the registration of the common stock of Ashford Prime into which the Ashford Prime OP Units may be converted, at the option of Ashford Prime, upon the redemption of the Ashford Prime OP Units, as provided in the limited partnership agreement of Ashford Prime OP.

(iii) The Assignment Agreement with respect to each Property Entity.

 

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(iv) A tax protection and reporting agreement, in a form acceptable to Ashford Trust OP, pursuant to which Ashford Prime OP will agree not to take any actions with respect to the Property that would result in any liability of Ashford Trust OP pursuant to that certain Tax Protection and Reporting Agreement by and among Ashford Trust OP and Robert H. Smith and Robert P. Kogod, for themselves and as representatives of the Eads Partners, dated as of July 13, 2006.

(v) The Guarantee Schedule.

(d) At the Closing, Ashford Prime TRS shall execute, acknowledge where deemed desirable or necessary by Ashford Trust TRS, and deliver to Ashford Trust TRS, in addition to any other documents mentioned elsewhere herein, the following:

(i) The TRS Purchase Price by making a wire transfer of immediately available federal funds to the account of Ashford Trust TRS (or other party designated by Ashford Trust TRS).

(ii) The Assignment Agreement with respect to the TRS Entity.

Section 2.5 Closing Costs . In connection with the exercise of the Purchase Option, each party shall be responsible for the payment of the fees and expenses of their respective legal counsel, accountants and other professional advisors; Ashford Prime OP shall pay for all applicable transfer taxes and recording fees; and all other closing costs shall be allocated to the parties in accordance with the custom of the jurisdiction in which the Property is located.

Section 2.6 Further Assurances . The Grantors, from time to time, shall execute and deliver to the applicable Optionee all such other and further instruments and documents and take or cause to be taken all such other and further action as either Optionee may reasonably request in order to effect the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement, including instruments or documents deemed necessary or desirable by Optionees to effect and evidence the conveyance of the Grantor Equity Interests in accordance with the terms of this Option Agreement.

Section 2.7 Adjustments to Property Purchase Price .

(a) All revenues and expenses with respect to the Property, and applicable to the period of time before and after Closing, determined in accordance with sound accounting principles consistently applied, shall be allocated between Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Prime OP as provided herein. Pursuant to such allocation, unless otherwise set forth herein, Ashford Trust OP shall be entitled to all revenue and shall be responsible for all expenses for the period of time up to but not including the Closing Date, and Ashford Prime OP shall be entitled to all revenue and shall be responsible for all expenses for the period of time from, after and including the Closing Date. Such allocations and adjustments shall be shown on the closing statement (with such supporting documentation as the parties hereto may reasonably require) and shall not affect the Property Purchase Price but shall be settled in cash. Any revenue received or expense incurred by Ashford Trust OP or Ashford Prime OP (or the Property Entities or TRS Entity) with respect to the Property from and after the Closing Date shall be promptly allocated in the manner

 

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described herein and the parties shall promptly pay or reimburse any amount due. In the event the Closing Date is not the first day of a calendar month, the parties agree that the foregoing allocation of revenues and expenses for the month in which the Closing Date occurs shall be accomplished by a straight-line proration (based on the number of days in the calendar month in which the Closing occurs) of the estimated distribution for such month to be remitted by the management company of the Property (“ Property Manager ”) following such calendar month, subject to adjustment upon receipt of the actual amount of such distribution from Property Manager.

(b) Ashford Prime OP shall receive a credit against the Property Purchase Price in an amount equal to the sum of (a) the outstanding principal amount of the existing mortgage loan against the Property on the Closing Date (the “ Existing Mortgage ”), and (b) the portion of the debt service payment due on the next payment date for the Existing Mortgage that accrues to the period prior to the Closing Date. Ashford Trust OP shall receive a payment in cash in an amount equal to the balance as of the Closing Date of any FF&E or similar reserve held by the Property Manager. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.7(b), the parties agree that all working capital prorations shall be accomplished in full (including prorations for real and personal property ad valorem Taxes) by Ashford Prime OP making a cash payment to Ashford Trust OP in an amount equal to the balance of the working capital investment required by Property Manager.

Section 2.8 Right to Terminate .

(a) Ashford Prime OP, in its sole discretion, may terminate this Option Agreement and the obligation of the Optionees to acquire the Grantor Equity Interests if the Value of the Ashford Prime OP Units to be delivered as the Property Purchase Price, calculated as of the Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date, has increased by more than 20% of the Value of such Ashford Prime OP Units as of the Option Exercise Date.

(b) Ashford Trust OP, in its sole discretion, may terminate this Option Agreement and the obligation of the Grantors to convey the Grantor Equity Interests if the Value of the Ashford Prime OP Units to be delivered as the Property Purchase Price, calculated as of the Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date, has decreased by more than 20% of the Value of such Ashford Prime OP Units as of the Option Exercise Date.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ASHFORD TRUST OP

As a material inducement to Optionees to enter into this Option Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Ashford Trust OP hereby makes to Optionees each of the representations and warranties and covenants set forth in this Article III. The representations and warranties set forth in this Article III are true as of the date hereof. As a condition to Optionees’ obligation to complete the purchase of the Grantor Equity Interests after the exercise of the Purchase Option, such representations and warranties must continue to be true and correct, in all material respects, as of the Closing Date.

 

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Section 3.1 Organization . Ashford Trust OP and each of the Property Entities are duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the respective jurisdiction of such entity’s organization.

Section 3.2 Authorization of Transaction . Subject to the receipt of third-party consents and waivers as required as a condition to closing pursuant to Section 2.3(i) , Ashford Trust OP has full right, authority, power and capacity to: (i) enter into this Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Trust OP pursuant to this Option Agreement, including, without limitation, the Closing Documents to which it is a party; (ii) carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; and (iii) contribute the Ashford Trust Equity Interests to Ashford Prime OP (or its designee) upon payment therefor in accordance with this Option Agreement. This Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Trust OP pursuant to this Option Agreement constitutes, or when executed and delivered will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of Ashford Trust OP, each enforceable in accordance with its respective terms.

Section 3.3 Authority to Conduct Business . Each Property Entity is duly authorized to conduct business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where such qualification is required. Each Property Entity has full power and authority and all licenses, permits, and authorizations necessary to carry on the businesses in which it is engaged and to own and use the properties owned and used by it, including the Property. Ashford Trust OP has delivered to Ashford Prime OP correct and complete copies of the partnership or limited liability company agreement, as applicable of each Property Entity, as amended to date (each, an “ Operating Agreement ”). No Property Entity is in default under or in violation of any provision of its Operating Agreement.

Section 3.4 Noncontravention . Subject to the receipt of third-party consents and waivers as required as a condition to closing pursuant to Section 2.3(i) , the execution, delivery and performance of this Option Agreement and each additional agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Trust OP pursuant to this Option Agreement, including, without limitation, the Closing Documents: (A) does not and will not violate the Operating Agreement of any Property Entity or Ashford Trust OP’s partnership agreement; (B) does not and will not violate any foreign, federal, state, local or other Law applicable to any Property Entity or Ashford Trust OP, or require any Property Entity or Ashford Trust OP to obtain any approval, consent or waiver of, or make any filing with, any Person or authority (governmental or otherwise) that has not been obtained or made or which does not remain in effect; and (C) subject to the satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section 2.3(iii ) , does not and will not result in a breach of, constitute a default under, accelerate any obligation under or give rise to a right of termination of, any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, contract, instrument, mortgage, Lien, lease, permit, authorization, Order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or arbitration award to which any Property Entity or Ashford Trust OP is a party or by which the property of any Property Entity or Ashford Trust OP is bound or affected, or result in the creation of any Encumbrance on any Property Entity or the Ashford Trust Equity Interests.

 

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Section 3.5 No Encumbrances . Subject to the receipt of third-party consents and waivers as required as a condition to closing pursuant to Section 2.3(i) , as of the Closing Date, Ashford Trust OP will be the beneficial and record holder of the Ashford Trust Equity Interests, free and clear of any restrictions on transfer (other than any restrictions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”) or the securities laws of any state (“ Blue Sky Laws ”)), claim, Lien, pledge, voting agreement, option, charge, security interest, mortgage, deed of trust, encumbrance, rights of assignment, purchase rights or other rights of any nature whatsoever of any third party (collectively, “ Encumbrances ”), and as of the Closing Date, Ashford Trust OP will have the full power and authority to convey the Ashford Trust Equity Interests free and clear of any Encumbrances, and upon delivery of the Assignment Agreement by Ashford Trust OP conveying the Ashford Trust Equity Interests and receipt by Ashford Trust OP of the Property Purchase Price as herein provided, Ashford Prime OP (or its designee) will acquire good and valid title thereto, free and clear of all Encumbrances. No Property Entity has issued any outstanding partnership, LLC membership or other equity ownership interests and no Property Entity has any outstanding options, warrants, convertible securities, calls, rights, commitments, preemptive rights, agreements, arrangements or understanding of any character obligating any Property Entity to (i) issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional equity ownership interests in such Property Entity or any securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for ownership interests in such Property Entity; or (ii) grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, convertible security, call, right, commitment, preemptive right, agreement, arrangement or understanding.

Section 3.6 No Other Agreements to Sell . Ashford Trust OP represents that it has made no agreement with, and will not enter into any agreement with, and has no obligation (absolute or contingent) to, any other Person or firm to sell, transfer or in any way encumber the Ashford Trust Equity Interests or to not sell the Ashford Trust Equity Interests, or to enter into any agreement with respect to a sale, transfer or Encumbrance of or put or call right with respect to the Ashford Trust Equity Interests.

Section 3.7 Title to Assets . The Property Partnership has good and marketable or indefeasible fee simple title to the Property. The Property is owned by the Property Partnership free and clear of all Encumbrances, except the Existing Mortgage and any other Encumbrances set forth in the existing title policy for the Property (and any updated title report or commitment thereto), copies of which have been made available to Ashford Prime OP. No Property Entity owns nor has any interest in any other assets or liabilities. No Property Entity is in default in any manner, nor has any event occurred that with the passage of time would cause any Property Entity to be in default in any manner, under any provision of the Existing Mortgage or any other agreement or instrument to which any Property Entity is a party or by which it or the Property may be bound.

Section 3.8 Compliance With Laws . Each Property Entity has conducted its business in compliance with all applicable Laws, except for such failures that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of any Property Entity or the Property.

 

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Section 3.9 Licenses and Permits . Each Property Entity possesses such certificates, authorities or permits issued by the appropriate state or federal agencies or bodies necessary to conduct the business conducted by it to the extent that failure to have any such certificates, authorities or permits would have a material adverse effect on such entity. None of Ashford Trust OP or any Property Entity has received any written notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification or any such certificate, authority or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling, or finding, would materially and adversely affect the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of any Property Entity or the Property.

Section 3.10 Taxes . Except as set forth on Schedule 3.10 attached hereto, (i) all Taxes (including, but not limited to, real estate and personal property Taxes due and owing with respect to the Property) required to be paid by each Property Entity on or before the date hereof have been paid and all Tax Returns required to be filed on or before the date hereof (taking into account any extensions to file previously received) by or on behalf of any Property Entity have been timely filed; and (ii) there is no action, suit or proceeding pending against or threatened with respect to any Property Entity or the Property in respect of any Tax, nor is any claim for additional Tax asserted by any Property Entity nor are any of the Property Entity’s federal, state and local income or franchise Tax Returns the subject of any audit or examination by any taxing authority. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.10 attached hereto, no Property Entity has executed or filed with the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority any agreement now in effect extending the period for assessment or collection of any income or other Taxes.

Section 3.11 Litigation . Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11 , there is no action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Ashford Trust OP, threatened against Ashford Trust OP or any Property Entity which, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to have a material and adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of any Property Entity or the Property. There is no action, suit, or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Ashford Trust OP, threatened against Ashford Trust OP which challenges or impairs the ability of Ashford Trust OP to execute or deliver, or materially perform its obligations under this Option Agreement or to consummate the transactions hereby or thereby, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a materially and adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of any Property Entity.

Section 3.12 No Insolvency Proceedings . No bankruptcy or similar insolvency proceeding has been filed, or is currently contemplated, with respect to Ashford Trust OP or any of the Property Entities.

Section 3.13 Investment Representations . Ashford Trust OP hereby represents:

(a) Ashford Trust OP will be acquiring the Ashford Prime OP Units for its own account and not with the view to the sale or distribution of the same or any part thereof in violation of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Act ”).

(b) Ashford Trust OP understands that the Ashford Prime OP Units to be issued to Ashford Trust OP, if any, will not be registered under the Act, or the securities laws of any state

 

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(“ Blue Sky Laws ”) by reason of a specific exemption or exemptions from registration under the Act and applicable Blue Sky Laws and that Ashford Prime OP’s reliance on such exemptions is predicated in part on the accuracy and completeness of the representations and warranties of Ashford Trust OP.

(c) Ashford Trust OP understands that, for the reasons set forth in paragraph (b) above the Ashford Prime OP Units may not be offered, sold, transferred, pledged (other than pursuant to the Ashford Trust Credit Agreement) or otherwise disposed of by Ashford Trust OP except (i) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Act and any applicable Blue Sky Laws, (ii) pursuant to a no-action letter issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission to the effect that a proposed transfer of the Ashford Prime OP Units may be made without registration under the Act, together with either registration or an exemption under applicable Blue Sky Laws, or (iii) upon Ashford Prime OP or Ashford Prime, as the case may be, receiving an opinion of counsel knowledgeable in securities law matters and reasonably acceptable to Ashford Prime OP to the effect that the proposed transfer is exempt from the registration requirements of the Act and any applicable Blue Sky Laws, and that, accordingly, Ashford Trust OP must bear the economic risk of an investment in Ashford Prime Common Units for an indefinite period of time.

(d) Ashford Trust OP is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a) promulgated under the Act.

(e) Ashford Trust OP understands that an investment in Ashford Prime involves substantial risks. Ashford Trust OP has had the opportunity to review all documents and information which it has requested concerning its investment in Ashford Prime OP and Ashford Prime and to ask questions of the proposed management of Ashford Prime OP and Ashford Prime, which questions were answered to its satisfaction.

(f) Ashford Trust OP understands that the Ashford Prime OP Units (and any shares of common stock of Ashford Prime issued upon exchange of the Ashford Prime OP Units) will bear a legend substantially to the effect of the following:

The securities represented by this certificate have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Act ”), or the securities laws of any state. The securities may not be offered, sold, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of without an effective registration statement under the Act and under any applicable state securities laws, receipt of a no-action letter issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (together with either registration or an exemption under applicable state securities laws) or an opinion of counsel acceptable to Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership and Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. that the proposed transaction will be exempt from registration under the Act and applicable state securities laws.

and that Ashford Prime OP or Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc, as the case may be, reserve the right to place a stop order against the transfer of the Ashford Prime OP Units (and any shares of common stock of Ashford Prime issued upon exchange of the Ashford Prime OP Units), and to

 

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refuse to effect any transfers thereof, in the absence of satisfying the conditions contained in the foregoing legend.

Section 3.14 No Other Representations and Warranties . Other than the representations and warranties expressly set forth in this Article III, Ashford Trust OP shall not be deemed to have made any other representation or warranty in connection with this Option Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ASHFORD TRUST TRS

As a material inducement to Optionees to enter into this Option Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Ashford Trust TRS hereby makes to Optionees each of the representations and warranties and covenants set forth in this Article IV. The representations and warranties set forth in this Article IV are true as of the date hereof. As a condition to Optionees’ obligation to complete the purchase of the Grantor Equity Interests after the exercise of the Purchase Option, such representations and warranties must continue to be true, in all material respects, as of the date of the Closing.

Section 4.1 Organization . Ashford Trust TRS and the TRS Entity are duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the respective jurisdiction of such entity’s organization.

Section 4.2 Authorization of Transaction . Subject to the receipt of third-party consents as required as a condition to closing pursuant to Section 2.3(i) , Ashford Trust TRS has full right, authority, power and capacity to: (i) enter into this Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Trust TRS pursuant to this Option Agreement, including, without limitation, the Closing Documents to which it is a party; (ii) carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; and (iii) transfer, sell and deliver the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests to Ashford Prime TRS (or its designee) upon payment therefor in accordance with this Option Agreement. This Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Trust TRS pursuant to this Option Agreement constitutes, or when executed and delivered will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of Ashford Trust TRS, each enforceable in accordance with its respective terms.

Section 4.3 Authority to Conduct Business . The TRS Entity is duly authorized to conduct business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where such qualification is required. The TRS Entity has full power and authority and all material licenses, permits, and authorizations necessary to carry on the businesses in which it is engaged and to own and use the properties owned and used by it. Ashford Trust TRS has delivered to Ashford Prime TRS correct and complete copies of the governing documents of the TRS Entity, as amended to date. The TRS Entity is not in default under or in violation of any provision of its governing documents.

 

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Section 4.4 Noncontravention . Subject to the receipt of third-party consents as required as a condition to closing pursuant to Section 2.3(i) , the execution, delivery and performance of this Option Agreement and each additional agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Trust TRS pursuant to this Option Agreement, including, without limitation, the Closing Documents: (A) does not and will not violate the governing documents of the TRS Entity or Ashford Trust TRS’s governing documents; (B) does not and will not violate any foreign, federal, state, local or other Law applicable to the TRS Entity or Ashford Trust TRS, or require the TRS Entity or Ashford Trust TRS to obtain any approval, consent or waiver of, or make any filing with, any Person or authority (governmental or otherwise) that has not been obtained or made or which does not remain in effect; and (C) subject to the satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section 2.3(iii ) , does not and will not result in a breach of, constitute a default under, accelerate any obligation under or give rise to a right of termination of, any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, contract, instrument, mortgage, Lien, lease, permit, authorization, Order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or arbitration award to which the TRS Entity or Ashford Trust TRS is a party or by which the property of the TRS Entity or Ashford Trust TRS is bound or affected, or result in the creation of any Encumbrance on the TRS Entity or the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests.

Section 4.5 No Encumbrances . Subject to the receipt of third-party consents and waivers as required as a condition to closing pursuant to Section 2.3(i) , as of the Closing Date, Ashford Trust TRS will be the beneficial and record holder of the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests, free and clear of any restrictions on transfer (other than any restrictions under the Securities Act or any Blue Sky Laws) or Encumbrances; and as of the Closing Date, Ashford Trust TRS will have the full power and authority to convey the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests free and clear of any Encumbrances, and upon delivery of the Assignment Agreement by Ashford Trust TRS conveying the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests and receipt by Ashford Trust TRS of the TRS Purchase Price as herein provided, Ashford Prime TRS (or its designee) will acquire good and valid title thereto, free and clear of all Encumbrances. The TRS Entity has not issued any outstanding common or preferred stock or other equity ownership interests, and the TRS Entity has no outstanding options, warrants, convertible securities, calls, rights, commitments, preemptive rights, agreements, arrangements or understanding of any character obligating the TRS Entity to (i) issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional equity ownership interests in the TRS Entity or any securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for ownership interests in the TRS Entity; or (ii) grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, convertible security, call, right, commitment, preemptive right, agreement, arrangement or understanding.

Section 4.6 No Other Agreements to Sell . Ashford Trust TRS represents that it has made no agreement with, and will not enter into any agreement with, and has no obligation (absolute or contingent) to, any other Person or firm to sell, transfer or in any way encumber the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests or to not sell the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests, or to enter into any agreement with respect to a sale, transfer or Encumbrance of or put or call right with respect to the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interests.

Section 4.7 Compliance With Laws . The TRS Entity has conducted its business in compliance with all applicable Laws, except for such failures that would not,

 

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individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of the TRS Entity or the Property.

Section 4.8 Licenses and Permits . The TRS Entity possesses such certificates, authorities or permits issued by the appropriate state or federal agencies or bodies necessary to conduct the business conducted by it to the extent that failure to have any such certificates, authorities or permits would have a material adverse effect on such entity. Neither Ashford Trust TRS nor the TRS Entity has received any written notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification or any such certificate, authority or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling, or finding, would materially and adversely affect the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of the TRS Entity or the Property.

Section 4.9 Taxes . Except as set forth on Schedule 4.9 attached hereto, (i) all Taxes required to be paid by the TRS Entity on or before the date hereof have been paid and all Tax Returns required to be filed on or before the date hereof (taking into account any extensions to file previously received) by or on behalf of the TRS Entity have been timely filed; and (ii) there is no action, suit or proceeding pending against or threatened with respect to the TRS Entity in respect of any Tax, nor is any claim for additional Tax asserted by the TRS Entity nor are any of the TRS Entity’s federal, state and local income or franchise Tax Returns the subject of any audit or examination by any taxing authority. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.9 attached hereto, the TRS Entity has not executed or filed with the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority any agreement now in effect extending the period for assessment or collection of any income or other Taxes.

Section 4.10 Litigation . Except as set forth in Schedule 4.10 , there is no action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Ashford Trust TRS, threatened against Ashford Trust TRS or the TRS Entity which, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to have a material and adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of the TRS Entity. There is no action, suit, or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Ashford Trust TRS, threatened against Ashford Trust TRS which challenges or impairs the ability of Ashford Trust TRS to execute or deliver, or materially perform its obligations under this Option Agreement or to consummate the transactions hereby or thereby, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a materially and adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs of the TRS Entity.

Section 4.11 No Insolvency Proceedings . No bankruptcy or similar insolvency proceeding has been filed, or is currently contemplated, with respect to Ashford Trust TRS or the TRS Entity.

Section 4.12 No Other Representations and Warranties . Other than the representations and warranties expressly set forth in this Article IV, Ashford Trust TRS shall not be deemed to have made any other representation or warranty in connection with this Option Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

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ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES OF ASHFORD PRIME OP

As a material inducement to the Grantors to enter into this Option Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Ashford Prime OP hereby makes to the Grantors each of the representations and warranties set forth in this Article V. The representations and warranties set forth in this Article V are true as of the date hereof. As a condition to Grantors’ obligation to complete the contribution or sale of the Grantor Equity Interests after the exercise of the Purchase Option, such representations and warranties must continue to be true and correct, in all material respects, as of the date of the Closing.

Section 5.1 Organization . Ashford Prime OP is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing as a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware.

Section 5.2 Authority . Ashford Prime OP hereby represents and warranties that it has full right, authority, power and capacity to: (i) enter into this Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of it pursuant to this Option Agreement, including without limitation, the Closing Documents to which it is a party; and (ii) carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument executed and delivered by Ashford Prime OP pursuant to this Option Agreement constitutes, or when executed and delivered will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of Ashford Prime OP, each enforceable in accordance with its respective terms.

Section 5.3 Noncontravention . The execution, delivery and performance of this Option Agreement and each additional agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Prime OP pursuant to this Option Agreement: (A) does not and will not violate the partnership agreement of Ashford Prime OP; (B) does not and will not violate any foreign, federal, state, local or other Law applicable to Ashford Prime OP, or require Ashford Prime OP to obtain any approval, consent or waiver of, or make any filing with, any Person or authority (governmental or otherwise) that has not been obtained or made or which does not remain in effect; and (C) does not and will not result in a breach of, constitute a default under, accelerate any obligation under or give rise to a right of termination of, any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, contract, instrument, mortgage, Lien, lease, permit, authorization, Order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or arbitration award to which Ashford Prime OP is a party or by which the property of Ashford Prime OP is bound or affected.

Section 5.4 Litigation . There is no action, suit or proceeding pending or to Ashford Prime OP’s knowledge, threatened against Ashford Prime OP, that challenges or would reasonably be expected to impair the ability of Ashford Prime OP to execute or deliver or materially perform its obligations under this Option Agreement and the documents executed by it pursuant to this Option Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

 

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Section 5.5 Validity of Ashford Prime OP Units . The Ashford Prime OP Units to be issued to AHT OP upon the exercise of the Purchase Option will be duly authorized by Ashford Prime OP and, when issued against the consideration therefor, will be validly issued by Ashford Prime OP, free and clear of all Liens created by Ashford Prime OP.

Section 5.6 No Other Representations and Warranties . Other than the representations and warranties expressly set forth in this Article V, Ashford Prime OP shall not be deemed to have made any other representation or warranty in connection with this Option Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

ARTICLE VI

REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES OF ASHFORD PRIME TRS

As a material inducement to the Grantors to enter into this Option Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Ashford Prime TRS hereby makes to the Grantors each of the representations and warranties set forth in this Article VI. The representations and warranties set forth in this Article VI are true as of the date hereof. As a condition to Grantors’ obligation to complete the sale of the Grantor Equity Interests after the exercise of the Purchase Option, such representations and warranties must continue to be true and correct, in all material respects, as of the date of the Closing.

Section 6.1 Organization . Ashford Prime TRS is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing as a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware.

Section 6.2 Authority . Ashford Prime TRS hereby represents and warranties that it has full right, authority, power and capacity to: (i) enter into this Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of it pursuant to this Option Agreement, including without limitation, the Closing Documents to which it is a party; and (ii) carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Option Agreement and each agreement, document and instrument executed and delivered by Ashford Prime TRS pursuant to this Option Agreement constitutes, or when executed and delivered will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of Ashford Prime TRS, each enforceable in accordance with its respective terms.

Section 6.3 Noncontravention . The execution, delivery and performance of this Option Agreement and each additional agreement, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by or on behalf of Ashford Prime TRS pursuant to this Option Agreement: (A) does not and will not violate the governing documents of Ashford Prime TRS; (B) does not and will not violate any foreign, federal, state, local or other Law applicable to Ashford Prime TRS, or require Ashford Prime TRS to obtain any approval, consent or waiver of, or make any filing with, any Person or authority (governmental or otherwise) that has not been obtained or made or which does not remain in effect; and (C) does not and will not result in a breach of, constitute a default under, accelerate any obligation under or give rise to a right of termination of, any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, contract, instrument, mortgage, Lien, lease, permit, authorization, Order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or

 

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arbitration award to which Ashford Prime TRS is a party or by which the property of Ashford Prime TRS is bound or affected.

Section 6.4 Litigation . There is no action, suit or proceeding pending or to Ashford Prime TRS’ knowledge, threatened against Ashford Prime TRS, that challenges or would reasonably be expected to impair the ability of Ashford Prime TRS to execute or deliver or materially perform its obligations under this Option Agreement and the documents executed by it pursuant to this Option Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

Section 6.5 No Other Representations and Warranties . Other than the representations and warranties expressly set forth in this Article VI, Ashford Prime TRS shall not be deemed to have made any other representation or warranty in connection with this Option Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

ARTICLE VII

COVENANTS

Section 7.1 Covenant Not to Substantially Alter the Grantor Equity Interests . From the date hereof through the earlier of the Closing Date or the Option Termination Date, except as otherwise provided for or as contemplated by this Option Agreement or the other agreements, documents and instruments contemplated hereby, Grantors shall not, without the prior written consent of Ashford Prime OP:

(a) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any portion of the Grantor Equity Interests;

(b) further mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, encumber (or permit to become encumbered) all or any portion of the Grantor Equity Interests;

(c) amend the governing documents of any Property Entity or the TRS Entity; or

(d) adopt a plan of liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or reorganization with respect to Ashford Trust OP, Ashford Trust TRS, any Property Entity or the TRS Entity.

Section 7.2 Covenant to Use Reasonable Commercial Efforts . Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Prime OP shall each use commercially reasonable efforts and cooperate with each other in (a) promptly determining wither any filings are required to be made or consents, approvals, waivers, permits or authorizations are required to be obtained (under any applicable Law or regulation from any Governmental Authority or third party) in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement and (b) following the exercise of the Purchase Option, promptly making any such filings, in furnishing information required in connection therewith and in timely seeking to obtain any such consents, approvals, waivers, permits or authorizations.

 

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Section 7.3 Covenant by Ashford Prime OP to Replace Ashford Trust OP as Guarantor Where Applicable .

(a) To the extent that, prior to the date of this Option Agreement, Ashford Trust has guaranteed any obligations under the Existing Mortgage or any portion thereof, or any management agreement or franchise matters or other agreement related to the Property (“ Existing Guarantees ”), Ashford Prime agrees to enter into substantially similar guarantees in favor of the lenders, managers, franchisors or other beneficiaries of such Existing Guarantees.

(b) To the extent that, prior to the date of this Option Agreement, Ashford Trust OP has entered into any Existing Guarantees, Ashford Prime OP agrees to enter into substantially similar guarantees in favor of the lenders, managers, franchisors or other beneficiaries of such Existing Guarantees.

Section 7.4 Covenant by Ashford Prime OP to Admit Ashford Trust OP as a Limited Partner . If the Purchase Option is Exercised, Ashford Prime OP shall amend the partnership agreement of Ashford Prime OP to reflect Ashford Trust OP as a limited partner, owning the Ashford Prime OP Units payable as the Property Purchase Price.

Section 7.5 Casualty . If, following exercise of the Purchase Option and prior to Closing, the Property is damaged by fire or other casualty which is fully insured (without regard to deductibles) and would cost not more than Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) to repair, then neither party shall have the right to terminate this Option Agreement by reason thereof, and the Closing shall take place without abatement of the Property Purchase Price and TRS Purchase Price, but Grantors shall assign to Optionees at the Closing all of Grantor’s interest in any insurance proceeds (except use and occupancy insurance, rent loss and business interruption insurance, and any similar insurance for the period preceding the Closing Date) that may be payable to Grantors on account of any such fire or other casualty, to the extent such proceeds have not been previously expended or are otherwise required to reimburse Grantors for actual expenditures of restoration, plus Ashford Prime OP shall credit the amount of any deductibles under any policies related to such proceeds to the Property Purchase Price. If any such damage due to fire or other casualty is insured and would cost in excess of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000), then Optionees may terminate their obligations under this Option Agreement by written notice given to Grantors within ten (10) days after Ashford Trust OP has given Ashford Prime OP notice of such damage or casualty. Should Optionees elect to proceed to Closing notwithstanding the amount of the insured loss, the Closing shall take place without abatement of the Property Purchase Price and TRS Purchase Price and at Closing, Grantors shall assign to Optionees the insurance proceeds and grant to Ashford Prime OP a credit against the Property Purchase Price equal to the amount of the applicable deductible.

Section 7.6 Condemnation . Following exercise of the Purchase Option and prior to Closing, Ashford Trust OP agrees to give Ashford Prime OP prompt notice of any notice it receives of any taking by condemnation of any part of or rights appurtenant to the Property. If such taking will materially interfere with the operation or use of the Property, the Optionees may terminate their obligations under this Option Agreement by written notice to Ashford Trust OP within ten (10) days after Ashford Trust OP has given Ashford Prime OP such notice of taking. If Optionees do not so elect to terminate this Option Agreement, or if such taking will not

 

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materially interfere with the operation or use of the Property, then the Closing shall take place as provided herein, and Grantors shall assign to Optionees at the Closing all of Grantor’s interest in any condemnation award which may be payable to Grantors on account of any such condemnation and, at Closing, Ashford Trust OP shall credit the Property Purchase Price by the amount, if any, of condemnation proceeds received by Grantors less (i) any amounts reasonably expended by Grantors in collecting such sums, (ii) any amounts reasonably used by Grantors to repair the Property as a result of such condemnation, and (iii) any amounts which are reasonably allocated to lost earnings or other damages or losses (other than unrepaired property damages) reasonably allocated or attributed to the period of time prior to Closing.

ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 8.1 Indemnity .

(a) From and after the Closing, each party hereto (each of which is an “ Indemnifying Party ”) shall indemnify and hold harmless the other party and its Affiliates (each of which is an “ Indemnified Party ”) from and against any and all charges, complaints, claims, actions, causes of action, losses, damages, liabilities and expenses of any nature whatsoever (each, a “ Claim ”), including amounts paid in settlement, reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs of investigation, costs of investigative judicial or administrative proceedings or appeals therefrom and costs of attachment or similar bonds (collectively, “ Losses ”) arising out of or relating to, asserted against, imposed upon or incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with or as a result of any breach of a representation, warranty or covenant of the Indemnifying Party contained in this Option Agreement or in any schedule, exhibit, certificate or affidavit or Closing Document (to the extent not known by Indemnified Party prior to Closing Date); provided, however, that: (i) no Optionee shall have any obligation under this Article to indemnify any Indemnified Party against any Losses to the extent that such Losses arise by virtue of (A) either Grantors’ breach of this Option Agreement, gross negligence, willful misconduct or fraud or (B) the operation of the business of Ashford Trust OP, the Property Entities, Ashford Trust TRS or the TRS Entity, or the ownership and operation of the Property for the period prior to the Closing Date; and (ii) no Grantor shall have any obligation under this Article to indemnify any Indemnified Party against any Losses to the extent that such Losses arise by virtue of (A) any diminution in value of the Property, (B) either Optionee’s breach of this Option Agreement, gross negligence, willful misconduct or fraud or (C) the operation of the business of Ashford Prime OP, the Property Entities, Ashford Prime TRS or the TRS Entity, or the ownership and operation of the Property for the period from and after the Closing Date; and

(b) Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Trust TRS shall indemnify Optionees and hold them harmless from and against all Losses arising from: (A) all Taxes of the Grantors for all Tax periods ending on or before the Closing Date, (B) with respect to any Tax period including but not ending on the Closing Date, all Taxes of the Grantors attributable to the portion of such Tax period that ends on and includes the Closing Date, and (C) all Taxes of any Person imposed on the Optionees as a transferee or successor, by contract or pursuant to any Law (including, but not limited to, Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 and V.T.C.A., Tax Code, Chapter 171) with respect to obligations or relationships existing on or prior to the Closing Date or by agreements

 

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entered into or transactions entered into on or prior to the Closing Date; provided, however, that for the avoidance of doubt:

(i) Neither Ashford Trust OP nor Ashford Trust TRS shall have liability for any Taxes or Losses with respect to Taxes that are attributable to any transaction that occurs on or after the Closing.

(ii) Neither Ashford Trust OP nor Ashford Trust TRS shall have liability to either Optionee for any Losses attributable to Taxes with respect to (A) any Tax period beginning after the Closing Date, or (B) any portion of a straddle period (a Tax period which includes but does not end on the Closing Date) that accrue to the period following the Closing Date.

(iii) Neither Ashford Trust OP nor Ashford Trust TRS shall have liability for any transfer Taxes related to the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement or the exercise of the Purchase Option, which shall be paid by Ashford Prime.

(c) From and after the Closing Date, Ashford Prime OP and Ashford Prime agree to jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless Ashford Trust, Ashford Trust OP and their respective Affiliates from and against any and all Losses and Claims arising from and after the Closing Date under the Existing Guarantees, which Existing Guarantees, if any, shall be specifically identified to and acknowledged by Ashford Prime OP and Ashford Prime at the time of the Closing (the “ Guarantee Schedule ”). The obligations of Ashford Prime OP and Ashford Prime under this Section 8.1(c) shall continue as to each Existing Guarantee until such Existing Guarantee is terminated in accordance with its terms or Ashford Trust, Ashford Trust OP and their Affiliates, as applicable, are otherwise released in writing from such Existing Guarantees.

(d) For the avoidance of doubt, Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Trust TRS shall be jointly and severally liable to Optionees for any Losses for which Optionees are entitled to indemnification under this Article VIII, and Optionees shall be jointly and severally liable to Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Trust TRS for any Losses for which Ashford Trust OP and Ashford Trust TRS are entitled to indemnification under this Article VIII.

Section 8.2 Notice of Claims . At the time when any Indemnified Party learns of any potential Claim against the Indemnifying Party it will promptly give written notice (a “ Claim Notice ”) to the Indemnifying Party; provided that failure to do so shall not prevent recovery under this Option Agreement, except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party shall have been materially prejudiced by such failure. Each Claim Notice shall describe in reasonable detail the facts known to such Indemnified Party giving rise to such Claim, and the amount or good faith estimate of the amount of Losses arising therefrom. Unless prohibited by Law, such Indemnified Party shall deliver to the Indemnifying Party, promptly after such Indemnified Party’s receipt thereof, copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by such Indemnified Party relating to claims asserted by third parties (“ Third Party Claims ”). Any Indemnified Party may at its option demand indemnity under this Article VII as soon as a Claim has been threatened by a third party, regardless of whether an actual Loss has been suffered, so long as such Indemnified Party shall in good faith determine that such claim is not frivolous and that such Indemnified Party may be liable for, or otherwise incur, a Loss as a result thereof.

 

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Section 8.3 Third Party Claims . The Indemnifying Party shall be entitled, at its own expense, to assume and control the defense of any Claims based on Third Party Claims, through counsel chosen by the Indemnifying Party and reasonably acceptable to such Indemnified Party (or any Person authorized by such Indemnified Party to act on its behalf), if it gives written notice of its intention to do so to such Indemnified Party within 30 days of the receipt of the applicable Claim Notice; provided, however, that such Indemnified Party may at all times participate in such defense at its expense. Without limiting the foregoing, in the event that the Indemnifying Party exercises the right to undertake any such defense against a Third Party Claim, such Indemnified Party shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in such defense and make available to the Indemnifying Party (unless prohibited by Law), at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, all witnesses, pertinent records, materials and information in such Indemnified Party’s possession or under such Indemnified Party’s control relating thereto as is reasonably required by the Indemnifying Party. No compromise or settlement of such Third Party Claim may be effected by either such Indemnified Party, on the one hand, or the Indemnifying Party, on the other hand, without the other’s consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) unless (i) there is no finding or admission of any violation of Law and no effect on any other claims that may be made against such other party and (ii) each Indemnified Party that is party to such other claim is released from all liability with respect to such other claim.

Section 8.4 Procedure for Indemnification . Upon determination of the amount of a Claim that is binding on both the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party, the Indemnifying Party shall, within ten (10) days of the date such amount is determined, pay the amount of such Claim by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Indemnified Party.

Section 8.5 Expiration .

(a) Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 8.5(b) below, all representations, warranties, covenants and agreements (including those relating to indemnification in Section 8.1 ) made herein shall survive the Closing Date.

(b) All representations, warranties and covenants of the Indemnifying Party contained in this Option Agreement shall survive until twelve months after the Closing Date (the “ Expiration Date ”); provided, however, (i) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.11 or Section 4.9 with respect to Taxes, shall survive Closing until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations for making a claim for such matters, and (ii) the covenants set forth in Section 8.1(c) shall survive Closing without limitation. If written notice of a claim in accordance with the provisions of this Article VIII has been given prior to the Expiration Date, then the relevant representation, warranty and covenant shall survive, but only with respect to such specific claim, until such claim has been finally resolved. Any claim for indemnification not so asserted in writing by the Expiration Date, as applicable, may not thereafter be asserted and shall forever be waived.

Section 8.6 Limitations on Amount .

 

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(a) Except as provided in subparagraph (b) below, neither Ashford Trust OP nor Ashford Trust TRS shall have any liability under Section 8.1 for any Losses hereunder (i) unless and until the aggregate total amount of all such Losses for which Ashford Trust OP or Ashford Trust TRS would, but for this provision, be liable exceeds, on a cumulative basis, one percent (1%) of the aggregate of the Property Purchase Price and the TRS Purchase Price on the Closing Date, and then only to the extent of such excess, (ii) in excess of, on a cumulative basis, five percent (5%) of the aggregate of the Property Purchase Price and the TRS Purchase Price.

(b) The limitations set forth in Section 8.6(a) above shall not apply to any Losses resulting from Claims made under Section 8.1(c) .

ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 9.1 Additional Definitions For the purposes of this Option Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) “ Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, a Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise; provided, however, for purposes of this Option Agreement, Ashford Prime and the Optionees shall not be deemed to be Affiliates of Ashford Trust and the Grantors.

(b) “ Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the State of Texas.

(c) “ Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated or issued thereunder.

(d) “ Governmental Authority ” means any government or agency, bureau, board, commission, court, department, official, political subdivision, tribunal or other instrumentality of any government, whether federal, state or local, domestic or foreign.

(e) “ Law ” means laws, statutes, rules, regulations, codes, Orders, ordinances, judgments, injunctions, decrees and policies of any Governmental Authority.

(f) “ Liens ” means all pledges, claims, liens, charges, restrictions, controls, easements, rights of way, exceptions, reservations, leases, licenses, grants, covenants and conditions, Encumbrances and security interests of any kind or nature whatsoever.

(g) “ Order ” means any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, ruling, assessment, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any court or other Governmental Authority or arbitrator.

 

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

(i) “ Tax ” means all federal, state, local and foreign income, property, withholding, sales, franchise, employment, excise and other Taxes, tariffs or governmental charges of any nature whatsoever, including estimated Taxes, together with penalties, interest or additions to Tax with respect thereto.

(j) “ Tax Return ” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or information return or statement related to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.

Section 9.2 Amendment . Any amendment hereto shall be in writing and signed by all parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Option Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.

Section 9.3 Entire Agreement; Counterparts; Applicable Law . This Option Agreement and all ancillary agreements executed in connection with this Option Agreement (a) constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, (b) may be executed in several counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument and (c) shall be governed in all respects, including validity, interpretation and effect, by the laws of the State of Texas without giving effect to the conflict of law provisions thereof.

Section 9.4 Assignability . This Option Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall be enforceable by and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Option Agreement may not be assigned (except by operation of law) by any party without the prior written consent of the other parties, and any attempted assignment without such consent shall be void and of no effect; provided, however, that Optionees may assign this Option Agreement, the Closing Documents and any agreement contemplated hereunder or thereunder to Ashford Prime or to an Affiliate of either Optionee or Ashford Prime without the consent of either Grantor. In the event that Optionees assign this Option Agreement as provided herein, Optionees shall remain fully liable under this Option Agreement to issue the Ashford Prime OP Units and shall not be released from any of the obligations and liabilities included herein following such assignment.

Section 9.5 Titles . The titles and captions of the Articles, Sections and paragraphs of this Option Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and shall have no effect on the construction or meaning of this Option Agreement.

Section 9.6 Third Party Beneficiary . No provision of this Option Agreement is intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to provide or create any third party beneficiary rights or any other rights of any kind in any customer, Affiliate, stockholder, partner, director, officer or employee of any party hereto or any other Person or entity; provided, however, that Article VIII of this Option Agreement shall be enforceable by and shall inure to the benefit of the Persons described therein.

 

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Section 9.7 Severability . If any provision of this Option Agreement, or the application thereof, is for any reason held to any extent to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Option Agreement and application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as reasonably to effect the intent of the parties hereto. The parties further agree to replace such void or unenforceable provision of this Option Agreement with a valid and enforceable provision that will achieve, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of the void or unenforceable provision and to execute any amendment, consent or agreement deemed necessary or desirable by an Optionee to effect such replacement.

Section 9.8 Equitable Rights . The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Option Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Option Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any federal or state court located in the State of Texas (as to which the parties agree to submit to jurisdiction for the purposes of such action), this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.

Section 9.9 Attorneys’ Fees . In connection with any litigation or a court proceeding arising out of this Option Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover all costs incurred, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal assistants’ fees and costs whether incurred prior to trial, at trial or on appeal.

Section 9.10 Notices; Exercise of Purchase Option . Any notice or demand which must or may be given under this Option Agreement (including the exercise by Optionees of the Purchase Option) or by law shall, except as otherwise provided, be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (i) when physically received by personal delivery (which shall include the confirmed receipt of a telecopied facsimile transmission), or (ii) three (3) Business Days after being deposited in the United States certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (iii) one (1) Business Day after being deposited with a nationally known commercial courier service providing next day delivery service (such as Federal Express); addressed and delivered or telecopied (a) in the case of a notice to the Optionees at the following address and telecopy number:

c/o Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, Texas 75254

Phone: (972) 490-9600

and (b) in the case of a notice to a Grantors, to:

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, Texas 75254

Phone: (972) 490-9600

 

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Section 9.11 Computation of Time . Any time period provided for herein which shall end on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday shall extend to 5:00 p.m. of the next full Business Day. All times are Central Standard Time.

Section 9.12 Time of the Essence . Time is of the essence with respect to all obligations of the Grantors under this Option Agreement.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has executed this Option Agreement, or caused the Option Agreement to be duly executed on its behalf, as of the date first above written.

 

OPTIONEES:
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
  By:  

/s/ David Brooks

    David Brooks, Vice President
ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ David Kimichik

  David Kimichik, President

 

Gateway Option Agreement – Signature Page


GRANTORS:
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:   Ashford OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
  By:  

/s/ David Brooks

    David Brooks, Vice President
ASHFORD TRS CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ David Kimichik

  David Kimichik, President

 

Gateway Option Agreement – Signature Page


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AGREEMENT:

The undersigned has executed this Option Agreement to acknowledge and agree to the provisions of this Agreement imposing obligations on Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., including but not limited to Section 7.3 and Article VIII.

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.
By:  

/s/ David Brooks

  David Brooks, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel

CONSENT TO PLEDGE:

The undersigned is the sole general partner of Ashford Prime OP and hereby consents to the pledge by Ashford Trust OP under the Ashford Trust Credit Facility of any Ashford Prime OP Units issued to Ashford Trust OP in connection with the exercise of this Option Agreement.

 

ASHFORD PRIME OP GENERAL PARTNER LLC
By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

  David A. Brooks, Vice President

 

Gateway Option Agreement – Signature Page


LIST OF SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS

Exhibits

Exhibit A – Description of Property

Exhibit B – Purchase Notice

Exhibit C – Form of Assignment Agreement

Schedules

Schedule 3.10 – Taxes of Ashford Trust OP

Schedule 3.11 – Claims or Litigation related to Ashford Trust OP

Schedule 4.9 – Taxes of Ashford Trust TRS

Schedule 4.10 – Claims or Litigation related to Ashford Trust TRS

 

Gateway Option Agreement – List of Schedules and Exhibits


Exhibit “A”

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Tract 1:

Parcel 1, containing 100,012 square feet, more or less, as shown on “Plat Showing the Resubdivision of the Property of Eads Associates, a Limited Partnership” attached to a Deed of Resubdivision and Easement recorded in Deed Book 2231, page 1330, among the land records of Arlington County, Virginia, and more particularly described as follows:

BEGINNING at the intersection of the westerly right of way line of South Jefferson-Davis Highway, U.S. Rte. 1, with the northerly right of way line of 18th Street South, said point of beginning being the southeasterly corner of property of Eads Associates as acquired in Deed Book 1997, page 1214 of the land records of Arlington County, Virginia; thence running with said northerly right of way line of 18th Street South, along the following courses and distances: S. 79° 04’ 35” W. 11.74 feet to the P. C. of a curve to the left; thence continuing 83.47 feet along the arc of said curve to the left, which curve has a radius of 8,739.68 feet, the chord of which arc bears S. 78°48’ 10” W, 83.47 feet to the P. T.; thence continuing S. 78°31’45” W. 53.05 feet to the P.C. of a curve to the right; thence 34.04 feet along the arc of said curve to the right, which curve has a radius of 20.00 feet, the chord of which arc bears N. 52°43’01.5” W. 30.08 feet to the P. T; thence still continuing 63.93 feet along the arc of a curve to the right, which curve has a radius of 2,919.79 feet, the chord of which arc bears S. 3°20’17” E. 63.93 feet to a point lying in the original northerly right of way line of 18th Street South; thence still continuing S. 85°56’59’W. 30.01 feet to this intersection with the easterly right of way line of South Eads Street; thence running with said easterly right of way line of South Eads Street, 420.99 feet along the arc of a curve to the left ,which curve has a radius of 2,889.79 feet, the chord of which arc bears N. 6°52’06.5” W. 420.62 feet to the P. T; thence still continuing N 11 °02’ 31” W. 97.16 feet to a point; thence departing from the easterly right of way line of South Eads Street and running through the property of Eads Associates S. 87°50’00” E. 247.90 feet to a point in the new westerly right of way line of South Jefferson-Davis Highway, U.S. Route 1; thence running with said new westerly right of way line of South Jefferson-Davis Highway, along the following courses and distances: S. 3°08’36” E. 67.80 feet; S. 86°51’24” W. 2.00 feet S. 3°8’36” E 118.00 feet; N. 86°51’24” E. 2.00 feet; S. 3°8’36” E. 15.50 feet; thence 103.46 feet along the arc of a curve to the right, which curve has a radius of 3,331.66 feet, the chord of which arc bears S. 2°15’ 13.5” E. 103.45 feet; N. 88°38’09” E. 1.00 feet; thence 84.20 feet along the arc of a curve to the right, which curve has a radius of 3,332.66 feet, the chord of which arc bears S. 0 ° 38’25.5” E. 84.19 feet to a P. C. C; thence continuing 38.36 feet along the arc of a curve to the right, which curve has a radius of 2,845.79 feet, the chord of which arc bears S. 0°28’ 10” W. 38.35 feet to the point of beginning; containing 100,012 square feet of land, more or less,

Tract 2:

Parcel 2B, containing 46,553 square feet, more or less, as shown on “Plat Showing the Resubdivision of the Property of Eads Associates, a Limited Partnership” attached to a Deed of Resubdivision and Easement recorded in Deed Book 2231, page 1330, among the land records of Arlington County, Virginia, and more particularly described as follows:

 

Gateway Crystal City, Virginia


BEGINNING at a point lying in the southerly right of way line of 15th Street South, said point of beginning being the P.C. of a return curve located at the intersection of the aforesaid southerly right of way line of 15th Street South with the new westerly right of way line of South Jefferson Davis Highway, U.S. Route 1 as established by the Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation, said point of beginning lying 70 feet from the Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation construction centerline of 15th Street South; thence 74.39 feet along the arc of a curve to the right, which curve has a radius of 44. 75 feet, the chord of which arc bears S, 46°02’ 22.5” E. 66.12 feet to a P. R. C., said P. R. C. lying in the westerly right of way line of South Jefferson Davis Highway, U.S. Route 1; thence 4.02 feet along the arc of a curve to the left, which curve has a radius of 1,916.86 feet, the chord of which arc bears S. 1°31’ 27.5” W., 4.02 feet to a point; thence still continuing with said right of way line N. 88°32’ 09’ W., 12.00 feet; thence still continuing 155.11 feet along the arc of a curve to the left, which curve has a radius of 1,928.86 feet, the chord of which arc bears S. 0°50’22.5” E. 155.07 feet to the P.T; thence still continuing S. 3°08’36” E. 29.42 feet; S. 86°51’24” W. 1.00 feet, and S. 3°08’36” E, 91.20 feet to a point; thence departing from said right of way line and crossing the lands of Eads Associates as same appears duly platted and recorded in Deed Book 1997, page 1214, among the land records of Arlington County, Virginia, N. 87°50’00” W. 247.90 feet to a point, said point lying in the easterly right of way line of South Eads Street (25 feet distant from the centerline thereof); thence running with a portion of said easterly right of way line of South Eads Street, N. 11°02’31” W. 35.63 feet to a point, said point being the southwesterly corner of the property of Eads Condominium Corp. as same appears duly recorded in Deed Book 2171, page 100, among the aforesaid land records; thence departing from said street line and running with the southerly and easterly boundary of the property of Eads Condominium Corp. along the following courses and distances: S. 87°50’00” E. 79.20 feet; N. 02°10’ 00” E. 75.96 feet; N 42°50’ 00” W. 26.63 feet; N. 47°10’ 00” E. 63.92 feet; N. 2°10’ 00” E. 4.71 feet; N. 42°50’ 00” W. 13.42 feet; N. 47°10’ 00” E. 35.06 feet; N. 2°10’ 00” E. 16.38 feet; N. 47°10’ 00” E. 23.74 feet; S. 87°50’ 00” E. 16.38 feet; N. 47°10’ 00” E. 33.11 feet; N. 2°10’ 00” E. 31.11 feet; N. 87°50’ 00” W., 18.36 feet and N. 2°10’ 00” E. 17.72 feet to a point, said point lying in the aforementioned southerly right of way line of 15th Street South (70 feet distant from the VDH&T construction centerline); thence running with a portion of the new southerly right of way line of 15th Street South, N. 86°20’11” E. 41.52 feet to the point of beginning, containing 46,553 square feet of land, more or less.

AND BEING a portion of the same property conveyed to EADS Associates, a Virginia limited partnership, by deed from Washington Brick and Terra Cotta Company, a Virginia limited partnership, dated August 15,1979, and recorded September 25, 1979, in Deed Book 1997, page 1214 among the land records of Arlington County, Virginia.

Tract 3:

TOGETHER WITH non-exclusive easements for pedestrian and vehicular ingress and egress to and from the underground parking garages of Phase 11 and the Residential Building as defined in Paragraph 1(a) of that certain Easement Agreement by and between EADS CONDOMINIUM CORPORATION, a Virginia corporation, and EADS ASSOCIATES, a Virginia limited partnership, dated August 28, 1986, and recorded September 2, 1986, in Deed Book 2232, page 1307.

 

Gateway Crystal City, Virginia


EXHIBIT B

Form of

PURCHASE NOTICE

[Insert Notice Date]

Reference is made to that certain Option Agreement Crystal Gateway Marriott, dated as of November 19, 2013 by Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (“ Ashford Prime OP ”) and Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership (“ Ashford Trust OP ”) with respect to the Property Entities (defined therein) and Ashford TRS Corporation (“ Ashford Trust TRS ”) and Ashford Prime TRS Corporation (“ Ashford Prime TRS ”), with respect to the TRS Entities (defined therein) (the “ Option Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meaning set forth in the Option Agreement.

Ashford Prime OP, together with Ashford Prime TRS (collectively, the “ Optionees ”) hereby exercise the option to acquire the Ashford Trust Equity Interests in exchange for the Property Purchase Price and the Ashford Trust TRS Equity Interest in exchange for the TRS Purchase Price, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Option Agreement. The Closing Date shall be [Insert Closing Date] , which date is not later than the first day of a calendar month following [Date 90 days from date of notice] .

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
  By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION
By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 


EXHIBIT C

ASSIGNMENT, ASSUMPTION AND ADMISSION AGREEMENT

[Insert Property Entity or TRS Entity]

This Assignment, Assumption and Admission Agreement, dated as of [Insert date] (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into by and between [Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership (“ Ashford Trust OP ”) and Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (“ Ashford Prime OP ”)] or [Ashford TRS Corporation (“ Ashford Trust TRS ”) and Ashford Prime TRS Corporation (“ Ashford Prime TRS ”)]. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in the [Insert applicable organizational document] (as defined below).

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, [Insert Appropriate Whereas clauses to (i) identify the Property Entity or the TRS Entity, as applicable, (ii) describe the ownership structure of such entity, and (iii) identify the parties with authority to consent to the transfer e.g. general partner, members] ;

WHEREAS, [Ashford Trust OP/Ashford Trust TRS] desires to assign, transfer and convey all of its Conveyed Interest in the [Property Entity/TRS Entity] to Ashford Prime OP, and Ashford Trust OP desires to cease to be a [Limited Partner/Member] of such entity;

WHEREAS, [Ashford Prime OP/Ashford Prime TRS] desires to acquire and accept the Conveyed Interest, and [Ashford Prime OP/Ashford Prime TRS] desires to be admitted to the [Partnership/Company] as a successor [Limited Partner of the Partnership/Member of the Company];

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, in consideration of the premises, covenants and agreements contained herein, do hereby agree as follows:

1. Assignment and Assumption . For good and valuable consideration received, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, upon the execution of this Agreement by the parties hereto, [Ashford Trust OP/Ashford Trust TRS] does hereby assign, transfer and convey the Conveyed Interest to [Ashford Prime OP/Ashford Prime TRS], and [Ashford Prime OP/Ashford Prime TRS] does hereby accept such Conveyed Interest and agrees to become a [Limited Partner of the Partnership and to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Partnership Agreement][Member of the Company and to be bound by the terms and conditions of the LLC Agreement.

2. Admission . Contemporaneously with the assignment of the Conveyed Interest described in paragraph 1 of this Agreement, [Ashford Prime OP/Ashford Prime TRS] shall be admitted to the [Partnership as a substitute Limited Partner of the Partnership][Company as a Member of the Company] without any further action by any Person.

 

1


3. Withdrawal . Contemporaneously with the admission of [Ashford Prime OP/Ashford Prime TRS] as a successor [Limited Partner of the Partnership][Member of the Company], [Ashford Trust OP/Ashford Trust TRS] shall cease to be a [Limited Partner of the Partnership][Member of the Company] without any further action by any Person.

4. [Partnership Agreement/LLC Agreement] . Except as hereby amended to reflect the substitution of a [Limited Partner/Member], the [Partnership Agreement/LLC Agreement] shall remain in full force and effect.

5. Condition Precedent . The obligation and ability of each party to effect the assignment of the Conveyed Interest contemplated by this Agreement is subject to [Identify any conditions precedent to the transfer – e.g. Lender consents] .

6. Future Cooperation . Each of the parties hereto agrees to cooperate at all times from and after the date hereof with respect to all of the matters described herein, and to execute such other documents as may be reasonably requested for the purpose of giving effect to, or evidencing or giving notice of, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

7. Binding Effect of this Agreement . This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

8. Execution in Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

9. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of [Delaware], all rights and remedies being governed by such laws without regard to principles of conflict of laws.

[Signature page follows]

 

2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

ASSIGNOR:
[Insert appropriate signature block]
ASSIGNEE:
[Insert appropriate signature block]

[Insert any acknowledgement or consent language required, e.g. consent of general partner]

 

Assignment, Assumption and Admission Agreement

Signature Page


Schedule 3.10

Taxes of Ashford Trust OP

None.

 

Gateway Option Agreement – Schedules


Schedule 3.11

Claims or Litigation related to Ashford Trust OP

None.

 

Gateway Option Agreement – Schedules


Schedule 4.9

Taxes of Ashford Trust TRS

None.

 

Gateway Option Agreement – Schedules


Schedule 4.10

Claims or Litigation related to Ashford Trust TRS

None.

 

Gateway Option Agreement – Schedules

Exhibit 10.6

EXECUTION VERSION

ASHFORD PRIME

MUTUAL EXCLUSIVITY AGREEMENT

THIS ASHFORD PRIME MUTUAL EXCLUSIVITY AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is entered as of the 19th day of November, 2013 (the “ Effective Date ”) by and among ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP , a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”), ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC. , a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ”), and REMINGTON LODGING & HOSPITALITY, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ Manager ”), and is consented and agreed to by MONTY J. BENNETT as a Remington Affiliate.

THE PARTIES HERETO ENTER THIS AGREEMENT on the basis of the following facts, understandings and intentions:

A. Prior to the date hereof, the Remington Parties have been actively engaged in various aspects of acquisition, development, renovation, management and operation of Hotel Properties.

B. The Remington Parties plan to continue to engage in various aspects of acquisition, development, project management, renovation, management and operation of Hotel Properties.

C. The REIT has undertaken, or will concurrently with it becoming a publicly traded company, undertake to acquire, develop, invest in, or purchase Hotel Properties that meet the REIT’s Initial Investment Guidelines.

D. The REIT Parties desire to benefit from the hotel development, project management and property management experience of the Remington Parties and have agreed to engage Manager in connection with certain investment opportunities (subject to an Independent Director Election); provided, the Remington Parties agree to grant the REIT Parties a first right of refusal with respect to any Remington Transaction that any of the Remington Parties source or identify, meeting the Initial Investment Guidelines of the REIT Parties.

NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants and promises of the parties hereto, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Definitions . All terms used in this Agreement but not defined herein shall have the meanings as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes (applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined).

2. Term of Agreement . This Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date and shall terminate ten (10) years thereafter (the “ Initial Term ”), unless earlier terminated in whole or in part (with respect to the Remington Exclusivity Rights or the REIT Exclusivity Rights, or both, as applicable), due to (a) an Event of Default under this Agreement and the non-defaulting party elects to terminate this Agreement, (b) the occurrence of a Remington Termination Event, (c) the occurrence of a REIT Termination Event, or (d) termination of the Master Management Agreement with respect to all of the Hotel Properties covered thereby

 

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pursuant to an Event of Default (as defined therein) applicable to all of the Hotel Properties then covered by the Master Management Agreement as set forth in Section 19.02 thereof and the non-defaulting party thereunder elects in writing to terminate this Agreement (the events in subparagraphs (a) through (d) herein each called, a “ Termination Event ”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Initial Term shall automatically be extended at the expiration of the Initial Term (with respect to the Remington Exclusivity Rights or the REIT Exclusivity Rights, or both, as applicable), on the same terms and conditions contained herein, for each of three (3) successive periods of seven (7) Fiscal Years each and one final period of four (4) years; provided, however, that at the time of the expiration of the Initial Term or extension term, as applicable, a Termination Event with respect to the entirety of this Agreement does not then exist. The Initial Term as extended by any extension terms, if any, shall herein be called the “ Term .” Upon the occurrence of a Termination Event (except where such Termination Event is due to an Event of Default by any of the Remington Parties under this Agreement), the Remington Parties shall be entitled to receive the Reimbursement Amount payable under this Agreement. Subject to Section 8(b) below, upon termination of the entirety of this Agreement, the Remington Parties and the REIT Parties shall have no further obligations to one another pursuant to this Agreement, except for any indemnification obligations contained herein, which shall survive such termination. Any termination of this Agreement in whole or in part shall not terminate any existing management and/or development agreements or any other agreements executed between the parties hereto that are then continuing and in full force and effect.

3. Early Termination Events .

(a) Remington Termination Event . Upon the occurrence of any of the following events, the Remington Parties acting through Manager may, at their election exercised in their sole and absolute discretion and upon written notice to the REIT Parties, terminate the REIT Exclusivity Rights:

 

  (i) Monty J. Bennett (1) is removed as chief executive officer or chairman of the board of directors of the REIT, (2) is not re-appointed as chief executive officer or chairman of the board of directors of the REIT, or (3) resigns as chief executive officer or chairman of the board of directors of the REIT;

 

  (ii) The termination of the Advisory Agreement for any reason pursuant to its terms and Monty J. Bennett is no longer serving as the chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors of the REIT; or

 

  (iii) If the REIT Parties terminate the Remington Exclusivity Rights based upon a REIT Termination Event.

Upon the REIT Parties’ receipt of written notice of termination of the REIT Exclusivity Rights from the Remington Parties, the REIT Exclusivity Rights set forth in this Agreement shall terminate; however, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, including the Remington Exclusivity Rights, until this Agreement expires or is otherwise terminated as permitted under this Agreement.

 

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(b) REIT Termination Event . Upon the occurrence of any of the following events, the REIT Parties may, at their election exercised in their sole and absolute discretion and upon written notice to the Remington Parties, terminate the Remington Exclusivity Rights:

 

  (i) The Manager fails to qualify as an “eligible independent contractor” as defined in Section 856(d)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code, which results in a termination of the Master Management Agreement;

 

  (ii) Any one of the Remington Parties ceases to be controlled by Archie Bennett, Jr. and/or Monty J. Bennett and/or their respective family partnership or trusts, the sole members of which are at all times lineal descendants of Archie Bennett, Jr. or Monty J. Bennett (including step children) and spouses of any of the foregoing, with “control” meaning (a) the possession, directly or indirectly, of a majority of the capital stock and voting power of such Remington Parties, or (b) the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the Remington Parties in the capacity of chief executive officer, president, chairman, or other similar capacity where either is actively engaged and/or involved in providing such direction or control and spend substantial time managing the Remington Parties;

 

  (iii) If there is a Change In Control of the REIT and the REIT terminates the Master Management Agreement with respect to all Hotels and Non-Managed Hotels covered thereby, provided that the REIT first pays to the Manager the greater of (A) the product of (1) 65% of the aggregate Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees budgeted in the Annual Operating Budgets applicable to the Hotels for the full current Fiscal Year in which such termination is to occur (but in no event less than the Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees for the preceding full Fiscal Year) by (2) nine (9), or (B) the product of (1) 65% of the Project Management Fees and Market Service Fees estimated to be payable to Manager with respect to the Non-Managed Hotels pursuant to Capital Improvement Budgets for the full current Fiscal Year in which such termination is to occur (but in no event less than the aggregate Project Management Fees and Market Services Fees paid to Manager for the preceding Fiscal Year) and (2) nine (9);

 

  (iv) If the Remington Parties terminate the REIT Exclusivity Rights by reason of a Remington Termination Event; or

 

  (v) The termination of the Advisory Agreement pursuant to its terms and Monty J. Bennett is no longer serving as the chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors of the REIT.

Upon the Remington Parties’ receipt of written notice of termination of the Remington Exclusivity Rights from the REIT Parties, the Remington Exclusivity Rights set forth in this Agreement shall terminate; however, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, including the REIT Exclusivity Rights, until this Agreement expires or is otherwise terminated as permitted under this Agreement.

 

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4. REIT Exclusivity Rights .

(a) Remington Transaction . If any of the Remington Affiliates identifies an opportunity to develop and construct, acquire all or a portion of, or invest in, a Hotel Property that meets the Initial Investment Guidelines of the REIT (herein each called, a “ Remington Transaction ”), the Remington Parties on behalf of themselves and their Affiliates, hereby grant to the REIT Parties the first right of refusal to purchase and assume such Remington Transaction and agree not to pursue any such opportunity (except as provided in this Section 4 ) and acknowledge that each such opportunity will belong to the REIT Parties (the “ REIT Exclusivity Rights ”). The REIT Exclusivity Rights shall not apply to any Excluded Remington Transactions or any investment in a Hotel Property that does not meet the initial Investment Guidelines of the REIT. For the avoidance of doubt, the REIT Exclusivity Rights shall be, with respect to opportunities that satisfy the REIT’s initial Investment Guidelines, superior to any exclusivity rights or right of first refusal of the Ashford Trust pursuant to the Ashford Trust Mutual Exclusivity Agreement (the “ Ashford Trust Exclusivity Rights ”).

If the REIT materially modifies its Initial Investment Guidelines without the written consent of Manager (on behalf of the Remington Parties), which such consent may be withheld in its sole and absolute discretion and may further be subject to the consent of the Ashford Trust Parties, the Remington Parties will have no obligation to present or offer a Remington Transaction to the REIT Parties at any time thereafter, regardless of any subsequent modifications by the REIT to its Investment Guidelines. For purposes hereof, a “material” modification of the REIT’s initial Investment Guidelines shall mean any modification of the Initial Investment Guidelines which cause the REIT’s Investment Guidelines to be competitive with Ashford Trust’s Investment Guidelines. Instead, the Remington Parties, subject to the superior rights of the Ashford Trust Parties or any other Person with which any of the Remington Parties may have a right of first offer agreement or similar agreement, shall use their reasonable discretion to determine how to allocate such Remington Transaction. The REIT Parties acknowledge the terms and conditions of the Ashford Trust Mutual Exclusivity Agreement, and further acknowledge that if the REIT materially modifies its Initial Investment Guidelines without the consent of Manager (on behalf of the Remington Parties), the Ashford Trust Parties, unless otherwise waived, will have superior rights to Remington Transactions pursuant to the terms of the Ashford Trust Mutual Exclusivity Agreement. Further, the REIT Parties acknowledge that if the REIT materially modifies its Initial Investment Guidelines without the written consent of Manager, that the REIT Parties will not be entitled to preferential treatment with respect to Remington Transactions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the REIT materially modifies its Initial Investment Guidelines without the consent of Manager, the Remington Exclusivity Rights provided herein shall remain in full force and effect.

(b) Remington Notice . In connection with each Remington Transaction, the Remington Parties on behalf of the Remington Affiliates shall deliver to the REIT Parties, with a copy to the Independent Directors, a written notice (the “ Remington Notice ”) in reasonable detail sufficient to describe the material terms of the Remington Transaction, including without limitation, as applicable, a description of the nature of the transaction (acquisition, development, or other investment), description and location of the asset, name of franchisor, inspection period, timing for closing, earnest money requirements, closing costs, an accounting of the Reimbursement Amount in reasonable detail, and to the extent available and in the possession of the Remington

 

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Parties, copies of any letters of intent, purchase and sale agreements, or development agreements, as applicable (the “ REIT Transaction Documents ”). Such Remington Notice shall be delivered to the REIT Parties (with a copy to the Independent Directors), as soon as reasonably practical after the opportunity of the Remington Transaction is identified for any of the Remington Affiliates.

(c) REIT ROFR . The REIT Parties shall have the right, through any of the REIT Affiliates, to accept or decline such Remington Transaction (the “ REIT ROFR ”) by giving written notice (the “ REIT ROFR Notice ”) to the Remington Parties at any time on or before ten (10) business days from its receipt of a Remington Notice (the “ REIT ROFR Period ”).

(d) Acceptance of Remington Transaction . Any acceptance of the Remington Transaction by the REIT Parties shall be in accordance with the following terms and conditions:

 

  (i) Upon delivery of a REIT ROFR Notice accepting the Remington Transaction, the REIT Parties (through any of the REIT Affiliates) shall assume (and the applicable Remington Affiliate shall assign) any applicable REIT Transaction Documents containing materially the same terms and conditions as set forth in the Remington Notice within ten (10) business days of the receipt by the Remington Parties of the REIT ROFR Notice;

 

  (ii) The REIT Parties (through any of the REIT Affiliates) shall pay the Reimbursement Amount to the applicable Remington Affiliate;

 

  (iii) The REIT Parties (through any of the REIT Affiliates) shall pursue the Remington Transaction in accordance with the applicable REIT Transaction Documents with commercially reasonable diligence; and

 

  (iv) If the Remington Transaction involves the management and operation of a Hotel Property, and/or the construction, development, project management or the performance of Project Related Services relating to a Hotel Property, the applicable REIT Affiliate assuming the Remington Transaction shall engage Manager, and Manager agrees to accept such engagement, to perform such services and execute the applicable documents as described in Section 5(b) below, provided Independent Director Disapproval has not been received.

(e) Rejection or Lapse of REIT ROFR; Failure to Close . If the REIT Parties fail to deliver a REIT ROFR Notice within the REIT ROFR Period or by REIT ROFR Notice reject or decline to purchase and assume the Remington Transaction, or the applicable REIT Affiliate fails to timely prepare and execute the proper REIT Transaction Documents with respect to the Remington Transaction, then the REIT ROFR shall lapse. The REIT Parties acknowledge that pursuant to the terms of the Ashford Trust Mutual Exclusivity Agreement, if the REIT ROFR lapses, the Ashford Trust Parties may exercise their rights to assume or acquire the Remington Transaction. Further, the applicable Remington Affiliate shall be entitled, subject to the Ashford Trust Exclusivity Rights, to proceed with the Remington Transaction described in the Remington Notice on materially the same terms and conditions as outlined therein within the time period established therein and in accordance with the underlying REIT Transaction Documents, subject

 

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to reasonable extensions of the closing date. If the terms and conditions of the Remington Transaction materially change, then the Remington Parties hereby grant (on behalf of themselves and the applicable Remington Affiliate) to the REIT Parties the exclusive first right of refusal to purchase and assume the rights and obligations of the applicable Remington Affiliate with respect to such Remington Transaction on the changed terms and conditions and in connection therewith shall deliver to the REIT Parties a new Remington Notice (subject to the same time requirements for review and exercise as set forth in this Agreement).

(f) Additional Information . During the REIT ROFR Period with respect to each Remington Transaction and the related Hotel Property, the Remington Parties shall deliver to the REIT Parties upon the written request of the REIT Parties, from time to time and to the extent available, (i) any and all documents, correspondence and reports, including, without limitation, due diligence information (including, property condition reports, surveys, environmental reports), information and documents bearing on contracts, litigation and such other matters, and title and lien information; (ii) any notices of non-compliance with applicable laws bearing on such Hotel Property; (iii) quarterly financial information with respect to such Hotel Property showing hotel revenues and hotel operating expenses; and (iv) such other information relating to the Hotel Property or the Remington Transaction as reasonably requested by the REIT Parties.

(g) No Additional Fees . Reimbursement to the Remington Parties of the Reimbursement Amount shall be the sole payment to the applicable Remington Affiliate with regard to a Remington Transaction. The Remington Parties shall not receive any finder’s fee, brokerage fee, development fee, or other commissions or compensation with regard to any Remington Transaction.

5. Remington Exclusivity Rights .

(a) REIT Transaction; REIT Notice . If any of the REIT Parties or their Affiliates subsidiaries acquires or invests in (i) a Hotel Property or (ii) a Property for the purposes of development or construction of a Hotel Property, and such REIT Parties or their Affiliates have the right and/or control the right to direct the management of and/or development and construction of and/or capital improvements to or refurbishment of, or the provision of project management or other services, such as purchasing, interior design, freight management, or construction management for such Hotel Property or hotel improvements (herein each called, a “ REIT Transaction ”), the REIT Parties hereby agree (on behalf of themselves and the applicable REIT Affiliate) to engage Manager or an Affiliate of Manager (so long as such Affiliate constitutes an Eligible Independent Contractor and there has not been an Independent Director Disapproval), to provide, and Manager agrees to then provide or cause such Affiliate to provide, any such management, development and construction, capital improvement, refurbishment, and/or project management or other such services in connection with such REIT Transaction (the “ Remington Exclusivity Rights ”) and in connection therewith shall deliver to the Remington Parties, a written notice (the “ REIT Notice ”) which describes such REIT Transaction and the services to be provided by Manager, including, the description and location of the asset, name of the franchisor, and the development, construction or improvement timeline. The REIT Parties may engage a third party and not Manager or an Affiliate of Manager to provide any or all of the foregoing services in connection with the REIT Transaction if the REIT Transaction has received Independent Director Disapproval.

 

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(b) Remington Transaction Documents .

 

  (i) Master Management Agreement . In the event that a REIT Transaction (for which Manager has been engaged) relates to the management and operation of a Hotel Property, the terms and conditions of the management, operation and any construction, renovations, improvements, refurbishments, or other services, such as purchasing, interior design, freight management, or construction management, to be undertaken with respect to such Hotel Property during the term of such management and operation, including the amount of any management, incentive, project or other service fees shall be either pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Master Management Agreement (and the Master Management Agreement shall be amended accordingly to include such Hotel Property), or pursuant to a management agreement with Manager or a subsidiary of Manager substantially in form of the Master Management Agreement.

 

  (ii) Development Agreement . In the event that a REIT Transaction relates to the development and construction of a Hotel Property, then the terms and conditions of any such development and construction, including the project oversight and developer management fees, shall be pursuant to the terms set forth in that certain form of Development Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B .

6. Excepted Transactions . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the REIT Parties’ rights under Section 4 do not extend to the Excluded Remington Transactions and the Remington Parties’ rights under Section 4(d)(iv) or Section 5 do not extend to the Excluded REIT Transactions. Each party hereto agrees to give written notice to the other party of any Excluded REIT Transaction or Excluded Remington Transaction, as applicable, describing said transaction with reasonable detail.

7. Indemnity .

(a) Remington Parties’ Indemnity . Except as set forth in Section 7(b) below, the Remington Parties shall indemnify and hold the REIT Affiliates and Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC, the REIT’s advisor, (and each of their respective agents, principals, shareholders, partners, members, officers, directors, attorneys and employees) harmless from and against all liabilities, losses, claims, damages, costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) that may be incurred by or asserted against any such party and that arise from (i) the fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence of any of the Remington Affiliates (other than any REIT Affiliate), (ii) the breach by the Remington Affiliates of any provision of this Agreement, or (iii) the breach by the Remington Affiliates of any Remington Transaction Documents first occurring prior to the date of the assumption of same by any of the REIT Affiliates. The REIT Parties shall promptly provide the Remington Parties with written notice of any claim or suit brought against any of them by a third party which might result in such indemnification.

(b) REIT Parties’ Indemnity . Except as set forth in Section 7(a) herein above, the REIT Parties shall indemnify and hold the Remington Affiliates (and their respective agents, principals, shareholders, partners, members, officers, directors, attorneys and employees)

 

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harmless from and against all liabilities, losses, claims, damages, costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) that may be incurred by or asserted against any such party and that arise from (i) the fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence of the REIT Affiliates (other than any Remington Affiliate), or (ii) the breach by the REIT Affiliates of any provision of this Agreement (other than any Remington Affiliate). The Remington Parties shall promptly provide the REIT Parties with written notice of any claim or suit brought against any of them by a third party which might result in such indemnification.

(c) Indemnification Procedure . Any party obligated to indemnify the other party under this Agreement (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) shall have the right, by written notice to the indemnified party, to assume the defense of any claim with respect to which the indemnified party is entitled to indemnification hereunder. If the Indemnifying Party gives such written notice, (i) such defense shall be conducted by counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party and approved by the indemnified party, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed (provided, however, that the indemnified party’s approval shall not be required with respect to counsel designated by the Indemnifying Party’s insurer); (ii) so long as the Indemnifying Party is conducting such defense with reasonable diligence, the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to control said defense and shall not be required to pay the fees or disbursements of any counsel engaged by the indemnified party for services rendered after the Indemnifying Party has given the written notice provided for above to the indemnified party, except if there is a conflict of interest between the parties with respect to such claim or defense; and (iii) the Indemnifying Party shall have the right, without the consent of the indemnified party, to settle such claim, provided that such settlement involves only the payment of money, the Indemnifying Party pays all amounts due in connection with or by reason of such settlement and, as part thereof, the indemnified party is unconditionally released from all liability in respect of such claim. The indemnified party shall have the right to participate in the defense of such claim being defended by the Indemnifying Party at the expense of the indemnified party, but the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to control such defense (other than in the event of a conflict of interest between the parties with respect to such claim or defense). In no event shall (i) the indemnified party settle any claim without the consent of the Indemnifying Party so long as the Indemnifying Party is conducting the defense thereof in accordance with this Agreement; or (ii) if a claim is covered by the Indemnifying Party’s liability insurance, take or omit to take any action which would cause the insurer not to defend such claim or to disclaim liability in respect thereof.

8. Events of Default; Consequences; Remedies .

(a) Events of Default . The following shall constitute events of default (each an “ Event of Default ”):

 

  (i) The filing of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or a petition for reorganization under any bankruptcy law by any of the Remington Parties or the REIT Parties;

 

  (ii) The consent to any involuntary petition in bankruptcy or the failure to vacate, within ninety (90) days from the date of entry thereof, any order approving an involuntary petition by any of the Remington Parties or the REIT Parties;

 

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  (iii) The entering of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction, on the application of a creditor, adjudicating any of the Remington Parties or the REIT Parties as bankrupt or insolvent, or approving a petition seeking reorganization or appointing a receiver, trustee, or liquidator of all or a substantial part of such party’s assets, and such order, judgment or decree continues unstayed and in effect for any period of ninety (90) days or more;

 

  (iv) The appointment of a receiver for all or any substantial portion of the property of any of the Remington Parties or the REIT Parties;

 

  (v) The failure of any of the REIT Parties to make any payment required to be made in accordance with the terms of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from the Remington Parties specifying said default with reasonable specificity as to when such payment is due and payable; or

 

  (vi) The failure of any of the Remington Parties or the REIT Parties to perform, keep or fulfill any of the other covenants, undertakings, obligations or conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the continuance of such default for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice of said failure; provided, however, if such default cannot be cured within such thirty (30) day period and the Remington Parties or the REIT Parties, as the case may be, commences to cure such default within such thirty (30) day period and thereafter diligently and expeditiously proceeds to cure the same, such thirty (30) day period shall be extended so long as it shall require the Remington Parties or the REIT Parties, as the case may be, in the exercise of due diligence to cure such default, it being agreed that no such extension shall be for a period in excess of one hundred twenty (120) days.

(b) Consequence of Default . Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the non-defaulting party may, at its election, give the defaulting party written notice of intention to terminate this Agreement (after the expiration of any applicable grace or cure period provided in Section 8(a) above), and upon the expiration of thirty (30) days from the date of such notice, this Agreement shall terminate and the non-defaulting party shall be entitled to pursue any and all rights and remedies available, at law or in equity, to the non-defaulting party under this Agreement (including any indemnity obligations which shall survive this Agreement) or under applicable law.

9. Non-Solicitation . Upon the occurrence of a Termination Event, and for a period of two years from the date of such termination, the REIT (or any of its Affiliates) shall not solicit for employment, employ or otherwise retain (directly or indirectly) any employee of the Manager (or any of its Affiliates) without the prior written consent of Manager, which consent may be granted, withheld or conditioned in Manager’s sole and absolute discretion.

10. Miscellaneous .

(a) Notices . All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing, shall be deemed duly given upon actual receipt and shall be delivered (i) in person, (ii) by registered or certified mail (air mail if addressed to an address outside of the

 

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country in which mailed), postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or (iii) by facsimile or other generally accepted means of electronic transmission (provided that a copy of any notice delivered pursuant to this clause (iii) shall also be sent pursuant to clause (ii), addressed as follows (or to such other addresses as may be specified by like notice to the other parties):

 

To the Remington Parties:   

Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC

14185 Dallas Parkway

Suite 1150

   Dallas, Texas 75254
   Attn: Mr. Monty J. Bennett
with a copy to:    Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC
   14185 Dallas Parkway
  

Suite 1150

Dallas, Texas 75254

   Attn: Legal Department
To the REIT Parties:   

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership

c/o Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC

   14185 Dallas Parkway
   Suite 1100
   Dallas, Texas 75254
   Attn: President
with a copy to:    Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.
   14185 Dallas Parkway
  

Suite 1100

Dallas, Texas 75254

   Attn: Legal Department
with a copy to:    Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.
   14185 Dallas Parkway
  

Suite 1100

Dallas, Texas 75254

   Attn: Independent Directors

(b) Amendments . No amendment, modification or supplement to this Agreement shall be binding on any of the parties hereto unless it is in writing and signed by the parties in interest at the time of the modification, and further provided any such modification is approved by a majority of the Independent Directors.

(c) Successors and Assigns . Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder shall be assignable by a party to this Agreement without the prior, express written consent of each of the other parties; provided, however, Manager shall have the right, without such consent, to assign its interest in this Agreement to any Manager Affiliate, provided such Manager Affiliate qualifies as an Eligible Independent Contractor as of the date of such transfer.

 

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This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

(d) No Third-Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the parties to this Agreement and should not be deemed to confer upon third parties any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, claims or action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.

(e) Titles and Headings . Titles and headings to paragraphs and sections in this Agreement are inserted for the convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

(f) Maximum Legal Enforceability; Time of Essence . Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof. Any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. Without prejudice to any rights or remedies otherwise available to any party to this Agreement, each party hereto acknowledges that damages would not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and agrees that the obligations of the parties hereunder shall be specifically enforceable. Time shall be of the essence as to each and every provision of this Agreement.

(g) Further Assurances . The parties to this Agreement will execute and deliver or cause the execution and delivery of such further instruments and documents and will take such other actions as any other party to the Agreement may reasonably request in order to effectuate the purpose of this Agreement and to carry out the terms hereof.

(h) Complete Agreement; Construction . This Agreement, and the other agreements and documents referred to herein, shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter thereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter.

(i) Governing Law . This Agreement and its interpretation, validity and performance shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflicts of interest principles. In the event any court of law of appropriate judicial authority shall hold or declare that the law of another jurisdiction is applicable, this Agreement shall remain enforceable under the laws of the appropriate jurisdiction.

[Signature Pages to Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first written above.

 

PARTNERSHIP :
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner
LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its general partner
  By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

  David A. Brooks
  Vice President

 

REIT :
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC., a
Maryland corporation
By:  

/s/ David Brooks

  David Brooks
  Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel

 

MANAGER :
REMINGTON LODGING & HOSPITALITY, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By:  

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

  Monty J. Bennett
  Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature page to Mutual Exclusivity Agreement]


CONSENTED AND AGREED
TO THIS 19TH DAY OF
NOVEMBER, 2013

/s/ MONTY J. BENNETT

MONTY J. BENNETT

 

[Signature page to Mutual Exclusivity Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

DEFINITIONS

ADR shall mean average daily rate and is calculated by dividing total number of rooms sold in a given period.

Advisor shall mean Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, or any permitted successor or assign under the terms of the Advisory Agreement.

Advisory Agreement shall mean that certain Advisory Agreement dated November 19, 2013, by and among the REIT, the Partnership, and the Advisor, as may be amended, modified or supplemented.

Affiliate means with respect to a person, any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such person. The term “person” means and includes any natural person, corporation, partnership, association, limited liability company or any other legal entity.

Annual Operating Budget shall have the meaning given such term in the Master Management Agreement.

Ashford Trust shall mean Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

Ashford Trust Exclusivity Rights ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 4(a) .

Ashford Trust’s Investment Guidelines shall mean all segments of the hospitality industry (including direct, joint venture and debt investments in hotels, condo-hotels, time-shares and all other hospitality related assets), with RevPAR criteria less than two (2) times the then current U.S. average RevPAR.

Ashford Trust Mutual Exclusivity Agreement shall mean that certain Mutual Exclusivity Agreement dated as of August 29, 2003, by and among Ashford Trust OP, Ashford Trust, Remington Hotel Corporation, Manager, Archie Bennett, Jr., and Monty J. Bennett, as may be amended or modified.

Ashford Trust OP shall mean Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership.

Ashford Trust Parties shall collectively mean Ashford Trust and Ashford Trust OP.

Base Management Fee shall have the meaning given such term in the Master Management Agreement.


Capital Improvement Budget shall have the meaning given such term in the Master Management Agreement.

Change of Control ” will be deemed to have taken place upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) any “person” (as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and as modified in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) other than (A) the REIT or any of its subsidiaries, (B) any employee benefit plan of the REIT or any of its subsidiaries, (C) any Remington Affiliate, (D) a company owned, directly or indirectly, by stockholders of the REIT in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the REIT, or (E) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the REIT representing 35% or more of the shares of voting stock of the REIT then outstanding; or

(ii) the consummation of any merger, reorganization, business combination or consolidation of the REIT or one of its subsidiaries with or into any other company, other than a merger, reorganization, business combination or consolidation which would result in the holders of the voting securities of the REIT outstanding immediately prior thereto holding securities which represent immediately after such merger, reorganization, business combination or consolidation more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the REIT or the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company; or

(iii) the consummation of the sale or disposition by the REIT of all or substantially all of the REIT’s assets, other than a sale or disposition if the holders of the voting securities of the REIT outstanding immediately prior thereto hold securities immediately thereafter which represent more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the acquiror, or parent of the acquiror, of such assets; or the stockholders of the REIT approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the REIT.

Effective Date shall have meaning given such term in the preamble of the Agreement.

Eligible Independent Contractor shall have the same meaning given such term in the Master Management Agreement.

Event of Default ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8 .

Excluded REIT Transactions ” shall mean a REIT Transaction with respect to which there has been an Independent Director Election.

Excluded Remington Transactions ” shall mean the following excluded transactions of the Remington Affiliates:


(a) Existing hotel investments made by one or more of the Remington Affiliates with any of their Existing Investors;

(b) Existing bona fide arm’s length third party management arrangements (or arrangements for other services such as project management) with parties other than the REIT Affiliates pursuant to which one or more of the Remington Affiliates provide customary hotel management and hotel construction management, project management and other services; and

(c) Like-kind exchanges under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, made by any of the Existing Investors pursuant to contractual obligations existing as of the date of this Agreement provided that Manager provides ten (10) days prior notice to the REIT of said transaction.

(d) Any Hotel Property investment that does not satisfy the initial Investment Guidelines of the REIT Parties.

Existing Investors ” shall mean the existing joint venture partners, investors or property owners of the Remington Affiliates as listed on Exhibit C attached hereto.

Fiscal Year ” shall mean the twelve (12) month calendar year ending December 31, except that the first Fiscal Year and last Fiscal Year of the term of this Agreement may not be full calendar years.

Hotel ” shall have the meaning given such term in the Master Management Agreement.

Hotel Property ” means any Property that is used in whole or in part for hotel purposes, including, without limitation, any motels, motor inns, or hotels and the like (full service, select service, extended stay or otherwise), whether in fee or leasehold, together with any improvements and fixtures now or hereafter located thereon, all rights, privileges and easements appurtenant thereto, and all tangible and intangible personal property used in connection therewith.

Incentive Fee shall have the meaning given such terms in the Master Management Agreement.

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

Independent Director Disapproval ” shall mean either of the following:

1) The Independent Directors upon a unanimous vote, have at any time elected not to engage Manager; or

2) A majority of the Independent Directors have elected not to engage Manager based upon a determination in their reasonable business judgment that either:

A) Special circumstances exist such that it would be in the best interest of the REIT not to engage Manager with respect to a particular Hotel Property; or


B) Based on the prior performance of Manager, another manager or developer could perform the management, development or other duties in question materially better than Manager for a particular Hotel Property.

Independent Director Election ” shall mean a choice by the Independent Directors to exercise their Independent Director Disapproval rights.

Independent Directors ” shall mean those directors of the REIT who are “independent” within the meaning of the rules of the New York Stock Exchange as in effect on the date hereof.

Initial Term ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2 .

Initial Investment Guidelines shall mean the Investment Guidelines of the REIT Parties as set forth in the Advisory Agreement as of the date hereof.

Investment Guidelines shall have the same meaning herein as given such term in the Advisory Agreement.

Manager ” means Remington Lodging and Hospitality, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Manager Affiliate shall have the meaning given such term in the Master Management Agreement.

Market Service Fees shall have the meaning given such term in the Master Management Agreement.

Master Management Agreement ” means that certain Ashford Prime Hotel Master Management Agreement of even date herewith executed between Manager as the manager and Tenant (or its designees), as the owner in interest of the Hotel Properties subject of such agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit D , or any other management agreement with Manager, or a subsidiary of Manager, substantially in the form of the Master Management Agreement.

Non-Managed Hotel shall have the meaning given such term in the Master Management Agreement.

Partnership ” means Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership.

Person shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity.

Project Management Fee shall have the meaning given such term in the Master Management Agreement.

Project Related Services shall have the meaning given such term in the Master Management Agreement.


Property ” means any real property or any interest therein.

Reimbursement Amount ” shall mean the total of all actual out of pocket and third party costs and expenses paid by and to be reimbursed to the Remington Affiliates that were necessary and/or appropriate in connection with the Remington Transaction, including all earnest money deposits. The Reimbursement Amount shall be calculated by the Remington Parties and set forth in a certificate delivered to the REIT Parties and certified as true and correct by the Remington Parties. The Reimbursement Amount shall not include any finder’s fee, brokerage fee, development fee, or other compensation paid to the Remington Affiliates.

REIT ” means Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

REIT Affiliate ” shall mean the REIT Parties and their Affiliates.

REIT Exclusivity Rights ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 4(a) .

REIT ROFR ” shall have the meaning as described in Section 4(c) .

REIT ROFR Notice ” shall have the meaning as described in Section 4(c) .

REIT ROFR Period ” shall have the meaning as described in Section 4(c) .

REIT Parties ” shall mean the REIT and the Partnership.

REIT Termination Event ” shall mean the events described in Section 3(b) .

REIT Transaction ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 5(a) .

REIT Transaction Documents ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 4(b) .

Remington Affiliate ” shall mean the Remington Parties and their Affiliates.

Remington Exclusivity Rights ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 5(a) .

Remington Notice ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 4(b) .

Remington Parties ” shall mean Remington Holdings, LP and Manager.

Remington Termination Event ” shall mean the events described in Section 3(a) .

Remington Transaction ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 4(a) .

Remington Transaction Documents ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 5(b) .

RevPAR shall mean revenue per available room and is calculated by multiplying ADR by the average daily occupancy.


Tenant ” shall mean Ashford Prime TRS Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

Term ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2 .

Termination Event ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2 .


EXHIBIT B

DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT


DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

THIS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) dated as of             , 20     (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Owner ”) and [REMINGTON LODGING & HOSPITALITY LLC, a Delaware limited liability company or other Affiliate] (“ Developer ”).

R E C I T A L S:

A. Owner owns that certain tract or parcel of land situated in              County,             , as more particularly described on Exhibit “A” attached hereto and made a part hereof for all purposes (the “ Land ”).

B. Owner desires to engage Developer to develop an approximate              room              hotel and to furnish and perform the functions and services hereinafter prescribed, and Developer desires to accept such engagement, all for the term and subject to the covenants, agreements, and stipulations hereinafter set forth.

A G R E E M E N T S:

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

1.1. Affiliate . The term “Affiliate” shall mean with respect to any entity, any firm, corporation, partnership, association, trust or other entity which, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the subject entity, or any family member or trust for the benefit of a family member of a person having control of such entity. For purposes hereof, the term “control” shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of any such person or entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.

1.2. Agreement . The term “Agreement” shall mean this Development Agreement.

1.3. Ashford Prime TRS . The term “Ashford Prime TRS” shall mean Ashford Prime TRS Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

1.4. Commencement Date . The term “Commencement Date” shall mean the date on which Developer certifies to Owner in writing that construction has commenced for the development of the Project by the primary contractor after (i) the issuance of the building permit and other permits necessary for the commencement of construction issued under applicable Legal Requirements, (ii) the execution and delivery of the Construction Loan Documents, if applicable, (iii) the approval of the proposed platting, if applicable, for the Land under applicable Legal Requirements, and (iv) the approval of the applicable site plan for the Project under applicable Legal Requirements.


1.5. Completion Date . The term “Completion Date” shall mean the first day by which (i) the Project Architect has certified that the construction, equipping and furnishing of the Project has been substantially completed in accordance with the Plans and Specifications, (ii) the applicable governmental authorities have issued all necessary certificates of occupancy and other consents and approvals in respect of or necessary for the operation of the Project as an operating Hotel, (iii) the Franchisor has authorized the opening of the Hotel and the operation thereof under the terms of the Franchise Agreement, and (iv) the Project is opened to the public for business as [a] [an]              Hotel.

1.6. Conceptual Plan Phase . The term “Conceptual Plan Phase” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2.2 hereof.

1.7. [ Construction Loan Agreement . The term “Construction Loan Agreement” shall mean that certain loan agreement part of the Construction Loan Documents.] [IF APPLICABLE]

1.8. [ Construction Loan Documents . The term “Construction Loan Documents” shall mean each and every document or instrument executed in connection with or as security for the construction loan for the Project.] [IF APPLICABLE]

1.9. Design Phase . The term “Design Phase” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2.2 hereof.

1.10. Developer . The term “Developer” shall have the meaning attributed to it in the preamble to this Agreement.

1.11. Developer Default . The term “Developer Default” shall have the meaning attributed to it in Section 3.3.1.

1.12. Developer’s Fee . The term “Developer’s Fee” shall have the meaning attributed to it in Section 5.1.

1.13. Development Budget . The term “Development Budget” shall mean the development budget for the Project approved by Owner and Lender, if applicable, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit “B” and made a part hereof for all purposes, to be proposed by Developer pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof, and as updated and revised, from time to time, with Owner’s approval.

1.14. Development Plan . The term “Development Plan” shall mean the plan for the development and construction of an approximate              room              hotel and all related amenities, parking areas and other improvements, to be approved by Owner pursuant to Section 2.2 below.

1.15. Force Majeure . The term “Force Majeure” shall mean any act of God (including adverse weather conditions); act of the state or federal government in its sovereign or contractual capacity; war; civil disturbance, riot or mob violence; terrorism; earthquake; flood; fire or other casualty; epidemic; quarantine restrictions; labor strikes or lockout; freight embargo; materials

 

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shortages or unusual unavailability of specified materials, or similar causes beyond the reasonable control of Developer.

1.16. Franchisor . The term “Franchisor” shall mean             .

1.17. Franchise Agreement . The term “Franchise Agreement” shall mean the contract entered into between Owner and Franchisor pertaining to the name and operating procedures, systems and standards for the Hotel.

1.18. Franchisor Requirements . The term “Franchisor Requirements” shall mean the conditions, guidelines and requirements of Franchisor applicable to the Project and the operation of the Hotel for the issuance of the Franchise Agreement by Franchisor.

1.19. Hotel . The term “Hotel” shall mean the proposed improvements to be constructed on the Land comprised of an approximate             -story Hotel with not less than              guest [rooms][suites] to be operated under the Franchise Agreement and to be constructed in accordance with the Plans and Specifications.

1.20. Land . The term “Land” shall have the meaning attributed to it in the first recital hereof.

1.21. Legal Requirements . The term “Legal Requirements” shall mean all laws, statutes, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations, permits, licenses, authorizations, directions and requirements of all governments and governmental authorities, which now or hereafter may be applicable to the Project and the operation of the Hotel.

1.22. Lender . The term “Lender” shall mean             .

1.23. Management Agreement. The term “Management Agreement” shall mean that certain Hotel Master Management Agreement between Ashford TRS, an affiliate of Owner and Manager, an affiliate of Developer.

1.24. Manager . The term “Manager” shall mean Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

1.25. Objection Notice . The term “Objection Notice” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2.2. hereof.

1.26. Outside Completion Date . The term “Outside Completion Date” shall [have the meaning as set forth in the Construction Loan Agreement entered into or to be entered into between Lender and Owner][mean             ] .

1.27. Owner . The term “Owner” shall have the meaning attributed to it in the preamble to this Agreement.

1.28. Owner Delays . The term “Owner Delays” shall mean delays caused by actions or inactions of Owner with respect to any review, approval, funding, and other requirements and rights of Owner under this Agreement.

 

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1.29. Owner Default . The term “Owner Default” shall have the meaning attributed to it in Section 3.2.2.

1.30. Person . The term “Person” shall mean an individual, partnership, corporation, trust, unincorporated association, or other entity or association.

1.31. Plans and Specifications . The term “Plans and Specifications” shall mean the architectural plans and specifications for the Project prepared by the Project Architect and approved by Owner and Lender.

1.32. Project . The term “Project” shall mean the Hotel, together with other related improvements, to be constructed on the Land.

1.33. Project Architect . The term “Project Architect” shall mean [            ] [the architect recommended by Developer and approved by Owner].

1.34. State . The term “State” shall mean             .

2. Engagement of Developer .

2.1. Engagement . Owner hereby engages the services of Developer, as Owner’s developer for the Project, with the powers and duties of arranging, supervising, coordinating, and carrying out the development of the Project, and Developer undertakes and accepts such engagement, subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

2.2. Development Plan . During the first             days after the Effective Date (the “ Conceptual Plan Phase ”), Developer shall work with Owner and Franchisor to develop a conceptual Development Plan for the Project which shall include (i) a schematic representation of the Hotel and proposed improvements (with exterior elevation), (ii) a preliminary Development Budget, (iii) recommended contractors, (iv) recommended architects, (v) listing of major construction materials, (vi) listing of recommended interior selections, and (vii) other matters, all of sufficient scope to establish a basis for performance of the development on the Project. Upon Owner’s and Franchisor’s, as applicable, approval of the Conceptual Development Plan, Manager shall then engage, on behalf of Owner, the Project Architect to prepare plans and specifications for completion within             days after the expiration of the Conceptual Plan Phase and engagement of the Project Architect (the “ Design Phase ”). During the Design Phase, Manager shall supervise and direct, on behalf of Owner, the completion of the Plans and Specifications for Owner’s review and approval. Manager shall consult with and coordinate the preparation of the Plans and Specifications with the Franchisor at 50%, 75% and 100% completion. A preliminary Development Budget has been prepared by Developer and delivered to Owner. Consistent with the terms set forth in the preliminary Development Budget, Developer shall further refine and provide more detail during the Design Phase with the intent that upon conclusion of all Plans and Specifications for the intended and approved Development Plan, Developer shall submit a complete Development Budget to Owner for Owner’s approval. Upon receipt thereof, with appropriate supporting information including trade costs breakdowns, construction schedules and other items reasonably requested by Owner after all appropriate bidding has concluded, Owner shall reasonably cooperate with Developer in developing the final and approved Development Budget. The Development Budget and the Development Plan shall

 

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not be deemed accepted by Owner in the absence of its express written approval. Not later than thirty (30) days after receipt by Owner of the proposed Development Budget and the Development Plan (or such longer period as Owner may reasonably request on notice to Developer), Owner may deliver a notice (an “ Objection Notice ”) to Developer stating that Owner objects to any information contained in or omitted from such proposed Development Budget and Development Plan, and setting forth the nature of such objections with reasonable specificity. Failure of Owner to timely deliver an Objection Notice shall be deemed a rejection of the Developer’s proposed Development Budget in its entirety. Upon receipt of any Objection Notice, the Developer shall, after consultation with Owner, modify the proposed Development Budget and the Development Plan, taking into account Owner’s objections, and shall resubmit the same to Owner for Owner’s approval within fifteen (15) days thereafter (or such additional time as may be reasonably required with the reasonable approval of Owner), and Owner may deliver further Objection Notices (if any) within fifteen (15) days thereafter (in which event, the resubmission and review process described above in this sentence shall continue until the proposed Development Budget and Development Plan in question is accepted and consented to by Owner).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Owner shall have the right at any time subsequent to the acceptance and consent with respect to any Development Budget or the Development Plan, on notice to Developer, to revise such Development Budget and Development Plan or to request that Developer prepare for Owner’s reasonable approval a revised Development Budget or Development Plan, taking into account such circumstances as Owner deems reasonably appropriate; provided, however, the revision of a Development Budget or Development Plan shall not be deemed a revocation of the Developer’s authority with respect to such actions as the Developer may have already taken (including, without limitation, construction contracts, architectural agreements, professional services contracts, and other contracts executed in connection with the authority granted herein) prior to receipt of such revision notice in implementing a previously approved Development Budget or Development Plan.

2.3. Delegation of Authority . The development of the Project shall be under the supervision and control of Developer who, except as otherwise specifically provided herein, shall be responsible for the completion of the Project prior to the Outside Completion Date, subject to Force Majeure and/or Owner Delays, materially in accordance with the Plans and Specifications, [the Construction Loan Documents,] applicable Legal Requirements, and the Franchisor Requirements. Accordingly, subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Plans and Specifications, the Development Plan and the Development Budget, Developer shall have the authority to:

(a) Negotiate, execute and effect the administration of, in the name of and on behalf of Owner, any agreements for architectural, engineering, testing, and/or professional or skilled consultant’s services, and any agreements for the construction of any and all improvements, including, but not limited to, the furnishing of any supplies, materials, machinery or equipment therefor, and any amendments of the foregoing.

 

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(b) Consult with architects, engineers, and others referred to in Section 2.2(a) above so that the design and Plans and Specifications for the Hotel will be prepared, developed and finalized to the reasonable satisfaction of Owner.

(c) Secure or cause the appropriate parties engaged by the Owner to secure all required permits, licenses, and approvals from applicable authorities in connection with: (i) the demolition of any existing structure on the Land; (ii) the construction, completion and occupancy of the Hotel; and (iii) the development and operation of the Hotel, regardless of when and from what source they are to be obtained.

(d) Cause the appropriate parties engaged by the Developer to prepare a project time construction schedule for reasonable approval by Owner and effect coordination and integration of the various services required for the construction and completion of the Hotel in conformity with such schedules, subject to delay due to Force Majeure and Owner Delays.

(e) Recommend the Project general contractor for approval by Owner (not to be unreasonably withheld) and then select other professional consultants and engineers necessary to complete the development of the Project and supervise the negotiation and execution of all construction and professional service contracts and any revisions, amendments or supplements thereto.

(f) If required by Owner [or Lender], require the Project general contractor to provide at its expense a payment bond and a performance bond, each in an amount equal to 100% of the respective contracts issued by a financially responsible surety company licensed by the State in which the Project is located, insuring to Owner’s [and Lender’s] reasonable satisfaction that the services called for in the Project general contractor’s contract will be completed and fully paid.

(g) Advise and assist Owner in the preparation of the Development Plan and Development Budget and make revisions to same as necessary, subject to the approval of Owner, and to keep Owner advised of changes in cost estimates included in the Development Budget from time to time so as to provide Owner at all times with current information as to Project costs.

(h) Cooperate with and assist with the Project general contractor in the preparation of: (i) bid documents and procedures; (ii) the selection of lists of bidders; and (iii) in the negotiations, finalization and award of all major subcontracts and material purchase orders.

(i) Provide supervision over the performance of the Project general contractor of its services in an effort to expedite completion of the Hotel in accordance with approved Plans and Specifications and contract documents, the Development Budget, the Construction Loan Documents and the critical path progress schedule prepared by the Project general contractor under the supervision of Developer.

 

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(j) Establish a procedure for the review and processing of applications by the Project general contractor and subcontractors of progress and final payments [in compliance with the Construction Loan Documents].

(k) Inspect the progress of the course of construction of the Hotel, including verification, through the Project Architect, of the materials and labor being furnished to and on such construction, and in addition, verify based on such inspection that construction is being carried out in accordance with the Plans and Specifications, the Construction Loan Documents, Legal Requirements and the Franchisor Requirements.

(l) Manage and consult with and direct all persons or firms engaged for the responsibility of designing the Project.

(m) Except as otherwise provided in the Management Agreement, at Owner’s expense, obtain and maintain insurance coverage for the Project, Owner (and any of its partners if deemed necessary by Owner), at all times until construction of the Hotel is fully completed, such policies to be in compliance with the insurance requirements set forth in Exhibit C attached hereto and made a part hereof for all purposes and [with the Construction Loan Documents].

(n) Provide administration of all contracts and the enforcement thereof and of all appropriate records.

(o) Use reasonable commercial efforts to accomplish the timely completion of the development of the Hotel subject to Force Majeure and Owner Delays.

(p) Secure such cross easements, reciprocal operating agreements, cross use agreements, and other similar access agreements between the Hotel and adjoining landowners and appropriate parties as are necessary to develop and operate the Hotel.

(q) Provide as a liaison between Owner and any federal, state, county or local government boards, statutory bodies or other agencies having jurisdiction over the Land of the development of the Hotel in order to provide a relationship between the Owner and such parties, and to permit the development of the Hotel to proceed in a cost efficient and expeditious manner.

(r) Maintain all office and accounting facilities and equipment necessary for Developer to carry out the foregoing functions, and in connection with accounting functions, if Owner so directs, receive and disburse loan proceeds and other funds for and on behalf of the Owner and subject to Owner’s approval.

(s) Prepare and furnish to Owner monthly budget updates, progress reports and other reports reasonably required by Owner and provide necessary and appropriate computer and related services in the performance of the above functions.

(t) Arrange for and supervise the preparation of, and deliver to Owner and Lender promptly when available, all documentation relevant to the Project, in proposed and final forms, including, without limitation, surveys, title reports, site plans,

 

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engineering and environmental reports, soil reports, Plans and Specifications, construction contracts, consultants’ contracts, construction schedules and trade breakdowns, and purchase orders and contracts.

2.4. Project Related Services . Developer and Owner agree that the duties of Developer hereunder shall not extend to providing any of the services defined as “Project Related Services” in the Management Agreement, unless and until it has been determined that the Market Service Fees (as defined in the Management Agreement) with respect to such Project Related Services has been determined in accordance with the terms and procedures set forth in Section 8.02(G), (H) and (I) of the Management Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

2.5. Approvals by Owner . Developer covenants and agrees that in addition to any Owner approval requirements otherwise set forth herein, Developer shall obtain the prior written approval by Owner for each of the following:

(a) Plans and Specifications for the Project and any material changes thereto;

(b) Any material deviation from the approved Plans and Specifications, as same may have been amended or modified;

(c) Approval of the Development Pans and the Development Budget (if not heretofore approved in writing by Owner) and any material changes thereto;

(d) The making of, or the agreement to incur, expenditures in connection with the development of the Project which cause total expenditures for the development of the Project to exceed the total construction costs for the entire Project as set forth in the then approved Development Budget [or any variance exceeding     % of any major line item in the Development Budget];

(e) Approval of the General Contractor (including the applicable construction contract or any material amendments or modifications thereto or any change order thereunder which would cause total expenditures for the development of the Project to exceed the total construction cost for the entire Project as set forth in the then approval Development Budget or would cause a variance in any major line item in the Development Budget of     %); and

(f) Approval of the Project Architect and all major professional consultants and engineers engaged for the implementation of the Development Budget (including applicable contracts for the engagement of such professionals or material amendments or modifications thereto).

2.6. Emergencies . Notwithstanding Section 2.5 to the contrary, in any emergency affecting the safety of persons or property, which is likely to result in a substantial construction work stoppage or a substantial delay of the Completion Date, Developer shall be authorized to act in a manner intended to mitigate or prevent threatened damage, injury or loss, and shall be entitled to make expenditures in connection therewith. However, Developer shall authorize only such acts and shall make only such expenditures reasonably required to stabilize the emergency.

 

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In addition, Developer shall authorize such acts and make such expenditures only after Developer has made a reasonable attempt (if circumstances permit) to inform Owner of (a) the cause of such emergency, (b) the prepared course of action in connection therewith, and (c) the likely amount of such expenditures.

2.7. Cooperation by Owner . Owner agrees to cooperate with Developer as may be requested by Developer in furtherance of the development and construction of the Project as specified in this Agreement and to execute such documents as shall be submitted to it with a favorable recommendation by Developer, provided that the same shall be consistent with and in implementation of the matters approved by Owner as required hereunder.

2.8. Performance of Duties; Guaranty of Completion . Developer accepts as aforesaid the engagement under this Agreement and agrees to act with reasonable prudence and diligence in the performance of its duties and responsibilities hereunder and in good faith and in the best interest of Owner. Subject to the continuing obligation of Owner to provide funds necessary for the development of the Project, Developer hereby covenants and agrees, subject to Force Majeure and Owner Delays, to cause the commencement of the construction of the Project and thereafter cause the prosecution of same with diligence and continuity to completion on or before the Outside Completion Date, all in a good and workmanlike manner and (i) in accordance with the then approved Development Budget, (ii) in substantial accordance with the Plans and Specifications (as same may be changed pursuant to Section 2.5(a) and (b) hereof, (iii) all Legal Requirements in all material respects, (iv) the Construction Loan Documents, and (v) the Franchisor Requirements, free and clear of any liens or claims of liens for materials supplied or worked performed in connection therewith, except for permitted liens and encumbrances [pursuant to the terms of the Construction Loan Documents].

3. Term, Default, Termination and Remedies .

3.1. Term . Unless earlier terminated pursuant to the provisions hereof, this Agreement shall be for a term commencing as of the Commencement Date and terminating upon a date thirty (30) days following the Completion Date. Termination hereof shall not relieve either Owner or Developer of obligations to each other that accrue on or before such termination nor the continuing and surviving obligation of Owner to pay, to the extent required hereunder, the Developer’s Fee or reimburse Developer for overages pursuant to Section 5 hereof.

3.2. Default .

3.2.1. Developer Default . Each of the following shall constitute a “Developer Default”:

(a) The filing of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or a petition for reorganization under any bankruptcy law by Developer;

(b) The consent to any involuntary petition in bankruptcy or the failure to vacate, within ninety (90) days from the date of entry thereof, any order approving an involuntary petition by Developer;

 

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(c) The entering of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction, on the application of a creditor, adjudicating Developer as bankrupt or an insolvent, or approving a petition seeking reorganization or appointing a receiver, trustee, or liquidator of all or a substantial part of Developer assets, and such order, judgment or decree continues unstayed and in effect for any period of ninety (90) days or more;

(d) The appointment of a receiver for all or any substantial portion of the property of Developer;

(e) The failure of Developer to make any payment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice specifying said default from Owner, that such payment is due and payable; and

(f) The failure of Developer to perform, keep or fulfill any of the other covenants, undertakings, obligations or conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the continuance of such failure for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice of such failure; provided, however, if such default cannot be cured within such thirty (30) day period and Developer shall have commenced to cure such default within such thirty (30) day period and thereafter diligently, continuously and expeditiously proceeds to cure the same, such thirty (30) day period shall be extended so long as it shall require Developer to cure such default.

3.2.2. Owner Default . Each of the following shall constitute an “Owner Default” if (but only if) and to the extent the failure in question is not attributable to the action or breach by the Developer or any Affiliate of Developer:

(a) The failure of Owner to make any payment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice specifying said default from Developer, that such payment is due and payable; or

(b) The failure of Owner to perform, keep or fulfill any of the other covenants, undertakings, obligations or conditions set forth in this Agreement to be performed, kept or fulfilled by it, and the continuance of such failure for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice of such failure from Developer; provided, however, if such default cannot be cured within such thirty (30) day period and Owner shall have commenced to cure such default within such thirty (30) day period and thereafter diligently, continuously and expeditiously proceeds to cure the same, such thirty (30) day period shall be extended so long as it shall require Owner to cure such default.

3.3. Consequence of Default .

3.3.1. Developer Default . Upon the occurrence of any Developer Default, Owner may, at its option, give Developer written notice of termination of this Agreement (after the expiration of any applicable grace or cure period provided above), and upon the expiration of fifteen (15) days from the date of such written notice, this Agreement shall terminate.

 

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3.3.2. Owner Default . Upon the occurrence of any Owner Default, Developer may give Owner written notice of its intention to terminate this Agreement (after the expiration of any applicable grace or cure period provided above), and upon the expiration of fifteen (15) days from the date of such written notice, this Agreement shall terminate.

3.4. Other Remedies Cumulative . In the event of the occurrence of either a Developer Default or Owner Default hereunder, the aggrieved party (Developer or Owner, as the case may be) shall, in addition to its rights and remedies hereunder and at law or in equity, have the right to recover from the party in default damages suffered and all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the aggrieved party in enforcing its rights and remedies hereunder, including reasonable attorneys’ fees. The termination of this Agreement by either Developer or Owner by reason of default by the other party, as aforesaid, shall not relieve either party of any of its obligations theretofore accrued under this Agreement prior to the effective date of such termination.

3.5. Duties Flowing From Termination . Upon termination of this Agreement, Owner shall:

(a) Indemnify and hold Developer harmless from and against any and all claims, obligations and liabilities by reason of anything done or required to be done after the effective date of such termination under any contract entered into by Owner in connection with or relating to the development of the Project; and

(b) Pay for the cost of all services (including, without limitation, the Development Fee earned through the date of such termination), materials, and supplies, if any, which may have been ordered or incurred by Developer as a result of its obligations arising under this Agreement but which may not have been charged to or paid by Developer and reimbursed under this Agreement at the time of termination, if such services, materials, and supplies have been ordered or incurred in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, that in the event of a termination of this Agreement as a result of a Developer Default, Owner shall have the right to offset against any amounts due to Developer under this Section 3.5 any amounts to which Owner is entitled hereunder, under Section 3.4 or otherwise.

Upon such termination, Developer shall execute and deliver to Owner such documents of transfer and assignment as may be required to vest in Owner all of Developer’s rights, if any, under any and all contracts referenced in Section 3.5(a) above, and Developer shall cooperate in good faith to effect an orderly transition of its duties to Owner (or a new development manager), and use reasonable efforts to minimize costs and delays associated with such transition.

4. Insurance and Indemnity .

4.1. Insurance .

(a) Developer, on behalf of Owner shall purchase and maintain in effect “all-risk” builder’s risk property insurance upon all work and materials to be an integral part

 

11


of the Hotel which are situated at the construction site of the Hotel and/or Project, during inland transit and while in storage elsewhere, in an amount, subject to such deductibles and otherwise in form and substance as shall be agreed upon by Developer and Owner, and as otherwise required by the Construction Loan Documents. Such insurance shall include the interests of Developer, Owner (including its partners), Manager, Lender, the contractor and sub-contractors involved in the construction of the Project, and shall contain the insurer’s waiver of subrogation rights against Developer.

(b) Developer, on behalf of Owner, shall purchase and maintain or cause the contractor to purchase and maintain comprehensive liability and property damage insurance against claims for personal and bodily injury or death and property damage occurring upon, in or about the construction site of the Hotel and upon, in or about the adjoining streets and passageways thereof, or otherwise, arising under the contracts for the construction of the Project and/or this Agreement, such public liability insurance to include Developer, Owner Manager and Lender as an additional insureds and be in form and substance satisfactory to Owner and as otherwise required under the Construction Loan Documents.

(c) Developer, on behalf of Owner and at Owner’s cost, shall purchase and maintain such other insurance, in such forms and amounts, as shall be required under the Construction Loan Documents or as Owner may otherwise require. Developer shall provide to Owner and Lender (i) certified copies of policies of all insurance provided for in this Section 4.1 prior to the commencement of construction of the Project, and thirty (30) days or other minimum periods under the applicable law of the State prior to the expiration date of all such policies, certified copies of renewal policies. All such policies shall provide that the same may not be cancelled or materially modified without at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to all insureds.

(d) Developer shall provide Owner with evidence that the general contractor, all major subcontractors, the Project Architect and other consultants, designers and engineers have obtained liability insurance and errors and omissions insurance coverage in a nature and to an extent customarily obtained by said entities in the metropolitan area of the city in which the Project of located, and as may be required by the Construction Loan Documents.

(e) Developer shall provide evidence to Owner of workmen’s compensation insurance with employer liability insurance covering all persons employed by Developer, the general contractor and consultants hired by Developer in connection with the Project, at the statutory limits as provided by the laws of the State in which the workmen are employed, and require general contract to require that all major subcontractors maintain the statutory minimum.

(f) Promptly after the Completion Date, Developer shall coordinate with Manager the transfer of all policies of insurance and benefits related thereto to the extent required under the terms of the Management Agreement.

 

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(g) All insurance required hereunder shall be issued by companies satisfactory to Owner qualified or licensed, as the case may be, to issue insurance in the State and otherwise in compliance with the Construction Loan Documents.

4.2. Indemnities .

(a) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, Developer shall indemnify and save Owner harmless in respect of any action, cause of action, suit, debt, loss, cost, expense (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees), claim or demand whatsoever, at law or in equity (collectively, “ Damages ”), arising by way of any breach during term of this Agreement by Developer, its employees, servants, agents or subcontractors, of any of the provisions of this Agreement or by reason of the grossly negligent or willful misconduct of the Developer, its employees, servants, agents or subcontractors, which indemnity shall continue notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement with respect to any act or occurrence preceding such termination.

(b) Owner agrees to indemnify and save Developer completely harmless in respect of any Damages in connection with the performance by Developer of any and all of its obligations in accordance with this Agreement, including, without limitation, any damage or injury whatsoever to any employees or other Person or property arising out of the use, administration, or control of the Project or any other asset of Owner relating to the Project during the term of this Agreement, which indemnity shall continue notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement with respect to any act or occurrence preceding such termination; provided, however, in no event shall the indemnity provided under this Subsection 4.2(b) extend to any action, cause of action, suit, debt, cost, expense, claim or demand (i) against which Owner is indemnified under Section 4.2(a) above, or (ii) which is covered by insurance pursuant to Section 4.1 hereof.

5. Compensation of Developer .

5.1. Fees . For services performed hereunder, Developer shall be paid as its compensation a fee of four percent (4%) of the total Project costs (both hard and soft costs) associated with the development of the Project pursuant to the Development Budget payable on the first business day of each month in arrears based upon the prior calendar month’s total expenditures under the Development Budget (“ Developer’s Fee ”).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) Developer shall not be entitled to receive any portion of the Developer’s Fee not yet payable at the time this Agreement is terminated by Owner due to a Developer Default, (ii) any of the Developer’s Fee that would otherwise be due in a month in which construction of the Project has been suspended by reason of a Developer Default, shall be postponed by the number of months for which construction is suspended, and (iii) Developer’s right to receive the Developer’s Fee is subject to the provisions of Section 3.3.1.

5.2. Reimbursement . In addition to the foregoing, Owner shall reimburse Developer for all third party, out of pocket costs and expenses, such as, but without limitation, (a) costs of reproductions of Plans and Specifications, (b) accountants fees and attorneys’ fees, fees paid to computer services for preparation of critical path method studies and other work, and similar

 

13


charges, (c) fees paid to design consultants and other outside consultants, (d) all costs of an on-site project office and of office supplies, rent, repair and maintenance of office machines and postage incurred for or in connection with the Project office, and (e) long distance air travel and similar expenses incurred during the Conceptual Plan Phase, the Design Phase and implementation, administration and completion of the Development Plan; provided that such costs are incurred with the scope of the authority granted to Developer hereunder and consistent with the Development Budget or as otherwise approved in writing by Owner.

6. Miscellaneous .

6.1. Governing Law; Venue . Developer and Owner agree that all disputes relating to the performance and/or interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas. The parties hereto agree that venue for any action in connection herewith may be in Dallas County, Texas. Each party hereto consents to the jurisdiction of any local, state or federal court situated in Dallas, Texas, and waive any objection which they may have pertaining to improper venue or forum non conviens to the conduct of any proceeding in any such court.

6.2. No Waiver of Breach, etc . No failure by Developer or Owner to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, agreement, term or condition of this Agreement, or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof, shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any subsequent breach of such covenant, agreement, term or condition. No waiver of any breach shall affect or alter this Agreement, but each and every covenant, agreement, term and condition of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect with respect to any other then existing or subsequent breach thereof.

6.3. Severability of Provisions . If any term or provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstances shall, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such term of provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, as the case may be, shall not be effected thereof, and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

6.4. Notices . All notices, requests, approvals, demands, and other communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given and received three (3) days after being deposited in the United States mail as registered or certified matter, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or deemed given and received one (1) day after being delivered by any reputable overnight air courier service, addressed as follows:

 

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If to Developer:   

Remington Lodging & Hospitality LLC

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

Dallas, Texas 75240

   Attn: Monty Bennett
If to Owner:   

Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, Texas 75240

   Attn: General Counsel

or at such other address as the party to whom the notice is sent shall have designated in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.4.

6.5. Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

6.6. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

6.7. Changes, Waivers, etc . Neither this Agreement nor any term or provision hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which the enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought.

6.8. Captions . The captions to the Articles and Sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of this Agreement or in any part hereof, nor in any way affect this Agreement or any part hereof.

6.9. No Partnership or Joint Venture . Nothing contained in this Agreement shall constitute or be construed to be or create a partnership, joint venture or similar relationship between Owner and Developer.

6.10. No Assignment . Developer may not assign this Agreement of any of its rights hereunder, and may not delegate or sub-contract any of its duties hereunder; except that Developer may delegate some or all of the duties hereunder to any Affiliate, provided such Affiliate is controlled by Monty Bennett and/or Archie Bennett, Jr., but no such delegation shall relieve Developer from liability for the performance of all obligations to be performed by it hereunder, and Developer shall remain responsible and liable for such obligations, and for any breach thereof by any such delegate.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

OWNER :
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP , a Delaware limited partnership
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, a
  Delaware limited liability company, its general partner
  By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

DEVELOPER :
[REMINGTON AFFILIATE]

 

16


List of Exhibits

Exhibit A – Legal Description

Exhibit B – Development Budget

Exhibit C – Insurance Requirements

 

17


Exhibit A

Legal Description


Exhibit B

Development Budget


Exhibit C

Insurance Requirements


EXHIBIT C

EXISTING INVESTORS

None


EXHIBIT D

MASTER MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT


EXECUTION VERSION

ASHFORD PRIME HOTEL MASTER MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

by and between

ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

and

REMINGTON LODGING & HOSPITALITY, LLC

a Delaware limited liability company


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITION OF TERMS      7   

1.01

     Definition of Terms      7   
ARTICLE II TERM OF AGREEMENT      17   

2.01

     Term      17   

2.02

     Actions to be Taken upon Termination      18   

2.03

     Early Termination Rights; Liquidated Damages      19   
ARTICLE III PREMISES      23   
ARTICLE IV APPOINTMENT OF MANAGER      23   

4.01

     Appointment      23   

4.02

     Delegation of Authority      24   

4.03

     Contracts, Equipment Leases and Other Agreements      24   

4.04

     Alcoholic Beverage/Liquor Licensing Requirements      24   
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES      24   

5.01

     Lessee Representations      24   

5.02

     Manager Representations      25   
ARTICLE VI OPERATION      26   

6.01

     Name of Premises; Standard of Operation      26   

6.02

     Use of Premises      27   

6.03

     Group Services      28   

6.04

     Right to Inspect      28   
ARTICLE VII WORKING CAPITAL AND INVENTORIES      29   

7.01

     Working Capital and Inventories      29   

7.02

     Fixed Asset Supplies      29   

 

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ARTICLE VIII MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT AND CHANGES    30

8.01

     Routine and Non-Routine Repairs and Maintenance    30

8.02

     Capital Improvement Reserve    30
ARTICLE IX EMPLOYEES    35

9.01

     Employee Hiring    35

9.02

     Costs; Benefit Plans    35

9.03

     Manager’s Employees    37

9.04

     Special Projects - Corporate Employees    37

9.05

     Termination    38

9.06

     Employee Use of Hotel    39

9.07

     Non-Solicitation    39
ARTICLE X BUDGET, STANDARDS AND CONTRACTS    39

10.01

     Annual Operating Budget    39

10.02

     Budget Approval    39

10.03

     Operation Pending Approval    40

10.04

     Budget Meetings    40
ARTICLE XI OPERATING DISTRIBUTIONS    41

11.01

     Management Fee    41

11.02

     Accounting and Interim Payment    41
ARTICLE XII INSURANCE    42

12.01

     Insurance    42

12.02

     Replacement Cost    43

12.03

     Increase in Limits    43

12.04

     Blanket Policy    44

12.05

     Costs and Expenses    44

 

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12.06

     Policies and Endorsements    44

12.07

     Termination    44
ARTICLE XIII TAXES AND DEBT SERVICE    45

13.01

     Taxes    45

13.02

     Debt Service; Ground Lease Payments    45
ARTICLE XIV BANK ACCOUNTS    45
ARTICLE XV ACCOUNTING SYSTEM    47

15.01

     Books and Records    47

15.02

     Monthly Financial Statements    47

15.03

     Annual Financial Statements    47
ARTICLE XVI PAYMENT BY LESSEE    48

16.01

     Payment of Base Management Fee    48

16.02

     Distributions    48

16.03

     Payment Option    48
ARTICLE XVII RELATIONSHIP AND AUTHORITY    49
ARTICLE XVIII DAMAGE, CONDEMNATION AND FORCE MAJEURE    50

18.01

     Damage and Repair    50

18.02

     Condemnation    50

18.03

     Force Majeure    51

18.04

     Liquidated Damages if Casualty    51

18.05

     No Liquidated Damages if Condemnation or Force Majeure    51
ARTICLE XIX DEFAULT AND TERMINATION    52

19.01

     Events of Default    52

19.02

     Consequence of Default    52
ARTICLE XX WAIVER AND INVALIDITY    53

 

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20.01

     Waiver    53

20.02

     Partial Invalidity    53
ARTICLE XXI ASSIGNMENT    53
ARTICLE XXII NOTICES    54
ARTICLE XXIII SUBORDINATION; NON-DISTURBANCE    55

23.01

     Subordination    55

23.02

     Non-Disturbance Agreement    55
ARTICLE XXIV PROPRIETARY MARKS; INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY    56

24.01

     Proprietary Marks    56

24.02

     Computer Software and Equipment    56

24.03

     Intellectual Property    56

24.04

     Books and Records    57
ARTICLE XXV INDEMNIFICATION    57

25.01

     Manager Indemnity    57

25.02

     Lessee Indemnity    57

25.03

     Indemnification Procedure    58

25.04

     Survival    58

25.05

     No Successor Liability    58
ARTICLE XXVI NEW HOTELS AND NON-MANAGED HOTELS    59
ARTICLE XXVII GOVERNING; LAW VENUE    59
ARTICLE XXVIII MISCELLANEOUS    60

28.01

     Rights to Make Agreement    60

28.02

     Agency    60

28.03

     Failure to Perform    60

28.04

     Headings    60

 

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28.05

     Attorneys’ Fees and Costs    60

28.06

     Entire Agreement    60

28.07

     Consents    61

28.08

     Eligible Independent Contractor    61

28.09

     Environmental Matters    62

28.10

     Equity and Debt Offerings    62

28.11

     Estoppel Certificates    63

28.12

     Confidentiality    63

28.13

     Modification    63

28.14

     Counterparts    63

 

6


ASHFORD PRIME HOTEL MASTER MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

THIS ASHFORD PRIME HOTEL MASTER MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT is made and entered into on this      day of             , 2013, by and between ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as “ Lessee ”), REMINGTON LODGING & HOSPITALITY, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (hereinafter referred to as “ Manager ”), and for the limited purposes of Article VIII herein, the Landlords (defined below).

R E C I T A L S:

1. Lessee desires to retain Manager to manage and operate each Hotel (as defined below), and Manager is willing to perform such services for the account of Lessee, all as more particularly set forth in this Agreement.

A G R E E M E N T S:

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITION OF TERMS

1.01 Definition of Terms. The following terms when used in this Agreement shall have the meanings indicated below.

Accounting Period ” shall mean a calendar month.

Addendum ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Article XXVI .

Agreement ” shall mean this Master Management Agreement, and all amendments, modifications, supplements, consolidations, extensions and revisions to this Master Management Agreement approved by Lessee and Manager in accordance with the provisions hereof.

AHP ” means Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

Annual Operating Budget ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 10.01 .

AOB Objection Notice ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 10.02 .

Applicable Standards ” shall mean standards of operation for the Premises which are (a) in accordance with the requirements of the applicable Franchise Agreement, this Agreement and all CCRs affecting the Premises and of which true and complete copies have been made available by Lessee to Manager, (b) in accordance with applicable Legal Requirements, (c) in accordance with the terms and conditions of any Hotel Mortgage or Ground

 

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Lease to the extent not otherwise inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement (to the extent Lessee has made available to Manager true and complete copies of the applicable loan documents relating to any such Hotel Mortgage and/or the Ground Leases), (d) in accordance with the Leases (to the extent Lessee has made available to Manager a true and complete copy thereof), (e) in accordance with the requirements of any carrier having insurance on the Hotel or any part thereof (to the extent Manager has been given written notice of such requirements or policies and/or has coordinated same on behalf of Lessee), and (f) in accordance with the requirements of Section 856(d)(9)(D) of the Code for qualifying each Hotel as a Qualified Lodging Facility.

Approval Requirement ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.02I .

Base Management Fee ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 11.01A .

Benefit Plans ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 9.02 .

Black-Scholes Amount ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 16.03B .

Black-Scholes Model ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 16.03B .

Business Day ” shall mean any day excluding (i) Saturday, (ii) Sunday, (iii) any day which is a legal holiday under the laws of the States of New York, Maryland or Texas, and (iv) any day on which banking institutions located in such states are generally not open for the conduct of regular business.

Budgeted HP ” shall mean the House Profit as set forth in the Annual Operating Budget for the applicable Fiscal Year, as approved by Lessee and Manager pursuant to Article X hereof.

CCRs ” shall mean those certain restrictive covenants encumbering the Premises recorded in the real property records of the county where such premises are located, as described in the owner policies of title insurance relating to such premises, a copy of which are acknowledged received by the Manager.

Capital Improvement Budget ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.02E .

Cash Management Agreements ” shall mean agreements, if any, entered into by Lessee, Landlord and a Holder for the collection and disbursement of any Gross Revenues, Deductions, Management Fees or excess Working Capital with respect to the applicable Premises, which constitute a part of the loan documents executed and delivered in connection with any Hotel Mortgage by Landlord.

Capital Improvement Reserve ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.02A .

CIB Objection Notice ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.02E .

 

8


CPI ” means the Consumer Price Index, published for all Urban Consumers for the U.S. City Average for All Items, 1982-84=100 issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor, as published in the Wall Street Journal.

Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Commencement Date ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.01 .

Competitive Set ” shall mean, for each Hotel, the hotels situated in the same market segment as such Hotel as noted on Schedule 1 to the applicable Addendum for such Hotel, which competitive set shall include such Hotel. The Competitive Set may be changed from time to time by mutual agreement of Lessee and Manager to reasonably and accurately reflect a set within the market of such Hotel that is comparable in rate quality and in operation to such Hotel and directly competitive with such Hotel.

Contract(s) ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 4.03 .

Debt Service ” shall mean actual scheduled payments of principal and interest, including accrued and cumulative interest, payable by a Landlord with respect to any Hotel Mortgage.

Deductions ” shall mean the following matters:

 

  1. Employee Costs and Expenses (including, Employee Claims but excluding Excluded Employee Claims);

 

  2. Administrative and general expenses and the cost of advertising and business promotion, heat, light, power, communications (i.e., telephone, fax, cable service and internet) and other utilities and routine repairs, maintenance and minor alterations pertaining to the Premises;

 

  3. The cost of replacing, maintaining or replenishing Inventories and Fixed Asset Supplies consumed in the operation of the Premises;

 

  4. A reasonable reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable as reasonably determined by Manager and approved by Lessee (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld);

 

  5. All costs and fees of independent accountants, attorneys or other third parties who perform services related to the Hotel or the operation thereof, including, without limitation, an allocation of costs of Manager’s in-house corporate counsel who performs legal services directly for the benefit of the Hotels to be allocated on a fair and equitable cost basis as reasonably determined by Manager and approved by Lessee (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld);

 

  6.

The cost and expense of non-routine technical consultants and operational experts for specialized services in connection with the Premises, including, without limitation, an

 

9


  allocation of costs of Manager’s corporate staff who may perform special services directly related to the Hotels such as sales and marketing, revenue management, training, property tax services, federal, state and/or local tax services, recruiting, and similar functions or services as set forth in Section 9.04 , to be allocated on a fair and equitable cost basis as reasonably determined by Manager and approved by Lessee (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld);

 

  7. Insurance costs and expenses as provided in Article XII ;

 

  8. Real estate and personal property taxes levied or assessed against the Premises by duly authorized taxing authorities and such other taxes, if any, payable by or assessed against Manager or the Premises related to the operation and/or ownership of the Premises;

 

  9. Franchise fees, royalties, license fees, or compensation or consideration paid or payable to the Franchisor (as hereinafter defined), or any successor Franchisor, pursuant to a Franchise Agreement (as hereinafter defined);

 

  10. The Premises’ allocable share of the actual costs and expenses incurred by Manager in providing Group Services as provided in Section 6.03 hereof;

 

  11. The Management Fee;

 

  12. Rental payments made under equipment leases; and

 

  13. Other expenses incurred in connection with the maintenance or operation of the Premises not expressly set forth above and authorized pursuant to this Agreement.

Deductions shall not include: (a) depreciation and amortization, (b) Debt Service, (c) Ground Lease Payments, or (d) payments allocated or made to the Capital Improvement Reserve.

Designated Fees ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 16.03 .

Effective Date ” shall mean the date this Agreement is fully executed and delivered.

Eligible Independent Contractor ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 28.08 .

Emergency Expenses ” shall mean any expenses, regardless of amount, which, in Manager’s reasonable judgment, are immediately necessary to protect the physical integrity or lawful operation of the Hotel or the health or safety of its occupants.

Employee Claims ” shall mean any claims (including all fines, judgments, penalties, costs, litigation and/or arbitration expenses, attorneys’ fees and expenses, and costs of settlement with respect to any such claim) made by or in respect of an employee or potential hire

 

10


of Manager against Manager and/or Lessee which are based on a violation or alleged violation of the Employment Laws or alleged contractual obligations.

Employee Costs and Expenses ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 9.03 .

Employee Related Termination Costs ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 9.05 .

Employment Laws ” shall mean all applicable federal, state and local laws (including, without limitation, any statutes, regulations, ordinances or common laws) regarding the employment, hiring or discharge of persons.

Event(s) of Default ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article XIX .

Excluded Employee Claims ” shall mean any Employee Claims (a) to the extent attributable to a substantial violation by Manager of Employment Laws, or (b) which do not arise from an isolated act of an individual employee but rather is the direct result of corporate policies of Manager which either encourage or fail to discourage the conduct from which such Employee Claim arises.

Executive Employees ” shall mean each member of the senior executive or Premises level staff and each department head of the Hotel.

Expiration Date ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.01 .

FF&E ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.01 .

Fiscal Year ” shall mean the twelve (12) month calendar year ending December 31, except that the first Fiscal Year and last Fiscal Year of the term of this Agreement may not be full calendar years.

Fixed Asset Supplies ” shall mean supply items included within “Property and Equipment” under the Uniform System of Accounts, including linen, china, glassware, silver, uniforms, and similar items.

Force Majeure ” shall mean any act of God (including adverse weather conditions); act of the state or federal government in its sovereign or contractual capacity; war; civil disturbance, riot or mob violence; terrorism; earthquake, flood, fire or other casualty; epidemic; quarantine restriction; labor strikes or lock out; freight embargo; civil disturbance; or similar causes beyond the reasonable control of Manager.

Franchisor ” shall mean the franchisors and any successor franchisors selected by Lessee (subject to the terms of the Leases) identified on Exhibit “C” to the applicable Addendum for the Hotel.

 

11


Franchise Agreement ” shall mean any license agreements between a Franchisor and Lessee and/or Landlord, as applicable, as such license agreements are amended from time to time, and any other contract hereafter entered into between Lessee and/or Landlord, as applicable, and such Franchisor pertaining to the name and operating procedures, systems and standards, as described on Exhibit “C” to the applicable Addendum for the Hotel.

full replacement cost ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 12.02 .

GAAP ” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied as recognized by the accounting industry and standards within the United States.

General Manager ” or “ General Managers ” shall have the meanings as set forth in Section 9.07 .

Gross Operating Profit ” shall mean the actual gross operating profit of the Premises determined generally in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts, consistently applied and consistent with the determination thereof in the Annual Operating Budget.

Gross Operating Profit Margin ” shall mean for any applicable Fiscal Year, the quotient expressed as a percentage, (i) the numerator of which is the Gross Operating Profit, and (ii) the denominator of which is Gross Revenues.

Gross Revenues ” shall mean all revenues and receipts of every kind received from operating the Premises and all departments and parts thereof, including but not limited to, income from both cash and credit transactions, income from the rental of rooms, stores, offices, banquet rooms, conference rooms, exhibits or sale space of every kind, license, lease and concession fees and rentals (not including gross receipts of licensees, lessees and concessionaires), vending machines, health club membership fees, food and beverage sales, wholesale and retail sales of merchandise, service charges, and proceeds, if any, from business interruption or other loss of income insurance; provided, however, Gross Revenues shall not include (a) gratuities to the Premises’ employees, (b) federal, state or municipal excise, sales or use taxes or similar impositions collected directly from customers, patrons or guests or included as part of the sales prices of any goods or services paid over to federal, state or municipal governments, (c) property insurance or condemnation proceeds (excluding proceeds from business interruption or other loss of income coverage), (d) proceeds from the sale or refinance of assets other than sales in the ordinary course of business, (e) funds furnished by the Lessee, (f) judgments and awards other than for lost business, (g) the amount of all credits, rebates or refunds (which shall be deductions from Gross Revenues) to customers, patrons or guests, (h) receipts of licensees, concessionaires, and tenants, (i) payments received at any of the Hotels for hotel accommodations, goods or services to be provided at other hotels, although arranged by, for or on behalf of Manager; (j) the value of complimentary rooms, food and beverages, (k) interest income, (l) lease security deposits, and (m) items constituting “allowances” under the Uniform System of Accounts.

Ground Lease Payments ” shall mean payments due under any Ground Lease and payable by Landlord thereunder.

 

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Ground Lease ” shall mean any ground lease agreements relating to the Hotel, executed by Landlord with any third party landlords.

Group Services ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 6.03 .

Holder ” shall mean the holder of any Hotel Mortgage and the indebtedness secured thereby, and such holder’s successors and assigns.

Hotel ” shall mean the hotel or motel property leased by Lessee and managed by Manager pursuant to an Addendum.

Hotel Mortgage ” shall mean, collectively, any mortgage or deed of trust hereafter from time to time, encumbering all or any portion of the Premises (or the leasehold interest therein), together with all other instruments evidencing or securing payment of the indebtedness secured by such mortgage or deed of trust and all amendments, modifications, supplements, extensions and revisions of such mortgage, deed of trust, and other instruments.

Hotel’s REVPAR Yield Penetration ” shall mean, for a Hotel for any applicable Fiscal Year, (i) such Hotel’s actual occupancy rate multiplied by the actual average daily rate, divided by (ii) the Competitive Set’s occupancy rate multiplied by the Competitive Set’s average daily rate for the same Fiscal Period. The determination of the Competitive Set’s occupancy and rate shall be made by reference to the Smith Travel Research reports or its successor or comparable market research reports prepared by another nationally recognized hospitality firm reasonably acceptable to Lessee and Manager.

House Profit ” shall mean the actual house profit of the Premises determined generally in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts, consistently applied and consistent with the determination thereof in the Annual Operating Budget.

HP Test ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 11.01B .

Incentive Fee ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 11.01B .

Indemnifying Party ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 25.03 .

Independent Directors ” shall mean those directors of AHP who are “independent” within the meaning of the rules of the New York Stock Exchange or such other national securities exchange or interdealer quotation system on which AHP’s common stock is then principally traded.

Intellectual Property ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 24.03 .

Inventories ” shall mean “ Inventories ” as defined in the Uniform System of Accounts, such as provisions in storerooms, refrigerators, pantries and kitchens, beverages in wine cellars and bars, other merchandise intended for sale, fuel, mechanical supplies, stationery, and other supplies and similar items.

 

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issuing party ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 28.10 .

Key Employees ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 9.07 .

Landlords ” shall mean the landlords under the Leases.

Leases ” shall mean any lease agreements as amended, modified, supplemented, and extended from time to time, executed by Lessee as tenant and the Landlords, as described on Exhibit “B” attached to an Addendum.

Legal Requirements ” shall mean all laws, statutes, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations, permits, licenses, authorizations, directions and requirements of all governments and governmental authorities, which now or hereafter may be applicable to the Premises and the operation of the Hotels.

Lessee ” shall have the meaning as set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement; provided, if Lessee is not the “lessee” under the Lease for the Hotel or a Non-Managed Hotel, the term “Lessee” with respect to the Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel shall mean the “lessee” under the Lease, as designated in the applicable Addendum for the Hotel or Project Management Addendum for the Non-Managed Hotel.

Management Fee ” shall collectively mean the Base Management Fee, the Incentive Fee, the Project Management Fee, the Market Service Fee, and any other fees payable to Manager pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

Manager ” shall have the meaning as set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Manager Affiliate Entity ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Article XXI .

Market Service Fees ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.02(G) .

Mutual Exclusivity Agreement ” shall mean that certain Mutual Exclusivity Agreement dated the date hereof among the Partnership, AHP, Manager and Monty J. Bennett.

Necessary Expenses ” shall mean any expenses, regardless of amount, which are necessary for the continued operation of the Hotel in accordance with Legal Requirements and the Applicable Standards and which are not within the reasonable control of Manager (including, but not limited to those for taxes, utility charges, approved leases and contracts, licensing and permits).

Net Operating Income ” shall be equal to Gross Operating Profit less (i) all amounts to be paid or credited to the Capital Improvement Reserve, and (ii) Rental Payments to the extent that such rental payments are not properly chargeable as an operating expense.

Non-Disturbance Agreement ” means an agreement, in recordable form in the jurisdiction in which a Hotel is located, executed and delivered by the Holder of a Hotel

 

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Mortgage or a Landlord, as applicable, (which agreement shall by its terms be binding upon all assignees of such lender or landlord and upon any individual or entity that acquires title to or possession of a Hotel (referred to as a “ Subsequent Owner ”), for the benefit of Manager, pursuant to which, in the event such holder (or its assignee) or landlord (or its assignee) or any Subsequent Owner comes into possession of or acquires title to a Hotel, such holder (and its assignee) or landlord (or its assignee) and all Subsequent Owners shall (x) recognize Manager’s rights under this Agreement, and (y) shall not name Manager as a party in any foreclosure action or proceeding, and (z) shall not disturb Manager in its right to continue to manage the Hotels pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that at such time, (i) this Agreement has not expired or otherwise been earlier terminated in accordance with its terms, and (ii) there are no outstanding Events of Default by Manager, and (iii) no material event has occurred and no material condition exists which, after notice or the passage of time or both, would entitle Lessee to terminate this Agreement.

non-issuing party ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 28.10 .

Non-Managed Hotel ” shall mean any hotel or motel property leased by Lessee from an Affiliate of the Partnership for which a Project Management Addendum has been executed and delivered by the parties thereto, and that is not a Hotel managed by Manager pursuant to an Addendum.

Notice ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Article XXII .

Operating Account ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Article XIV .

Partnership ” means Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership.

Payment Option Request ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 16.03 .

Performance Cure Period ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.03(b)(i)(2) .

Performance Failure ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.03(b)(i)(1) .

Performance Test ” shall have the meaning as defined in Section 2.03(b)(i) .

Predecessor Manager ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 25.05 .

Premises ” shall mean, as to each Hotel, the Lessee’s leasehold interest in such Hotel and Site pursuant to the terms and conditions of the applicable Lease.

Prime Rate ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 28.03 .

Project Management Fee ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.02G .

 

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Project Management Addendum ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Article XXVI .

Project Related Services ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.02G .

Property Service Account ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 13.02 .

Proprietary Marks ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 24.01 .

Prospectus ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 28.10 .

Qualified Lodging Facility ” shall mean a “qualified lodging facility” as defined in Section 856(d)(9)(D) of the Code and means a “Lodging Facility” (defined below), unless wagering activities are conducted at or in connection with such facility by any person who is engaged in the business of accepting wagers and who is legally authorized to engage in such business at or in connection with such facility. A “ Lodging Facility ” is a hotel, motel or other establishment more than one-half of the dwelling units in which are used on a transient basis, and includes customary amenities and facilities operated as part of, or associated with, the lodging facility so long as such amenities and facilities are customary for other properties of a comparable size and class owned by other owners unrelated to AHP.

Reasonable Working Capital ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 16.02 .

Related Person ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 28.08(e).

Rental Payments ” shall mean rental payments made under equipment leases permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

REVPAR ” shall mean the revenue per available room, determined by taking the actual occupancy rate of the applicable hotel and multiplying such rate by the actual average daily rate of such hotel.

Sale ” shall mean any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition, for value or otherwise, voluntary or involuntary of Landlord’s title (whether fee or leasehold) in the Hotel, or of a controlling interest therein, other than a collateral assignment intended to provide security for a loan, and shall include any such disposition through the disposition of the ownership interests in the entity that holds such title and any lease or sublease of the Hotel.

Site ” shall mean, as to a Hotel, those certain tracts or parcels of land described in “ Exhibit B-1 ” attached to the applicable Addendum.

Software ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 24.02 .

Strike Price ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 16.03 .

 

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Subject Hotel ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(b)(i) .

Targeted REVPAR Yield Penetration ” shall mean, as to a Hotel, 80%.

Term ” shall mean, as to the Hotel, the contractual duration of this Agreement for the Hotel, as defined in Section 2.01 .

Termination ” shall mean the expiration or sooner cessation of this Agreement as to a Hotel.

Termination Date ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.01 .

Uniform System of Accounts ” shall mean the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry, 9th Revised Edition, as may be modified from time to time by the International Association of Hospitality Accountants.

Unrelated Person ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 28.08(e) .

Working Capital ” shall mean the amounts by which current assets exceed current liabilities as defined by the Uniform System of Accounts which are reasonably necessary for the day-to-day operation of the Premises’ business, including, without limitation, the excess of change and petty cash funds, operating bank accounts, receivables, prepaid expenses and funds required to maintain Inventories, over the amount of accounts payable and accrued current liabilities.

ARTICLE II

TERM OF AGREEMENT

2.01 Term. The term (“ Term ”) of this Agreement shall commence for each Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel, as the case may be, on the “ Commencement Date ” as noted on Exhibit “A” of the Addendum for such Hotel or the Project Management Addendum for such Non-Managed Hotel, and, unless sooner terminated as herein provided, shall continue until the “Termination Date.” For purposes of this Agreement, the “ Termination Date ” for each Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel shall be the earlier to occur of (i) the Expiration Date applicable to such Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel, (ii) termination at the option of Lessee in connection with the bona fide Sale of the Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel by Landlord or Lessee to an unaffiliated third party as provided in and subject to the terms of Section 2.03(a) hereof, (iii) termination at the option of Lessee after the Performance Test has not been satisfied pursuant to and subject to the terms and conditions of Section 2.03(b) below, (iv) termination at the option of Lessee for convenience pursuant to and subject to the terms and conditions of Section 2.03(c) below, or (v) termination by either Lessee or Manager pursuant to Article XVIII hereof in connection with a condemnation, casualty or Force Majeure, subject to the terms thereof. The “ Expiration Date ” with respect to a Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel shall mean the 10 th anniversary of the Commencement Date applicable to such Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel, provided that such initial 10-year term may thereafter be renewed by Manager, at its option, on the same terms and conditions contained herein, for three (3) successive periods of seven (7) Fiscal Years each, and thereafter, for a final period of four (4) Fiscal Years; and provided further, that at the time of

 

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exercise of any such option to renew, an Event of Default by Manager does not then exist beyond any applicable grace or cure period. If at any time of the exercise of any renewal period, Manager is then in default under this Agreement, then the exercise of the renewal option will be conditional on timely cure of such default, and if such default is not timely cured, then Lessee may terminate this Agreement regardless of the exercise of such renewal period and without the payment of any fee or liquidated damages. If Manager desires to exercise any such option to renew, it shall give Lessee Notice to that effect not less than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the then current Term. Notwithstanding the expiration or earlier termination of the Term, Lessee and Manager agree that the obligations of Lessee to pay, remit, reimburse and to otherwise indemnify Manager for any and all expenses and fees incurred or accrued by Manager pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement prior to the expiration or earlier termination of the Term (or actually incurred by Manager after the termination) shall survive Termination, provided such expenses and fees have been incurred consistent with the then current terms of this Agreement and the applicable Annual Operating Budget or Capital Improvement Budget, including, without limitation but only to the extent so consistent, all costs, expenses and liabilities arising from the termination of the Premises’ employees such as accrued vacation and sick leave, severance pay and other accrued benefits, employer liabilities pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and employer liabilities pursuant to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. In addition, subject to Section 19.02 below and the foregoing sentence, upon Termination of this Agreement as to a Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel, Lessee and Manager shall have no further obligations to one another pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel, except that Section 2.02 , obligations to make payments under Section 2.03 or Section 9.05 , Section 9.07 , the last sentence of Section 15.01 , obligations to make payments of termination fees pursuant to Article XVIII , Article XXIV , Article XXV, Article XXVII and Section 28.12 shall survive Termination.

2.02 Actions to be Taken upon Termination. Upon a Termination of this Agreement as to a Hotel, the following shall be applicable:

 

  A. Manager shall, within forty-five (45) days after Termination of this Agreement as to a Hotel, prepare and deliver to Lessee a final accounting statement with respect to the Hotel, in form and substance consistent with the statements provided pursuant to Section 15.02 , along with a statement of any sums due from Lessee to Manager pursuant hereto, dated as of the date of Termination. Within thirty (30) days after the receipt by Lessee of such final accounting statement, the parties will make whatever cash adjustments are necessary pursuant to such final statement. The cost of preparing such final accounting statement shall be a Deduction. Manager and Lessee acknowledge that there may be certain adjustments for which the necessary information will not be available at the time of such final accounting, and the parties agree to readjust such amounts and make the necessary cash adjustments when such information becomes available.

 

  B.

As of the date of the final accounting referred to in subsection A above, Manager shall release and transfer to Lessee any of Lessee’s funds which are held or controlled by Manager with respect to the Hotel, with the exception of funds to

 

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  be held in escrow pursuant to Section 9.05 and Section 12.07 . During the period between the date of Termination and the date of such final accounting, Manager shall pay (or reserve against) all Deductions which accrued (but were not paid) prior to the date of Termination, using for such purpose any Gross Revenues which accrued prior to the date of Termination.

 

  C. Manager shall make available to Lessee such books and records respecting the Hotel (including those from prior years, subject to Manager’s reasonable records retention policies) as will be needed by Lessee to prepare the accounting statements, in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts, for the Hotel for the year in which the Termination occurs and for any subsequent year. Such books and records shall not include: (i) employee records which must remain confidential pursuant to either Legal Requirements or confidentiality agreements, or (ii) any Intellectual Property.

 

  D. Manager shall (to the extent permitted by Legal Requirements) assign to Lessee, or to any other manager employed by Lessee to operate and manage the Hotel, all operating licenses for the Hotel which have been issued in Manager’s name; provided that if Manager has expended any of its own funds in the acquisition of any of such licenses, Lessee shall reimburse Manager therefor if it has not done so already.

 

  E. Lessee agrees that hotel reservations and any and all contracts made in connection with hotel convention, banquet or other group services made by Manager in the ordinary and normal course of business consistent with this Agreement, for dates subsequent to the date of Termination and at rates prevailing for such reservations at the time they were made, shall be honored and remain in effect after Termination of this Agreement.

 

  F. Manager shall cooperate with the new operator of the Hotel as to effect a smooth transition and shall peacefully vacate and surrender the Hotel to Lessee.

 

  G. Manager and Lessee agree to use best efforts to resolve any disputes amicably and promptly under this Section 2.02 to effect a smooth transition of the Hotel to Lessee and/or Lessee’s new manager.

2.03 Early Termination Rights; Liquidated Damages.

(a) Termination Upon Sale . Upon Notice to Manager, Lessee shall have the option to terminate this Agreement with respect to one, more or all of the Hotels or Non-Managed Hotels effective as of the closing of the Sale of such Hotels or Non-Managed Hotels to a third party. Such Notice shall be given at least forty-five (45) days’ in advance (unless otherwise required by Legal Requirements, in which case Lessee shall provide such additional notice in order to comply with such Legal Requirements) and shall inform Manager of the identity of the contract purchaser. Manager, at its election, may offer to provide management services to such contract purchaser after the closing of the sale. Lessee shall, in connection with such Sale, by a separate document reasonably

 

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acceptable to Lessee and Manager, indemnify and save Manager harmless against any and all losses, costs, damages, liabilities and court costs, claims and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees arising or resulting from the failure of Lessee or such prospective purchaser to provide any of the services contracted for in connection with the business booked for such hotels to, and including, the date of such Termination, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including without limitation, any and all business so booked as to which facilities and/or services are to be furnished subsequent to the date of Termination, provided that any settlement by Manager of any such claims shall be subject to the prior written approval of Lessee which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. In addition, the following terms shall apply in connection with the sale of any Hotel:

(i) If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 2.03(a) with respect to a Hotel prior to the first anniversary of the Commencement Date applicable to such Hotel, then Lessee shall pay to Manager on such termination, a termination fee as liquidated damages and not as a penalty (provided that an Event of Default by Manager is not then existing beyond any cure or grace periods set forth in this Agreement) in an amount equal to the estimated Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee that was estimated to be paid to Manager with respect to such Hotel pursuant to the Annual Operating Budget for the remaining Accounting Periods until the first anniversary of the Commencement Date for such Hotel (irrespective of the Management Fees paid to Manager prior to the date of the Termination with respect to such Hotel). If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 2.03(a) with respect to a Hotel after the first anniversary of the Commencement Date applicable to such Hotel, then no termination fees shall be payable by Lessee for such Hotel.

(b) Termination Due to Failure to Satisfy Performance Test .

(i) Performance Test . Lessee shall have the right to terminate this Agreement with respect to any Hotel (for the purposes of this Section 2.03(b)(i) called “ Subject Hotel ”), subject to the payment of a termination fee as set forth in subsection (ii) below, in the event of the occurrence of the following (collectively herein called, the “ Performance Test ”):

(1) If for any Fiscal Year (a) a Subject Hotel’s Gross Operating Profit Margin for such Fiscal Year is less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the average Gross Operating Profit Margin of comparable hotels in similar markets and geographic locations to the applicable Hotel as reasonably determined by Lessee and Manager, and (b) such Subject Hotel’s REVPAR Yield Penetration is less than the Targeted REVPAR Yield Penetration for such Fiscal Year (herein (a) and (b) collectively called “ Performance Failure ”); then

(2) Manager shall have a period of two (2) years, commencing with the next ensuing Fiscal Year (the “ Performance Cure Period ”), to

 

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cure the Performance Failure after Manager’s receipt of Notice from Lessee of such Performance Failure and Lessee’s intent to terminate this Agreement with respect to the Subject Hotel if the Performance Failure is not cured within such Performance Cure Period; and

(3) If after the first full Fiscal Year during the Performance Cure Period, the Performance Failure remains uncured, then upon written Notice to Manager by Lessee, Manager shall engage a consultant reasonably acceptable to Manager and Lessee (with significant experience in the hotel lodging industry) to make a written determination (within forty-five (45) days of such Notice) as to whether another management company (with comparable breadth of knowledge and experience as any of the hotel management companies owned and/or controlled by Archie Bennett, Jr. and/or Monty Bennett, including with respect to number and type of hotels managed in similar markets and geographical areas) could manage the Subject Hotel in a materially more efficient manner. If such consultant determination is in the negative, then Manager will be deemed not to be in default under the Performance Test. If such consultant determination is in the affirmative, then Manager agrees to engage such consultant (such cost and expense to be shared by Lessee and Manager equally) to assist Manager during the second Fiscal Year of the Performance Cure Period with the cure of the Performance Failure; and

(4) If after the end of the Performance Cure Period, the Performance Failure remains uncured and the consultant again makes a written determination that another management company (with comparable breadth of knowledge and experience as any of the hotel management companies owned and/or controlled by Archie Bennett, Jr. and/or Monty Bennett, including with respect to number and type of hotels managed in similar markets and geographical areas) could manage the Subject Hotel in a materially more efficient manner, then Lessee may, at its election, terminate this Agreement upon forty-five (45) days’ prior Notice to Manager.

(ii) Termination Fees . If Lessee elects to terminate this Agreement with respect to a Subject Hotel for failure to satisfy the Performance Test, Lessee shall pay to Manager as liquidated damages but not as a penalty, a termination fee (provided that there does not then exist an Event of Default by Manager under this Agreement beyond any applicable cure periods) in the amount equal to 60% of the product obtained by multiplying (A) 65% of the aggregate Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees budgeted in the Annual Operating Budget applicable to the Subject Hotel for the full current Fiscal Year in which such termination is to occur (but in no event less than the Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees for the preceding full Fiscal Year) by (B) nine (9).

 

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(iii) Finance Reports . Determinations of the performance of the Subject Hotel shall be in accordance with the audited annual financial statements delivered by Lessee’s accountant pursuant to Section 15.03 hereof.

(iv) Extension of Performance Cure Period . Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time during the Performance Cure Period (a) Lessee is in material default under any of its obligations under this Agreement, or (b) Lessee has terminated, terminates or causes a termination of the Franchise Agreement (other than defaults due to Manager) and does not obtain a new franchise agreement with a comparable franchisor, or (c) the operation of the Hotel or the use of the Hotel’s facilities are materially disrupted by casualty, condemnation, or events of Force Majeure that are beyond the reasonable control of Manager, or by major repairs to or major refurbishment of the Hotel, then, for such period, the Performance Cure Period shall be extended.

(v) Renewal Period . If at the time of Manager’s exercise of a renewal period with respect to any Hotel, such hotel is a Subject Hotel within a Performance Cure Period, the exercise of such renewal period shall be conditional upon timely cure of the Performance Failure, and if such Performance Failure is not timely cured, then, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, Lessee may elect to terminate this Agreement with respect to such Subject Hotel pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.03(b) without payment of any termination fee.

(c) Termination For Convenience . Lessee may terminate this Agreement with respect to a particular Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel for convenience (except if due to a Sale of a Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel, whereupon Section 2.03(a) shall govern) upon ninety (90) days Notice to Manager, and shall pay to Manager as liquidated damages but not as a penalty, a termination fee (provided that there does not then exist an Event of Default by Manager under this Agreement beyond any applicable cure or grace periods) in an amount equal to (i) with respect to a Hotel, the product of (A) 65% of the aggregate Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees budgeted in the Annual Operating Budget applicable to the Hotel for the full current Fiscal Year in which such termination is to occur (but in no event less than the Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees for the preceding full Fiscal Year) by (B) nine (9), and (ii) with respect to a Non-Managed Hotel, the product of (A) 65% of the aggregate Project Management Fees and Market Service Fees estimated for the Non-Managed Hotel for the full current Fiscal Year in which such termination is to occur (but in no event less than the Project Management Fees and Market Service Fees for the preceding full Fiscal Year) by (B) nine (9).

(d) Payment of Liquidated Damages . WITH RESPECT TO ANY TERMINATION FEES PAYABLE IN CONNECTION WITH ANY EARLY TERMINATION RIGHT SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION 2.03 , OR IN SECTION 18.04 BELOW, LESSEE RECOGNIZES AND AGREES THAT, IF THIS AGREEMENT IS TERMINATED WITH RESPECT TO ANY OF THE HOTELS FOR THE REASONS SPECIFIED IN THIS SECTION 2.03 OR IN SECTION 18.04 BELOW, THEREBY ENTITLING MANAGER TO RECEIVE THE TERMINATION

 

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FEES AS SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION 2.03 OR IN SECTION 18.04 BELOW, MANAGER WOULD SUFFER AN ECONOMIC LOSS BY VIRTUE OF THE RESULTING LOSS OF MANAGEMENT FEES WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN EARNED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. BECAUSE SUCH FEES VARY IN AMOUNT DEPENDING ON THE TOTAL GROSS REVENUES EARNED AT THE HOTELS AND ACCORDINGLY WOULD BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND IMPRACTICAL TO ASCERTAIN WITH CERTAINTY, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE TERMINATION FEES PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION 2.03 AND IN SECTION 18.04 BELOW CONSTITUTE A REASONABLE ESTIMATE OF LIQUIDATED DAMAGES TO MANAGER FOR PURPOSES OF ANY AND ALL LEGAL REQUIREMENTS, AND IT IS AGREED THAT MANAGER SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO MAINTAIN A CAUSE OF ACTION AGAINST LESSEE, EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED HEREIN, FOR ACTUAL DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF THE TERMINATION FEES IN ANY CONTEXT WHERE THE TERMINATION FEES ARE PROVIDED BY THIS AGREEMENT, AND RECEIPT OF SUCH FEES (TOGETHER WITH ALL OTHER AMOUNTS DUE AND PAYABLE BY LESSEE TO MANAGER WITH RESPECT TO EVENTS OCCURRING PRIOR TO TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICABLE HOTELS OR AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED HEREIN) SHALL BE MANAGER’S SOLE REMEDY FOR DAMAGES AGAINST LESSEE IN ANY SUCH CASE. The foregoing shall in no way affect any other sums due Manager under this Article II or otherwise hereunder, including, without limitation, the Management Fees earned during the Term, or any other rights or remedies, at law or in equity of Manager under this Agreement or under Legal Requirements, including any indemnity obligations of Lessee to Manager under this Agreement.

ARTICLE III

PREMISES

Manager shall be responsible, at the sole cost and expense of Lessee, for keeping and maintaining the Premises fully equipped in accordance with plans, specifications, construction safety and fire safety standards, and designs pursuant to applicable Legal Requirements, the standards and requirements of a Franchisor pursuant to any applicable Franchise Agreement, any applicable Hotel Mortgage, the Leases and the Capital Improvement Budgets approved pursuant to the terms hereof, subject in all respects to performance by Lessee of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement.

ARTICLE IV

APPOINTMENT OF MANAGER

4.01 Appointment. Lessee hereby appoints Manager as its sole, exclusive and continuing operator and manager to supervise and direct, for and at the expense of Lessee, the management and operation of the Premises under the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. In exercising its duties hereunder, Manager shall act as agent and for the account of Lessee. Manager hereby accepts said appointment and agrees to manage the Premises during the Term of this Agreement under the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

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4.02 Delegation of Authority. The operation of the Premises shall be under the exclusive supervision and control of Manager who, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, shall be responsible for the proper and efficient management and operation of the Premises in accordance with this Agreement, the Leases, the Franchise Agreements, the Capital Improvement Budget and the Annual Operating Budget. Subject to the terms of such agreements and budgets, the Manager shall have discretion and control in all matters relating to the management and operation of the Premises, including, without limitation, charges for rooms and commercial space, the determination of credit policies (including entering into agreements with credit card organizations), food and beverage service and policies, employment policies, procurement of inventories, supplies and services, promotion, advertising, publicity and marketing, and, generally, all activities necessary for the operation of the Premises. Manager shall also be responsible for the receipt, holding and disbursement of funds and maintenance of bank accounts in compliance with the Cash Management Agreements, if applicable.

4.03 Contracts, Equipment Leases and Other Agreements. Manager is hereby authorized to grant concessions, lease commercial space and enter into any other contract, equipment lease, agreement or arrangement pertaining to or otherwise reasonably necessary for the normal operation of the Premises (such concession, lease, equipment lease, contract, agreement or arrangement hereinafter being referred to individually as a “ Contract ” and collectively as “ Contracts ”) on behalf of Lessee, as may be necessary or advisable and reasonably prudent business judgment in connection with the operation of the Premises and consistent with the Annual Operating Budget, and subject to any restrictions imposed by the Franchise Agreements, Leases or any Hotel Mortgage, and subject to the Lessee’s prior written approval of: (i) any Contract which provides for a term exceeding one (1) year (unless such Contract is thirty day cancellable with cost, premium or penalty equal to or less than $25,000.00) or (ii) any tenant space lease, license or concession concerning any portion of the public space in or on the Premises for stores, office space, restaurant space, or lobby space. Lessee’s approval of any Contract shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned. Unless otherwise agreed, all Contracts for the Premises shall be entered into in Lessee’s name. Manager shall make available to Lessee, its agents, and employees, at the Premises during business hours, executed counterparts or certified true copies of all Contracts it enters into pursuant to this Section 4.03 .

4.04 Alcoholic Beverage/Liquor Licensing Requirements. With respect to any licenses and permits held by Lessee or any of its subsidiaries for the sale of any liquor and alcoholic beverages at any of the Premises, Manager agrees, as part of its management duties and services under this Agreement, to fully cooperate with any applicable liquor and/or alcoholic beverage authority and to assist Lessee with any documentation and other requests of such authority to the extent necessary to comply with any licensing and/or permitting requirements applicable to the Premises.

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

5.01 Lessee Representations. Upon execution of an Addendum or a Project Management Addendum, the Lessee identified in the Addendum or Project Management

 

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Addendum, in order to induce Manager to enter into this Agreement, will be deemed to hereby represent and warrant to Manager as of the date of such Addendum as follows:

5.01.1. The execution of this Agreement is permitted by the organizational documents of Lessee and this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered on behalf of Lessee and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Lessee enforceable in accordance with the terms hereof;

5.01.2. There is no claim, litigation, proceeding or governmental investigation pending, or, to the best knowledge and belief of Lessee, threatened, against or relating to Lessee, the properties or businesses of Lessee or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement which does, or may reasonably be expected to, materially or adversely affect the ability of Lessee to enter into this Agreement or to carry out its obligations hereunder, and, to the best knowledge and belief of Lessee, there is no basis for any such claim, litigation, proceeding or governmental investigation except as has been fully disclosed in writing by Lessee to Manager;

5.01.3. Neither the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the part of Lessee to be performed, nor the fulfillment of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, conflicts with or will result in the breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any agreement, indenture, instrument or undertaking to which Lessee is a party or by which it is bound;

5.01.4. No approval of any third party (including any Landlord or the Holder of any Hotel Mortgage in effect as of the date of this Agreement) is required for Lessee’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement that has not been obtained prior to the execution hereof;

5.01.5. Lessee holds all required governmental approvals required (if applicable) to be held by it to lease the Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel; and

5.01.6. As of the date of this Agreement there are no defaults under any of the Leases.

5.02 Manager Representations. Upon execution of an Addendum or Project Management Addendum, Manager, in order to induce Lessee to enter into this Agreement, will be deemed to hereby represent and warrant to Lessee as of the date of such Addendum or Project Management Addendum as follows:

5.02.1. The execution of this Agreement is permitted by the organizational documents of Manager and this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered on behalf of Manager and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Manager enforceable in accordance with the terms hereof;

5.02.2. There is no claim, litigation, proceeding or governmental investigation pending, or, to the best knowledge and belief of Manager, threatened, against or relating

 

25


to Manager, the properties or business of Manager or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement which does, or may reasonably be expected to, materially or adversely affect the ability of Manager to enter into this Agreement or to carry out its obligations hereunder, and, to the best knowledge and belief of Manager, there is no basis for any such claim, litigation, proceeding or governmental investigation, except as has been fully disclosed in writing by Manager to Lessee;

5.02.3. Neither the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the part of Manager to be performed, nor the fulfillment of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, conflicts with or will result in the breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any agreement, indenture, instrument or undertaking to which Manager is a party or by which it is bound;

5.02.4. No approval of any third party is required for Manager’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement that has not been obtained prior to the execution and delivery hereof;

5.02.5. Manager holds all required governmental approvals required to be held by it to perform its obligations under this Agreement; and

5.02.6. Manager qualifies as an Eligible Independent Contractor, and during the Term of this Agreement, agrees to continue to qualify as an Eligible Independent Contractor.

ARTICLE VI

OPERATION

6.01 Name of Premises; Standard of Operation. During the Term of this Agreement, the Premises shall be known and operated by Manager as a hotel licensed with the applicable Franchisor as noted on Exhibit C to each Addendum, with additional identification as may be necessary to provide local identification, provided Manager and/or Lessee have obtained and are successful in continuously maintaining the right to so operate the Premises, which Manager agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to do. Manager agrees to manage the Premises, for the account of Lessee, and so far as is legally possible, in accordance with the Annual Operating Budget and Applicable Standards subject to Force Majeure. In the event of termination of a Franchise Agreement for one or more of the Premises, Manager shall operate such Premises under such other franchise agreement, if any, as Lessee enters into or obtains as franchisee. If the name of a Franchisor’s hotel system is changed, Lessee shall have the right to change the name of the applicable Hotel to conform thereto.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Manager’s obligation with respect to operating and managing the Hotel in accordance with any Hotel Mortgage, Ground Leases, the Leases and the CCRs shall be limited to the extent (i) true and complete copies thereof have been made available to Manager by Lessee reasonably sufficient in advance to allow Manager to manage the Hotel in compliance with such documents, and (ii) the provisions thereof and/or compliance with such provisions by Manager (a) are

 

26


applicable to the day-to-day management, maintenance and routine repair and replacement of the Hotel, the FF&E or any portion thereof, (b) do not require contribution of funds from Manager, (c) do not materially increase Manager’s obligations hereunder or materially decrease Manager’s rights or benefits hereunder, (d) do not limit or restrict, or attempt to limit or restrict any corporate activity or transaction with respect to Manager or any Manager Affiliate Entity or any other activity, transfer, transaction, property or other matter involving Manager or the Manager Affiliate Entities other than at the Site of the Hotel and (e) are otherwise within the scope of Manager’s duties under this Agreement. Lessee acknowledges and agrees, without limiting the foregoing, that any failure of (i) Lessee to comply with the provisions of any Hotel Mortgage, Ground Leases, the Leases and the CCRs or Legal Requirements or (ii) Manager to comply with the provisions of any such agreements or Legal Requirements arising out of, in the case of both (i) and (ii), (A) the condition of the Hotel, and/or the failure of the Hotel to comply with the provisions of such agreements, prior to the Commencement Date, (B) construction activities at the Hotel prior to the Commencement Date, (C) inherent limitations in the design and/or construction of, location of the Hotel and/or parking at the Hotel prior to the Commencement Date, (D) failure of Lessee to provide funds, from operations or otherwise, sufficient to allow timely compliance with the provisions of the Applicable Standards or the Leases, the Ground Leases, any Hotel Mortgage and/or the CCRs through reasonable and customary business practices, and/or (E) Lessee’s failure to approve any matter reasonably requested by Manager in Manager’s good faith business judgment as necessary or appropriate to achieve compliance with such items, shall not be deemed a breach by Manager of its obligations under this Agreement. Manager and Lessee agree, that Manager may from time to time, so long as Manager is in compliance with the Franchise Agreements and Legal Requirements, provide collateral marketing materials in the rooms of the Hotel which advertise other hotels or programs of Manager or its Affiliates (including, through a dedicated television channel in the rooms of the Hotel), at the sole cost and expense of Manager, provided such other hotels or programs being marketed by Manager are not competing directly in the same market with the Hotel where the marketing materials and information are being placed by Manager.

6.02 Use of Premises. Manager shall use the Premises solely for the operation of the Hotel in accordance with the Applicable Standards and for all activities in connection therewith which are customary and usual to such an operation. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Manager shall comply with and abide by all applicable Legal Requirements, and the requirements of any insurance companies covering any of the risks against which the Premises are insured, any Hotel Mortgage, the Ground Leases, the Leases, and the Franchise Agreements. If there are insufficient funds in the Operating Account to make any expenditure required to remedy non-compliance with such Legal Requirements or with the requirements of any Hotel Mortgage, the Ground Leases, the Leases, or the Franchise Agreements or applicable insurance, Manager shall promptly notify Lessee of such non-compliance and estimated cost of curing such non-compliance. If Lessee fails to make funds available for the expenditure so requested by Manager within thirty (30) days, Lessee agrees to indemnify and hold Manager harmless from and against any and all costs, expenses and other liabilities incurred by Manager resulting from such non-compliance (which such indemnity shall survive any termination of this Agreement). In no event shall Manager be required to make available or distribute, as applicable, sexually explicit materials or items of any kind, whether through retail stores or gift shops located at the Hotel or through “pay for view” programming in the guest rooms of the Hotel.

 

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6.03 Group Services. Manager may cause to be furnished to the Premises certain services (“ Group Services ”) which are furnished generally on a central or regional basis to other hotels managed by Manager or any Manager Affiliate Entity and which benefit each hotel managed by Manager including, by way of example and not by way of limitation, (i) marketing, advertising and promotion; (ii) centralized accounting payroll processing, ADP management, management and administration of accounts payable, accounts receivable and cash management accounting and MIS support services; (iii) the preparation and maintenance of the general ledger and journal entries, internal audit, budgeting and financial statement preparation, (iv) recruiting, training, career development and relocation in accordance with Manager’s or any Manager Affiliate Entities’ relocation plan; (v) employee benefits administration; (vi) engineering and risk management; (vii) information technology; (viii) legal support (such as license and permit coordination, filing and completion, standardized contracts, negotiation and preparation, and similar legal services benefiting the Hotel); (ix) purchasing arising out of ordinary hotel operations not otherwise contemplated in Section 8.02G hereof; (x) internal audit services; (xi) reservation systems; and (xii) such other additional services as are or may be, from time to time, furnished for the benefit of Manager’s or any Manager Affiliate Entities’ hotels or in substitution for services now performed at Manager’s individual hotels which may be more efficiently performed on a group basis. Group Services shall include Manager’s costs relating to the establishment of an office(s) and the placement of Manager’s personnel at international locations as may be reasonably required to oversee the performance of its services and duties hereunder for international assets. International office expenses, overhead, international personnel costs and benefits, travel and other costs directly related to Manager’s personnel (other than property level personnel who are employed at a Hotel and whose Employee Costs and Expenses constitute Deductions) who oversee the operations of international assets shall be allocated pro-rata to international Hotels based on room count and/or revenues in a fair and equitable manner reasonably determined by Manager. Manager shall assure that the costs and expenses incurred in providing Group Services to the Premises shall have been allocated to the Premises on a pro-rata basis consistent with the method of allocation to all of Manager’s (and any Manager Affiliate Entities’) hotels receiving the same services, shall be incurred at a cost consistent with the Annual Operating Budget and shall constitute Deductions. All Group Services provided by Manager shall be at the actual costs (without mark up for fee or profit to Manager or any Manager Affiliate Entity, but including salary and employee benefit costs and costs of equipment used in performing such services and overhead costs) of Group Services for the benefit of all of Manager’s hotels receiving the same services, and shall be of a quality comparable to which Manager could obtain from other providers for similar services.

6.04 Right to Inspect. Lessee, the beneficial owners of Lessee, the Landlords (to the extent permitted under such Leases), any Holder under any Hotel Mortgage (to the extent permitted under such Hotel Mortgage), and their respective agents, shall have access to the Premises at any and all reasonable times for any purpose. Manager will be available to consult with and advise such parties, at their reasonable request, concerning all policies and procedures affecting all phases of the conduct of business at the Hotel.

 

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ARTICLE VII

WORKING CAPITAL AND INVENTORIES

7.01 Working Capital and Inventories. The Lessee shall cause funds to be deposited in one or more operating accounts established by Manager, in amounts sufficient to operate the Premises in accordance with the Annual Operating Budget, including the establishment and maintenance of positive Working Capital and Inventories as reasonably determined by Manager. All Working Capital and Inventories are and shall remain the property of Lessee. In the event Lessee fails to advance funds which are necessary in order to maintain positive Working Capital and Inventories at reasonable levels for a Hotel, Manager shall have the right to elect to terminate this Agreement upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to Lessee with respect to the affected applicable Hotel. During such sixty (60) day period, Lessee and Manager shall use reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute over such Working Capital and Inventory requirements. If such dispute is not resolved, then this Agreement shall terminate with respect to the affected applicable Hotel on the sixtieth (60th) day following Manager’s delivery of written notice of termination as provided above. If such dispute is resolved, then the notice will be deemed rescinded and this Agreement shall not be terminated pursuant to the notice with respect to the affected applicable Hotel. Further, if Manager should so terminate this Agreement with respect to the affected applicable Hotel and if Manager in good faith incurs expenditures, or otherwise accrues liabilities in accordance with the Annual Operating Budget and variances allowed herein, in each case, prior to the date of termination, Lessee agrees to promptly indemnify and hold Manager harmless from and against (i) any and all liabilities, costs and expenses properly incurred by Manager in connection with the operations of the applicable Hotel through the date of Termination of this Agreement with respect to such Hotel, and (ii) any and all liabilities, costs and expenses properly incurred by Manager as a result of Lessee’s failure to perform any obligation or pay any liability arising under any service, maintenance, franchise or other agreements, employment relationships (other than Excluded Employee Claims), leases or contracts pertaining to the applicable Hotel after Termination of this Agreement with respect to such Hotel. Lessee acknowledges that liabilities arising in connection with the operation and management of the applicable Hotel including, without limitation, all Deductions, incurred in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, are and shall remain the obligations of Lessee, and Manager shall have no liability therefor unless otherwise expressly provided herein. In the event of a Termination by Manager pursuant to this Section 7.01 , Manager shall be entitled to a termination fee as liquidated damages but not as a penalty, as set forth in connection with a termination for convenience as described in Section 2.03(c) and subject to Section 2.03(d) above.

7.02 Fixed Asset Supplies. Lessee shall provide the funds necessary to supply the Premises initially with Fixed Asset Supplies as reasonably determined by Manager consistent with the cost budgeted therefor in the Annual Operating Budget and otherwise consistent with the intent of the parties that the level of such supplies will be adequate for the proper and efficient operation of the Premises at the Applicable Standards. Fixed Asset Supplies shall remain the property of Lessee.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT AND CHANGES

8.01 Routine and Non-Routine Repairs and Maintenance. Manager, at the expense of Lessee, shall maintain the Premises in good repair and condition as is required by the Applicable Standards. Manager, on behalf of Lessee, shall make or cause to be made such routine maintenance, repairs and minor alterations as Manager from time to time deems reasonably necessary for such purposes, the cost of which: (i) can be expensed under GAAP, (ii) shall be paid from Gross Revenues, and treated as a Deduction, and (iii) are consistent with the Annual Operating Budget. In addition, Manager, on behalf of Lessee, shall make or cause to be made such non-routine repairs and maintenance, either to the Premises’ building or its fixtures, furniture, furnishings and equipment (“ FF&E ”), pursuant to the Capital Improvement Budget approved by Lessee and Landlord, the cost of which shall be paid for in the manner described in Section 8.02 . Manager and Lessee shall use their respective best efforts to prevent any liens from being filed against the Premises which arise from any maintenance, changes, repairs, alterations, improvements, renewals or replacements in or to the Premises. Lessee and Manager shall cooperate fully in obtaining the release of any such liens. If the lien arises as a result of the fault of either party, then the party at fault shall bear the cost of obtaining the lien release. All changes, repairs, alterations, improvements, renewals or replacements made pursuant to this Article VIII shall be the property of the Lessee.

8.02 Capital Improvement Reserve.

 

  A. Manager shall establish (on behalf of Landlord), in respect of each Fiscal Year during the term of this Agreement, a reserve account on each Hotel’s books of account (“ Capital Improvement Reserve ”) to cover the cost of:

 

  1. Replacements and renewals to the Premises’ FF&E; and

 

  2. Certain non-routine repairs and maintenance to the Hotel’s building(s) which are normally capitalized under GAAP such as, but not limited to, exterior and interior repainting, resurfacing, building walls, floors, roofs and parking areas, and replacing folding walls and the like, and major repairs, alterations, improvements, renewals or replacement to the Hotel’s building structure or to its mechanical, electrical, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing or vertical transportation systems.

 

  B. For each Fiscal Year, the Capital Improvement Reserve shall be an amount equal to four percent (4%) of the Hotel’s Gross Revenues for the applicable year (or greater if required by any Landlord, Holder or Franchisor), or in such other amount as agreed to by Landlord, Lessee and Manager.

Payments of the percentage amounts specified above shall be made on an interim accounting basis as specified in Section 11.02 hereof. Calculations and payments from the Capital Improvement Reserve made with respect to each Accounting Period shall be accounted for cumulatively for each Fiscal Year. After the close of each Fiscal Year, any adjustments required by the Fiscal Year accounting shall

 

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be made by Manager. Any proceeds from the sale of the Premises’ FF&E no longer necessary to the operations of the Premises shall also be credited to the Capital Improvement Reserve. All payments from the Capital Improvement Reserve shall be reserved and paid from Gross Revenues. Such payments and sale proceeds shall be placed in an escrow account or accounts consistent with the requirements of the Cash Management Agreements, if any. Any interest earned in said account attributable to funds deposited pursuant to this Agreement shall be added to such Capital Improvement Reserve, thereby reducing the amount required to be placed in the account from Gross Revenues.

 

  C. Manager shall, in accordance with and subject to the Capital Improvement Budget described in Section 8.02E , from time to time make such substitutions and replacements of or renewals to FF&E and non-routine repairs and maintenance as described in Section 8.01 as it deems necessary to maintain the Hotel as required by this Agreement. Except as hereinafter provided, no expenditures will be made except as otherwise provided in the Capital Improvement Budget without the approval of Lessee and Landlord, and provided further, however, that if any such expenditures which are required by reason of any (i) emergency, or (ii) applicable Legal Requirements, or (iii) the terms of the Franchise Agreement, or (iv) are otherwise required for the continued safe and orderly operation of the Hotel, Manager shall immediately give Lessee and Landlord notice thereof and shall be authorized to take appropriate remedial action without such approval whenever there is a clear and present danger to life, limb or property of the Hotel or its guests or employees. The cost of all such changes, repairs, alterations, improvements, renewals, or replacements will be paid for first from the Capital Improvement Reserve or other monies advanced by Lessee from funds received or owned by Landlord. At the end of each Fiscal Year any amount remaining in the Capital Improvement Reserve in excess of the amounts unspent but contemplated to be spent pursuant to the Capital Improvement Budget for such Fiscal Year or as otherwise approved by Lessee and Landlord may be withdrawn by the Lessee on behalf of Landlord.

 

  D. All changes, repairs, alterations, improvements, renewals or replacements made pursuant to this Article VIII shall be the property of Landlord.

 

  E.

Manager shall prepare a budget (“ Capital Improvement Budget ”) of the expenditures necessary for replacement of FF&E and building repairs of the nature contemplated by Section 8.01 during the ensuing Fiscal Year and shall provide such Capital Improvement Budget to Lessee and Landlord for approval at the same time Manager submits the Annual Operating Budget. The Capital Improvement Budget shall not be deemed accepted by Lessee and Landlord in the absence of their respective express written approval. Not later than thirty (30) days after receipt by Lessee and Landlord of a proposed Capital Improvement Budget (or such longer period as Lessee and Landlord may reasonably request on Notice to the Manager), Lessee and/or Landlord may deliver a Notice (a “ CIB Objection Notice ”) to the Manager stating that Lessee

 

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  and/or Landlord objects to any information contained in or omitted from such proposed Capital Improvement Budget and setting forth the nature of such objections with reasonable specificity. Failure of Lessee and/or Landlord to deliver a CIB Objection Notice shall be deemed rejection of the Manager’s proposed Capital Improvement Budget in its entirety. Upon receipt of any CIB Objection Notice, the Manager shall, after consultation with Lessee and Landlord, modify the proposed Capital Improvement Budget, taking into account Lessee’s and/or Landlord’s objections, and shall resubmit the same to Lessee and Landlord for Lessee’s approval within fifteen (15) days thereafter, and Lessee and/or Landlord may deliver further CIB Objection Notices (if any) within fifteen (15) days thereafter (in which event, the re-submission and review process described above in this sentence shall continue until the proposed Capital Improvement Budget in question is accepted and consented to by Lessee and Landlord). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Lessee and Landlord shall have the right at any time subsequent to the acceptance and consent with respect to any Capital Improvement Budget, on Notice to the Manager, to revise, with the reasonable approval of Manager, such Capital Improvement Budget or to request that the Manager prepare for Lessee’s and/or Landlord’s approval a revised Capital Improvement Budget, taking into account such circumstances as Lessee and Landlord deem appropriate; provided, however, that the revision of a Capital Improvement Budget shall not be deemed a revocation of the Manager’s authority with respect to such actions as the Manager may have already taken prior to receipt of such revision notice in implementing a previously approved budget or plan. Manager shall have the right and discretion to expend funds from the Capital Improvement Reserve for replacements and renewals of FF&E in the Hotel’s interior public areas and guest rooms and routine maintenance, repairs and minor alterations during the Fiscal Year in question (but not for any other capital expenditures) in accordance with the provisions of the Capital Improvement Budget.

 

  F. It is the intent of Manager and Lessee to maintain the Premises in conformance with the Applicable Standards. Accordingly, as the Hotel ages, if the Capital Improvement Reserve established pursuant to the terms hereof is insufficient to meet such standards, and if the Capital Improvement Budget prepared in good faith by Manager and approved by Lessee and Landlord exceeds the available and anticipated funds in the Capital Improvement Reserve, Lessee, Landlord and Manager will consider the matter and Lessee and Landlord may elect to:

 

  1. increase the annual reserve provision to provide the additional funds required; or

 

  2. obtain financing for the additional funds required.

 

  G.

In consideration of the Project Management Fee (as defined below), Manager shall be responsible for managing, coordinating, planning and executing the Capital Improvement Budget and all major repositionings of the Hotel and, to the

 

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  extent Lessee has the right to direct such matters (e.g., the manager for the Non-Managed Hotel does not have the right under its management agreement to direct such matters or elects not to exercise such right), each Non-Managed Hotel (for such purposes with respect to a Non-Managed Hotel, the term Capital Improvement Budget shall mean the capital improvement budget for such Non-Managed Hotel). In addition, Manager shall be paid additional fees at current market rates (determined with reference to other third party providers of such services who are not discounting such fees as result of fees generated from other services) (collectively, the “ Market Service Fees ”), subject to the Approval Requirement (defined in subparagraph 8.02(I) below), for the following services (the “ Project Related Services ”) to be provided in accordance with the Applicable Standards (with the understanding that Manager may subcontract for any or all of the following Project Related Services) for the Hotel and, to the extent Lessee has the right to direct such matters, Non-Managed Hotel:

 

  1. Construction Management - Manager shall, on major renovation tasks which involve the selection and engagement of a general contractor, coordinate the selection process with Lessee and/or Landlord, shall assist in the negotiation of construction contracts, manage such construction contracts and related issues, and shall engage separate contractors and subcontractors for specific tasks outside the scope of the general contractor.

 

  2. Interior Design - With respect to any interior design elements involved in the implementation of the Capital Improvement Budget, Manager shall be responsible for overseeing the development of conceptual plans (consistent with Lessee’s and Landlord’s objectives), shall arrange for preparation of specifications, coordinate and make all fabric, flooring, furniture and wall treatment selections (both colors and finishes), coordinate reselections and document all selections in specification books as required under the terms of the Franchise Agreement and coordinate all related franchise approvals, and will manage the applicable Franchisor process on approval of all selections relating to initial and final selections.

 

  3. Architectural - Manager shall, if applicable, make recommendations of engagement of architects, negotiate architectural agreements on behalf of Lessee and Landlord (with Lessee’s and Landlord’s approval), manage all architects applicable to the implementation of the Capital Improvement Budget, oversee all conceptual designs and sketches, review all necessary plans, drawings, shop drawings and other matters necessary for the proper implementation of the Capital Improvement Budget, and coordinate and manage all approvals necessary for the implementation of the Capital Improvement Budget such as Franchisor approvals, governmental approvals and Holder approvals.

 

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  4. FF&E Purchasing - Manager shall be responsible for the evaluation of all specifications and negotiations of all prices associated with the purchasing of FF&E, shall manage and issue all purchase orders and place orders necessary for the proper and timely delivery of all FF&E.

 

  5. FF&E Expediting/Freight Management - Manager shall be responsible for the expediting of all FF&E contemplated in an applicable Capital Improvement Budget including managing the freight selection and shipping process in a cost effective manner.

 

  6. FF&E Warehousing - Manager shall be responsible, if applicable, for the management and coordination of all warehousing of goods delivered at the job site, inspection of materials delivered, and the filing of all claims associated with the delivery of defective or damaged goods.

 

  7. FF&E Installation and Supervision - Manager shall be responsible for the management and oversight of the installation of all FF&E in compliance with specifications and Franchisor standards as required to implement the Capital Improvement Budget.

Manager shall be paid a project management fee (herein, the “ Project Management Fee ”) equal to four percent (4%) of the total project costs associated with the implementation of the Capital Improvement Budget (both hard and soft) payable monthly in arrears based upon the prior calendar month’s total expenditures under the Capital Improvement Budget until such time that the Capital Improvement Budget and/or renovation project involves the expenditure of an amount in excess of five percent (5%) of Gross Revenues of the applicable Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel, whereupon the Project Management Fee shall be reduced to three percent (3%) of the total project costs in excess of the five percent (5%) of Gross Revenue threshold. The Project Management Fee shall be accounted for and documented and consistent with the requirements of Section 11.02 herein. Any onsite or dedicated personnel required for the direct supervision of the implementation of a Capital Improvement Budget or other renovation project will be a direct cost to, and shall be reimbursed by, the Landlord.

 

  H. Except as otherwise provided herein, in no event shall Manager realize any kick backs, rebates, cash incentives, administration fees, concessions, profit participations, investment rights or similar payments or economic consideration from or in, as applicable, vendors or suppliers of goods or services. Manager agrees that any such amounts or benefits derived shall be held in trust for the benefit of Lessee or Landlord (as applicable).

 

  I.

Any Market Service Fees for the Project Related Services shall be, once approved, reflected in the Capital Improvements Budget (such Market Service Fees subject to any adjustments necessary for then existing market conditions)

 

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  shall be submitted for approval to Lessee and Landlord with the applicable Capital Improvement Budget, and shall be deemed approved by the Lessee and Landlord unless a majority of the Independent Directors of AHP affirmatively vote that such Market Service Fees are not market (determined by reference to fees charged by third party providers who are not hotel managers or who are not discounting such fees as result of fees generated from other services) (herein called the “ Approval Requirement ”). In the event that the majority of the Independent Directors of AHP affirmatively votes that the Market Service Fees proposed by Manager are not market, the Lessee and Manager agree to engage a consultant reasonably satisfactory to both Lessee and Manager to provide then current market information with respect to the proposed Market Service Fees and a written recommendation as to whether such fees are market or not. If the consultant’s recommendation provides that such Market Service Fees as proposed by Manager are market, then the Landlord agrees to pay any consultant fees incurred by such consultant in making the recommendation. If the consultant’s recommendation does not support the Market Service Fees as proposed by Manager, then Manager agrees to pay the consultant’s fees incurred in connection with the recommendation and agrees to either re-submit Manager’s proposed Market Service Fees consistent with the market research and recommendation of the consultant for approval to Lessee and Landlord, or elect by Notice to Lessee and Landlord that Manager will not provide the Project Related Services. If Manager elects not to provide Project Related Services for a Non-Managed Hotel, no termination fee shall be payable by Lessee under Section 2.03(c) of this Agreement.

ARTICLE IX

EMPLOYEES

9.01 Employee Hiring. Manager will hire, train, promote, supervise, direct the work of and discharge all personnel working on the Premises. Manager shall be the sole judge of the fitness and qualification of such personnel and is vested with absolute discretion in the hiring, discharging, supervision, and direction of such personnel during the course of their employment and in the operation of the Premises.

9.02 Costs; Benefit Plans.

 

  A.

Manager shall fix the employees’ terms of compensation and establish and maintain all policies relating to employment, so long as they are reasonable and in accordance with the Applicable Standards and the Annual Operating Budget. Without limiting the foregoing, Manager may, consistent with the applicable budgets, enroll the employees of the Hotel in pension, medical and health, life insurance, and similar employee benefit plans (“ Benefit Plans ”) substantially similar to plans reasonably necessary to attract and retain employees and generally remain competitive. The Benefit Plans may be joint plans for the benefit of employees at more than one hotel owned, leased or managed by Manager or Manager Affiliate Entities. Employer contributions to such plans

 

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  (including any withdrawal liability incurred upon Termination of this Agreement) and reasonable administrative fees (but without further markup by Manager), which Manager may expend in connection therewith, shall be the responsibility of Lessee and shall be a Deduction. The administrative expenses of any joint plans will be equitably apportioned by Manager among properties covered by such plan.

 

  B.

Manager may elect to enroll employees in a medical and health Benefit Plan that is a self insured health plan (the “ Plan ”) without collection of any fee or profit to Manager or any Manager Affiliate Entity. The aggregate actual costs incurred by Manager in operating and managing the Plan shall be allocated on a pro rata basis by Manager among the properties covered by the Plan based on the number of members participating in the Plan, and such costs shall include, without limitation, the administration and payment of claims, costs and fees of third party administration and gateway or reference pricing services, and premiums for stop-loss insurance and reinsurance policies (collectively, the “ Health Plan Costs ”). Prior to the commencement of each Plan year, Manager shall in good faith establish premium levels for employee individual and family coverages based on relevant factors such as historic health service consumption by members participating in the Plan, participation in wellness programs, and the projected Health Plan Costs for the upcoming Plan year (the “ Health Care Premiums ”). The amount of employer contribution to Health Care Premiums for each employee at a Hotel shall be a Deduction for such Hotel, and Manager may periodically draw down from Gross Revenues for the Hotel the amount of such employer contribution to Health Care Premiums as same become payable under the terms of the Plan. Manager shall establish an account into which all Health Care Premiums for the Plan shall be deposited and out of which Health Plan Costs shall be paid (the “ Plan Account ”). Upon implementation of a Plan, Lessee shall initially fund into a reserve (the “ Reserve Account ”) a cash amount equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the estimated Health Plan Costs for the first Plan year allocable to the Hotels (the “ Plan Reserve ”). Thereafter, Lessee shall be responsible to maintain the level of the Plan Reserve in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the estimated Health Plan Costs allocable to the Hotels for the then current Plan year, as same may be adjusted from time to time during such Plan year (the “ Minimum Plan Reserve Balance ”). Manager may transfer funds (a) from the Plan Reserve to the Plan Account if and as reasonably necessary to maintain at all times sufficient amounts in the Plan Account to pay Health Plan Costs when due and payable, and (b) from the Plan Account to the Plan Reserve if Manager reasonably determines that the balance in the Plan Account (whether by deposit of Health Care Premiums or transfers from the Plan Reserve) exceeds that which is reasonably necessary to pay Health Plan Costs when due and payable. If in any Plan year the balance in the Plan Reserve falls below the Minimum Plan Reserve Balance, including by reason of transfers of funds to the Plan Account or an increase in the estimated Health Plan Costs allocable to the Hotels for the then current Plan year (the “ Reserve Shortfall ”), Lessee shall deposit into the Reserve Account the amount of the Reserve Shortfall within ten (10) days after receipt of Manager’s written request therefore. If Lessee fails to timely deposit the Reserve

 

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  Shortfall, Manager shall have the right (without affecting Manager’s other remedies under this Agreement) to draw down from Gross Revenues for the Hotels the amount of the Reserve Shortfall. If Gross Revenues are not sufficient to fund the Reserve Shortfall, Manager shall have the right to withdraw the amount of the Reserve Shortfall from the Operating Accounts, the Capital Improvements Reserves, Working Capital or any other funds of Lessee held by or under the control of Manager for the Hotels. If at any time the balance in the Plan Reserve exceeds twenty percent (20%) of the estimated Health Plan Costs allocable to the Hotels for the then current Plan year, as same may be adjusted from time to time during such Plan year, such excess amounts shall be returned to Lessee. Manager may elect in connection with the Plan to make contributions to health reimbursement accounts (HRA) or health savings accounts (HSA) maintained for the benefit of employees (“ HRA/HSA Fundings ”). In the event Manager makes HRA/HSA Fundings for employees at a Hotel, such HRA/HSA Fundings shall be a Deduction for such Hotel and shall be treated hereunder in the same manner as other Employee Costs and Expenses.

9.03 Manager’s Employees. It is expressly understood and agreed that all such personnel employed at the Hotel, including the Manager’s acting General Manager for the Hotel, will be the employees of Manager for all purposes including, without limitation, federal, state and local tax and reporting purposes, but the expense incurred in connection therewith will be a Deduction and for Lessee’s account. A General Manager’s compensation may be allocated to other Hotels on a fair and equitable basis if the General Manager oversees and supervises other Hotel operations. Manager shall use such care when hiring any employees as may be common to the hospitality business and consistent with the Manager’s standards of operation. Lessee acknowledges and agrees that Manager, as the employer of the Hotel’s employees, shall be entitled to all federal, state and/or local tax credits or benefits allowed to employers relating to the Hotel’s employees including, without limitation, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, the Targeted Jobs Tax Credit, and similar tax credits (provided that Manager shall pay all incremental fees, if applicable, to qualify for such tax credits). Manager, in accordance with the Annual Operating Budget, may draw down from Gross Revenues all costs and expenses, of whatever nature, incurred in connection with such employees, including, but not limited to, wages, salaries, on-site staff, bonuses, commissions, fringe benefits, employee benefits, recruitment costs, workmen’s compensation and unemployment insurance premiums, payroll taxes, vacation and sick leave (collectively, “ Employee Costs and Expenses ”).

9.04 Special Projects - Corporate Employees. The costs, fees, compensation and other expenses of any persons engaged by Manager to perform duties of a special nature, directly related to the operation of the Premises, including, but not limited to, in-house or outside counsel, accountants, bookkeepers, auditors, employment search firms, marketing and sales firms, and similar firms of personnel, shall be operating expenses, payable from and consistent with the Annual Operating Budget and not the responsibility of the Manager. The costs, fees, compensation and other expenses of those personnel of Manager assigned to special projects for the Hotel shall also be operating expenses payable by the Lessee and not the responsibility of Manager. The daily per diem rate for those personnel shall be based upon the actual costs of Manager in providing its personnel for such special services or projects, without mark-up for fee

 

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or profit but including salary and employee benefit costs and costs of equipment used in performing such services, overhead costs, travel costs and long distance telephone. Such special services shall include, but not be limited to, those matters which are not included within the scope of the duties to be performed by Manager hereunder and, if not provided by Lessee, would involve the Lessee’s engagement of a third party to perform such services; for example, special sales or marketing programs, market reviews, assistance in opening new food and beverage facilities, legal services, accounting services, tax services, insurance services, data processing, engineering personnel, and similar services.

9.05 Termination. At Termination, subject to Section 2.01 above, Lessee shall reimburse Manager for costs and expenses incurred by Manager which arise out of either the transfer or termination of Manager’s employees at the Hotel, such as reasonable transfer costs, compensation in lieu of vacation and sick leave, severance pay (including a reasonable allowance for severance pay for Executive Employees of the Hotel, the amount of such allowance not to exceed an amount equal to Manager’s then current severance benefits for such terminated Executive Employees, unless Lessee otherwise approves), unemployment compensation, employer liability pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA liability) and the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act) and other employment liability costs arising out of the termination of the employment of the Manager’s employees at the Premises (herein collectively called “ Employee Related Termination Costs ”). This reimbursement obligation shall not apply to any corporate personnel of Manager assigned to the Hotel for special projects or who perform functions for Manager at the corporate level. In order to be reimbursable hereunder, any Employee Related Termination Costs must be pursuant to policies of Manager which shall be consistent with those of other managers managing similar hotels in similar markets and geographical locations and which shall be subject to review and reasonable approval of Lessee from time to time upon Notice from Lessee and which review and approval shall occur no more than one time during each Fiscal Year during the term of this Agreement.

At Termination, an escrow fund shall be established from Gross Revenues (or, if Gross Revenues are not sufficient, with funds provided by Lessee) to reimburse Manager for all reimbursable Employee Related Termination Costs.

Employee Related Termination Costs shall include Health Plan Costs allocable to the Hotels that become payable under a Plan following a Termination. Manager shall be entitled to hold the balance of funds in the Plan Reserve to pay such Health Plan Costs as they become due for the following periods of time (the “ Contingency Period ”): (a) six (6) months following Termination with respect to Health Plan Costs relating to claims incurred prior to Termination, and eighteen (18) months following Termination with respect to COBRA liability (or such earlier date upon which there are no employees electing COBRA coverage relating to such Termination) (the “ Contingent Costs ”). In addition, in the event Manager reasonably determines that the balance of funds in the Plan Reserve is not sufficient to cover Manager’s estimate of Contingent Costs, Lessee shall deposit into the Plan Account on or before the date of Termination or following a Termination, within ten (10) days after receipt of Manager’s written request therefore, the amount that Manager reasonably determines is sufficient to cover Manager’s estimate of Contingent Costs (the “ Contingent Shortfall ”). If Lessee fails to timely

 

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deposit the Contingent Shortfall, Manager shall have the right (without affecting Manager’s other remedies under this Agreement) to draw down from Gross Revenues for the Hotels the amount of the Contingent Shortfall. If Gross Revenues are not sufficient to fund the Contingent Shortfall, Manager shall have the right to withdraw the amount of the Contingent Shortfall from the Operating Accounts, the Capital Improvement Reserves, Working Capital or any other funds of Lessee held by or under the control of Manager for the Hotel(s). Following the expiration of the Contingency Period for a Termination of this Agreement in its entirety, any balance remaining in the Plan Reserve shall be returned to Lessee.

9.06 Employee Use of Hotel. Manager, in its discretion, may (i) provide lodging for Manager’s Executive Employees and corporate staff visiting the Hotel in connection with the performance of Manager’s services hereunder and allow them the use of the facilities of the Hotel, and (ii) provide the management of the Hotel with temporary living quarters within the Hotel and the use of all facilities of the Hotel, in either case at a discounted price or without charge, as the case may be. Manager shall, on a space available basis, provide lodging at the Hotel for Lessee’s employees, officers and directors visiting the Hotel and allow them the use of all facilities of the Hotel in either case without charge, except for recreational facilities for which a charge will apply.

9.07 Non-Solicitation. During the term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, unless an Event of Default by Manager exists under this Agreement beyond applicable grace or cure periods, or the Agreement has been terminated as a result of an uncured Event of Default by Manager, Lessee agrees that it (and its Affiliates) will not, without the prior written consent of Manager, either directly or indirectly, alone or in conjunction with any other person or entity, (i) solicit or attempt to solicit any general manager (each a “ General Manager ” and, collectively, “ General Managers ”) of the Hotel or any other hotels managed by Manager or any of Manager’s Executive Employees (collectively, the General Manager and Executive Employees are herein called the “ Key Employees ”) to terminate, alter or lessen Key Employees’ employment or affiliation with Manager or to violate the terms of any agreement or understanding between any such Key Employee and Manager, as the case may be, or (ii) employ, retain, or contract with any Key Employee.

ARTICLE X

BUDGET, STANDARDS AND CONTRACTS

10.01 Annual Operating Budget. Not less than forty-five (45) days prior to the beginning of each Fiscal Year, Manager shall submit to Lessee for each Hotel, a budget (the “ Annual Operating Budget ”) setting forth in detail an estimated profit and loss statement for the next twelve (12) Accounting Periods, or for the balance of the Fiscal Year in the event of a partial first Fiscal Year, including a schedule of hotel room rentals and other rentals and a marketing and business plan for each Hotel, such budget to be substantially in the format of Exhibit “D” attached to the Addendum for such Hotel.

10.02 Budget Approval. The Annual Operating Budget submitted to Lessee by Manager shall be subject to the approval of Lessee (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld). The Annual Operating Budget shall not be deemed accepted by Lessee in the absence

 

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of its express written approval. Not later than thirty (30) days after receipt by Lessee of a proposed Annual Operating Budget (or such longer period as Lessee may reasonably request on Notice to Manager), Lessee may deliver an AOB Objection Notice with reasonable detail to the Manager stating that Lessee objects to any information contained in or omitted from such proposed Annual Operating Budget and setting forth the nature of such objections with reasonable specificity. Failure of Lessee to deliver an AOB Objection Notice shall be deemed rejection of the Manager’s proposed Annual Operating Budget in its entirety. Upon receipt of any AOB Objection Notice, the Manager shall, after consultation with Lessee, modify the proposed Annual Operating Budget, taking into account Lessee’s objections, and shall resubmit the same to Lessee for Lessee’s approval within fifteen (15) days thereafter, and Lessee may deliver further AOB Objection Notices (if any) within fifteen (15) days thereafter (in which event, the re-submission and review process described above in this sentence shall continue until the proposed Annual Operating Budget in question is accepted and consented to by Lessee). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Lessee shall have the right at any time subsequent to the acceptance and consent with respect to any Annual Operating Budget, on Notice to the Manager, to revise such Annual Operating Budget or to request that the Manager prepare for Lessee’s approval a revised Annual Operating Budget (with the approval of Manager, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld), taking into account such circumstances as Lessee deems appropriate; provided, however, that the revision of an Annual Operating Budget shall not be deemed a revocation of the Manager’s authority with respect to such actions as the Manager may have already taken prior to receipt of such revision notice in implementing a previously approved budget or plan. Lessee and Manager acknowledge and agree that the Annual Operating Budgets are merely forecasts of operating revenues and expenses for an ensuing year and shall be revised, by agreement of Lessee and Manager, from time to time as business and operating conditions shall demand. However, Manager shall use its reasonable best efforts to operate the Premises in accordance with the Annual Operating Budget. The failure of the Hotel to perform in accordance with such Annual Operating Budget shall not constitute a default by Manager of this Agreement, however, the Lessee has a right to terminate this Agreement with respect to a Subject Hotel if such Subject Hotel fails to satisfy the Performance Test as set forth in Section 2.03(c) above.

10.03 Operation Pending Approval. If the Annual Operating Budget (or any component thereof) has not yet been approved by Lessee prior to any applicable Fiscal Year, then, until approval of such Annual Operating Budget (or such component) by Lessee, Manager shall operate the Hotel substantially in accordance with the prior year’s Annual Operating Budget except for (a) those components of the Annual Operating Budget for the applicable Fiscal Year approved by Lessee, (b) the Necessary Expenses which shall be paid as required, (c) the Emergency Expenses which shall be paid as required, and (d) those expenses that vary in correlation with Gross Revenues and/or occupancy in the aggregate.

10.04 Budget Meetings. At each budget meeting and at any additional meetings during a Fiscal Year reasonably called by Lessee or Manager, Manager shall consult with Lessee on matters of policy concerning management, sales, room rates, wage scales, personnel, general overall operating procedures, economics and operation and other matters affecting the operation of the Hotel.

 

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ARTICLE XI

OPERATING DISTRIBUTIONS

11.01 Management Fee. As consideration for the services to be rendered by Manager pursuant to this Agreement as manager and operator of the Premises, Manager shall be paid the following Base Management Fee and Incentive Management Fee (as such terms are hereinafter defined), collectively called the “ Management Fee ”, for each Hotel on a property by property basis as follows:

 

  A. Base Management Fee . The base management fee (“ Base Management Fee ”) shall be equal to the greater of (i) $12,673.48 (to be increased annually based on any increases in CPI over the preceding annual period), or (ii) three percent (3%) of the Gross Revenues for each Accounting Period, to be paid monthly in arrears. If this Agreement shall commence or expire on other than the first and last day of a calendar month, respectively, the Base Management Fee shall be apportioned based on the actual number of days of service in the month.

 

  B. Incentive Fee . The incentive fee (the “ Incentive Fee ”) shall be equal to the lesser of (i) one percent (1%) of Gross Revenues for each Fiscal Year and (ii) the amount by which the actual House Profit exceeds the Budgeted HP determined on a property by property basis (“ HP Test ”). The Incentive Fee shall be payable annually in arrears within ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year; provided, however, if based on actual operations and revised forecasts from time to time, it is reasonably anticipated that the Incentive Fee is reasonably expected to be earned for such Fiscal Year, Lessee shall reasonably consider payment of the Incentive Fee, pro-rata on a quarterly basis, within twenty (20) days following the end of each calendar quarter, subject to final adjustment within ninety (90) days following the end of the Fiscal Year.

11.02 Accounting and Interim Payment.

 

  A. Manager shall submit monthly, pursuant to Section 15.02 , an interim accounting to Lessee showing Gross Revenues, Deductions, House Profit, Gross Operating Profit and Net Operating Income before Debt Service.

 

  B. Calculations and payments of the Base Management Fee made with respect to each Accounting Period shall be made on an interim accounting basis and shall be accounted for cumulatively for each Fiscal Year. After the end of each Fiscal Year, Manager shall submit to Lessee an accounting for such Fiscal Year, consistent with Section 15.03 , which accounting shall be controlling over the interim accountings. Any adjustments required by the Fiscal Year accounting shall be made promptly by the parties.

 

  C. The Incentive Fee shall only be calculated and earned based upon the House Profit achieving the required HP Test for any given Fiscal Year or a portion thereof if the period of calculation cannot include the full period from January 1 to December 31.

 

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  D. If Lessee raises no objection for any reason (excluding fraud) within one (1) year from the receipt of annual accounting statements as provided herein (or for fraud within any applicable statute of limitations period, and if no statute of limitations period exists, then in no event to exceed four (4) years from receipt of annual accounting statements as provided herein), such accounting shall be deemed to have been accepted by Lessee as true and correct, and Lessee shall have no further right to question its accuracy. Manager will provide Lessee profit and loss statements for the current period and year-to-date, including actual, budget and last year comparisons, as required by Section 15.03 .

ARTICLE XII

INSURANCE

12.01 Insurance. Manager shall coordinate with Lessee, at all times during any period of development, construction, renovation, furnishing and equipping of the Premises, the procurement and maintenance in amount and scope as available and market for the hotel lodging industry for hotels of similar type and in similar markets and geographical locations as the Hotel, public liability and indemnity and property insurance with minimum limits of liability as required by Lessee, the Landlords, any Holder, or Franchisors, if applicable, to protect Lessee, Landlord, Manager, any Holder, and any Franchisor, if applicable, against loss or damage arising in connection with the development, construction, renovation, furnishing and equipping of the Premises (and pre-opening activities, if applicable), including, without limitation, the following:

12.01.1. Extended Coverage, Boiler, Business Interruption and Liability Insurance .

(a) Building insurance on the “ Special Form ” (formerly “All Risk” form) (including earthquake and flood in reasonable amounts as determined by Lessee) in an amount not less than 100% of the then “ full replacement cost ” thereof (as defined below) or such other amount which is acceptable to Lessee, and personal property insurance on the “ Special Form ” in the full amount of the replacement cost thereof;

(b) Insurance for loss or damage (direct and indirect) from steam boilers, pressure vessels or similar apparatus, now or hereafter installed in the Hotel, in the minimum amount of $5,000,000 or in such greater amounts as are then customary or as may be reasonably requested by Lessee from time to time;

(c) Loss of income insurance on the “ Special Form ”, in the amount of one year of the sum of Base Rent plus Percentage Rent (as such terms are defined in and as determined pursuant to the Leases) for the benefit of Landlords, and business interruption insurance on the “ Special Form ” in the amount of one year of Gross Operating Profit, for the benefit of Lessee. All loss of income insurance proceeds shall be part of Gross Revenues;

(d) Commercial general liability insurance, with amounts not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit for each occurrence and $2,000,000.00 for the aggregate of all occurrences within each policy year, as well as excess liability (umbrella) insurance with

 

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limited of at least $35,000,000 per occurrence, covering each of the following: bodily injury, death, or property damage liability per occurrence, personal and advertising injury, general aggregate, products and completed operations, and “all risk legal liability” (including liquor law or “dram shop” liability if liquor or alcoholic beverages are served at the Hotel);

(e) Automobile insurance on vehicles operating in conjunction with the Hotel with limits of liability of at least $1,000,000.00 combined, single limit coverage; and

(f) Insurance covering such other hazards and in such amounts as may be customary for comparable properties in the area of the Hotel and is available from insurance companies, insurance pools or other appropriate companies authorized to do business in the State where the Hotel is located at rates which are economically practicable in relation to the risks covered as may be reasonably requested by Lessee and otherwise consistent with the costs allocated therefor in the Annual Operating Budget.

12.01.2. Operational Insurance .

(a) Workers’ compensation and employer’s liability insurance as may be required under Legal Requirements and as Manager may deem reasonably prudent covering all of Manager’s employees at the Premises, with such deductible limits or self-insured retentions as may be reasonably established from time to time by Manager;

(b) Fidelity bonds, with limits and deductibles as may be reasonably requested by Lessee, covering Manager’s employees in job classifications normally bonded under prudent hotel management practices in the United States or otherwise required by law; and

(c) Such other insurance in amounts as Manager in its reasonable judgment deems advisable for its protection against claims, liabilities and losses arising out of or connected with its performance under this Agreement, and otherwise consistent with the costs allocated therefor in the Annual Operating Budget.

12.02 Replacement Cost. The term “ full replacement cost ” as used herein shall mean the actual replacement cost of the Hotel requiring replacement from time to time including an increased cost of construction endorsement, if available, and the cost of debris removal. In the event either party to this Agreement believes that full replacement cost (the then-replacement cost less such exclusions) has increased or decreased at any time during the Term, it shall have the right to have such full replacement cost re-determined.

12.03 Increase in Limits. If either party to this Agreement at any time deems the limits of the personal injury or property damage under the comprehensive commercial general liability insurance then carried to be either excessive or insufficient, such parties shall endeavor in good faith to agree on the proper and reasonable limits for such insurance to be carried and such insurance shall thereafter be carried with the limits thus agreed on until further change pursuant to the provisions of this Section.

 

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12.04 Blanket Policy. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article XII , Manager may include the insurance required hereunder within the coverage of a so-called blanket policy or policies of insurance carried and maintained by Manager; provided, however, that the coverage afforded to the parties as required herein will not be reduced or diminished or otherwise be different from that which would exist under a separate policy meeting all other requirements of this Agreement by reason of the use of such blanket policy of insurance, and provided further that the requirements of this Article XII are otherwise satisfied.

12.05 Costs and Expenses. Insurance premiums and any costs or expenses with respect to the insurance, including, without limitation, agent’s and consultant’s costs used to place insurance or adjust claims, shall be Deductions. Premiums on policies for more than one year shall be charged pro-rata against Gross Revenues over the period of the policies and to the extent, through blanket policies, cover other hotels managed by Manager or owned by Lessee or any of its Affiliates, shall be allocated based on rooms, number of employees, values or other methods as determined to be reasonable by Manager and Lessee. Any reserves, losses, costs, damages or expenses which are uninsured, self-insured, or fall within deductible limits shall be treated as a cost of insurance and shall be Deductions, subject to Article XXV .

12.06 Policies and Endorsements.

 

  A. Where permitted, all insurance provided for under this Article XII shall name Lessee as insured, and Manager, any Holder, the Landlords, and, if required, the Franchisors, as additional insureds. The party procuring such insurance shall deliver to the other party certificates of insurance with respect to all policies so procured, including existing, additional and renewal policies and, in the event of insurance about to expire, shall deliver certificates of insurance with respect to the renewal policies not less than ten (10) days prior to the respective dates of expiration.

 

  B. All policies of insurance provided for under this Article XII shall, to the extent obtainable, be with insurance companies licensed or authorized to do business in the state in which the Premises are located, with a minimum rating of A or better in the Best’s Insurance Guide and an S&P rating of at least A+V (or such higher rating if so required by any Holder, Landlord or Franchisor), and shall have attached thereto an endorsement that such policy shall not be cancelled or materially changed without at least thirty (30) days’ (and for Texas Hotels, ten (10) days’) prior written notice to Lessee. All insurance policies obtained pursuant to this Article XII shall contain a standard waiver of subrogation endorsement.

12.07 Termination. Upon Termination of this Agreement, an escrow fund in an amount reasonably acceptable to Manager shall be established from Gross Revenues (or, if Gross Revenues are not sufficient, with funds provided by Lessee) to cover the amount of any costs which, in Manager’s reasonable business judgment, will likely need to be paid by either Lessee or Manager with respect to pending or contingent claims, including those which arise after Termination for causes arising during the Term of this Agreement. Upon the final disposition of

 

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all such pending or contingent claims, any unexpended funds remaining in such escrow shall be paid to Lessee.

ARTICLE XIII

TAXES AND DEBT SERVICE

13.01 Taxes.

(a) All real estate and ad valorem property taxes, assessments and similar charges on or relating to the Premises during the Term of this Agreement shall be paid by Manager, on behalf of Lessee, before any fine, penalty, or interest is added thereto or lien placed upon the Premises, unless payment thereof is stayed. All such payments shall be reserved and paid from Gross Revenues and treated as Deductions in determining Net Operating Income. Gross Revenues reserved for such purposes shall be placed in an escrow account or accounts established pursuant to the requirements of any applicable Holder. Interest earned in said account attributable to funds deposited pursuant to this Agreement shall be added to such reserve, thereby reducing the amount required to be placed in the account from Gross Revenues.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon Lessee’s request, Manager shall, as a Deduction, contest the validity or the amount of any such tax or assessment. Lessee agrees to cooperate with Manager and execute any documents or pleadings required for such purpose, provided that Lessee is satisfied that the facts set forth in such documents or pleadings are accurate and that such execution or cooperation does not impose any unreasonable obligations on Lessee, and Lessee agrees to reimburse Manager as a Deduction for all expenses occasioned to Manager by any such contest, provided that such expenses shall be approved by Lessee prior to the time that they are incurred.

13.02 Debt Service; Ground Lease Payments. In the event of a Hotel Mortgage and/or Ground Lease and upon direction of Lessee, Manager shall establish an account (the “ Property Service Account ”) to pay Debt Service and/or Ground Lease Payments in such periodic payments as required by any applicable Holder under any applicable Hotel Mortgage and/or landlord under any Ground Lease. The Property Service Account shall be funded by Landlord under the Lease from funds paid by Landlord to Lessee. In the event sufficient funds are unavailable for the payment of Debt Service and/or Ground Lease Payments from the Property Service Account, then Manager shall notify Lessee in writing of such insufficiency who shall in turn advise the Landlord under the applicable Lease to replenish the Property Service Account to provide funds for payment of Debt Service and/or Ground Lease Payments.

ARTICLE XIV

BANK ACCOUNTS

All funds made available to Manager by Lessee for operations of the Premises, exclusive of those amounts described in Article VIII , shall be deposited into a banking checking account or accounts to be established in the name of Lessee (the “ Operating Account ”), consistent with the requirements of any Cash Management Agreements, if any. The Operating Account shall be interest bearing when possible. Subject to the limitation of Manager’s authority

 

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set forth herein, both Manager and Lessee shall be authorized to withdraw funds from said Operating Account, except that Lessee may withdraw funds from said account only if an Event of Default by Manager has occurred under this Agreement or an event has occurred that with the passage of time might be an Event of Default by Manager. Prior to any such withdrawal by Lessee, Lessee shall provide Notice of same to Manager, and Manager shall not be liable to Lessee for any checks written by Manager for operating expenses which are returned due to insufficient funds caused by such Lessee withdrawal. From time to time both Manager and Lessee shall designate signatory parties on such account and shall provide written notice of such designation or change in designation to the other party, and the signatures of such persons shall be formally and expressly recognized by the bank in which such account or accounts are maintained. The bank or banks to be utilized shall be selected and approved by Lessee and Manager. All monies received shall be deposited in, including, but not limited to, Gross Revenues, and expenses paid, including, but not limited to, Deductions, shall be paid from such bank checking account(s) except that Manager shall have the right to maintain payroll and petty cash funds and to make payments therefrom as the same are customary and utilized in the lodging business. Such funds shall not be commingled with Manager’s funds. Lessee shall have the right, at its expense, to audit said account or accounts at any reasonable time.

Manager may establish one or more separate bank accounts for handling payroll costs in the name of Lessee. Such accounts shall be in a bank selected by Manager and approved by Lessee, and shall be handled exclusively by the individuals designated by Manager and approved in writing by Lessee. Funds shall be deposited in the payroll account or accounts from the Operating Account, as needed, in order to meet payroll requirements.

Until otherwise prescribed by Lessee in writing, the Operating Account shall be under the control of Manager, without prejudice, however, to Manager’s obligation to account to Lessee as and when provided herein. All receipts and income, including without limitation, Gross Revenues shall be promptly deposited in the Operating Account. Checks or other documents of withdrawal shall be signed only by the individual representatives of Manager approved in writing by Lessee and duly recognized for such purpose by the bank or banks in which the referenced accounts are maintained. Manager shall supply Lessee with fidelity bonds or other insurance insuring the fidelity of authorized signatories to such accounts, unless said bonds or other insurance shall have been placed by Lessee and delivered directly by the bonding or insurance company to Lessee. The cost of such fidelity bonds or other insurance shall be a Deduction, at Lessee’s expense, and subject to Lessee’s approval. Neither Lessee nor Manager shall be responsible for any losses occasioned by the failure or insolvency of the bank or banks in which the referenced accounts are maintained. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement for the Hotel and the payment to Manager of all amounts due Manager hereunder upon such expiration or termination, as provided in this Agreement, all remaining amounts in the referenced accounts shall be transferred forthwith to Lessee, or made freely available to Lessee.

Manager shall not be required to advance funds, and Manager shall not be obligated to incur any liability or obligation for Lessee’s account, without assurance that necessary funds for the discharge thereof will be provided by Lessee.

 

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All reserve accounts established pursuant to this Agreement shall be placed in segregated interest-bearing accounts in the name of Lessee which interest shall be added to such reserve and serve to reduce the amount required to be placed in such reserve account.

ARTICLE XV

ACCOUNTING SYSTEM

15.01 Books and Records. Manager shall maintain an adequate and separate accounting system in connection with its management and operation of the Premises. The books and records shall be kept in accordance with GAAP and the Uniform System of Accounts (to the extent consistent with GAAP) and shall be maintained at all times either on the Premises, at the principal office of the Manager, or in storage, for at least three (3) years after the Fiscal Year to which the books and records relate. Lessee, the beneficial owners of Lessee, the Landlords (to the extent permitted under the Leases), any Holder (to the extent permitted under the Hotel Mortgage), any Franchisor (to the extent permitted under any applicable Franchise Agreement), or their respective employees or duly authorized agents, shall have the right and privilege of examining and inspecting the books and records at any reasonable time. Upon termination of this Agreement for a Hotel, all such books and records shall be turned over to Lessee so as to insure the orderly continuance of the operation of the Hotel; provided however, that all such books and records thereafter shall be available to Manager at the Hotel at all reasonable times for inspection, audit, examination and copying for a period of three (3) years.

15.02 Monthly Financial Statements. Within twenty-five (25) days following each Accounting Period, Manager shall furnish Lessee with respect to the Hotel an accrual basis balance sheet on Manager’s standard format in reasonable detail, together with a reasonably detailed accrual basis profit and loss statement for the calendar month next preceding and with a cumulative calendar year accrual basis profit and loss statement to date, including a comparison to the Annual Operating Budget and the Capital Improvements Budget and a statement of cash flows for each monthly and cumulative period for which a profit and loss statement is prepared. Further, from time to time as reasonably requested by Lessee, Manager shall provide a statement of bank account balances, an allocation to reserve accounts, a sources and uses statement, a narrative discussing any of the aforementioned reports and material variances from the Annual Operating Budget and the Capital Improvements Budget, such other reports and financial statements as Lessee may reasonably request and as are customarily provided by managers of similar hotel properties in the area of the Hotel without Manager receiving additional fees to provide same.

15.03 Annual Financial Statements. Within forty-five (45) days after the end of each Fiscal Year, Manager shall furnish to Lessee year-end financial statements for the Hotel (including a balance sheet, income statement and statement of sources and uses of funds) which statements shall be unaudited and shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP and the Uniform System of Accounts (to the extent consistent with GAAP). Lessee will engage an independent national certified public accounting firm with hospitality experience and reasonably acceptable to Lessee to provide audited annual financial statements. Manager shall cooperate in all respects with such accountant in the preparation of such statements, including the delivery of any

 

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financial information generated by Manager pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and reasonably required by the Lessee’s accountant to prepare such audited financial statements.

ARTICLE XVI

PAYMENT BY LESSEE

16.01 Payment of Base Management Fee. On the fifth (5th) day of each month during the term of this Agreement, Manager shall be paid out of the Operating Account, the Base Management Fee for the preceding Accounting Period, as determined from the books and records referred to in Article XV .

16.02 Distributions. Subject to retention of Reasonable Working Capital (including any amounts as required by the Capital Improvement Budget) and retention of such reserves as may be required under any Hotel Mortgage and/or Ground Lease, as applicable, Manager shall deliver to Lessee from the Operating Account, any excess Working Capital for the preceding Accounting Period on the 25th day of the following month, and such amounts of Lessee’s money in the possession or under the control of Manager as Lessee shall from time to time request. For purposes of this Article “ Reasonable Working Capital ” shall mean an amount reasonably determined by Manager at the same time as the monthly financial statements are prepared pursuant to Section 15.02 hereof, but in no event to exceed a sum equal to a ratio of current assets to current liabilities of 2:1 (but excluding from such calculation cash restricted or unavailable under any Cash Management Agreement).

16.03 Payment Option. Management Fees shall be paid in cash, except that subject to the requirements of Section 5.02.6 and Section 28.08 Manager may request, no later than thirty (30) days prior to the payment due date, by Notice to Lessee (such request to be subject to the approval of a majority of the Independent Directors of AHP, in their sole discretion, and to any applicable restrictions of a national securities exchange (including NASDAQ NMS and NASDAQ Small Cap) and to federal and state securities laws), payment of up to one-third (1/3 rd ) of its Base Management Fee and up to one hundred percent (100%) of its Incentive Fee, in the form of shares of common stock of AHP priced at the “Strike Price,” or in the form of stock options priced in accordance with the “Black-Scholes Model” (the “ Payment Option Request ”), as follows:

 

  A.

Common Stock at “Strike Price” . The number of shares of common stock of AHP to be issued in lieu of the applicable Base Management Fees and/or Incentive Fee as noted in the Payment Option Request (the “ Designated Fees ”) shall be based upon the “Strike Price” of such common stock determined as follows: The term “ Strike Price ” shall be and mean the amount obtained (rounded upward to the next highest cent) by determining the simple average of the daily closing price of the common stock of AHP for the twenty (20) trading days ending on the last trading day of the calendar week immediately preceding the applicable payment due date on the New York Stock Exchange or, if the shares of such common stock are not then being traded on the New York Stock Exchange, then on the principal stock exchange (including without limitation NASDAQ NMS or NASDAQ Small Cap) on which such common stock is then

 

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  listed or admitted to trading as determined by AHP or, if such common stock is not then so listed or admitted to trading the average of the last reported closing bid and asked prices on such days in the over-the-counter market or, if no such prices are available, the fair market value per share of such common stock, as determined by a majority of the Independent Directors of AHP in their sole discretion. The Strike Price shall not be subject to any adjustment as a result of the issuance of any additional shares of common stock by AHP for any purpose, except for stock splits (whether accomplished by stock dividends or otherwise) or reverse stock splits occurring during the 20 trading days referenced in the calculation of the Strike Price. Upon determination of the Strike Price for such common stock (and provided payment in the form of common stock has been approved by the board of directors of AHP), AHP agrees to issue to Manager the number of shares of common stock in AHP determined by dividing the Designated Fees by the Strike Price per share of common stock, and any balance remaining shall be paid to Manager in cash.

 

  B. Options based on Black-Scholes Model . The number of stock options to be issued in lieu of the Designated Fees shall be based upon the “Black-Scholes Model” as follows: The term “ Black-Scholes Model ” means the Black-Scholes model for valuing the “fair value” of an option calculated based on historical data and calculated probabilities of future stock prices, reasonably applied. Upon determination of the value of an option on the date such options are to be issued, as determined using the Black-Scholes Model (the “ Black-Scholes Amount ”), provided payment in the form of options has been approved by the board of directors of AHP, AHP agrees to issue to Manager the number of options for common stock of AHP determined by dividing the Designated Fees by the Black-Scholes Amount per option, and any balance remaining shall be paid to Manager in cash. The “Strike Price” for any option (which must be exercised within ten (10) years of issuance), shall have the meaning of the term “Strike Price” as used in subparagraph A above.

ARTICLE XVII

RELATIONSHIP AND AUTHORITY

Lessee and Manager shall not be construed as partners, joint venturers or as members of a joint enterprise and neither shall have the power to bind or obligate the other except as set forth in this Agreement. Nevertheless, Manager is granted such authority and power as may be reasonably necessary for it to carry out the provisions of this Agreement. This Agreement, either alone or in conjunction with any other documents, shall not be deemed to constitute a lease of any portion of the Premises. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit or restrict Manager or any affiliate of Manager from operating, owning, managing, leasing or constructing any hotel of any nature or description which may in any manner compete with that of the Premises, except as otherwise set forth in the Mutual Exclusivity Agreement; provided that Manager agrees to comply with the conflicts policies of AHP. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, (a) all debts and liabilities to third persons incurred by Manager in the course of its operation and management of the Hotel in accordance with the

 

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provisions of this Agreement shall be the debts and liabilities of Lessee only, and (b) Manager shall not be liable for any such obligations by reason of its management, supervision, direction and operation of the Hotel as agent for Lessee. Manager may so inform third parties with whom it deals on behalf of Lessee and may take any other reasonable steps to carry out the intent of this paragraph.

ARTICLE XVIII

DAMAGE, CONDEMNATION AND FORCE MAJEURE

18.01 Damage and Repair. If, during the Term hereof, a Hotel is damaged or destroyed by fire, casualty, or other cause, Lessee shall, subject to the requirements of the applicable underlying Lease, repair or replace the damaged or destroyed portion of the Hotel to the same condition as existed previously. In the event the underlying Lease relating to such damaged Hotel is terminated pursuant to the provisions of such Lease, Lessee may terminate this Agreement with respect to such Hotel upon sixty (60) days’ Notice from the date of such damage or destruction, in which case this Agreement shall then terminate with respect to such Hotel sixty (60) days from the date of such notice and neither party shall have any further rights, obligations, liabilities or remedies one to the other hereunder with respect to such Hotel, except as otherwise provided in Article II (provided that no termination fees shall be payable by Lessee pursuant to Article II ) and Section 18.04 . If this Agreement remains in effect with respect to such damaged Hotel and the damage does not result in a reduction of Gross Revenues at such Hotel, the Management Fee will be unabated. If however, this Agreement remain in effect with respect to such Hotel, but the damage does result in a reduction of Gross Revenues at such Hotel, Lessee shall be entitled to partial, pro rata abatement with respect to the Management Fee until such time as such Hotel is restored.

18.02 Condemnation.

 

  A. In the event all or substantially all of a Hotel shall be taken in any eminent domain, condemnation, compulsory acquisition, or similar proceeding by any competent authority for any public or quasi-public use or purpose, this Agreement shall terminate with respect to such Hotel, subject to the requirements of the applicable underlying Lease. However, in any event of such termination, Lessee shall give Manager at least fifteen (15) days prior Notice of such termination. In the event of such termination, neither party shall have any further rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities one to the other hereunder with respect to such Hotel except as otherwise provided in Article II above (provided that no termination fees shall be payable by Lessee pursuant to Article II ).

 

  B.

If a portion of the Premises shall be taken by the events described in Section 18.02A or the entire Premises are temporarily affected, the result of either of which is not to make it, in the reasonable business judgment of Lessee, unreasonable to continue to operate the applicable Hotel, subject to the requirements of the applicable underlying Lease, this Agreement shall not terminate with respect to such Hotel. However, so much of any award for any such partial taking or condemnation shall be made available to the extent

 

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  necessary to render the applicable Premises equivalent to its condition prior to such event and the balance shall be paid to Lessee or the Holder, if required by any Hotel Mortgage covering the Premises.

18.03 Force Majeure. If an event of Force Majeure directly involves a Hotel and has a significant adverse effect upon the continued operations of such Hotel, then Lessee shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement with respect to the applicable Hotel by written Notice within sixty (60) days from the date of such Force Majeure, and this Agreement shall then terminate with respect to the applicable Hotel sixty (60) days from such notice, in which event neither Lessee nor Manager shall have any further rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities, one to the other, hereunder, with respect to the applicable Premises except as otherwise provided in Article II (provided that no termination fees shall be payable by Lessee pursuant to Article II ).

18.04 Liquidated Damages if Casualty.

 

  A. Omitted .

 

  B. Casualty of a Hotel . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if any Hotel is damaged pursuant to a casualty as set forth in Section 18.01 hereof within the first year of the initial 10-year term for such Hotel, and Lessee elects, for any reason, not to rebuild such Hotel, Lessee agrees to pay Manager (provided there does not then exist an Event of Default by Manager beyond any applicable cure periods), a termination fee, if any, that would be owed if such hotel were then sold, as set forth in Section 2.03(a)(i) above. However, if after the first year of the initial 10-year term for a Hotel, such Hotel is damaged and Lessee elects not to rebuild such hotel even though sufficient casualty proceeds are available to do so, then Lessee will pay to Manager a termination fee (provided there does not then exist an Event of Default by Manager beyond any applicable cure periods), equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) 65% of the aggregate Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee estimated to be paid Manager budgeted in the Annual Operating Budget applicable to such Hotel (but in no event less than the Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee for the preceding full Fiscal Year) by (ii) nine (9).

Payment of the termination fees set forth in this Section 18.04 shall be subject to Section 2.03(d) above with respect to liquidated damages.

18.05 No Liquidated Damages if Condemnation or Force Majeure. No liquidated damages shall be payable in the event of a condemnation relating to a Hotel, provided that Manager shall be entitled to seek recovery from the condemning authority for its loss of contract and this Agreement shall not terminate for that purpose. No liquidated damages shall be payable by Lessee as a result of its termination of this Agreement as to a Hotel pursuant to Section 18.03 (Force Majeure).

 

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ARTICLE XIX

DEFAULT AND TERMINATION

19.01 Events of Default. The following shall constitute events of default (each an “ Event of Default ”):

 

  A. The filing of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or a petition for reorganization under any bankruptcy law by Lessee or Manager;

 

  B. The consent to any involuntary petition in bankruptcy or the failure to vacate, within ninety (90) days from the date of entry thereof, any order approving an involuntary petition by Lessee or Manager;

 

  C. The entering of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction, on the application of a creditor, adjudicating Lessee or Manager as bankrupt or insolvent, or approving a petition seeking reorganization or appointing a receiver, trustee, or liquidator of all or a substantial part of such party’s assets, and such order, judgment or decree continues unstayed and in effect for any period of ninety (90) days or more;

 

  D. The appointment of a receiver for all or any substantial portion of the property of Lessee or Manager;

 

  E. The failure of Lessee or Manager to make any payment required to be made in accordance with the terms of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt of Notice, specifying said default with reasonable specificity, when such payment is due and payable; or

 

  F. The failure of Lessee or Manager to perform, keep or fulfill any of the other covenants, undertakings, obligations or conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the continuance of such default for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice of said failure; provided, however, if such default cannot be cured within such thirty (30) day period and Lessee or Manager, as the case may be, commences to cure such default within such thirty (30) day period and thereafter diligently and expeditiously proceeds to cure the same, such thirty (30) day period shall be extended so long as it shall require Lessee or Manager, as the case may be, in the exercise of due diligence to cure such default, it being agreed that no such extension (including the original 30 day cure period) shall be for a period in excess of one hundred twenty (120) days.

 

  G. The Manager does not qualify as an Eligible Independent Contractor.

19.02 Consequence of Default. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the non-defaulting party may give the defaulting party Notice of intention to terminate this Agreement (after the expiration of any applicable grace or cure period provided in Section 19.01 ), and upon the expiration of thirty (30) days from the date of such notice, this Agreement shall terminate, whereupon the non-defaulting party shall be entitled to pursue all of its rights and remedies, at

 

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law or in equity, under this Agreement (including, without limitation, any indemnity obligations which shall survive termination of this Agreement) and any other rights and remedies available under Legal Requirements except as otherwise expressly limited by the terms of Article II . Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that an Event of Default is applicable to one or more of the Hotels but not all of the Hotels, such termination shall only be as to such applicable Hotel(s).

ARTICLE XX

WAIVER AND INVALIDITY

20.01 Waiver. The failure of either party to insist upon a strict performance of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement or to exercise any option, right or remedy herein contained, shall not be construed as a waiver or as a relinquishment for the future of such term, provision, option, right or remedy, but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect. No waiver by either party of any term or provision hereof shall be deemed to have been made unless expressed in writing and signed by such party.

20.02 Partial Invalidity. In the event that any portion of this Agreement shall be declared invalid by order, decree or judgment of a court, this Agreement shall be construed as if such portion had not been inserted herein except when such construction would operate as an undue hardship on the Manager or Lessee or constitute a substantial deviation from the general intent and purpose of said parties as reflected in this Agreement, in which event it shall be terminated.

ARTICLE XXI

ASSIGNMENT

Subject to the requirements of any Hotel Mortgage, Franchise Agreement, Ground Lease or any of the Leases, neither party shall assign or transfer (by operation of law or otherwise) or permit the assignment or transfer of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other (which may be withheld in its sole discretion) and any such prohibited assignment or transfer shall be null and void; provided, however, that Manager shall have the right, without such consent, to assign its interest in this Agreement to any “Manager Affiliate Entity”, provided such Manager Affiliate Entity qualifies as an Eligible Independent Contractor as of the date of such transfer. The term “ Manager Affiliate Entity ” shall mean any entity controlled directly or indirectly by (i) Archie Bennett, Jr. and/or Monty Bennett, (ii) family partnerships or trusts (the sole members or beneficiaries of which are at all times lineal descendants of Archie Bennett, Jr. or Monty Bennett (including step-children) and spouses of any of the foregoing), or (iii) by lineal descendants of Archie Bennett, Jr. or Monty Bennett (including step-children) and spouses of any of the foregoing. For purposes hereof, “controlled” shall mean (i) the possession, directly or indirectly of a majority of the voting power and capital stock or ownership interest of such entity, or (ii) the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such entity in the capacity of chief executive officer, president, chairman, or other similar capacity where they are actively engaged and/or involved in providing such direction or control and spend a substantial amount of time managing such entity. Any such permitted assignee shall be deemed to be the Manager for purposes of this Agreement

 

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provided such assignee assumes all of Manager’s future obligations under this Agreement pursuant to an assumption agreement reasonably acceptable to Lessee. Any and all such assignments, however, shall at all times be subject to the prior right, title and interest of Lessee with respect to the Premises. An assignment by Manager or any permitted assignee of its interest in this Agreement, shall not relieve Manager or any such permitted assignee, as the case may be, from their respective obligations under this Agreement, and shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, their permitted successors and assigns. For purposes of this Article XXI any change in the ownership of the Manager or other event that would cause the Manager to fail to be a Manager Affiliate Entity shall be deemed to be a transfer of this Agreement, prohibited by this Article XXI unless first consented to in writing by Lessee.

ARTICLE XXII

NOTICES

All notices, demands, elections, or other communications that any party this Agreement may desire or be required to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand, by depositing the same in the United States mail, first class, postage prepaid, certified mail, return receipt requested, or by a recognized overnight courier service providing confirmation of delivery, to the addresses set forth below, or at such address as may be designated by the addressee upon written notice to the other party, (herein called “ Notice ”).

 

To Lessee:    Ashford Prime TRS Corporation (or its specified designee set forth in an Addendum)
   14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100
   Dallas, Texas 75254
   Attn: Chief Financial Officer
   Fax: (972) 490-9605
With a copy to:    Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership
   14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100
   Dallas, Texas 75254
   Attn: General Counsel
   Fax: (972) 490-9605
To Manager:    Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC
   14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150
   Dallas, Texas 75254
   Attn: Monty Bennett
   Fax: (972) 980-2705

 

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With a copy to:    Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC
   14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150
   Dallas, Texas 75254
   Attn: Legal Department
   Fax: (972) 490-9605
To the Landlords:    c/o Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership
   14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100
   Dallas, Texas 75254
   Attn: General Counsel
   Fax: (972) 490-9605

All notices given pursuant to this Article XXII shall be deemed to have been given (i) if delivered by hand on the date of delivery or on the date that delivery was refused by the addressee, or (ii) if delivered by certified mail or by overnight courier, on the date of delivery as established by the return receipt or courier service confirmation (or the date on which the return receipt or courier service confirms that acceptance of delivery was refused by the addressee).

ARTICLE XXIII

SUBORDINATION; NON-DISTURBANCE

23.01 Subordination. This Agreement shall be subject and subordinate to any Hotel Mortgage and Lease, and Manager agrees to enter into a lender-manager or landlord-manager (as applicable) agreement with respect to each Hotel, which agreement shall contain reasonable provisions, including, without limitation, Manager’s acknowledgment that its real estate interest in and to the applicable Hotel, if any, created by this Agreement is subject and subordinate to the applicable Hotel Mortgage or Lease, including providing any purchaser of such Hotel at a foreclosure sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, including the Holder, with the right to terminate this Agreement with respect to the applicable Hotel; provided, however, in no event will Manager agree to subordinate or waive its right to receive fees, reimbursements or indemnification payments under this Agreement arising prior to termination (but (a) if this Agreement is terminated by the Holder or such purchaser or Landlord (or its assignee) with respect to such Hotel, Manager shall not look to the Holder for payment of such fees, reimbursements or indemnification payments and Manager’s right to receive such fees, reimbursements or indemnification payments shall be subordinated to the Holder’s rights and (b) if this Agreement is not terminated by the Holder or such purchaser with respect to such Hotel, then such fees, reimbursements or indemnification payments shall be payable by the Holder or such purchaser). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Manager shall in no event be obligated to perform its duties hereunder without payment and/or reasonable assurance of payment of such fees, reimbursements or indemnification payments.

23.02 Non-Disturbance Agreement. Notwithstanding Section 23.01 , Lessee agrees that, prior to obtaining any Hotel Mortgage or executing any Lease, Lessee will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain from each prospective Holder or Landlord (as applicable), a Non-Disturbance Agreement pursuant to which Manager’s rights under this Agreement will not be

 

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disturbed as a result of a default stemming from non-monetary factors which (i) relate to Lessee and do not relate solely to the applicable Hotel, and (ii) are not defaults by Manager under Section 19.01 of this Agreement. If Lessee desires to obtain a Hotel Mortgage or to execute a Lease, Manager, on written request from Lessee, shall promptly identify those provisions in the proposed Hotel Mortgage or Lease documents which fall within the categories described in clauses (i) and (ii) above, and Manager shall otherwise assist in expediting the preparation of an agreement between the prospective Holder and/or Landlord and Manager which will implement the provisions of this Section 23.02 .

ARTICLE XXIV

PROPRIETARY MARKS; INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

24.01 Proprietary Marks. During the Term of this Agreement, the name “ Remington ,” whether used alone or in connection with other another word(s), and all proprietary marks (being all present and future trademarks, trade names, symbols, logos, insignia, service marks, and the like) of Manager or any one of its Manager Affiliate Entities, whether or not registered (“ Proprietary Marks ”) shall in all events remain the exclusive property of Manager and its Manager Affiliate Entities. Lessee shall have no right to use any Proprietary Mark, except during the term of this Agreement to have signage installed using any Proprietary Mark in conformance with the specifications provided by Manager. Upon Termination, any use of a Proprietary Mark by Lessee under this Agreement shall immediately cease. Upon Termination, Manager shall have the option to purchase, at their then book value, any items of the applicable Hotel’s Inventories and Fixed Asset Supplies as may be marked with a Proprietary Mark. In the event Manager does not exercise such option, Lessee agrees that it will use any such items not so purchased exclusively in connection with the Hotel until they are consumed.

24.02 Computer Software and Equipment. All “ Software ” (meaning all computer software and accompanying documentation, other than software which is commercially available, which are used by Manager in connection with the property management system, any reservation system and all future electronic systems developed by Manager for use in the Hotel) is and shall remain the exclusive property of Manager or any one of its Manager Affiliate Entities (or the licensor of such Software, as the case may be), and Lessee shall have no right to use, or to copy, any Software. Upon Termination, Manager shall have the right to remove from the Hotel, without compensation to Lessee, all Software, and any computer equipment which is utilized as part of a centralized property management system or is otherwise considered proprietary by Manager, excepting any software which is owned by the applicable Franchisor; provided that Manager shall cooperate with Lessee in the transition of the centralized management system to the new manager, including in the change of any Software and computer equipment. If any of such computer equipment is owned by Lessee or Landlord, Manager shall reimburse Lessee for previous expenditures made by Lessee for the purchase of such equipment, subject to a reasonable allowance for depreciation.

24.03 Intellectual Property. All “ Intellectual Property ” (meaning all Software and manuals, brochures and directives issued by Manager to its employees at the Hotel regarding procedures and techniques to be used in operating the Hotel) shall at all times be proprietary to Manager or its Affiliates, and shall be the exclusive property of Manager or its Affiliates. Upon

 

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Termination, all Intellectual Property shall be removed from the Hotel by Manager, without compensation to Lessee.

24.04 Books and Records. All Books and Records maintained with respect to the Hotel, including guest records but excluding employee records, shall be the sole property of Lessee but may be used by the Manager during the Term in connection with its management and operation of the Hotel.

ARTICLE XXV

INDEMNIFICATION

25.01 Manager Indemnity. Manager shall indemnify and hold Lessee (and Lessee’s agents, principals, shareholders, partners, members, officers, directors, attorneys and employees) harmless from and against all liabilities, losses, claims, damages, costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) which are not covered by insurance proceeds that may be incurred by or asserted against any such party and that arise from (a) the fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence of Manager; provided, however, that the act or omission of any employee of Manager who is not an Executive Employee, which act or omission is willful or constitutes fraud or gross negligence on the part of such employee, shall not constitute fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of Manager unless Manager’s home office or regional staff, or an Executive Employee, acted with gross negligence in employing, training, supervising or continuing the employment of such employee; (b) the infringement by Manager on the intellectual property rights of any third party; (c) any Excluded Employee Claims; (d) knowing or reckless placing, discharge, leakage, use or storage of hazardous materials on the Premises or in the Hotel by Manager during the Term of this Agreement as set forth in Section 28.09C ; or (e) the breach by Manager of any provision of this Agreement, including, without limitation, any action taken by Manager which is beyond the scope of Manager’s authority under this Agreement, which is not cured within any applicable notice and cure periods. Lessee shall promptly provide Manager with written notice of any claim or suit brought against it by a third party which might result in such indemnification.

25.02 Lessee Indemnity. Except with respect to matters for which Manager is obligated to provide indemnification pursuant to Section 25.01, Lessee shall indemnify and hold Manager (and Manager’s agents, principals, shareholders, partners, members, officers, directors, attorneys and employees) harmless from and against all liabilities, losses, claims, damages, costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) which are not covered by insurance proceeds and that may be incurred by or asserted against such party and that arise from or in connection with (a) the performance of Manager’s services under this Agreement; (b) the condition or use of the Hotel, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including without limitation, any injury to person(s) or damage to property or business by reason of any cause whatsoever in or about the Hotel; (c) any Employee Related Termination Costs, including any liability to which Manager is subjected pursuant to the WARN Act in connection with the termination of this Agreement, provided that Manager has provided notices in the form (other than any reference to the time period) required by the WARN Act within five (5) business days of Manager’s receipt of a notice of the termination of this Agreement (excluding any termination of this Agreement which results from the commission of any theft, embezzlement or other

 

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criminal misappropriation of funds of the Hotel or from the Lessee or any fraud or felony by any Executive Employee that relates to or materially affects the operation or reputation of the Hotel); (d) the Employee Costs and Expenses as set forth in Article IX herein above; or (e) any Employee Claims, but excluding any Excluded Employee Claims. Manager shall promptly provide Lessee with written Notice of any claim or suit brought against it by a third party which might result in such indemnification. THIS INDEMNITY PROVISION IS INTENDED TO INDEMNIFY MANAGER (i) AGAINST THE CONSEQUENCES OF ITS OWN NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT WHEN MANAGER IS SOLELY NEGLIGENT OR CONTRIBUTORILY, PARTIALLY, JOINTLY, COMPARATIVELY OR CONCURRENTLY NEGLIGENT WITH LESSEE OR ANY OTHER PERSON (BUT IS NOT GROSSLY NEGLIGENT, HAS NOT COMMITTED AN INTENTIONAL ACT OR MADE INTENTIONAL OMISSION) AND (ii) AGAINST ANY LIABILITY OF MANAGER BASED ON ANY APPLICABLE DOCTRINE OF STRICT LIABILITY.

25.03 Indemnification Procedure. Any party obligated to indemnify the other party under this Agreement (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) shall have the right, by Notice to the other party, to assume the defense of any claim with respect to which the other party is entitled to indemnification hereunder. If the Indemnifying Party gives such notice, (i) such defense shall be conducted by counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party and approved by the other party, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed (provided, however, that the other party’s approval shall not be required with respect to counsel designated by the Indemnifying Party’s insurer); (ii) so long as the Indemnifying Party is conducting such defense with reasonable diligence, the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to control said defense and shall not be required to pay the fees or disbursements of any counsel engaged by the other party for services rendered after the Indemnifying Party has given the Notice provided for above to the other party, except if there is a conflict of interest between the parties with respect to such claim or defense; and (iii) the Indemnifying Party shall have the right, without the consent of the other party, to settle such claim, but only provided that such settlement involves only the payment of money, the Indemnifying Party pays all amounts due in connection with or by reason of such settlement and, as part thereof, the other party is unconditionally released from all liability in respect of such claim. The other party shall have the right to participate in the defense of such claim being defended by the Indemnifying Party at the expense of the other party, but the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to control such defense (other than in the event of a conflict of interest between the parties with respect to such claim or defense). In no event shall (i) the other party settle any claim without the consent of the Indemnifying Party so long as the Indemnifying Party is conducting the defense thereof in accordance with this Agreement; or (ii) if a claim is covered by the Indemnifying Party’s liability insurance, take or omit to take any action which would cause the insurer not to defend such claim or to disclaim liability in respect thereof.

25.04 Survival. The provisions of this Article shall survive the termination of this Agreement with respect to acts, omissions and occurrences arising during the Term.

25.05 No Successor Liability. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Manager shall not be liable as a successor employer or entity for any actions Manager’s predecessors ( a “ Predecessor Manager”) may have taken in the employer-employee

 

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relationship with Manager’s current or former employees or employees of Manager’s agents before the commencement of the term.

ARTICLE XXVI

NEW HOTELS AND NON-MANAGED HOTELS

Lessee acknowledges and agrees that any Hotel leased by Lessee or its designees from any Affiliates of the Partnership (including the Landlords) from and after the Effective Date may at the election of the parties to the Mutual Exclusivity Agreement either be subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement effective upon execution of an addendum to this Agreement (the “ Addendum ”) in the form of Exhibit “A” attached hereto, or pursuant to a management agreement in form and substance substantially similar to the terms of this Agreement with either Manager or an Affiliate of Manager (provided said Affiliate constitutes an Eligible Independent Contractor); provided that there does not then exist an uncured Event of Default by Manager under this Agreement and the independent director approval requirements under the Mutual Exclusivity Agreement have been satisfied. Effective upon execution of said Addendum, all terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be deemed amended to include and apply to such Hotel(s) as provided in the Addendum. Lessee further acknowledges and agrees that any Non-Managed Hotel leased by Lessee or its designees from any Affiliates of the Partnership (including the Landlords) from and after the Effective Date may at the election of the parties to the Mutual Exclusivity Agreement be subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement that expressly relate to Non-Managed Hotels effective upon execution of an addendum to this Agreement (the “ Project Management Addendum ”) in the form of Exhibit “B” attached hereto; provided that there does not then exist an uncured Event of Default by Manager under this Agreement and the independent director approval requirements under the Mutual Exclusivity Agreement have been satisfied. Effective upon execution of said Project Management Addendum, all terms and conditions of this Agreement relating to Non-Managed Hotels shall be deemed amended to include and apply to such Non-Managed Hotel(s) as provided in the Project Management Addendum.

ARTICLE XXVII

GOVERNING; LAW VENUE

This Agreement and its interpretation, validity and performance shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas without regard to its conflicts of laws principles. In the event any court of law of appropriate judicial authority shall hold or declare that the law of another jurisdiction is applicable, this Agreement shall remain enforceable under the laws of the appropriate jurisdiction. The parties hereto agree that venue for any action in connection herewith shall be proper in Dallas County, Texas. Each party hereto consents to the jurisdiction of any local, state or federal court situated in any of such locations and waives any objection which it may have pertaining to improper venue or forum non conveniens to the conduct of any proceeding in any such court.

 

59


ARTICLE XXVIII

MISCELLANEOUS

28.01 Rights to Make Agreement. Each party warrants, with respect to itself, that neither the execution of this Agreement nor the finalization of the transactions contemplated hereby shall violate any provision of law or judgment, writ, injunction, order or decree of any court or governmental authority having jurisdiction over it; result in or constitute a breach or default under any indenture, contract, other commitment or restriction to which it is a party or by which it is bound; or require any consent, vote or approval which has not been given or taken. Each party covenants that it has and will continue to have throughout the term of this Agreement and any extensions thereof, the full right to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder.

28.02 Agency. Manager’s limited agency established by this Agreement is coupled with an interest and may not be terminated by Lessee until the expiration of the Term of this Agreement except as otherwise provided in this Agreement.

28.03 Failure to Perform. If Manager or Lessee at any time fails to make any payments as specified or required hereunder or fails to perform any other act required on its part to be made or performed hereunder without limitation, then the other party after thirty (30) days’ written notice to the defaulting party may (but shall not be obligated to) pay any such delinquent amount or perform any such other act on the defaulting party’s part. Any sums thus paid and all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the making of such payment or the proper performance of any such act, together with interest thereon at the lesser of (i) the interest rate allowed by the applicable usury laws or (ii) at the Prime Rate plus three percent (3%), from the date that such payment is made or such costs and expenses incurred, shall constitute a liquidated amount to be paid by the defaulting party under this Agreement to the other party on demand. For the purposes of this Section 28.03 , the term “ Prime Rate ” shall mean the “prime rate” as published in the “Money Rates” section of The Wall Street Journal; however, if such rate is, at any time during the Term of this Agreement, no longer so published, the term “Prime Rate” shall mean the average of the prime interest rates which are announced, from time to time, by the three (3) largest banks (by assets) headquartered in the United States which publish a “prime rate”.

28.04 Headings. Headings of Articles and Sections are inserted only for convenience and are in no way to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the particular Articles or Sections to which they refer.

28.05 Attorneys’ Fees and Costs. If any action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and necessary disbursements in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.

28.06 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with other writings signed by the parties expressly stated to be supplementary hereto and together with any instruments to be executed and delivered pursuant to this Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between the

 

60


parties and supersedes all prior understandings and writings, and may be changed only by a writing signed by the parties hereto.

28.07 Consents. Whenever the consent or approval of Lessee is required under the terms of this Agreement, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, such consent or approval may be granted or withheld by Lessee in its reasonable discretion.

28.08 Eligible Independent Contractor. During the Term of this Agreement, Manager shall at all times qualify as an “eligible independent contractor” as defined in Section 856(d)(9) of the Code (“ Eligible Independent Contractor ”). To that end, during the Term of this Agreement, Manager agrees that:

(a) Manager shall not conduct wagering activities at any of the Hotels;

(b) Manager shall not own, directly or indirectly (within the meaning of Section 856(d)(5) of the Code), more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the outstanding stock of AHP;

(c) no more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the Manager’s partnership interest (in its assets or net profits) shall be owned (within the meaning of Section 856(d)(5) of the Code), directly or indirectly, by one or more persons owning thirty-five percent (35%) (within the meaning of Section 856(d)(5) of the Code) or more of the outstanding stock of AHP;

(d) neither AHP, the Partnership, the Landlords, nor the Lessee, shall derive any income from the Manager or any of its subsidiaries; and

(e) Manager (or a person who is a “related person” within the meaning of Section 856(d)(9)(F) of the Code (a “ Related Person ”) with respect to Manager) shall be actively engaged in the trade or business of operating “qualified lodging facilities” within the meaning of Section 856(d)(9)(D) of the Code (defined below) for one or more persons who are not Related Persons with respect to AHP or Lessee (“ Unrelated Persons ”). For purposes of determining whether the requirement of this paragraph (e) has been met, Manager shall be treated as being “actively engaged” in such a trade or business if Manager (i) derives at least 10% of both its profits and revenue from operating “qualified lodging facilities” within the meaning of Section 856(d)(9)(D) of the Code for Unrelated Persons or (ii) complies with any regulations or other administrative guidance under Section 856(d)(9) of the Code that provide a “safe harbor” rule with respect to the hotel management business with Unrelated Persons that is necessary to qualify as an “eligible independent contractor” within the meaning of such Code section.

A “qualified lodging facility” is defined in Section 856(d)(9)(D) of the Code and means a “Lodging Facility” (defined below), unless wagering activities are conducted at or in connection with such facility by any person who is engaged in the business of accepting wagers and who is fully authorized to engage in such business at or in connection with such facility. A “ Lodging Facility ” is a hotel, motel or other establishment more than one-half of the dwelling units in which are used on a transient

 

61


basis, and includes customary amenities and facilities operated as party of, or associated with, the lodging facility so long as such amenities and facilities are customary for other properties of a comparable size and class owned by other owners unrelated to AHP.

28.09 Environmental Matters.

 

  A. For purposes of this Section 28.09 , “hazardous materials” means any substance or material containing one or more of any of the following: “hazardous material,” “hazardous waste,” “hazardous substance,” “regulated substance,” “petroleum,” “pollutant,” “contaminant,” or “asbestos,” as such terms are defined in any applicable environmental law, in such concentration(s) or amount(s) as may impose clean-up, removal, monitoring or other responsibility under any applicable environmental law, or which may present a significant risk of harm to guests, invitees or employees of the Hotel.

 

  B. Regardless of whether or not a given hazardous material is permitted on the Premises under applicable environmental law, Manager shall only bring on the Premises such hazardous materials as are needed in the normal course of business of the Hotel.

 

  C. In the event of the discovery of hazardous materials (as such term may be defined in any applicable environmental law) on the Premises or in the Hotel during the Term of this Agreement, Lessee shall promptly remove, if required by applicable environmental law, such hazardous materials, together with all contaminated soil and containers, and shall otherwise remedy the problem in accordance with all environmental laws (except to the extent knowingly or recklessly caused by Manager during the Term of this Agreement, whereupon the responsibility to promptly remove and/or remedy the environmental problem shall be that of Manager and at Manager’s sole cost and expense). All costs and expenses of the compliance with all environmental laws shall be paid by Lessee from its own funds (except to the extent knowingly or recklessly caused by Manager during the Term of this Agreement as set forth herein above).

28.10 Equity and Debt Offerings. Neither Lessee nor Manager (as an “ issuing party ”) shall make reference to the other party (the “ non-issuing party ”) or any of its Affiliates in any prospectus, private placement memorandum, offering circular or offering documentation related thereto (collectively, referred to as the “ Prospectus ”), issued by the issuing party, unless the non-issuing party has received a copy of all such references. In no event will the non-issuing party be deemed a sponsor of the offering described in any such Prospectus, nor will it have any responsibility for the Prospectus, and the Prospectus will so state. The issuing party shall be entitled to include in the Prospectus an accurate summary of this Agreement but shall not include any proprietary mark of the non-issuing party without prior written consent of the non-issuing party. The issuing party shall indemnify, defend and hold the non-issuing party and its Affiliates (and their respective directors, officers, shareholders, employees and agents) harmless from and against all loss, costs, liability and damage (including attorneys’ fees and expenses, and the cost of litigation), arising out of any Prospectus or the offering described therein, except for any such

 

62


losses, costs, liability and damage arising from material misstatements or omissions in a Prospectus based on information provided in writing by the non-issuing party expressly for inclusion in the Prospectus.

28.11 Estoppel Certificates. Lessee and Manager will, at any time and from time to time within fifteen (15) days of the request of the other party or a Holder, or a Franchisor (if so permitted under the applicable Franchise Agreement), or a Landlord (if so permitted under the applicable Lease), execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the other party and such Holder, Franchisor or Landlord, as applicable, a certificate certifying:

 

  A. That the Agreement is unmodified and in full force and effect (or, if there have been modifications, that the same is in full force and effect as modified and stating such modifications);

 

  B. The dates, if any, to which the distributions of excess Working Capital have been paid;

 

  C. Whether there are any existing Event(s) of Default or events which, with the passage of time, would become an Event of Default, by the other party to the knowledge of the party making such certification, and specifying the nature of such Event(s) of Default or defaults or events which, with the passage of time, would become an Event of Default, if any; and

 

  D. Such other matters as may be reasonably requested.

Any such certificates may be relied upon by any party to whom the certificate is directed.

28.12 Confidentiality. The Manager shall keep confidential all non-public information obtained in connection with the services rendered under this Agreement and shall not disclose any such information or use any such information except in furtherance of its duties under this Agreement and as may be required by any of its lenders or owners (provided said lenders and/or owners, as applicable agree prior to disclosure to keep such information confidential as set forth in this subparagraph 28.12), or as may be required by applicable Legal Requirements or court order, or as may be required under any Franchise Agreement, Hotel Mortgage, Lease or Ground Lease.

28.13 Modification. Any amendment, supplement or modification of this Agreement must be in writing signed by both parties hereto.

28.14 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which is an original and all of which collectively constitute one instrument.

[Signature Pages to Follow]

 

63


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers, as of the Effective Date.

 

LESSEE :
ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
By:  

     

  David J. Kimichik
  President
MANAGER :
REMINGTON LODGING & HOSPITALITY, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By:  

     

  Monty J. Bennett
  Chief Executive Officer


EXHIBIT “A“

Addendum to Ashford Prime Hotel Master Management Agreement

            , 20    

Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

Dallas, Texas 75254

Attn: Mr. Monty Bennett

 

  Re: Management of Hotel by Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC as Manager

Dear Mr. Bennett:

Please refer to the Ashford Prime Hotel Master Management Agreement, dated as of             , 20     (the “ Management Agreement ”), between Ashford Prime TRS Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ Lessee ”) and Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as Manager (“ Remington ”). Capitalized terms appearing but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Management Agreement.

Lessee, through its wholly owned subsidiary,                                         , a Delaware limited liability company (“ New Lessee ”), hereby appoints Remington to act as manager of the                                          property located at the location set forth on Exhibit “A” attached to this Addendum (“ Addendum ”) and fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes (the “ New Hotel ”).

Accordingly, effective as of             , 20     (“ Effective Date ”), the Management Agreement is amended and modified as follows:

1. New Lessee shall be a party to the Management Agreement as a “Lessee” and agrees to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Management Agreement as “Lessee” thereunder to the extent same are applicable to the New Hotel. Lessee shall have no obligations under the Management Agreement with respect to the New Hotel, and New Lessee shall have no obligations under the Management Agreement with respect to any other Hotel (other than the New Hotel).

2. Remington’s retention by New Lessee as the manager of the New Hotel from and after the Effective Date shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Management Agreement, as amended hereby, to the same extent as if New Lessee were the “Lessee” thereunder.

3. The following exhibits and schedules attached to the Management Agreement are hereby supplemented with the information on such exhibits as shown on the following exhibits attached hereto:

 

Schedule 1-1


Exhibits :
Exhibit “A” - Hotel Information for New Hotel
Exhibit “B” - Description of Lease for New Hotel
Exhibit “B-1” – Legal Description for Site of New Hotel
Exhibit “C” – Description of Franchise Agreement and Franchisor for New Hotel
Exhibit “D” – Annual Operating Budget for the Hotel
Schedules :
Schedule 1 - Competitive Set of New Hotel

[Signature pages to follow]

 

2


Please execute in the space provided for your signature below to evidence your agreement to the contents of this Addendum.

 

Sincerely yours,
LESSEE:
ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
By:  

 

Name:   David J. Kimichik
Title:   President
NEW LESSEE:
                    LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By:  

 

Name:   David J. Kimichik
Title:   President

 

3


AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED
AS OF             , 20    :
MANAGER :
REMINGTON LODGING & HOSPITALITY, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
By:  

 

  Monty Bennett
  CEO

 

4


EXHIBIT “A”

Hotel Information

 

Affiliate

Property Owner

  

Property

  

Commencement Date

     

 

5


EXHIBIT “B”

Description of Lease

 

PROPERTY

  

LANDLORD

  

LESSEE

  

DATE OF LEASE

        

 

6


EXHIBIT “B-1”

Legal Description of Site of New Hotel

 

7


Exhibit “C”

Description of Franchise Agreement and Franchisor

 

8


EXHIBIT “D”

Annual Operating Budget

 

9


SCHEDULE 1

Competitive Set of Hotel

 

10


EXHIBIT “B”

Project Management Addendum to Ashford Prime Hotel Master Management Agreement

            , 20    

Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

Dallas, Texas 75254

Attn: Mr. Monty Bennett

 

  Re: Project Management of a New Non-Managed Hotel by Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC

Dear Mr. Bennett:

Please refer to the Ashford Prime Hotel Master Management Agreement, dated as of             , 2013 (the “ Management Agreement ”), between Ashford Prime TRS Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ Lessee ”) and Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Manager ”). Capitalized terms appearing but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Management Agreement.

Effective as of the date hereof (the “ Commencement Date ”), Lessee, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ashford TRS                     LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ New Lessee ”), hereby appoints Manager to manage, coordinate, plan and execute the capital improvements budget (“ Project Management Work ”) and Project Related Services for the                     property located at the location set forth on Exhibit “A” attached to this Project Management Addendum (the “ New Non-Managed Hotel ”), in exchange for payment by Lessee of the Project Management Fee and Market Service Fees, all in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Management Agreement.

In addition:

1. The New Non-Managed Hotel shall constitute a “Non-Managed Hotel” under the Management Agreement. New Lessee shall be a party to the Management Agreement as “Lessee” and agrees to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Management Agreement as “Lessee” thereunder to the extent same are applicable to the New Non-Managed Hotel. Lessee shall have no obligations under the Management Agreement with respect to the New Non-Managed Hotel, and New Lessee shall have no obligations under the Management Agreement with respect to any of the other Hotels or other Non-Managed Hotels (other than the New Non-Managed Hotel).

2. Remington’s retention by New Lessee to perform Project Management Work and Project Related Services at the New Non-Managed Hotel from and after the Effective Date shall be

 

11


subject to the terms and conditions of the Management Agreement to the same extent as if New Lessee were the “Lessee” thereunder.

[Signature pages to follow]

 

12


Please execute in the space provided for your signature below to evidence your agreement to the contents of this Project Management Addendum.

 

Sincerely yours,
LESSEE:
ASHFORD TRS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
By:  

 

Name:   David J. Kimichik
Title:   President
NEW LESSEE:
ASHFORD TRS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By:  

 

Name:   David J. Kimichik
Title:   President

 

13


AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED
AS OF             , 20    :
MANAGER :
REMINGTON LODGING & HOSPITALITY, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
By:  

 

  Monty Bennett
  CEO

 

14


EXHIBIT “A”

Hotel Information

 

Affiliate Property Owner

  

Property

  

 

15

Exhibit 10.7

EXECUTION VERSION

ASHFORD PRIME HOTEL MASTER MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

by and between

ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

and

REMINGTON LODGING & HOSPITALITY, LLC

a Delaware limited liability company


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITION OF TERMS

     7   

1.01

 

Definition of Terms

     7   

ARTICLE II TERM OF AGREEMENT

     17   

2.01

 

Term

     17   

2.02

 

Actions to be Taken upon Termination

     18   

2.03

 

Early Termination Rights; Liquidated Damages

     19   

ARTICLE III PREMISES

     23   

ARTICLE IV APPOINTMENT OF MANAGER

     23   

4.01

 

Appointment

     23   

4.02

 

Delegation of Authority

     24   

4.03

 

Contracts, Equipment Leases and Other Agreements

     24   

4.04

 

Alcoholic Beverage/Liquor Licensing Requirements

     24   

ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     24   

5.01

 

Lessee Representations

     24   

5.02

 

Manager Representations

     25   

ARTICLE VI OPERATION

     26   

6.01

 

Name of Premises; Standard of Operation

     26   

6.02

 

Use of Premises

     27   

6.03

 

Group Services

     28   

6.04

 

Right to Inspect

     28   

ARTICLE VII WORKING CAPITAL AND INVENTORIES

     29   

7.01

 

Working Capital and Inventories

     29   

7.02

 

Fixed Asset Supplies

     29   

 

2


ARTICLE VIII MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT AND CHANGES

     30   

8.01

 

Routine and Non-Routine Repairs and Maintenance

     30   

8.02

 

Capital Improvement Reserve

     30   

ARTICLE IX EMPLOYEES

     35   

9.01

 

Employee Hiring

     35   

9.02

 

Costs; Benefit Plans

     35   

9.03

 

Manager’s Employees

     37   

9.04

 

Special Projects - Corporate Employees

     37   

9.05

 

Termination

     38   

9.06

 

Employee Use of Hotel

     39   

9.07

 

Non-Solicitation

     39   

ARTICLE X BUDGET, STANDARDS AND CONTRACTS

     39   

10.01

 

Annual Operating Budget

     39   

10.02

 

Budget Approval

     39   

10.03

 

Operation Pending Approval

     40   

10.04

 

Budget Meetings

     40   

ARTICLE XI OPERATING DISTRIBUTIONS

     41   

11.01

 

Management Fee

     41   

11.02

 

Accounting and Interim Payment

     41   

ARTICLE XII INSURANCE

     42   

12.01

 

Insurance

     42   

12.02

 

Replacement Cost

     43   

12.03

 

Increase in Limits

     43   

12.04

 

Blanket Policy

     44   

12.05

 

Costs and Expenses

     44   

 

3


12.06

 

Policies and Endorsements

     44   

12.07

 

Termination

     44   

ARTICLE XIII TAXES AND DEBT SERVICE

     45   

13.01

 

Taxes

     45   

13.02

 

Debt Service; Ground Lease Payments

     45   

ARTICLE XIV BANK ACCOUNTS

     45   

ARTICLE XV ACCOUNTING SYSTEM

     47   

15.01

 

Books and Records

     47   

15.02

 

Monthly Financial Statements

     47   

15.03

 

Annual Financial Statements

     47   

ARTICLE XVI PAYMENT BY LESSEE

     48   

16.01

 

Payment of Base Management Fee

     48   

16.02

 

Distributions

     48   

16.03

 

Payment Option

     48   

ARTICLE XVII RELATIONSHIP AND AUTHORITY

     49   

ARTICLE XVIII DAMAGE, CONDEMNATION AND FORCE MAJEURE

     50   

18.01

 

Damage and Repair

     50   

18.02

 

Condemnation

     50   

18.03

 

Force Majeure

     51   

18.04

 

Liquidated Damages if Casualty

     51   

18.05

 

No Liquidated Damages if Condemnation or Force Majeure

     51   

ARTICLE XIX DEFAULT AND TERMINATION

     52   

19.01

 

Events of Default

     52   

19.02

 

Consequence of Default

     52   

ARTICLE XX WAIVER AND INVALIDITY

     53   

 

4


20.01

 

Waiver

     53   

20.02

 

Partial Invalidity

     53   

ARTICLE XXI ASSIGNMENT

     53   

ARTICLE XXII NOTICES

     54   

ARTICLE XXIII SUBORDINATION; NON-DISTURBANCE

     55   

23.01

 

Subordination

     55   

23.02

 

Non-Disturbance Agreement

     55   

ARTICLE XXIV PROPRIETARY MARKS; INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

     56   

24.01

 

Proprietary Marks

     56   

24.02

 

Computer Software and Equipment

     56   

24.03

 

Intellectual Property

     56   

24.04

 

Books and Records

     57   

ARTICLE XXV INDEMNIFICATION

     57   

25.01

 

Manager Indemnity

     57   

25.02

 

Lessee Indemnity

     57   

25.03

 

Indemnification Procedure

     58   

25.04

 

Survival

     58   

25.05

 

No Successor Liability

     58   

ARTICLE XXVI NEW HOTELS AND NON-MANAGED HOTELS

     59   

ARTICLE XXVII GOVERNING; LAW VENUE

     59   

ARTICLE XXVIII MISCELLANEOUS

     60   

28.01

 

Rights to Make Agreement

     60   

28.02

 

Agency

     60   

28.03

 

Failure to Perform

     60   

28.04

 

Headings

     60   

 

5


28.05

 

Attorneys’ Fees and Costs

     60   

28.06

 

Entire Agreement

     60   

28.07

 

Consents

     61   

28.08

 

Eligible Independent Contractor

     61   

28.09

 

Environmental Matters

     62   

28.10

 

Equity and Debt Offerings

     62   

28.11

 

Estoppel Certificates

     63   

28.12

 

Confidentiality

     63   

28.13

 

Modification

     63   

28.14

 

Counterparts

     63   

 

6


ASHFORD PRIME HOTEL MASTER MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

THIS ASHFORD PRIME HOTEL MASTER MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT is made and entered into on this 19th day of November, 2013, by and between ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as “ Lessee ”), REMINGTON LODGING & HOSPITALITY, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (hereinafter referred to as “ Manager ”), and for the limited purposes of Article VIII herein, the Landlords (defined below).

R E C I T A L S:

1. Lessee desires to retain Manager to manage and operate each Hotel (as defined below), and Manager is willing to perform such services for the account of Lessee, all as more particularly set forth in this Agreement.

A G R E E M E N T S:

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITION OF TERMS

1.01 Definition of Terms. The following terms when used in this Agreement shall have the meanings indicated below.

Accounting Period ” shall mean a calendar month.

Addendum ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Article XXVI .

Agreement ” shall mean this Master Management Agreement, and all amendments, modifications, supplements, consolidations, extensions and revisions to this Master Management Agreement approved by Lessee and Manager in accordance with the provisions hereof.

AHP ” means Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

Annual Operating Budget ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 10.01 .

AOB Objection Notice ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 10.02 .

Applicable Standards ” shall mean standards of operation for the Premises which are (a) in accordance with the requirements of the applicable Franchise Agreement, this Agreement and all CCRs affecting the Premises and of which true and complete copies have been made available by Lessee to Manager, (b) in accordance with applicable Legal Requirements, (c) in accordance with the terms and conditions of any Hotel Mortgage or Ground

 

7


Lease to the extent not otherwise inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement (to the extent Lessee has made available to Manager true and complete copies of the applicable loan documents relating to any such Hotel Mortgage and/or the Ground Leases), (d) in accordance with the Leases (to the extent Lessee has made available to Manager a true and complete copy thereof), (e) in accordance with the requirements of any carrier having insurance on the Hotel or any part thereof (to the extent Manager has been given written notice of such requirements or policies and/or has coordinated same on behalf of Lessee), and (f) in accordance with the requirements of Section 856(d)(9)(D) of the Code for qualifying each Hotel as a Qualified Lodging Facility.

Approval Requirement ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.02I .

Base Management Fee ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 11.01A .

Benefit Plans ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 9.02 .

Black-Scholes Amount ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 16.03B .

Black-Scholes Model ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 16.03B .

Business Day ” shall mean any day excluding (i) Saturday, (ii) Sunday, (iii) any day which is a legal holiday under the laws of the States of New York, Maryland or Texas, and (iv) any day on which banking institutions located in such states are generally not open for the conduct of regular business.

Budgeted HP ” shall mean the House Profit as set forth in the Annual Operating Budget for the applicable Fiscal Year, as approved by Lessee and Manager pursuant to Article X hereof.

CCRs ” shall mean those certain restrictive covenants encumbering the Premises recorded in the real property records of the county where such premises are located, as described in the owner policies of title insurance relating to such premises, a copy of which are acknowledged received by the Manager.

Capital Improvement Budget ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.02E .

Cash Management Agreements ” shall mean agreements, if any, entered into by Lessee, Landlord and a Holder for the collection and disbursement of any Gross Revenues, Deductions, Management Fees or excess Working Capital with respect to the applicable Premises, which constitute a part of the loan documents executed and delivered in connection with any Hotel Mortgage by Landlord.

Capital Improvement Reserve ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.02A .

CIB Objection Notice ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.02E .

 

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CPI ” means the Consumer Price Index, published for all Urban Consumers for the U.S. City Average for All Items, 1982-84=100 issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor, as published in the Wall Street Journal.

Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Commencement Date ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.01 .

Competitive Set ” shall mean, for each Hotel, the hotels situated in the same market segment as such Hotel as noted on Schedule 1 to the applicable Addendum for such Hotel, which competitive set shall include such Hotel. The Competitive Set may be changed from time to time by mutual agreement of Lessee and Manager to reasonably and accurately reflect a set within the market of such Hotel that is comparable in rate quality and in operation to such Hotel and directly competitive with such Hotel.

Contract(s) ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 4.03 .

Debt Service ” shall mean actual scheduled payments of principal and interest, including accrued and cumulative interest, payable by a Landlord with respect to any Hotel Mortgage.

Deductions ” shall mean the following matters:

 

  1. Employee Costs and Expenses (including, Employee Claims but excluding Excluded Employee Claims);

 

  2. Administrative and general expenses and the cost of advertising and business promotion, heat, light, power, communications (i.e., telephone, fax, cable service and internet) and other utilities and routine repairs, maintenance and minor alterations pertaining to the Premises;

 

  3. The cost of replacing, maintaining or replenishing Inventories and Fixed Asset Supplies consumed in the operation of the Premises;

 

  4. A reasonable reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable as reasonably determined by Manager and approved by Lessee (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld);

 

  5. All costs and fees of independent accountants, attorneys or other third parties who perform services related to the Hotel or the operation thereof, including, without limitation, an allocation of costs of Manager’s in-house corporate counsel who performs legal services directly for the benefit of the Hotels to be allocated on a fair and equitable cost basis as reasonably determined by Manager and approved by Lessee (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld);

 

  6.

The cost and expense of non-routine technical consultants and operational experts for specialized services in connection with the Premises, including, without limitation, an

 

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  allocation of costs of Manager’s corporate staff who may perform special services directly related to the Hotels such as sales and marketing, revenue management, training, property tax services, federal, state and/or local tax services, recruiting, and similar functions or services as set forth in Section 9.04 , to be allocated on a fair and equitable cost basis as reasonably determined by Manager and approved by Lessee (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld);

 

  7. Insurance costs and expenses as provided in Article XII ;

 

  8. Real estate and personal property taxes levied or assessed against the Premises by duly authorized taxing authorities and such other taxes, if any, payable by or assessed against Manager or the Premises related to the operation and/or ownership of the Premises;

 

  9. Franchise fees, royalties, license fees, or compensation or consideration paid or payable to the Franchisor (as hereinafter defined), or any successor Franchisor, pursuant to a Franchise Agreement (as hereinafter defined);

 

  10. The Premises’ allocable share of the actual costs and expenses incurred by Manager in providing Group Services as provided in Section 6.03 hereof;

 

  11. The Management Fee;

 

  12. Rental payments made under equipment leases; and

 

  13. Other expenses incurred in connection with the maintenance or operation of the Premises not expressly set forth above and authorized pursuant to this Agreement.

Deductions shall not include: (a) depreciation and amortization, (b) Debt Service, (c) Ground Lease Payments, or (d) payments allocated or made to the Capital Improvement Reserve.

Designated Fees ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 16.03 .

Effective Date ” shall mean the date this Agreement is fully executed and delivered.

Eligible Independent Contractor ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 28.08 .

Emergency Expenses ” shall mean any expenses, regardless of amount, which, in Manager’s reasonable judgment, are immediately necessary to protect the physical integrity or lawful operation of the Hotel or the health or safety of its occupants.

Employee Claims ” shall mean any claims (including all fines, judgments, penalties, costs, litigation and/or arbitration expenses, attorneys’ fees and expenses, and costs of settlement with respect to any such claim) made by or in respect of an employee or potential hire

 

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of Manager against Manager and/or Lessee which are based on a violation or alleged violation of the Employment Laws or alleged contractual obligations.

Employee Costs and Expenses ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 9.03 .

Employee Related Termination Costs ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 9.05 .

Employment Laws ” shall mean all applicable federal, state and local laws (including, without limitation, any statutes, regulations, ordinances or common laws) regarding the employment, hiring or discharge of persons.

Event(s) of Default ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article XIX .

Excluded Employee Claims ” shall mean any Employee Claims (a) to the extent attributable to a substantial violation by Manager of Employment Laws, or (b) which do not arise from an isolated act of an individual employee but rather is the direct result of corporate policies of Manager which either encourage or fail to discourage the conduct from which such Employee Claim arises.

Executive Employees ” shall mean each member of the senior executive or Premises level staff and each department head of the Hotel.

Expiration Date ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.01 .

FF&E ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.01 .

Fiscal Year ” shall mean the twelve (12) month calendar year ending December 31, except that the first Fiscal Year and last Fiscal Year of the term of this Agreement may not be full calendar years.

Fixed Asset Supplies ” shall mean supply items included within “Property and Equipment” under the Uniform System of Accounts, including linen, china, glassware, silver, uniforms, and similar items.

Force Majeure ” shall mean any act of God (including adverse weather conditions); act of the state or federal government in its sovereign or contractual capacity; war; civil disturbance, riot or mob violence; terrorism; earthquake, flood, fire or other casualty; epidemic; quarantine restriction; labor strikes or lock out; freight embargo; civil disturbance; or similar causes beyond the reasonable control of Manager.

Franchisor ” shall mean the franchisors and any successor franchisors selected by Lessee (subject to the terms of the Leases) identified on Exhibit “C” to the applicable Addendum for the Hotel.

 

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Franchise Agreement ” shall mean any license agreements between a Franchisor and Lessee and/or Landlord, as applicable, as such license agreements are amended from time to time, and any other contract hereafter entered into between Lessee and/or Landlord, as applicable, and such Franchisor pertaining to the name and operating procedures, systems and standards, as described on Exhibit “C” to the applicable Addendum for the Hotel.

full replacement cost ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 12.02 .

GAAP ” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied as recognized by the accounting industry and standards within the United States.

General Manager ” or “ General Managers ” shall have the meanings as set forth in Section 9.07 .

Gross Operating Profit ” shall mean the actual gross operating profit of the Premises determined generally in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts, consistently applied and consistent with the determination thereof in the Annual Operating Budget.

Gross Operating Profit Margin ” shall mean for any applicable Fiscal Year, the quotient expressed as a percentage, (i) the numerator of which is the Gross Operating Profit, and (ii) the denominator of which is Gross Revenues.

Gross Revenues ” shall mean all revenues and receipts of every kind received from operating the Premises and all departments and parts thereof, including but not limited to, income from both cash and credit transactions, income from the rental of rooms, stores, offices, banquet rooms, conference rooms, exhibits or sale space of every kind, license, lease and concession fees and rentals (not including gross receipts of licensees, lessees and concessionaires), vending machines, health club membership fees, food and beverage sales, wholesale and retail sales of merchandise, service charges, and proceeds, if any, from business interruption or other loss of income insurance; provided, however, Gross Revenues shall not include (a) gratuities to the Premises’ employees, (b) federal, state or municipal excise, sales or use taxes or similar impositions collected directly from customers, patrons or guests or included as part of the sales prices of any goods or services paid over to federal, state or municipal governments, (c) property insurance or condemnation proceeds (excluding proceeds from business interruption or other loss of income coverage), (d) proceeds from the sale or refinance of assets other than sales in the ordinary course of business, (e) funds furnished by the Lessee, (f) judgments and awards other than for lost business, (g) the amount of all credits, rebates or refunds (which shall be deductions from Gross Revenues) to customers, patrons or guests, (h) receipts of licensees, concessionaires, and tenants, (i) payments received at any of the Hotels for hotel accommodations, goods or services to be provided at other hotels, although arranged by, for or on behalf of Manager; (j) the value of complimentary rooms, food and beverages, (k) interest income, (l) lease security deposits, and (m) items constituting “allowances” under the Uniform System of Accounts.

Ground Lease Payments ” shall mean payments due under any Ground Lease and payable by Landlord thereunder.

 

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Ground Lease ” shall mean any ground lease agreements relating to the Hotel, executed by Landlord with any third party landlords.

Group Services ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 6.03 .

Holder ” shall mean the holder of any Hotel Mortgage and the indebtedness secured thereby, and such holder’s successors and assigns.

Hotel ” shall mean the hotel or motel property leased by Lessee and managed by Manager pursuant to an Addendum.

Hotel Mortgage ” shall mean, collectively, any mortgage or deed of trust hereafter from time to time, encumbering all or any portion of the Premises (or the leasehold interest therein), together with all other instruments evidencing or securing payment of the indebtedness secured by such mortgage or deed of trust and all amendments, modifications, supplements, extensions and revisions of such mortgage, deed of trust, and other instruments.

Hotel’s REVPAR Yield Penetration ” shall mean, for a Hotel for any applicable Fiscal Year, (i) such Hotel’s actual occupancy rate multiplied by the actual average daily rate, divided by (ii) the Competitive Set’s occupancy rate multiplied by the Competitive Set’s average daily rate for the same Fiscal Period. The determination of the Competitive Set’s occupancy and rate shall be made by reference to the Smith Travel Research reports or its successor or comparable market research reports prepared by another nationally recognized hospitality firm reasonably acceptable to Lessee and Manager.

House Profit ” shall mean the actual house profit of the Premises determined generally in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts, consistently applied and consistent with the determination thereof in the Annual Operating Budget.

HP Test ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 11.01B .

Incentive Fee ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 11.01B .

Indemnifying Party ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 25.03 .

Independent Directors ” shall mean those directors of AHP who are “independent” within the meaning of the rules of the New York Stock Exchange or such other national securities exchange or interdealer quotation system on which AHP’s common stock is then principally traded.

Intellectual Property ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 24.03 .

Inventories ” shall mean “ Inventories ” as defined in the Uniform System of Accounts, such as provisions in storerooms, refrigerators, pantries and kitchens, beverages in wine cellars and bars, other merchandise intended for sale, fuel, mechanical supplies, stationery, and other supplies and similar items.

 

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issuing party ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 28.10 .

Key Employees ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 9.07 .

Landlords ” shall mean the landlords under the Leases.

Leases ” shall mean any lease agreements as amended, modified, supplemented, and extended from time to time, executed by Lessee as tenant and the Landlords, as described on Exhibit “B” attached to an Addendum.

Legal Requirements ” shall mean all laws, statutes, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations, permits, licenses, authorizations, directions and requirements of all governments and governmental authorities, which now or hereafter may be applicable to the Premises and the operation of the Hotels.

Lessee ” shall have the meaning as set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement; provided, if Lessee is not the “lessee” under the Lease for the Hotel or a Non-Managed Hotel, the term “Lessee” with respect to the Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel shall mean the “lessee” under the Lease, as designated in the applicable Addendum for the Hotel or Project Management Addendum for the Non-Managed Hotel.

Management Fee ” shall collectively mean the Base Management Fee, the Incentive Fee, the Project Management Fee, the Market Service Fee, and any other fees payable to Manager pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

Manager ” shall have the meaning as set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Manager Affiliate Entity ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Article XXI .

Market Service Fees ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.02(G) .

Mutual Exclusivity Agreement ” shall mean that certain Mutual Exclusivity Agreement dated the date hereof among the Partnership, AHP, Manager and Monty J. Bennett.

Necessary Expenses ” shall mean any expenses, regardless of amount, which are necessary for the continued operation of the Hotel in accordance with Legal Requirements and the Applicable Standards and which are not within the reasonable control of Manager (including, but not limited to those for taxes, utility charges, approved leases and contracts, licensing and permits).

Net Operating Income ” shall be equal to Gross Operating Profit less (i) all amounts to be paid or credited to the Capital Improvement Reserve, and (ii) Rental Payments to the extent that such rental payments are not properly chargeable as an operating expense.

Non-Disturbance Agreement ” means an agreement, in recordable form in the jurisdiction in which a Hotel is located, executed and delivered by the Holder of a Hotel

 

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Mortgage or a Landlord, as applicable, (which agreement shall by its terms be binding upon all assignees of such lender or landlord and upon any individual or entity that acquires title to or possession of a Hotel (referred to as a “ Subsequent Owner ”), for the benefit of Manager, pursuant to which, in the event such holder (or its assignee) or landlord (or its assignee) or any Subsequent Owner comes into possession of or acquires title to a Hotel, such holder (and its assignee) or landlord (or its assignee) and all Subsequent Owners shall (x) recognize Manager’s rights under this Agreement, and (y) shall not name Manager as a party in any foreclosure action or proceeding, and (z) shall not disturb Manager in its right to continue to manage the Hotels pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that at such time, (i) this Agreement has not expired or otherwise been earlier terminated in accordance with its terms, and (ii) there are no outstanding Events of Default by Manager, and (iii) no material event has occurred and no material condition exists which, after notice or the passage of time or both, would entitle Lessee to terminate this Agreement.

non-issuing party ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 28.10 .

Non-Managed Hotel ” shall mean any hotel or motel property leased by Lessee from an Affiliate of the Partnership for which a Project Management Addendum has been executed and delivered by the parties thereto, and that is not a Hotel managed by Manager pursuant to an Addendum.

Notice ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Article XXII .

Operating Account ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Article XIV .

Partnership ” means Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership.

Payment Option Request ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 16.03 .

Performance Cure Period ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.03(b)(i)(2) .

Performance Failure ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.03(b)(i)(1) .

Performance Test ” shall have the meaning as defined in Section 2.03(b)(i) .

Predecessor Manager ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 25.05 .

Premises ” shall mean, as to each Hotel, the Lessee’s leasehold interest in such Hotel and Site pursuant to the terms and conditions of the applicable Lease.

Prime Rate ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 28.03 .

Project Management Fee ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.02G .

 

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Project Management Addendum ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Article XXVI .

Project Related Services ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 8.02G .

Property Service Account ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 13.02 .

Proprietary Marks ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 24.01 .

Prospectus ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 28.10 .

Qualified Lodging Facility ” shall mean a “qualified lodging facility” as defined in Section 856(d)(9)(D) of the Code and means a “Lodging Facility” (defined below), unless wagering activities are conducted at or in connection with such facility by any person who is engaged in the business of accepting wagers and who is legally authorized to engage in such business at or in connection with such facility. A “ Lodging Facility ” is a hotel, motel or other establishment more than one-half of the dwelling units in which are used on a transient basis, and includes customary amenities and facilities operated as part of, or associated with, the lodging facility so long as such amenities and facilities are customary for other properties of a comparable size and class owned by other owners unrelated to AHP.

Reasonable Working Capital ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 16.02 .

Related Person ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 28.08(e) .

Rental Payments ” shall mean rental payments made under equipment leases permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

REVPAR ” shall mean the revenue per available room, determined by taking the actual occupancy rate of the applicable hotel and multiplying such rate by the actual average daily rate of such hotel.

Sale ” shall mean any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition, for value or otherwise, voluntary or involuntary of Landlord’s title (whether fee or leasehold) in the Hotel, or of a controlling interest therein, other than a collateral assignment intended to provide security for a loan, and shall include any such disposition through the disposition of the ownership interests in the entity that holds such title and any lease or sublease of the Hotel.

Site ” shall mean, as to a Hotel, those certain tracts or parcels of land described in “ Exhibit B-1 ” attached to the applicable Addendum.

Software ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 24.02 .

Strike Price ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 16.03 .

 

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Subject Hotel ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(b)(i) .

Targeted REVPAR Yield Penetration ” shall mean, as to a Hotel, 80%.

Term ” shall mean, as to the Hotel, the contractual duration of this Agreement for the Hotel, as defined in Section 2.01 .

Termination ” shall mean the expiration or sooner cessation of this Agreement as to a Hotel.

Termination Date ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.01 .

Uniform System of Accounts ” shall mean the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry, 9th Revised Edition, as may be modified from time to time by the International Association of Hospitality Accountants.

Unrelated Person ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 28.08(e) .

Working Capital ” shall mean the amounts by which current assets exceed current liabilities as defined by the Uniform System of Accounts which are reasonably necessary for the day-to-day operation of the Premises’ business, including, without limitation, the excess of change and petty cash funds, operating bank accounts, receivables, prepaid expenses and funds required to maintain Inventories, over the amount of accounts payable and accrued current liabilities.

ARTICLE II

TERM OF AGREEMENT

2.01 Term. The term (“ Term ”) of this Agreement shall commence for each Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel, as the case may be, on the “ Commencement Date ” as noted on Exhibit “A” of the Addendum for such Hotel or the Project Management Addendum for such Non-Managed Hotel, and, unless sooner terminated as herein provided, shall continue until the “Termination Date.” For purposes of this Agreement, the “ Termination Date ” for each Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel shall be the earlier to occur of (i) the Expiration Date applicable to such Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel, (ii) termination at the option of Lessee in connection with the bona fide Sale of the Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel by Landlord or Lessee to an unaffiliated third party as provided in and subject to the terms of Section 2.03(a) hereof, (iii) termination at the option of Lessee after the Performance Test has not been satisfied pursuant to and subject to the terms and conditions of Section 2.03(b) below, (iv) termination at the option of Lessee for convenience pursuant to and subject to the terms and conditions of Section 2.03(c) below, or (v) termination by either Lessee or Manager pursuant to Article XVIII hereof in connection with a condemnation, casualty or Force Majeure, subject to the terms thereof. The “ Expiration Date ” with respect to a Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel shall mean the 10 th anniversary of the Commencement Date applicable to such Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel, provided that such initial 10-year term may thereafter be renewed by Manager, at its option, on the same terms and conditions contained herein, for three (3) successive periods of seven (7) Fiscal Years each, and thereafter, for a final period of four (4) Fiscal Years; and provided further, that at the time of

 

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exercise of any such option to renew, an Event of Default by Manager does not then exist beyond any applicable grace or cure period. If at any time of the exercise of any renewal period, Manager is then in default under this Agreement, then the exercise of the renewal option will be conditional on timely cure of such default, and if such default is not timely cured, then Lessee may terminate this Agreement regardless of the exercise of such renewal period and without the payment of any fee or liquidated damages. If Manager desires to exercise any such option to renew, it shall give Lessee Notice to that effect not less than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the then current Term. Notwithstanding the expiration or earlier termination of the Term, Lessee and Manager agree that the obligations of Lessee to pay, remit, reimburse and to otherwise indemnify Manager for any and all expenses and fees incurred or accrued by Manager pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement prior to the expiration or earlier termination of the Term (or actually incurred by Manager after the termination) shall survive Termination, provided such expenses and fees have been incurred consistent with the then current terms of this Agreement and the applicable Annual Operating Budget or Capital Improvement Budget, including, without limitation but only to the extent so consistent, all costs, expenses and liabilities arising from the termination of the Premises’ employees such as accrued vacation and sick leave, severance pay and other accrued benefits, employer liabilities pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and employer liabilities pursuant to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. In addition, subject to Section 19.02 below and the foregoing sentence, upon Termination of this Agreement as to a Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel, Lessee and Manager shall have no further obligations to one another pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel, except that Section 2.02 , obligations to make payments under Section 2.03 or Section 9.05 , Section 9.07 , the last sentence of Section 15.01 , obligations to make payments of termination fees pursuant to Article XVIII , Article XXIV , Article XXV, Article XXVII and Section 28.12 shall survive Termination.

2.02 Actions to be Taken upon Termination. Upon a Termination of this Agreement as to a Hotel, the following shall be applicable:

 

  A. Manager shall, within forty-five (45) days after Termination of this Agreement as to a Hotel, prepare and deliver to Lessee a final accounting statement with respect to the Hotel, in form and substance consistent with the statements provided pursuant to Section 15.02 , along with a statement of any sums due from Lessee to Manager pursuant hereto, dated as of the date of Termination. Within thirty (30) days after the receipt by Lessee of such final accounting statement, the parties will make whatever cash adjustments are necessary pursuant to such final statement. The cost of preparing such final accounting statement shall be a Deduction. Manager and Lessee acknowledge that there may be certain adjustments for which the necessary information will not be available at the time of such final accounting, and the parties agree to readjust such amounts and make the necessary cash adjustments when such information becomes available.

 

  B.

As of the date of the final accounting referred to in subsection A above, Manager shall release and transfer to Lessee any of Lessee’s funds which are held or controlled by Manager with respect to the Hotel, with the exception of funds to

 

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  be held in escrow pursuant to Section 9.05 and Section 12.07 . During the period between the date of Termination and the date of such final accounting, Manager shall pay (or reserve against) all Deductions which accrued (but were not paid) prior to the date of Termination, using for such purpose any Gross Revenues which accrued prior to the date of Termination.

 

  C. Manager shall make available to Lessee such books and records respecting the Hotel (including those from prior years, subject to Manager’s reasonable records retention policies) as will be needed by Lessee to prepare the accounting statements, in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts, for the Hotel for the year in which the Termination occurs and for any subsequent year. Such books and records shall not include: (i) employee records which must remain confidential pursuant to either Legal Requirements or confidentiality agreements, or (ii) any Intellectual Property.

 

  D. Manager shall (to the extent permitted by Legal Requirements) assign to Lessee, or to any other manager employed by Lessee to operate and manage the Hotel, all operating licenses for the Hotel which have been issued in Manager’s name; provided that if Manager has expended any of its own funds in the acquisition of any of such licenses, Lessee shall reimburse Manager therefor if it has not done so already.

 

  E. Lessee agrees that hotel reservations and any and all contracts made in connection with hotel convention, banquet or other group services made by Manager in the ordinary and normal course of business consistent with this Agreement, for dates subsequent to the date of Termination and at rates prevailing for such reservations at the time they were made, shall be honored and remain in effect after Termination of this Agreement.

 

  F. Manager shall cooperate with the new operator of the Hotel as to effect a smooth transition and shall peacefully vacate and surrender the Hotel to Lessee.

 

  G. Manager and Lessee agree to use best efforts to resolve any disputes amicably and promptly under this Section 2.02 to effect a smooth transition of the Hotel to Lessee and/or Lessee’s new manager.

2.03 Early Termination Rights; Liquidated Damages.

(a) Termination Upon Sale . Upon Notice to Manager, Lessee shall have the option to terminate this Agreement with respect to one, more or all of the Hotels or Non-Managed Hotels effective as of the closing of the Sale of such Hotels or Non-Managed Hotels to a third party. Such Notice shall be given at least forty-five (45) days’ in advance (unless otherwise required by Legal Requirements, in which case Lessee shall provide such additional notice in order to comply with such Legal Requirements) and shall inform Manager of the identity of the contract purchaser. Manager, at its election, may offer to provide management services to such contract purchaser after the closing of the sale. Lessee shall, in connection with such Sale, by a separate document reasonably

 

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acceptable to Lessee and Manager, indemnify and save Manager harmless against any and all losses, costs, damages, liabilities and court costs, claims and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees arising or resulting from the failure of Lessee or such prospective purchaser to provide any of the services contracted for in connection with the business booked for such hotels to, and including, the date of such Termination, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including without limitation, any and all business so booked as to which facilities and/or services are to be furnished subsequent to the date of Termination, provided that any settlement by Manager of any such claims shall be subject to the prior written approval of Lessee which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. In addition, the following terms shall apply in connection with the sale of any Hotel:

(i) If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 2.03(a) with respect to a Hotel prior to the first anniversary of the Commencement Date applicable to such Hotel, then Lessee shall pay to Manager on such termination, a termination fee as liquidated damages and not as a penalty (provided that an Event of Default by Manager is not then existing beyond any cure or grace periods set forth in this Agreement) in an amount equal to the estimated Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee that was estimated to be paid to Manager with respect to such Hotel pursuant to the Annual Operating Budget for the remaining Accounting Periods until the first anniversary of the Commencement Date for such Hotel (irrespective of the Management Fees paid to Manager prior to the date of the Termination with respect to such Hotel). If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 2.03(a) with respect to a Hotel after the first anniversary of the Commencement Date applicable to such Hotel, then no termination fees shall be payable by Lessee for such Hotel.

(b) Termination Due to Failure to Satisfy Performance Test .

(i) Performance Test . Lessee shall have the right to terminate this Agreement with respect to any Hotel (for the purposes of this Section 2.03(b)(i) called “ Subject Hotel ”), subject to the payment of a termination fee as set forth in subsection (ii) below, in the event of the occurrence of the following (collectively herein called, the “ Performance Test ”):

(1) If for any Fiscal Year (a) a Subject Hotel’s Gross Operating Profit Margin for such Fiscal Year is less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the average Gross Operating Profit Margin of comparable hotels in similar markets and geographic locations to the applicable Hotel as reasonably determined by Lessee and Manager, and (b) such Subject Hotel’s REVPAR Yield Penetration is less than the Targeted REVPAR Yield Penetration for such Fiscal Year (herein (a) and (b) collectively called “ Performance Failure ”); then

(2) Manager shall have a period of two (2) years, commencing with the next ensuing Fiscal Year (the “ Performance Cure Period ”), to

 

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cure the Performance Failure after Manager’s receipt of Notice from Lessee of such Performance Failure and Lessee’s intent to terminate this Agreement with respect to the Subject Hotel if the Performance Failure is not cured within such Performance Cure Period; and

(3) If after the first full Fiscal Year during the Performance Cure Period, the Performance Failure remains uncured, then upon written Notice to Manager by Lessee, Manager shall engage a consultant reasonably acceptable to Manager and Lessee (with significant experience in the hotel lodging industry) to make a written determination (within forty-five (45) days of such Notice) as to whether another management company (with comparable breadth of knowledge and experience as any of the hotel management companies owned and/or controlled by Archie Bennett, Jr. and/or Monty Bennett, including with respect to number and type of hotels managed in similar markets and geographical areas) could manage the Subject Hotel in a materially more efficient manner. If such consultant determination is in the negative, then Manager will be deemed not to be in default under the Performance Test. If such consultant determination is in the affirmative, then Manager agrees to engage such consultant (such cost and expense to be shared by Lessee and Manager equally) to assist Manager during the second Fiscal Year of the Performance Cure Period with the cure of the Performance Failure; and

(4) If after the end of the Performance Cure Period, the Performance Failure remains uncured and the consultant again makes a written determination that another management company (with comparable breadth of knowledge and experience as any of the hotel management companies owned and/or controlled by Archie Bennett, Jr. and/or Monty Bennett, including with respect to number and type of hotels managed in similar markets and geographical areas) could manage the Subject Hotel in a materially more efficient manner, then Lessee may, at its election, terminate this Agreement upon forty-five (45) days’ prior Notice to Manager.

(ii) Termination Fees . If Lessee elects to terminate this Agreement with respect to a Subject Hotel for failure to satisfy the Performance Test, Lessee shall pay to Manager as liquidated damages but not as a penalty, a termination fee (provided that there does not then exist an Event of Default by Manager under this Agreement beyond any applicable cure periods) in the amount equal to 60% of the product obtained by multiplying (A) 65% of the aggregate Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees budgeted in the Annual Operating Budget applicable to the Subject Hotel for the full current Fiscal Year in which such termination is to occur (but in no event less than the Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees for the preceding full Fiscal Year) by (B) nine (9).

 

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(iii) Finance Reports . Determinations of the performance of the Subject Hotel shall be in accordance with the audited annual financial statements delivered by Lessee’s accountant pursuant to Section 15.03 hereof.

(iv) Extension of Performance Cure Period . Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time during the Performance Cure Period (a) Lessee is in material default under any of its obligations under this Agreement, or (b) Lessee has terminated, terminates or causes a termination of the Franchise Agreement (other than defaults due to Manager) and does not obtain a new franchise agreement with a comparable franchisor, or (c) the operation of the Hotel or the use of the Hotel’s facilities are materially disrupted by casualty, condemnation, or events of Force Majeure that are beyond the reasonable control of Manager, or by major repairs to or major refurbishment of the Hotel, then, for such period, the Performance Cure Period shall be extended.

(v) Renewal Period . If at the time of Manager’s exercise of a renewal period with respect to any Hotel, such hotel is a Subject Hotel within a Performance Cure Period, the exercise of such renewal period shall be conditional upon timely cure of the Performance Failure, and if such Performance Failure is not timely cured, then, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, Lessee may elect to terminate this Agreement with respect to such Subject Hotel pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.03(b) without payment of any termination fee.

(c) Termination For Convenience . Lessee may terminate this Agreement with respect to a particular Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel for convenience (except if due to a Sale of a Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel, whereupon Section 2.03(a) shall govern) upon ninety (90) days Notice to Manager, and shall pay to Manager as liquidated damages but not as a penalty, a termination fee (provided that there does not then exist an Event of Default by Manager under this Agreement beyond any applicable cure or grace periods) in an amount equal to (i) with respect to a Hotel, the product of (A) 65% of the aggregate Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees budgeted in the Annual Operating Budget applicable to the Hotel for the full current Fiscal Year in which such termination is to occur (but in no event less than the Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees for the preceding full Fiscal Year) by (B) nine (9), and (ii) with respect to a Non-Managed Hotel, the product of (A) 65% of the aggregate Project Management Fees and Market Service Fees estimated for the Non-Managed Hotel for the full current Fiscal Year in which such termination is to occur (but in no event less than the Project Management Fees and Market Service Fees for the preceding full Fiscal Year) by (B) nine (9).

(d) Payment of Liquidated Damages . WITH RESPECT TO ANY TERMINATION FEES PAYABLE IN CONNECTION WITH ANY EARLY TERMINATION RIGHT SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION 2.03 , OR IN SECTION 18.04 BELOW, LESSEE RECOGNIZES AND AGREES THAT, IF THIS AGREEMENT IS TERMINATED WITH RESPECT TO ANY OF THE HOTELS FOR THE REASONS SPECIFIED IN THIS SECTION 2.03 OR IN SECTION 18.04 BELOW, THEREBY ENTITLING MANAGER TO RECEIVE THE TERMINATION

 

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FEES AS SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION 2.03 OR IN SECTION 18.04 BELOW, MANAGER WOULD SUFFER AN ECONOMIC LOSS BY VIRTUE OF THE RESULTING LOSS OF MANAGEMENT FEES WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN EARNED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. BECAUSE SUCH FEES VARY IN AMOUNT DEPENDING ON THE TOTAL GROSS REVENUES EARNED AT THE HOTELS AND ACCORDINGLY WOULD BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND IMPRACTICAL TO ASCERTAIN WITH CERTAINTY, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE TERMINATION FEES PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION 2.03 AND IN SECTION 18.04 BELOW CONSTITUTE A REASONABLE ESTIMATE OF LIQUIDATED DAMAGES TO MANAGER FOR PURPOSES OF ANY AND ALL LEGAL REQUIREMENTS, AND IT IS AGREED THAT MANAGER SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO MAINTAIN A CAUSE OF ACTION AGAINST LESSEE, EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED HEREIN, FOR ACTUAL DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF THE TERMINATION FEES IN ANY CONTEXT WHERE THE TERMINATION FEES ARE PROVIDED BY THIS AGREEMENT, AND RECEIPT OF SUCH FEES (TOGETHER WITH ALL OTHER AMOUNTS DUE AND PAYABLE BY LESSEE TO MANAGER WITH RESPECT TO EVENTS OCCURRING PRIOR TO TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICABLE HOTELS OR AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED HEREIN) SHALL BE MANAGER’S SOLE REMEDY FOR DAMAGES AGAINST LESSEE IN ANY SUCH CASE. The foregoing shall in no way affect any other sums due Manager under this Article II or otherwise hereunder, including, without limitation, the Management Fees earned during the Term, or any other rights or remedies, at law or in equity of Manager under this Agreement or under Legal Requirements, including any indemnity obligations of Lessee to Manager under this Agreement.

ARTICLE III

PREMISES

Manager shall be responsible, at the sole cost and expense of Lessee, for keeping and maintaining the Premises fully equipped in accordance with plans, specifications, construction safety and fire safety standards, and designs pursuant to applicable Legal Requirements, the standards and requirements of a Franchisor pursuant to any applicable Franchise Agreement, any applicable Hotel Mortgage, the Leases and the Capital Improvement Budgets approved pursuant to the terms hereof, subject in all respects to performance by Lessee of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement.

ARTICLE IV

APPOINTMENT OF MANAGER

4.01 Appointment. Lessee hereby appoints Manager as its sole, exclusive and continuing operator and manager to supervise and direct, for and at the expense of Lessee, the management and operation of the Premises under the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. In exercising its duties hereunder, Manager shall act as agent and for the account of Lessee. Manager hereby accepts said appointment and agrees to manage the Premises during the Term of this Agreement under the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

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4.02 Delegation of Authority. The operation of the Premises shall be under the exclusive supervision and control of Manager who, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, shall be responsible for the proper and efficient management and operation of the Premises in accordance with this Agreement, the Leases, the Franchise Agreements, the Capital Improvement Budget and the Annual Operating Budget. Subject to the terms of such agreements and budgets, the Manager shall have discretion and control in all matters relating to the management and operation of the Premises, including, without limitation, charges for rooms and commercial space, the determination of credit policies (including entering into agreements with credit card organizations), food and beverage service and policies, employment policies, procurement of inventories, supplies and services, promotion, advertising, publicity and marketing, and, generally, all activities necessary for the operation of the Premises. Manager shall also be responsible for the receipt, holding and disbursement of funds and maintenance of bank accounts in compliance with the Cash Management Agreements, if applicable.

4.03 Contracts, Equipment Leases and Other Agreements. Manager is hereby authorized to grant concessions, lease commercial space and enter into any other contract, equipment lease, agreement or arrangement pertaining to or otherwise reasonably necessary for the normal operation of the Premises (such concession, lease, equipment lease, contract, agreement or arrangement hereinafter being referred to individually as a “ Contract ” and collectively as “ Contracts ”) on behalf of Lessee, as may be necessary or advisable and reasonably prudent business judgment in connection with the operation of the Premises and consistent with the Annual Operating Budget, and subject to any restrictions imposed by the Franchise Agreements, Leases or any Hotel Mortgage, and subject to the Lessee’s prior written approval of: (i) any Contract which provides for a term exceeding one (1) year (unless such Contract is thirty day cancellable with cost, premium or penalty equal to or less than $25,000.00) or (ii) any tenant space lease, license or concession concerning any portion of the public space in or on the Premises for stores, office space, restaurant space, or lobby space. Lessee’s approval of any Contract shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned. Unless otherwise agreed, all Contracts for the Premises shall be entered into in Lessee’s name. Manager shall make available to Lessee, its agents, and employees, at the Premises during business hours, executed counterparts or certified true copies of all Contracts it enters into pursuant to this Section 4.03 .

4.04 Alcoholic Beverage/Liquor Licensing Requirements. With respect to any licenses and permits held by Lessee or any of its subsidiaries for the sale of any liquor and alcoholic beverages at any of the Premises, Manager agrees, as part of its management duties and services under this Agreement, to fully cooperate with any applicable liquor and/or alcoholic beverage authority and to assist Lessee with any documentation and other requests of such authority to the extent necessary to comply with any licensing and/or permitting requirements applicable to the Premises.

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

5.01 Lessee Representations. Upon execution of an Addendum or a Project Management Addendum, the Lessee identified in the Addendum or Project Management

 

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Addendum, in order to induce Manager to enter into this Agreement, will be deemed to hereby represent and warrant to Manager as of the date of such Addendum as follows:

5.01.1. The execution of this Agreement is permitted by the organizational documents of Lessee and this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered on behalf of Lessee and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Lessee enforceable in accordance with the terms hereof;

5.01.2. There is no claim, litigation, proceeding or governmental investigation pending, or, to the best knowledge and belief of Lessee, threatened, against or relating to Lessee, the properties or businesses of Lessee or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement which does, or may reasonably be expected to, materially or adversely affect the ability of Lessee to enter into this Agreement or to carry out its obligations hereunder, and, to the best knowledge and belief of Lessee, there is no basis for any such claim, litigation, proceeding or governmental investigation except as has been fully disclosed in writing by Lessee to Manager;

5.01.3. Neither the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the part of Lessee to be performed, nor the fulfillment of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, conflicts with or will result in the breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any agreement, indenture, instrument or undertaking to which Lessee is a party or by which it is bound;

5.01.4. No approval of any third party (including any Landlord or the Holder of any Hotel Mortgage in effect as of the date of this Agreement) is required for Lessee’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement that has not been obtained prior to the execution hereof;

5.01.5. Lessee holds all required governmental approvals required (if applicable) to be held by it to lease the Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel; and

5.01.6. As of the date of this Agreement there are no defaults under any of the Leases.

5.02 Manager Representations. Upon execution of an Addendum or Project Management Addendum, Manager, in order to induce Lessee to enter into this Agreement, will be deemed to hereby represent and warrant to Lessee as of the date of such Addendum or Project Management Addendum as follows:

5.02.1. The execution of this Agreement is permitted by the organizational documents of Manager and this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered on behalf of Manager and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Manager enforceable in accordance with the terms hereof;

5.02.2. There is no claim, litigation, proceeding or governmental investigation pending, or, to the best knowledge and belief of Manager, threatened, against or relating

 

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to Manager, the properties or business of Manager or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement which does, or may reasonably be expected to, materially or adversely affect the ability of Manager to enter into this Agreement or to carry out its obligations hereunder, and, to the best knowledge and belief of Manager, there is no basis for any such claim, litigation, proceeding or governmental investigation, except as has been fully disclosed in writing by Manager to Lessee;

5.02.3. Neither the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the part of Manager to be performed, nor the fulfillment of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, conflicts with or will result in the breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any agreement, indenture, instrument or undertaking to which Manager is a party or by which it is bound;

5.02.4. No approval of any third party is required for Manager’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement that has not been obtained prior to the execution and delivery hereof;

5.02.5. Manager holds all required governmental approvals required to be held by it to perform its obligations under this Agreement; and

5.02.6. Manager qualifies as an Eligible Independent Contractor, and during the Term of this Agreement, agrees to continue to qualify as an Eligible Independent Contractor.

ARTICLE VI

OPERATION

6.01 Name of Premises; Standard of Operation. During the Term of this Agreement, the Premises shall be known and operated by Manager as a hotel licensed with the applicable Franchisor as noted on Exhibit C to each Addendum, with additional identification as may be necessary to provide local identification, provided Manager and/or Lessee have obtained and are successful in continuously maintaining the right to so operate the Premises, which Manager agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to do. Manager agrees to manage the Premises, for the account of Lessee, and so far as is legally possible, in accordance with the Annual Operating Budget and Applicable Standards subject to Force Majeure. In the event of termination of a Franchise Agreement for one or more of the Premises, Manager shall operate such Premises under such other franchise agreement, if any, as Lessee enters into or obtains as franchisee. If the name of a Franchisor’s hotel system is changed, Lessee shall have the right to change the name of the applicable Hotel to conform thereto.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Manager’s obligation with respect to operating and managing the Hotel in accordance with any Hotel Mortgage, Ground Leases, the Leases and the CCRs shall be limited to the extent (i) true and complete copies thereof have been made available to Manager by Lessee reasonably sufficient in advance to allow Manager to manage the Hotel in compliance with such documents, and (ii) the provisions thereof and/or compliance with such provisions by Manager (a) are

 

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applicable to the day-to-day management, maintenance and routine repair and replacement of the Hotel, the FF&E or any portion thereof, (b) do not require contribution of funds from Manager, (c) do not materially increase Manager’s obligations hereunder or materially decrease Manager’s rights or benefits hereunder, (d) do not limit or restrict, or attempt to limit or restrict any corporate activity or transaction with respect to Manager or any Manager Affiliate Entity or any other activity, transfer, transaction, property or other matter involving Manager or the Manager Affiliate Entities other than at the Site of the Hotel and (e) are otherwise within the scope of Manager’s duties under this Agreement. Lessee acknowledges and agrees, without limiting the foregoing, that any failure of (i) Lessee to comply with the provisions of any Hotel Mortgage, Ground Leases, the Leases and the CCRs or Legal Requirements or (ii) Manager to comply with the provisions of any such agreements or Legal Requirements arising out of, in the case of both (i) and (ii), (A) the condition of the Hotel, and/or the failure of the Hotel to comply with the provisions of such agreements, prior to the Commencement Date, (B) construction activities at the Hotel prior to the Commencement Date, (C) inherent limitations in the design and/or construction of, location of the Hotel and/or parking at the Hotel prior to the Commencement Date, (D) failure of Lessee to provide funds, from operations or otherwise, sufficient to allow timely compliance with the provisions of the Applicable Standards or the Leases, the Ground Leases, any Hotel Mortgage and/or the CCRs through reasonable and customary business practices, and/or (E) Lessee’s failure to approve any matter reasonably requested by Manager in Manager’s good faith business judgment as necessary or appropriate to achieve compliance with such items, shall not be deemed a breach by Manager of its obligations under this Agreement. Manager and Lessee agree, that Manager may from time to time, so long as Manager is in compliance with the Franchise Agreements and Legal Requirements, provide collateral marketing materials in the rooms of the Hotel which advertise other hotels or programs of Manager or its Affiliates (including, through a dedicated television channel in the rooms of the Hotel), at the sole cost and expense of Manager, provided such other hotels or programs being marketed by Manager are not competing directly in the same market with the Hotel where the marketing materials and information are being placed by Manager.

6.02 Use of Premises. Manager shall use the Premises solely for the operation of the Hotel in accordance with the Applicable Standards and for all activities in connection therewith which are customary and usual to such an operation. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Manager shall comply with and abide by all applicable Legal Requirements, and the requirements of any insurance companies covering any of the risks against which the Premises are insured, any Hotel Mortgage, the Ground Leases, the Leases, and the Franchise Agreements. If there are insufficient funds in the Operating Account to make any expenditure required to remedy non-compliance with such Legal Requirements or with the requirements of any Hotel Mortgage, the Ground Leases, the Leases, or the Franchise Agreements or applicable insurance, Manager shall promptly notify Lessee of such non-compliance and estimated cost of curing such non-compliance. If Lessee fails to make funds available for the expenditure so requested by Manager within thirty (30) days, Lessee agrees to indemnify and hold Manager harmless from and against any and all costs, expenses and other liabilities incurred by Manager resulting from such non-compliance (which such indemnity shall survive any termination of this Agreement). In no event shall Manager be required to make available or distribute, as applicable, sexually explicit materials or items of any kind, whether through retail stores or gift shops located at the Hotel or through “pay for view” programming in the guest rooms of the Hotel.

 

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6.03 Group Services. Manager may cause to be furnished to the Premises certain services (“ Group Services ”) which are furnished generally on a central or regional basis to other hotels managed by Manager or any Manager Affiliate Entity and which benefit each hotel managed by Manager including, by way of example and not by way of limitation, (i) marketing, advertising and promotion; (ii) centralized accounting payroll processing, ADP management, management and administration of accounts payable, accounts receivable and cash management accounting and MIS support services; (iii) the preparation and maintenance of the general ledger and journal entries, internal audit, budgeting and financial statement preparation, (iv) recruiting, training, career development and relocation in accordance with Manager’s or any Manager Affiliate Entities’ relocation plan; (v) employee benefits administration; (vi) engineering and risk management; (vii) information technology; (viii) legal support (such as license and permit coordination, filing and completion, standardized contracts, negotiation and preparation, and similar legal services benefiting the Hotel); (ix) purchasing arising out of ordinary hotel operations not otherwise contemplated in Section 8.02G hereof; (x) internal audit services; (xi) reservation systems; and (xii) such other additional services as are or may be, from time to time, furnished for the benefit of Manager’s or any Manager Affiliate Entities’ hotels or in substitution for services now performed at Manager’s individual hotels which may be more efficiently performed on a group basis. Group Services shall include Manager’s costs relating to the establishment of an office(s) and the placement of Manager’s personnel at international locations as may be reasonably required to oversee the performance of its services and duties hereunder for international assets. International office expenses, overhead, international personnel costs and benefits, travel and other costs directly related to Manager’s personnel (other than property level personnel who are employed at a Hotel and whose Employee Costs and Expenses constitute Deductions) who oversee the operations of international assets shall be allocated pro-rata to international Hotels based on room count and/or revenues in a fair and equitable manner reasonably determined by Manager. Manager shall assure that the costs and expenses incurred in providing Group Services to the Premises shall have been allocated to the Premises on a pro-rata basis consistent with the method of allocation to all of Manager’s (and any Manager Affiliate Entities’) hotels receiving the same services, shall be incurred at a cost consistent with the Annual Operating Budget and shall constitute Deductions. All Group Services provided by Manager shall be at the actual costs (without mark up for fee or profit to Manager or any Manager Affiliate Entity, but including salary and employee benefit costs and costs of equipment used in performing such services and overhead costs) of Group Services for the benefit of all of Manager’s hotels receiving the same services, and shall be of a quality comparable to which Manager could obtain from other providers for similar services.

6.04 Right to Inspect. Lessee, the beneficial owners of Lessee, the Landlords (to the extent permitted under such Leases), any Holder under any Hotel Mortgage (to the extent permitted under such Hotel Mortgage), and their respective agents, shall have access to the Premises at any and all reasonable times for any purpose. Manager will be available to consult with and advise such parties, at their reasonable request, concerning all policies and procedures affecting all phases of the conduct of business at the Hotel.

 

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ARTICLE VII

WORKING CAPITAL AND INVENTORIES

7.01 Working Capital and Inventories. The Lessee shall cause funds to be deposited in one or more operating accounts established by Manager, in amounts sufficient to operate the Premises in accordance with the Annual Operating Budget, including the establishment and maintenance of positive Working Capital and Inventories as reasonably determined by Manager. All Working Capital and Inventories are and shall remain the property of Lessee. In the event Lessee fails to advance funds which are necessary in order to maintain positive Working Capital and Inventories at reasonable levels for a Hotel, Manager shall have the right to elect to terminate this Agreement upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to Lessee with respect to the affected applicable Hotel. During such sixty (60) day period, Lessee and Manager shall use reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute over such Working Capital and Inventory requirements. If such dispute is not resolved, then this Agreement shall terminate with respect to the affected applicable Hotel on the sixtieth (60th) day following Manager’s delivery of written notice of termination as provided above. If such dispute is resolved, then the notice will be deemed rescinded and this Agreement shall not be terminated pursuant to the notice with respect to the affected applicable Hotel. Further, if Manager should so terminate this Agreement with respect to the affected applicable Hotel and if Manager in good faith incurs expenditures, or otherwise accrues liabilities in accordance with the Annual Operating Budget and variances allowed herein, in each case, prior to the date of termination, Lessee agrees to promptly indemnify and hold Manager harmless from and against (i) any and all liabilities, costs and expenses properly incurred by Manager in connection with the operations of the applicable Hotel through the date of Termination of this Agreement with respect to such Hotel, and (ii) any and all liabilities, costs and expenses properly incurred by Manager as a result of Lessee’s failure to perform any obligation or pay any liability arising under any service, maintenance, franchise or other agreements, employment relationships (other than Excluded Employee Claims), leases or contracts pertaining to the applicable Hotel after Termination of this Agreement with respect to such Hotel. Lessee acknowledges that liabilities arising in connection with the operation and management of the applicable Hotel including, without limitation, all Deductions, incurred in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, are and shall remain the obligations of Lessee, and Manager shall have no liability therefor unless otherwise expressly provided herein. In the event of a Termination by Manager pursuant to this Section 7.01 , Manager shall be entitled to a termination fee as liquidated damages but not as a penalty, as set forth in connection with a termination for convenience as described in Section 2.03(c) and subject to Section 2.03(d) above.

7.02 Fixed Asset Supplies. Lessee shall provide the funds necessary to supply the Premises initially with Fixed Asset Supplies as reasonably determined by Manager consistent with the cost budgeted therefor in the Annual Operating Budget and otherwise consistent with the intent of the parties that the level of such supplies will be adequate for the proper and efficient operation of the Premises at the Applicable Standards. Fixed Asset Supplies shall remain the property of Lessee.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT AND CHANGES

8.01 Routine and Non-Routine Repairs and Maintenance. Manager, at the expense of Lessee, shall maintain the Premises in good repair and condition as is required by the Applicable Standards. Manager, on behalf of Lessee, shall make or cause to be made such routine maintenance, repairs and minor alterations as Manager from time to time deems reasonably necessary for such purposes, the cost of which: (i) can be expensed under GAAP, (ii) shall be paid from Gross Revenues, and treated as a Deduction, and (iii) are consistent with the Annual Operating Budget. In addition, Manager, on behalf of Lessee, shall make or cause to be made such non-routine repairs and maintenance, either to the Premises’ building or its fixtures, furniture, furnishings and equipment (“ FF&E ”), pursuant to the Capital Improvement Budget approved by Lessee and Landlord, the cost of which shall be paid for in the manner described in Section 8.02 . Manager and Lessee shall use their respective best efforts to prevent any liens from being filed against the Premises which arise from any maintenance, changes, repairs, alterations, improvements, renewals or replacements in or to the Premises. Lessee and Manager shall cooperate fully in obtaining the release of any such liens. If the lien arises as a result of the fault of either party, then the party at fault shall bear the cost of obtaining the lien release. All changes, repairs, alterations, improvements, renewals or replacements made pursuant to this Article VIII shall be the property of the Lessee.

8.02 Capital Improvement Reserve.

 

  A. Manager shall establish (on behalf of Landlord), in respect of each Fiscal Year during the term of this Agreement, a reserve account on each Hotel’s books of account (“ Capital Improvement Reserve ”) to cover the cost of:

 

  1. Replacements and renewals to the Premises’ FF&E; and

 

  2. Certain non-routine repairs and maintenance to the Hotel’s building(s) which are normally capitalized under GAAP such as, but not limited to, exterior and interior repainting, resurfacing, building walls, floors, roofs and parking areas, and replacing folding walls and the like, and major repairs, alterations, improvements, renewals or replacement to the Hotel’s building structure or to its mechanical, electrical, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing or vertical transportation systems.

 

  B. For each Fiscal Year, the Capital Improvement Reserve shall be an amount equal to four percent (4%) of the Hotel’s Gross Revenues for the applicable year (or greater if required by any Landlord, Holder or Franchisor), or in such other amount as agreed to by Landlord, Lessee and Manager.

Payments of the percentage amounts specified above shall be made on an interim accounting basis as specified in Section 11.02 hereof. Calculations and payments from the Capital Improvement Reserve made with respect to each Accounting Period shall be accounted for cumulatively for each Fiscal Year. After the close of each Fiscal Year, any adjustments required by the Fiscal Year accounting shall

 

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be made by Manager. Any proceeds from the sale of the Premises’ FF&E no longer necessary to the operations of the Premises shall also be credited to the Capital Improvement Reserve. All payments from the Capital Improvement Reserve shall be reserved and paid from Gross Revenues. Such payments and sale proceeds shall be placed in an escrow account or accounts consistent with the requirements of the Cash Management Agreements, if any. Any interest earned in said account attributable to funds deposited pursuant to this Agreement shall be added to such Capital Improvement Reserve, thereby reducing the amount required to be placed in the account from Gross Revenues.

 

  C. Manager shall, in accordance with and subject to the Capital Improvement Budget described in Section 8.02E , from time to time make such substitutions and replacements of or renewals to FF&E and non-routine repairs and maintenance as described in Section 8.01 as it deems necessary to maintain the Hotel as required by this Agreement. Except as hereinafter provided, no expenditures will be made except as otherwise provided in the Capital Improvement Budget without the approval of Lessee and Landlord, and provided further, however, that if any such expenditures which are required by reason of any (i) emergency, or (ii) applicable Legal Requirements, or (iii) the terms of the Franchise Agreement, or (iv) are otherwise required for the continued safe and orderly operation of the Hotel, Manager shall immediately give Lessee and Landlord notice thereof and shall be authorized to take appropriate remedial action without such approval whenever there is a clear and present danger to life, limb or property of the Hotel or its guests or employees. The cost of all such changes, repairs, alterations, improvements, renewals, or replacements will be paid for first from the Capital Improvement Reserve or other monies advanced by Lessee from funds received or owned by Landlord. At the end of each Fiscal Year any amount remaining in the Capital Improvement Reserve in excess of the amounts unspent but contemplated to be spent pursuant to the Capital Improvement Budget for such Fiscal Year or as otherwise approved by Lessee and Landlord may be withdrawn by the Lessee on behalf of Landlord.

 

  D. All changes, repairs, alterations, improvements, renewals or replacements made pursuant to this Article VIII shall be the property of Landlord.

 

  E.

Manager shall prepare a budget (“ Capital Improvement Budget ”) of the expenditures necessary for replacement of FF&E and building repairs of the nature contemplated by Section 8.01 during the ensuing Fiscal Year and shall provide such Capital Improvement Budget to Lessee and Landlord for approval at the same time Manager submits the Annual Operating Budget. The Capital Improvement Budget shall not be deemed accepted by Lessee and Landlord in the absence of their respective express written approval. Not later than thirty (30) days after receipt by Lessee and Landlord of a proposed Capital Improvement Budget (or such longer period as Lessee and Landlord may reasonably request on Notice to the Manager), Lessee and/or Landlord may deliver a Notice (a “ CIB Objection Notice ”) to the Manager stating that Lessee

 

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  and/or Landlord objects to any information contained in or omitted from such proposed Capital Improvement Budget and setting forth the nature of such objections with reasonable specificity. Failure of Lessee and/or Landlord to deliver a CIB Objection Notice shall be deemed rejection of the Manager’s proposed Capital Improvement Budget in its entirety. Upon receipt of any CIB Objection Notice, the Manager shall, after consultation with Lessee and Landlord, modify the proposed Capital Improvement Budget, taking into account Lessee’s and/or Landlord’s objections, and shall resubmit the same to Lessee and Landlord for Lessee’s approval within fifteen (15) days thereafter, and Lessee and/or Landlord may deliver further CIB Objection Notices (if any) within fifteen (15) days thereafter (in which event, the re-submission and review process described above in this sentence shall continue until the proposed Capital Improvement Budget in question is accepted and consented to by Lessee and Landlord). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Lessee and Landlord shall have the right at any time subsequent to the acceptance and consent with respect to any Capital Improvement Budget, on Notice to the Manager, to revise, with the reasonable approval of Manager, such Capital Improvement Budget or to request that the Manager prepare for Lessee’s and/or Landlord’s approval a revised Capital Improvement Budget, taking into account such circumstances as Lessee and Landlord deem appropriate; provided, however, that the revision of a Capital Improvement Budget shall not be deemed a revocation of the Manager’s authority with respect to such actions as the Manager may have already taken prior to receipt of such revision notice in implementing a previously approved budget or plan. Manager shall have the right and discretion to expend funds from the Capital Improvement Reserve for replacements and renewals of FF&E in the Hotel’s interior public areas and guest rooms and routine maintenance, repairs and minor alterations during the Fiscal Year in question (but not for any other capital expenditures) in accordance with the provisions of the Capital Improvement Budget.

 

  F. It is the intent of Manager and Lessee to maintain the Premises in conformance with the Applicable Standards. Accordingly, as the Hotel ages, if the Capital Improvement Reserve established pursuant to the terms hereof is insufficient to meet such standards, and if the Capital Improvement Budget prepared in good faith by Manager and approved by Lessee and Landlord exceeds the available and anticipated funds in the Capital Improvement Reserve, Lessee, Landlord and Manager will consider the matter and Lessee and Landlord may elect to:

 

  1. increase the annual reserve provision to provide the additional funds required; or

 

  2. obtain financing for the additional funds required.

 

  G.

In consideration of the Project Management Fee (as defined below), Manager shall be responsible for managing, coordinating, planning and executing the Capital Improvement Budget and all major repositionings of the Hotel and, to the

 

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  extent Lessee has the right to direct such matters (e.g., the manager for the Non-Managed Hotel does not have the right under its management agreement to direct such matters or elects not to exercise such right), each Non-Managed Hotel (for such purposes with respect to a Non-Managed Hotel, the term Capital Improvement Budget shall mean the capital improvement budget for such Non-Managed Hotel). In addition, Manager shall be paid additional fees at current market rates (determined with reference to other third party providers of such services who are not discounting such fees as result of fees generated from other services) (collectively, the “ Market Service Fees ”), subject to the Approval Requirement (defined in subparagraph 8.02(I) below), for the following services (the “ Project Related Services ”) to be provided in accordance with the Applicable Standards (with the understanding that Manager may subcontract for any or all of the following Project Related Services) for the Hotel and, to the extent Lessee has the right to direct such matters, Non-Managed Hotel:

 

  1. Construction Management - Manager shall, on major renovation tasks which involve the selection and engagement of a general contractor, coordinate the selection process with Lessee and/or Landlord, shall assist in the negotiation of construction contracts, manage such construction contracts and related issues, and shall engage separate contractors and subcontractors for specific tasks outside the scope of the general contractor.

 

  2. Interior Design - With respect to any interior design elements involved in the implementation of the Capital Improvement Budget, Manager shall be responsible for overseeing the development of conceptual plans (consistent with Lessee’s and Landlord’s objectives), shall arrange for preparation of specifications, coordinate and make all fabric, flooring, furniture and wall treatment selections (both colors and finishes), coordinate reselections and document all selections in specification books as required under the terms of the Franchise Agreement and coordinate all related franchise approvals, and will manage the applicable Franchisor process on approval of all selections relating to initial and final selections.

 

  3. Architectural - Manager shall, if applicable, make recommendations of engagement of architects, negotiate architectural agreements on behalf of Lessee and Landlord (with Lessee’s and Landlord’s approval), manage all architects applicable to the implementation of the Capital Improvement Budget, oversee all conceptual designs and sketches, review all necessary plans, drawings, shop drawings and other matters necessary for the proper implementation of the Capital Improvement Budget, and coordinate and manage all approvals necessary for the implementation of the Capital Improvement Budget such as Franchisor approvals, governmental approvals and Holder approvals.

 

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  4. FF&E Purchasing - Manager shall be responsible for the evaluation of all specifications and negotiations of all prices associated with the purchasing of FF&E, shall manage and issue all purchase orders and place orders necessary for the proper and timely delivery of all FF&E.

 

  5. FF&E Expediting/Freight Management - Manager shall be responsible for the expediting of all FF&E contemplated in an applicable Capital Improvement Budget including managing the freight selection and shipping process in a cost effective manner.

 

  6. FF&E Warehousing - Manager shall be responsible, if applicable, for the management and coordination of all warehousing of goods delivered at the job site, inspection of materials delivered, and the filing of all claims associated with the delivery of defective or damaged goods.

 

  7. FF&E Installation and Supervision - Manager shall be responsible for the management and oversight of the installation of all FF&E in compliance with specifications and Franchisor standards as required to implement the Capital Improvement Budget.

Manager shall be paid a project management fee (herein, the “ Project Management Fee ”) equal to four percent (4%) of the total project costs associated with the implementation of the Capital Improvement Budget (both hard and soft) payable monthly in arrears based upon the prior calendar month’s total expenditures under the Capital Improvement Budget until such time that the Capital Improvement Budget and/or renovation project involves the expenditure of an amount in excess of five percent (5%) of Gross Revenues of the applicable Hotel or Non-Managed Hotel, whereupon the Project Management Fee shall be reduced to three percent (3%) of the total project costs in excess of the five percent (5%) of Gross Revenue threshold. The Project Management Fee shall be accounted for and documented and consistent with the requirements of Section 11.02 herein. Any onsite or dedicated personnel required for the direct supervision of the implementation of a Capital Improvement Budget or other renovation project will be a direct cost to, and shall be reimbursed by, the Landlord.

 

  H. Except as otherwise provided herein, in no event shall Manager realize any kick backs, rebates, cash incentives, administration fees, concessions, profit participations, investment rights or similar payments or economic consideration from or in, as applicable, vendors or suppliers of goods or services. Manager agrees that any such amounts or benefits derived shall be held in trust for the benefit of Lessee or Landlord (as applicable).

 

  I.

Any Market Service Fees for the Project Related Services shall be, once approved, reflected in the Capital Improvements Budget (such Market Service Fees subject to any adjustments necessary for then existing market conditions)

 

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  shall be submitted for approval to Lessee and Landlord with the applicable Capital Improvement Budget, and shall be deemed approved by the Lessee and Landlord unless a majority of the Independent Directors of AHP affirmatively vote that such Market Service Fees are not market (determined by reference to fees charged by third party providers who are not hotel managers or who are not discounting such fees as result of fees generated from other services) (herein called the “ Approval Requirement ”). In the event that the majority of the Independent Directors of AHP affirmatively votes that the Market Service Fees proposed by Manager are not market, the Lessee and Manager agree to engage a consultant reasonably satisfactory to both Lessee and Manager to provide then current market information with respect to the proposed Market Service Fees and a written recommendation as to whether such fees are market or not. If the consultant’s recommendation provides that such Market Service Fees as proposed by Manager are market, then the Landlord agrees to pay any consultant fees incurred by such consultant in making the recommendation. If the consultant’s recommendation does not support the Market Service Fees as proposed by Manager, then Manager agrees to pay the consultant’s fees incurred in connection with the recommendation and agrees to either re-submit Manager’s proposed Market Service Fees consistent with the market research and recommendation of the consultant for approval to Lessee and Landlord, or elect by Notice to Lessee and Landlord that Manager will not provide the Project Related Services. If Manager elects not to provide Project Related Services for a Non-Managed Hotel, no termination fee shall be payable by Lessee under Section 2.03(c) of this Agreement.

ARTICLE IX

EMPLOYEES

9.01 Employee Hiring. Manager will hire, train, promote, supervise, direct the work of and discharge all personnel working on the Premises. Manager shall be the sole judge of the fitness and qualification of such personnel and is vested with absolute discretion in the hiring, discharging, supervision, and direction of such personnel during the course of their employment and in the operation of the Premises.

9.02 Costs; Benefit Plans.

 

  A.

Manager shall fix the employees’ terms of compensation and establish and maintain all policies relating to employment, so long as they are reasonable and in accordance with the Applicable Standards and the Annual Operating Budget. Without limiting the foregoing, Manager may, consistent with the applicable budgets, enroll the employees of the Hotel in pension, medical and health, life insurance, and similar employee benefit plans (“ Benefit Plans ”) substantially similar to plans reasonably necessary to attract and retain employees and generally remain competitive. The Benefit Plans may be joint plans for the benefit of employees at more than one hotel owned, leased or managed by Manager or Manager Affiliate Entities. Employer contributions to such plans

 

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(including any withdrawal liability incurred upon Termination of this Agreement) and reasonable administrative fees (but without further markup by Manager), which Manager may expend in connection therewith, shall be the responsibility of Lessee and shall be a Deduction. The administrative expenses of any joint plans will be equitably apportioned by Manager among properties covered by such plan.

 

  B.

Manager may elect to enroll employees in a medical and health Benefit Plan that is a self insured health plan (the “ Plan ”) without collection of any fee or profit to Manager or any Manager Affiliate Entity. The aggregate actual costs incurred by Manager in operating and managing the Plan shall be allocated on a pro rata basis by Manager among the properties covered by the Plan based on the number of members participating in the Plan, and such costs shall include, without limitation, the administration and payment of claims, costs and fees of third party administration and gateway or reference pricing services, and premiums for stop-loss insurance and reinsurance policies (collectively, the “ Health Plan Costs ”). Prior to the commencement of each Plan year, Manager shall in good faith establish premium levels for employee individual and family coverages based on relevant factors such as historic health service consumption by members participating in the Plan, participation in wellness programs, and the projected Health Plan Costs for the upcoming Plan year (the “ Health Care Premiums ”). The amount of employer contribution to Health Care Premiums for each employee at a Hotel shall be a Deduction for such Hotel, and Manager may periodically draw down from Gross Revenues for the Hotel the amount of such employer contribution to Health Care Premiums as same become payable under the terms of the Plan. Manager shall establish an account into which all Health Care Premiums for the Plan shall be deposited and out of which Health Plan Costs shall be paid (the “ Plan Account ”). Upon implementation of a Plan, Lessee shall initially fund into a reserve (the “ Reserve Account ”) a cash amount equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the estimated Health Plan Costs for the first Plan year allocable to the Hotels (the “ Plan Reserve ”). Thereafter, Lessee shall be responsible to maintain the level of the Plan Reserve in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the estimated Health Plan Costs allocable to the Hotels for the then current Plan year, as same may be adjusted from time to time during such Plan year (the “ Minimum Plan Reserve Balance ”). Manager may transfer funds (a) from the Plan Reserve to the Plan Account if and as reasonably necessary to maintain at all times sufficient amounts in the Plan Account to pay Health Plan Costs when due and payable, and (b) from the Plan Account to the Plan Reserve if Manager reasonably determines that the balance in the Plan Account (whether by deposit of Health Care Premiums or transfers from the Plan Reserve) exceeds that which is reasonably necessary to pay Health Plan Costs when due and payable. If in any Plan year the balance in the Plan Reserve falls below the Minimum Plan Reserve Balance, including by reason of transfers of funds to the Plan Account or an increase in the estimated Health Plan Costs allocable to the Hotels for the then current Plan year (the “ Reserve Shortfall ”), Lessee shall deposit into the Reserve Account the amount of the Reserve Shortfall within ten (10) days after receipt of Manager’s written request therefore. If Lessee fails to timely deposit the Reserve

 

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  Shortfall, Manager shall have the right (without affecting Manager’s other remedies under this Agreement) to draw down from Gross Revenues for the Hotels the amount of the Reserve Shortfall. If Gross Revenues are not sufficient to fund the Reserve Shortfall, Manager shall have the right to withdraw the amount of the Reserve Shortfall from the Operating Accounts, the Capital Improvements Reserves, Working Capital or any other funds of Lessee held by or under the control of Manager for the Hotels. If at any time the balance in the Plan Reserve exceeds twenty percent (20%) of the estimated Health Plan Costs allocable to the Hotels for the then current Plan year, as same may be adjusted from time to time during such Plan year, such excess amounts shall be returned to Lessee. Manager may elect in connection with the Plan to make contributions to health reimbursement accounts (HRA) or health savings accounts (HSA) maintained for the benefit of employees (“ HRA/HSA Fundings ”). In the event Manager makes HRA/HSA Fundings for employees at a Hotel, such HRA/HSA Fundings shall be a Deduction for such Hotel and shall be treated hereunder in the same manner as other Employee Costs and Expenses.

9.03 Manager’s Employees. It is expressly understood and agreed that all such personnel employed at the Hotel, including the Manager’s acting General Manager for the Hotel, will be the employees of Manager for all purposes including, without limitation, federal, state and local tax and reporting purposes, but the expense incurred in connection therewith will be a Deduction and for Lessee’s account. A General Manager’s compensation may be allocated to other Hotels on a fair and equitable basis if the General Manager oversees and supervises other Hotel operations. Manager shall use such care when hiring any employees as may be common to the hospitality business and consistent with the Manager’s standards of operation. Lessee acknowledges and agrees that Manager, as the employer of the Hotel’s employees, shall be entitled to all federal, state and/or local tax credits or benefits allowed to employers relating to the Hotel’s employees including, without limitation, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, the Targeted Jobs Tax Credit, and similar tax credits (provided that Manager shall pay all incremental fees, if applicable, to qualify for such tax credits). Manager, in accordance with the Annual Operating Budget, may draw down from Gross Revenues all costs and expenses, of whatever nature, incurred in connection with such employees, including, but not limited to, wages, salaries, on-site staff, bonuses, commissions, fringe benefits, employee benefits, recruitment costs, workmen’s compensation and unemployment insurance premiums, payroll taxes, vacation and sick leave (collectively, “ Employee Costs and Expenses ”).

9.04 Special Projects - Corporate Employees. The costs, fees, compensation and other expenses of any persons engaged by Manager to perform duties of a special nature, directly related to the operation of the Premises, including, but not limited to, in-house or outside counsel, accountants, bookkeepers, auditors, employment search firms, marketing and sales firms, and similar firms of personnel, shall be operating expenses, payable from and consistent with the Annual Operating Budget and not the responsibility of the Manager. The costs, fees, compensation and other expenses of those personnel of Manager assigned to special projects for the Hotel shall also be operating expenses payable by the Lessee and not the responsibility of Manager. The daily per diem rate for those personnel shall be based upon the actual costs of Manager in providing its personnel for such special services or projects, without mark-up for fee

 

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or profit but including salary and employee benefit costs and costs of equipment used in performing such services, overhead costs, travel costs and long distance telephone. Such special services shall include, but not be limited to, those matters which are not included within the scope of the duties to be performed by Manager hereunder and, if not provided by Lessee, would involve the Lessee’s engagement of a third party to perform such services; for example, special sales or marketing programs, market reviews, assistance in opening new food and beverage facilities, legal services, accounting services, tax services, insurance services, data processing, engineering personnel, and similar services.

9.05 Termination. At Termination, subject to Section 2.01 above, Lessee shall reimburse Manager for costs and expenses incurred by Manager which arise out of either the transfer or termination of Manager’s employees at the Hotel, such as reasonable transfer costs, compensation in lieu of vacation and sick leave, severance pay (including a reasonable allowance for severance pay for Executive Employees of the Hotel, the amount of such allowance not to exceed an amount equal to Manager’s then current severance benefits for such terminated Executive Employees, unless Lessee otherwise approves), unemployment compensation, employer liability pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA liability) and the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act) and other employment liability costs arising out of the termination of the employment of the Manager’s employees at the Premises (herein collectively called “ Employee Related Termination Costs ”). This reimbursement obligation shall not apply to any corporate personnel of Manager assigned to the Hotel for special projects or who perform functions for Manager at the corporate level. In order to be reimbursable hereunder, any Employee Related Termination Costs must be pursuant to policies of Manager which shall be consistent with those of other managers managing similar hotels in similar markets and geographical locations and which shall be subject to review and reasonable approval of Lessee from time to time upon Notice from Lessee and which review and approval shall occur no more than one time during each Fiscal Year during the term of this Agreement.

At Termination, an escrow fund shall be established from Gross Revenues (or, if Gross Revenues are not sufficient, with funds provided by Lessee) to reimburse Manager for all reimbursable Employee Related Termination Costs.

Employee Related Termination Costs shall include Health Plan Costs allocable to the Hotels that become payable under a Plan following a Termination. Manager shall be entitled to hold the balance of funds in the Plan Reserve to pay such Health Plan Costs as they become due for the following periods of time (the “ Contingency Period ”): (a) six (6) months following Termination with respect to Health Plan Costs relating to claims incurred prior to Termination, and eighteen (18) months following Termination with respect to COBRA liability (or such earlier date upon which there are no employees electing COBRA coverage relating to such Termination) (the “ Contingent Costs ”). In addition, in the event Manager reasonably determines that the balance of funds in the Plan Reserve is not sufficient to cover Manager’s estimate of Contingent Costs, Lessee shall deposit into the Plan Account on or before the date of Termination or following a Termination, within ten (10) days after receipt of Manager’s written request therefore, the amount that Manager reasonably determines is sufficient to cover Manager’s estimate of Contingent Costs (the “ Contingent Shortfall ”). If Lessee fails to timely

 

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deposit the Contingent Shortfall, Manager shall have the right (without affecting Manager’s other remedies under this Agreement) to draw down from Gross Revenues for the Hotels the amount of the Contingent Shortfall. If Gross Revenues are not sufficient to fund the Contingent Shortfall, Manager shall have the right to withdraw the amount of the Contingent Shortfall from the Operating Accounts, the Capital Improvement Reserves, Working Capital or any other funds of Lessee held by or under the control of Manager for the Hotel(s). Following the expiration of the Contingency Period for a Termination of this Agreement in its entirety, any balance remaining in the Plan Reserve shall be returned to Lessee.

9.06 Employee Use of Hotel. Manager, in its discretion, may (i) provide lodging for Manager’s Executive Employees and corporate staff visiting the Hotel in connection with the performance of Manager’s services hereunder and allow them the use of the facilities of the Hotel, and (ii) provide the management of the Hotel with temporary living quarters within the Hotel and the use of all facilities of the Hotel, in either case at a discounted price or without charge, as the case may be. Manager shall, on a space available basis, provide lodging at the Hotel for Lessee’s employees, officers and directors visiting the Hotel and allow them the use of all facilities of the Hotel in either case without charge, except for recreational facilities for which a charge will apply.

9.07 Non-Solicitation. During the term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, unless an Event of Default by Manager exists under this Agreement beyond applicable grace or cure periods, or the Agreement has been terminated as a result of an uncured Event of Default by Manager, Lessee agrees that it (and its Affiliates) will not, without the prior written consent of Manager, either directly or indirectly, alone or in conjunction with any other person or entity, (i) solicit or attempt to solicit any general manager (each a “ General Manager ” and, collectively, “ General Managers ”) of the Hotel or any other hotels managed by Manager or any of Manager’s Executive Employees (collectively, the General Manager and Executive Employees are herein called the “ Key Employees ”) to terminate, alter or lessen Key Employees’ employment or affiliation with Manager or to violate the terms of any agreement or understanding between any such Key Employee and Manager, as the case may be, or (ii) employ, retain, or contract with any Key Employee.

ARTICLE X

BUDGET, STANDARDS AND CONTRACTS

10.01 Annual Operating Budget. Not less than forty-five (45) days prior to the beginning of each Fiscal Year, Manager shall submit to Lessee for each Hotel, a budget (the “ Annual Operating Budget ”) setting forth in detail an estimated profit and loss statement for the next twelve (12) Accounting Periods, or for the balance of the Fiscal Year in the event of a partial first Fiscal Year, including a schedule of hotel room rentals and other rentals and a marketing and business plan for each Hotel, such budget to be substantially in the format of Exhibit “D” attached to the Addendum for such Hotel.

10.02 Budget Approval. The Annual Operating Budget submitted to Lessee by Manager shall be subject to the approval of Lessee (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld). The Annual Operating Budget shall not be deemed accepted by Lessee in the absence

 

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of its express written approval. Not later than thirty (30) days after receipt by Lessee of a proposed Annual Operating Budget (or such longer period as Lessee may reasonably request on Notice to Manager), Lessee may deliver an AOB Objection Notice with reasonable detail to the Manager stating that Lessee objects to any information contained in or omitted from such proposed Annual Operating Budget and setting forth the nature of such objections with reasonable specificity. Failure of Lessee to deliver an AOB Objection Notice shall be deemed rejection of the Manager’s proposed Annual Operating Budget in its entirety. Upon receipt of any AOB Objection Notice, the Manager shall, after consultation with Lessee, modify the proposed Annual Operating Budget, taking into account Lessee’s objections, and shall resubmit the same to Lessee for Lessee’s approval within fifteen (15) days thereafter, and Lessee may deliver further AOB Objection Notices (if any) within fifteen (15) days thereafter (in which event, the re-submission and review process described above in this sentence shall continue until the proposed Annual Operating Budget in question is accepted and consented to by Lessee). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Lessee shall have the right at any time subsequent to the acceptance and consent with respect to any Annual Operating Budget, on Notice to the Manager, to revise such Annual Operating Budget or to request that the Manager prepare for Lessee’s approval a revised Annual Operating Budget (with the approval of Manager, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld), taking into account such circumstances as Lessee deems appropriate; provided, however, that the revision of an Annual Operating Budget shall not be deemed a revocation of the Manager’s authority with respect to such actions as the Manager may have already taken prior to receipt of such revision notice in implementing a previously approved budget or plan. Lessee and Manager acknowledge and agree that the Annual Operating Budgets are merely forecasts of operating revenues and expenses for an ensuing year and shall be revised, by agreement of Lessee and Manager, from time to time as business and operating conditions shall demand. However, Manager shall use its reasonable best efforts to operate the Premises in accordance with the Annual Operating Budget. The failure of the Hotel to perform in accordance with such Annual Operating Budget shall not constitute a default by Manager of this Agreement, however, the Lessee has a right to terminate this Agreement with respect to a Subject Hotel if such Subject Hotel fails to satisfy the Performance Test as set forth in Section 2.03(c) above.

10.03 Operation Pending Approval. If the Annual Operating Budget (or any component thereof) has not yet been approved by Lessee prior to any applicable Fiscal Year, then, until approval of such Annual Operating Budget (or such component) by Lessee, Manager shall operate the Hotel substantially in accordance with the prior year’s Annual Operating Budget except for (a) those components of the Annual Operating Budget for the applicable Fiscal Year approved by Lessee, (b) the Necessary Expenses which shall be paid as required, (c) the Emergency Expenses which shall be paid as required, and (d) those expenses that vary in correlation with Gross Revenues and/or occupancy in the aggregate.

10.04 Budget Meetings. At each budget meeting and at any additional meetings during a Fiscal Year reasonably called by Lessee or Manager, Manager shall consult with Lessee on matters of policy concerning management, sales, room rates, wage scales, personnel, general overall operating procedures, economics and operation and other matters affecting the operation of the Hotel.

 

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ARTICLE XI

OPERATING DISTRIBUTIONS

11.01 Management Fee. As consideration for the services to be rendered by Manager pursuant to this Agreement as manager and operator of the Premises, Manager shall be paid the following Base Management Fee and Incentive Management Fee (as such terms are hereinafter defined), collectively called the “ Management Fee ”, for each Hotel on a property by property basis as follows:

 

  A. Base Management Fee . The base management fee (“ Base Management Fee ”) shall be equal to the greater of (i) $12,673.48 (to be increased annually based on any increases in CPI over the preceding annual period), or (ii) three percent (3%) of the Gross Revenues for each Accounting Period, to be paid monthly in arrears. If this Agreement shall commence or expire on other than the first and last day of a calendar month, respectively, the Base Management Fee shall be apportioned based on the actual number of days of service in the month.

 

  B. Incentive Fee . The incentive fee (the “ Incentive Fee ”) shall be equal to the lesser of (i) one percent (1%) of Gross Revenues for each Fiscal Year and (ii) the amount by which the actual House Profit exceeds the Budgeted HP determined on a property by property basis (“ HP Test ”). The Incentive Fee shall be payable annually in arrears within ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year; provided, however, if based on actual operations and revised forecasts from time to time, it is reasonably anticipated that the Incentive Fee is reasonably expected to be earned for such Fiscal Year, Lessee shall reasonably consider payment of the Incentive Fee, pro-rata on a quarterly basis, within twenty (20) days following the end of each calendar quarter, subject to final adjustment within ninety (90) days following the end of the Fiscal Year.

11.02 Accounting and Interim Payment.

 

  A. Manager shall submit monthly, pursuant to Section 15.02 , an interim accounting to Lessee showing Gross Revenues, Deductions, House Profit, Gross Operating Profit and Net Operating Income before Debt Service.

 

  B. Calculations and payments of the Base Management Fee made with respect to each Accounting Period shall be made on an interim accounting basis and shall be accounted for cumulatively for each Fiscal Year. After the end of each Fiscal Year, Manager shall submit to Lessee an accounting for such Fiscal Year, consistent with Section 15.03 , which accounting shall be controlling over the interim accountings. Any adjustments required by the Fiscal Year accounting shall be made promptly by the parties.

 

  C. The Incentive Fee shall only be calculated and earned based upon the House Profit achieving the required HP Test for any given Fiscal Year or a portion thereof if the period of calculation cannot include the full period from January 1 to December 31.

 

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  D. If Lessee raises no objection for any reason (excluding fraud) within one (1) year from the receipt of annual accounting statements as provided herein (or for fraud within any applicable statute of limitations period, and if no statute of limitations period exists, then in no event to exceed four (4) years from receipt of annual accounting statements as provided herein), such accounting shall be deemed to have been accepted by Lessee as true and correct, and Lessee shall have no further right to question its accuracy. Manager will provide Lessee profit and loss statements for the current period and year-to-date, including actual, budget and last year comparisons, as required by Section 15.03 .

ARTICLE XII

INSURANCE

12.01 Insurance. Manager shall coordinate with Lessee, at all times during any period of development, construction, renovation, furnishing and equipping of the Premises, the procurement and maintenance in amount and scope as available and market for the hotel lodging industry for hotels of similar type and in similar markets and geographical locations as the Hotel, public liability and indemnity and property insurance with minimum limits of liability as required by Lessee, the Landlords, any Holder, or Franchisors, if applicable, to protect Lessee, Landlord, Manager, any Holder, and any Franchisor, if applicable, against loss or damage arising in connection with the development, construction, renovation, furnishing and equipping of the Premises (and pre-opening activities, if applicable), including, without limitation, the following:

12.01.1. Extended Coverage, Boiler, Business Interruption and Liability Insurance .

(a) Building insurance on the “ Special Form ” (formerly “All Risk” form) (including earthquake and flood in reasonable amounts as determined by Lessee) in an amount not less than 100% of the then “ full replacement cost ” thereof (as defined below) or such other amount which is acceptable to Lessee, and personal property insurance on the “ Special Form ” in the full amount of the replacement cost thereof;

(b) Insurance for loss or damage (direct and indirect) from steam boilers, pressure vessels or similar apparatus, now or hereafter installed in the Hotel, in the minimum amount of $5,000,000 or in such greater amounts as are then customary or as may be reasonably requested by Lessee from time to time;

(c) Loss of income insurance on the “ Special Form ”, in the amount of one year of the sum of Base Rent plus Percentage Rent (as such terms are defined in and as determined pursuant to the Leases) for the benefit of Landlords, and business interruption insurance on the “ Special Form ” in the amount of one year of Gross Operating Profit, for the benefit of Lessee. All loss of income insurance proceeds shall be part of Gross Revenues;

(d) Commercial general liability insurance, with amounts not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit for each occurrence and $2,000,000.00 for the aggregate of all occurrences within each policy year, as well as excess liability (umbrella) insurance with

 

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limited of at least $35,000,000 per occurrence, covering each of the following: bodily injury, death, or property damage liability per occurrence, personal and advertising injury, general aggregate, products and completed operations, and “all risk legal liability” (including liquor law or “dram shop” liability if liquor or alcoholic beverages are served at the Hotel);

(e) Automobile insurance on vehicles operating in conjunction with the Hotel with limits of liability of at least $1,000,000.00 combined, single limit coverage; and

(f) Insurance covering such other hazards and in such amounts as may be customary for comparable properties in the area of the Hotel and is available from insurance companies, insurance pools or other appropriate companies authorized to do business in the State where the Hotel is located at rates which are economically practicable in relation to the risks covered as may be reasonably requested by Lessee and otherwise consistent with the costs allocated therefor in the Annual Operating Budget.

12.01.2. Operational Insurance .

(a) Workers’ compensation and employer’s liability insurance as may be required under Legal Requirements and as Manager may deem reasonably prudent covering all of Manager’s employees at the Premises, with such deductible limits or self-insured retentions as may be reasonably established from time to time by Manager;

(b) Fidelity bonds, with limits and deductibles as may be reasonably requested by Lessee, covering Manager’s employees in job classifications normally bonded under prudent hotel management practices in the United States or otherwise required by law; and

(c) Such other insurance in amounts as Manager in its reasonable judgment deems advisable for its protection against claims, liabilities and losses arising out of or connected with its performance under this Agreement, and otherwise consistent with the costs allocated therefor in the Annual Operating Budget.

12.02 Replacement Cost. The term “ full replacement cost ” as used herein shall mean the actual replacement cost of the Hotel requiring replacement from time to time including an increased cost of construction endorsement, if available, and the cost of debris removal. In the event either party to this Agreement believes that full replacement cost (the then-replacement cost less such exclusions) has increased or decreased at any time during the Term, it shall have the right to have such full replacement cost re-determined.

12.03 Increase in Limits. If either party to this Agreement at any time deems the limits of the personal injury or property damage under the comprehensive commercial general liability insurance then carried to be either excessive or insufficient, such parties shall endeavor in good faith to agree on the proper and reasonable limits for such insurance to be carried and such insurance shall thereafter be carried with the limits thus agreed on until further change pursuant to the provisions of this Section.

 

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12.04 Blanket Policy. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article XII , Manager may include the insurance required hereunder within the coverage of a so-called blanket policy or policies of insurance carried and maintained by Manager; provided, however, that the coverage afforded to the parties as required herein will not be reduced or diminished or otherwise be different from that which would exist under a separate policy meeting all other requirements of this Agreement by reason of the use of such blanket policy of insurance, and provided further that the requirements of this Article XII are otherwise satisfied.

12.05 Costs and Expenses. Insurance premiums and any costs or expenses with respect to the insurance, including, without limitation, agent’s and consultant’s costs used to place insurance or adjust claims, shall be Deductions. Premiums on policies for more than one year shall be charged pro-rata against Gross Revenues over the period of the policies and to the extent, through blanket policies, cover other hotels managed by Manager or owned by Lessee or any of its Affiliates, shall be allocated based on rooms, number of employees, values or other methods as determined to be reasonable by Manager and Lessee. Any reserves, losses, costs, damages or expenses which are uninsured, self-insured, or fall within deductible limits shall be treated as a cost of insurance and shall be Deductions, subject to Article XXV .

12.06 Policies and Endorsements.

 

  A. Where permitted, all insurance provided for under this Article XII shall name Lessee as insured, and Manager, any Holder, the Landlords, and, if required, the Franchisors, as additional insureds. The party procuring such insurance shall deliver to the other party certificates of insurance with respect to all policies so procured, including existing, additional and renewal policies and, in the event of insurance about to expire, shall deliver certificates of insurance with respect to the renewal policies not less than ten (10) days prior to the respective dates of expiration.

 

  B. All policies of insurance provided for under this Article XII shall, to the extent obtainable, be with insurance companies licensed or authorized to do business in the state in which the Premises are located, with a minimum rating of A or better in the Best’s Insurance Guide and an S&P rating of at least A+V (or such higher rating if so required by any Holder, Landlord or Franchisor), and shall have attached thereto an endorsement that such policy shall not be cancelled or materially changed without at least thirty (30) days’ (and for Texas Hotels, ten (10) days’) prior written notice to Lessee. All insurance policies obtained pursuant to this Article XII shall contain a standard waiver of subrogation endorsement.

12.07 Termination. Upon Termination of this Agreement, an escrow fund in an amount reasonably acceptable to Manager shall be established from Gross Revenues (or, if Gross Revenues are not sufficient, with funds provided by Lessee) to cover the amount of any costs which, in Manager’s reasonable business judgment, will likely need to be paid by either Lessee or Manager with respect to pending or contingent claims, including those which arise after Termination for causes arising during the Term of this Agreement. Upon the final disposition of

 

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all such pending or contingent claims, any unexpended funds remaining in such escrow shall be paid to Lessee.

ARTICLE XIII

TAXES AND DEBT SERVICE

13.01 Taxes.

(a) All real estate and ad valorem property taxes, assessments and similar charges on or relating to the Premises during the Term of this Agreement shall be paid by Manager, on behalf of Lessee, before any fine, penalty, or interest is added thereto or lien placed upon the Premises, unless payment thereof is stayed. All such payments shall be reserved and paid from Gross Revenues and treated as Deductions in determining Net Operating Income. Gross Revenues reserved for such purposes shall be placed in an escrow account or accounts established pursuant to the requirements of any applicable Holder. Interest earned in said account attributable to funds deposited pursuant to this Agreement shall be added to such reserve, thereby reducing the amount required to be placed in the account from Gross Revenues.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon Lessee’s request, Manager shall, as a Deduction, contest the validity or the amount of any such tax or assessment. Lessee agrees to cooperate with Manager and execute any documents or pleadings required for such purpose, provided that Lessee is satisfied that the facts set forth in such documents or pleadings are accurate and that such execution or cooperation does not impose any unreasonable obligations on Lessee, and Lessee agrees to reimburse Manager as a Deduction for all expenses occasioned to Manager by any such contest, provided that such expenses shall be approved by Lessee prior to the time that they are incurred.

13.02 Debt Service; Ground Lease Payments. In the event of a Hotel Mortgage and/or Ground Lease and upon direction of Lessee, Manager shall establish an account (the “ Property Service Account ”) to pay Debt Service and/or Ground Lease Payments in such periodic payments as required by any applicable Holder under any applicable Hotel Mortgage and/or landlord under any Ground Lease. The Property Service Account shall be funded by Landlord under the Lease from funds paid by Landlord to Lessee. In the event sufficient funds are unavailable for the payment of Debt Service and/or Ground Lease Payments from the Property Service Account, then Manager shall notify Lessee in writing of such insufficiency who shall in turn advise the Landlord under the applicable Lease to replenish the Property Service Account to provide funds for payment of Debt Service and/or Ground Lease Payments.

ARTICLE XIV

BANK ACCOUNTS

All funds made available to Manager by Lessee for operations of the Premises, exclusive of those amounts described in Article VIII , shall be deposited into a banking checking account or accounts to be established in the name of Lessee (the “ Operating Account ”), consistent with the requirements of any Cash Management Agreements, if any. The Operating Account shall be interest bearing when possible. Subject to the limitation of Manager’s authority

 

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set forth herein, both Manager and Lessee shall be authorized to withdraw funds from said Operating Account, except that Lessee may withdraw funds from said account only if an Event of Default by Manager has occurred under this Agreement or an event has occurred that with the passage of time might be an Event of Default by Manager. Prior to any such withdrawal by Lessee, Lessee shall provide Notice of same to Manager, and Manager shall not be liable to Lessee for any checks written by Manager for operating expenses which are returned due to insufficient funds caused by such Lessee withdrawal. From time to time both Manager and Lessee shall designate signatory parties on such account and shall provide written notice of such designation or change in designation to the other party, and the signatures of such persons shall be formally and expressly recognized by the bank in which such account or accounts are maintained. The bank or banks to be utilized shall be selected and approved by Lessee and Manager. All monies received shall be deposited in, including, but not limited to, Gross Revenues, and expenses paid, including, but not limited to, Deductions, shall be paid from such bank checking account(s) except that Manager shall have the right to maintain payroll and petty cash funds and to make payments therefrom as the same are customary and utilized in the lodging business. Such funds shall not be commingled with Manager’s funds. Lessee shall have the right, at its expense, to audit said account or accounts at any reasonable time.

Manager may establish one or more separate bank accounts for handling payroll costs in the name of Lessee. Such accounts shall be in a bank selected by Manager and approved by Lessee, and shall be handled exclusively by the individuals designated by Manager and approved in writing by Lessee. Funds shall be deposited in the payroll account or accounts from the Operating Account, as needed, in order to meet payroll requirements.

Until otherwise prescribed by Lessee in writing, the Operating Account shall be under the control of Manager, without prejudice, however, to Manager’s obligation to account to Lessee as and when provided herein. All receipts and income, including without limitation, Gross Revenues shall be promptly deposited in the Operating Account. Checks or other documents of withdrawal shall be signed only by the individual representatives of Manager approved in writing by Lessee and duly recognized for such purpose by the bank or banks in which the referenced accounts are maintained. Manager shall supply Lessee with fidelity bonds or other insurance insuring the fidelity of authorized signatories to such accounts, unless said bonds or other insurance shall have been placed by Lessee and delivered directly by the bonding or insurance company to Lessee. The cost of such fidelity bonds or other insurance shall be a Deduction, at Lessee’s expense, and subject to Lessee’s approval. Neither Lessee nor Manager shall be responsible for any losses occasioned by the failure or insolvency of the bank or banks in which the referenced accounts are maintained. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement for the Hotel and the payment to Manager of all amounts due Manager hereunder upon such expiration or termination, as provided in this Agreement, all remaining amounts in the referenced accounts shall be transferred forthwith to Lessee, or made freely available to Lessee.

Manager shall not be required to advance funds, and Manager shall not be obligated to incur any liability or obligation for Lessee’s account, without assurance that necessary funds for the discharge thereof will be provided by Lessee.

 

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All reserve accounts established pursuant to this Agreement shall be placed in segregated interest-bearing accounts in the name of Lessee which interest shall be added to such reserve and serve to reduce the amount required to be placed in such reserve account.

ARTICLE XV

ACCOUNTING SYSTEM

15.01 Books and Records. Manager shall maintain an adequate and separate accounting system in connection with its management and operation of the Premises. The books and records shall be kept in accordance with GAAP and the Uniform System of Accounts (to the extent consistent with GAAP) and shall be maintained at all times either on the Premises, at the principal office of the Manager, or in storage, for at least three (3) years after the Fiscal Year to which the books and records relate. Lessee, the beneficial owners of Lessee, the Landlords (to the extent permitted under the Leases), any Holder (to the extent permitted under the Hotel Mortgage), any Franchisor (to the extent permitted under any applicable Franchise Agreement), or their respective employees or duly authorized agents, shall have the right and privilege of examining and inspecting the books and records at any reasonable time. Upon termination of this Agreement for a Hotel, all such books and records shall be turned over to Lessee so as to insure the orderly continuance of the operation of the Hotel; provided however, that all such books and records thereafter shall be available to Manager at the Hotel at all reasonable times for inspection, audit, examination and copying for a period of three (3) years.

15.02 Monthly Financial Statements. Within twenty-five (25) days following each Accounting Period, Manager shall furnish Lessee with respect to the Hotel an accrual basis balance sheet on Manager’s standard format in reasonable detail, together with a reasonably detailed accrual basis profit and loss statement for the calendar month next preceding and with a cumulative calendar year accrual basis profit and loss statement to date, including a comparison to the Annual Operating Budget and the Capital Improvements Budget and a statement of cash flows for each monthly and cumulative period for which a profit and loss statement is prepared. Further, from time to time as reasonably requested by Lessee, Manager shall provide a statement of bank account balances, an allocation to reserve accounts, a sources and uses statement, a narrative discussing any of the aforementioned reports and material variances from the Annual Operating Budget and the Capital Improvements Budget, such other reports and financial statements as Lessee may reasonably request and as are customarily provided by managers of similar hotel properties in the area of the Hotel without Manager receiving additional fees to provide same.

15.03 Annual Financial Statements. Within forty-five (45) days after the end of each Fiscal Year, Manager shall furnish to Lessee year-end financial statements for the Hotel (including a balance sheet, income statement and statement of sources and uses of funds) which statements shall be unaudited and shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP and the Uniform System of Accounts (to the extent consistent with GAAP). Lessee will engage an independent national certified public accounting firm with hospitality experience and reasonably acceptable to Lessee to provide audited annual financial statements. Manager shall cooperate in all respects with such accountant in the preparation of such statements, including the delivery of any

 

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financial information generated by Manager pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and reasonably required by the Lessee’s accountant to prepare such audited financial statements.

ARTICLE XVI

PAYMENT BY LESSEE

16.01 Payment of Base Management Fee. On the fifth (5th) day of each month during the term of this Agreement, Manager shall be paid out of the Operating Account, the Base Management Fee for the preceding Accounting Period, as determined from the books and records referred to in Article XV .

16.02 Distributions. Subject to retention of Reasonable Working Capital (including any amounts as required by the Capital Improvement Budget) and retention of such reserves as may be required under any Hotel Mortgage and/or Ground Lease, as applicable, Manager shall deliver to Lessee from the Operating Account, any excess Working Capital for the preceding Accounting Period on the 25th day of the following month, and such amounts of Lessee’s money in the possession or under the control of Manager as Lessee shall from time to time request. For purposes of this Article “ Reasonable Working Capital ” shall mean an amount reasonably determined by Manager at the same time as the monthly financial statements are prepared pursuant to Section 15.02 hereof, but in no event to exceed a sum equal to a ratio of current assets to current liabilities of 2:1 (but excluding from such calculation cash restricted or unavailable under any Cash Management Agreement).

16.03 Payment Option. Management Fees shall be paid in cash, except that subject to the requirements of Section 5.02.6 and Section 28.08 Manager may request, no later than thirty (30) days prior to the payment due date, by Notice to Lessee (such request to be subject to the approval of a majority of the Independent Directors of AHP, in their sole discretion, and to any applicable restrictions of a national securities exchange (including NASDAQ NMS and NASDAQ Small Cap) and to federal and state securities laws), payment of up to one-third (1/3 rd ) of its Base Management Fee and up to one hundred percent (100%) of its Incentive Fee, in the form of shares of common stock of AHP priced at the “Strike Price,” or in the form of stock options priced in accordance with the “Black-Scholes Model” (the “ Payment Option Request ”), as follows:

 

  A.

Common Stock at “Strike Price” . The number of shares of common stock of AHP to be issued in lieu of the applicable Base Management Fees and/or Incentive Fee as noted in the Payment Option Request (the “ Designated Fees ”) shall be based upon the “Strike Price” of such common stock determined as follows: The term “ Strike Price ” shall be and mean the amount obtained (rounded upward to the next highest cent) by determining the simple average of the daily closing price of the common stock of AHP for the twenty (20) trading days ending on the last trading day of the calendar week immediately preceding the applicable payment due date on the New York Stock Exchange or, if the shares of such common stock are not then being traded on the New York Stock Exchange, then on the principal stock exchange (including without limitation NASDAQ NMS or NASDAQ Small Cap) on which such common stock is then

 

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  listed or admitted to trading as determined by AHP or, if such common stock is not then so listed or admitted to trading the average of the last reported closing bid and asked prices on such days in the over-the-counter market or, if no such prices are available, the fair market value per share of such common stock, as determined by a majority of the Independent Directors of AHP in their sole discretion. The Strike Price shall not be subject to any adjustment as a result of the issuance of any additional shares of common stock by AHP for any purpose, except for stock splits (whether accomplished by stock dividends or otherwise) or reverse stock splits occurring during the 20 trading days referenced in the calculation of the Strike Price. Upon determination of the Strike Price for such common stock (and provided payment in the form of common stock has been approved by the board of directors of AHP), AHP agrees to issue to Manager the number of shares of common stock in AHP determined by dividing the Designated Fees by the Strike Price per share of common stock, and any balance remaining shall be paid to Manager in cash.

 

  B. Options based on Black-Scholes Model . The number of stock options to be issued in lieu of the Designated Fees shall be based upon the “Black-Scholes Model” as follows: The term “ Black-Scholes Model ” means the Black-Scholes model for valuing the “fair value” of an option calculated based on historical data and calculated probabilities of future stock prices, reasonably applied. Upon determination of the value of an option on the date such options are to be issued, as determined using the Black-Scholes Model (the “ Black-Scholes Amount ”), provided payment in the form of options has been approved by the board of directors of AHP, AHP agrees to issue to Manager the number of options for common stock of AHP determined by dividing the Designated Fees by the Black-Scholes Amount per option, and any balance remaining shall be paid to Manager in cash. The “Strike Price” for any option (which must be exercised within ten (10) years of issuance), shall have the meaning of the term “Strike Price” as used in subparagraph A above.

ARTICLE XVII

RELATIONSHIP AND AUTHORITY

Lessee and Manager shall not be construed as partners, joint venturers or as members of a joint enterprise and neither shall have the power to bind or obligate the other except as set forth in this Agreement. Nevertheless, Manager is granted such authority and power as may be reasonably necessary for it to carry out the provisions of this Agreement. This Agreement, either alone or in conjunction with any other documents, shall not be deemed to constitute a lease of any portion of the Premises. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit or restrict Manager or any affiliate of Manager from operating, owning, managing, leasing or constructing any hotel of any nature or description which may in any manner compete with that of the Premises, except as otherwise set forth in the Mutual Exclusivity Agreement; provided that Manager agrees to comply with the conflicts policies of AHP. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, (a) all debts and liabilities to third persons incurred by Manager in the course of its operation and management of the Hotel in accordance with the

 

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provisions of this Agreement shall be the debts and liabilities of Lessee only, and (b) Manager shall not be liable for any such obligations by reason of its management, supervision, direction and operation of the Hotel as agent for Lessee. Manager may so inform third parties with whom it deals on behalf of Lessee and may take any other reasonable steps to carry out the intent of this paragraph.

ARTICLE XVIII

DAMAGE, CONDEMNATION AND FORCE MAJEURE

18.01 Damage and Repair. If, during the Term hereof, a Hotel is damaged or destroyed by fire, casualty, or other cause, Lessee shall, subject to the requirements of the applicable underlying Lease, repair or replace the damaged or destroyed portion of the Hotel to the same condition as existed previously. In the event the underlying Lease relating to such damaged Hotel is terminated pursuant to the provisions of such Lease, Lessee may terminate this Agreement with respect to such Hotel upon sixty (60) days’ Notice from the date of such damage or destruction, in which case this Agreement shall then terminate with respect to such Hotel sixty (60) days from the date of such notice and neither party shall have any further rights, obligations, liabilities or remedies one to the other hereunder with respect to such Hotel, except as otherwise provided in Article II (provided that no termination fees shall be payable by Lessee pursuant to Article II ) and Section 18.04 . If this Agreement remains in effect with respect to such damaged Hotel and the damage does not result in a reduction of Gross Revenues at such Hotel, the Management Fee will be unabated. If however, this Agreement remain in effect with respect to such Hotel, but the damage does result in a reduction of Gross Revenues at such Hotel, Lessee shall be entitled to partial, pro rata abatement with respect to the Management Fee until such time as such Hotel is restored.

18.02 Condemnation.

 

  A. In the event all or substantially all of a Hotel shall be taken in any eminent domain, condemnation, compulsory acquisition, or similar proceeding by any competent authority for any public or quasi-public use or purpose, this Agreement shall terminate with respect to such Hotel, subject to the requirements of the applicable underlying Lease. However, in any event of such termination, Lessee shall give Manager at least fifteen (15) days prior Notice of such termination. In the event of such termination, neither party shall have any further rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities one to the other hereunder with respect to such Hotel except as otherwise provided in Article II above (provided that no termination fees shall be payable by Lessee pursuant to Article II ).

 

  B.

If a portion of the Premises shall be taken by the events described in Section 18.02A or the entire Premises are temporarily affected, the result of either of which is not to make it, in the reasonable business judgment of Lessee, unreasonable to continue to operate the applicable Hotel, subject to the requirements of the applicable underlying Lease, this Agreement shall not terminate with respect to such Hotel. However, so much of any award for any such partial taking or condemnation shall be made available to the extent

 

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  necessary to render the applicable Premises equivalent to its condition prior to such event and the balance shall be paid to Lessee or the Holder, if required by any Hotel Mortgage covering the Premises.

18.03 Force Majeure. If an event of Force Majeure directly involves a Hotel and has a significant adverse effect upon the continued operations of such Hotel, then Lessee shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement with respect to the applicable Hotel by written Notice within sixty (60) days from the date of such Force Majeure, and this Agreement shall then terminate with respect to the applicable Hotel sixty (60) days from such notice, in which event neither Lessee nor Manager shall have any further rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities, one to the other, hereunder, with respect to the applicable Premises except as otherwise provided in Article II (provided that no termination fees shall be payable by Lessee pursuant to Article II ).

18.04 Liquidated Damages if Casualty.

 

  A. Omitted .

 

  B. Casualty of a Hotel . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if any Hotel is damaged pursuant to a casualty as set forth in Section 18.01 hereof within the first year of the initial 10-year term for such Hotel, and Lessee elects, for any reason, not to rebuild such Hotel, Lessee agrees to pay Manager (provided there does not then exist an Event of Default by Manager beyond any applicable cure periods), a termination fee, if any, that would be owed if such hotel were then sold, as set forth in Section 2.03(a)(i) above. However, if after the first year of the initial 10-year term for a Hotel, such Hotel is damaged and Lessee elects not to rebuild such hotel even though sufficient casualty proceeds are available to do so, then Lessee will pay to Manager a termination fee (provided there does not then exist an Event of Default by Manager beyond any applicable cure periods), equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) 65% of the aggregate Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee estimated to be paid Manager budgeted in the Annual Operating Budget applicable to such Hotel (but in no event less than the Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee for the preceding full Fiscal Year) by (ii) nine (9).

Payment of the termination fees set forth in this Section 18.04 shall be subject to Section 2.03(d) above with respect to liquidated damages.

18.05 No Liquidated Damages if Condemnation or Force Majeure. No liquidated damages shall be payable in the event of a condemnation relating to a Hotel, provided that Manager shall be entitled to seek recovery from the condemning authority for its loss of contract and this Agreement shall not terminate for that purpose. No liquidated damages shall be payable by Lessee as a result of its termination of this Agreement as to a Hotel pursuant to Section 18.03 (Force Majeure).

 

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ARTICLE XIX

DEFAULT AND TERMINATION

19.01 Events of Default. The following shall constitute events of default (each an “ Event of Default ”):

 

  A. The filing of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or a petition for reorganization under any bankruptcy law by Lessee or Manager;

 

  B. The consent to any involuntary petition in bankruptcy or the failure to vacate, within ninety (90) days from the date of entry thereof, any order approving an involuntary petition by Lessee or Manager;

 

  C. The entering of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction, on the application of a creditor, adjudicating Lessee or Manager as bankrupt or insolvent, or approving a petition seeking reorganization or appointing a receiver, trustee, or liquidator of all or a substantial part of such party’s assets, and such order, judgment or decree continues unstayed and in effect for any period of ninety (90) days or more;

 

  D. The appointment of a receiver for all or any substantial portion of the property of Lessee or Manager;

 

  E. The failure of Lessee or Manager to make any payment required to be made in accordance with the terms of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt of Notice, specifying said default with reasonable specificity, when such payment is due and payable; or

 

  F. The failure of Lessee or Manager to perform, keep or fulfill any of the other covenants, undertakings, obligations or conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the continuance of such default for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice of said failure; provided, however, if such default cannot be cured within such thirty (30) day period and Lessee or Manager, as the case may be, commences to cure such default within such thirty (30) day period and thereafter diligently and expeditiously proceeds to cure the same, such thirty (30) day period shall be extended so long as it shall require Lessee or Manager, as the case may be, in the exercise of due diligence to cure such default, it being agreed that no such extension (including the original 30 day cure period) shall be for a period in excess of one hundred twenty (120) days.

 

  G. The Manager does not qualify as an Eligible Independent Contractor.

19.02 Consequence of Default. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the non-defaulting party may give the defaulting party Notice of intention to terminate this Agreement (after the expiration of any applicable grace or cure period provided in Section 19.01 ), and upon the expiration of thirty (30) days from the date of such notice, this Agreement shall terminate, whereupon the non-defaulting party shall be entitled to pursue all of its rights and remedies, at

 

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law or in equity, under this Agreement (including, without limitation, any indemnity obligations which shall survive termination of this Agreement) and any other rights and remedies available under Legal Requirements except as otherwise expressly limited by the terms of Article II . Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that an Event of Default is applicable to one or more of the Hotels but not all of the Hotels, such termination shall only be as to such applicable Hotel(s).

ARTICLE XX

WAIVER AND INVALIDITY

20.01 Waiver. The failure of either party to insist upon a strict performance of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement or to exercise any option, right or remedy herein contained, shall not be construed as a waiver or as a relinquishment for the future of such term, provision, option, right or remedy, but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect. No waiver by either party of any term or provision hereof shall be deemed to have been made unless expressed in writing and signed by such party.

20.02 Partial Invalidity. In the event that any portion of this Agreement shall be declared invalid by order, decree or judgment of a court, this Agreement shall be construed as if such portion had not been inserted herein except when such construction would operate as an undue hardship on the Manager or Lessee or constitute a substantial deviation from the general intent and purpose of said parties as reflected in this Agreement, in which event it shall be terminated.

ARTICLE XXI

ASSIGNMENT

Subject to the requirements of any Hotel Mortgage, Franchise Agreement, Ground Lease or any of the Leases, neither party shall assign or transfer (by operation of law or otherwise) or permit the assignment or transfer of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other (which may be withheld in its sole discretion) and any such prohibited assignment or transfer shall be null and void; provided, however, that Manager shall have the right, without such consent, to assign its interest in this Agreement to any “Manager Affiliate Entity”, provided such Manager Affiliate Entity qualifies as an Eligible Independent Contractor as of the date of such transfer. The term “ Manager Affiliate Entity ” shall mean any entity controlled directly or indirectly by (i) Archie Bennett, Jr. and/or Monty Bennett, (ii) family partnerships or trusts (the sole members or beneficiaries of which are at all times lineal descendants of Archie Bennett, Jr. or Monty Bennett (including step-children) and spouses of any of the foregoing), or (iii) by lineal descendants of Archie Bennett, Jr. or Monty Bennett (including step-children) and spouses of any of the foregoing. For purposes hereof, “controlled” shall mean (i) the possession, directly or indirectly of a majority of the voting power and capital stock or ownership interest of such entity, or (ii) the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such entity in the capacity of chief executive officer, president, chairman, or other similar capacity where they are actively engaged and/or involved in providing such direction or control and spend a substantial amount of time managing such entity. Any such permitted assignee shall be deemed to be the Manager for purposes of this Agreement

 

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provided such assignee assumes all of Manager’s future obligations under this Agreement pursuant to an assumption agreement reasonably acceptable to Lessee. Any and all such assignments, however, shall at all times be subject to the prior right, title and interest of Lessee with respect to the Premises. An assignment by Manager or any permitted assignee of its interest in this Agreement, shall not relieve Manager or any such permitted assignee, as the case may be, from their respective obligations under this Agreement, and shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, their permitted successors and assigns. For purposes of this Article XXI any change in the ownership of the Manager or other event that would cause the Manager to fail to be a Manager Affiliate Entity shall be deemed to be a transfer of this Agreement, prohibited by this Article XXI unless first consented to in writing by Lessee.

ARTICLE XXII

NOTICES

All notices, demands, elections, or other communications that any party this Agreement may desire or be required to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand, by depositing the same in the United States mail, first class, postage prepaid, certified mail, return receipt requested, or by a recognized overnight courier service providing confirmation of delivery, to the addresses set forth below, or at such address as may be designated by the addressee upon written notice to the other party, (herein called “ Notice ”).

 

To Lessee:    Ashford Prime TRS Corporation (or its specified designee set forth in an Addendum)
   14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100
   Dallas, Texas 75254
   Attn: Chief Financial Officer
   Fax: (972) 490-9605
With a copy to:    Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership
   14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100
   Dallas, Texas 75254
   Attn: General Counsel
   Fax: (972) 490-9605
To Manager:    Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC
   14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150
   Dallas, Texas 75254
   Attn: Monty Bennett
   Fax: (972) 980-2705

 

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With a copy to:    Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC
   14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150
   Dallas, Texas 75254
   Attn: Legal Department
   Fax: (972) 490-9605
To the Landlords:    c/o Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership
   14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100
   Dallas, Texas 75254
   Attn: General Counsel
   Fax: (972) 490-9605

All notices given pursuant to this Article XXII shall be deemed to have been given (i) if delivered by hand on the date of delivery or on the date that delivery was refused by the addressee, or (ii) if delivered by certified mail or by overnight courier, on the date of delivery as established by the return receipt or courier service confirmation (or the date on which the return receipt or courier service confirms that acceptance of delivery was refused by the addressee).

ARTICLE XXIII

SUBORDINATION; NON-DISTURBANCE

23.01 Subordination. This Agreement shall be subject and subordinate to any Hotel Mortgage and Lease, and Manager agrees to enter into a lender-manager or landlord-manager (as applicable) agreement with respect to each Hotel, which agreement shall contain reasonable provisions, including, without limitation, Manager’s acknowledgment that its real estate interest in and to the applicable Hotel, if any, created by this Agreement is subject and subordinate to the applicable Hotel Mortgage or Lease, including providing any purchaser of such Hotel at a foreclosure sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, including the Holder, with the right to terminate this Agreement with respect to the applicable Hotel; provided, however, in no event will Manager agree to subordinate or waive its right to receive fees, reimbursements or indemnification payments under this Agreement arising prior to termination (but (a) if this Agreement is terminated by the Holder or such purchaser or Landlord (or its assignee) with respect to such Hotel, Manager shall not look to the Holder for payment of such fees, reimbursements or indemnification payments and Manager’s right to receive such fees, reimbursements or indemnification payments shall be subordinated to the Holder’s rights and (b) if this Agreement is not terminated by the Holder or such purchaser with respect to such Hotel, then such fees, reimbursements or indemnification payments shall be payable by the Holder or such purchaser). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Manager shall in no event be obligated to perform its duties hereunder without payment and/or reasonable assurance of payment of such fees, reimbursements or indemnification payments.

23.02 Non-Disturbance Agreement. Notwithstanding Section 23.01 , Lessee agrees that, prior to obtaining any Hotel Mortgage or executing any Lease, Lessee will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain from each prospective Holder or Landlord (as applicable), a Non-Disturbance Agreement pursuant to which Manager’s rights under this Agreement will not be

 

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disturbed as a result of a default stemming from non-monetary factors which (i) relate to Lessee and do not relate solely to the applicable Hotel, and (ii) are not defaults by Manager under Section 19.01 of this Agreement. If Lessee desires to obtain a Hotel Mortgage or to execute a Lease, Manager, on written request from Lessee, shall promptly identify those provisions in the proposed Hotel Mortgage or Lease documents which fall within the categories described in clauses (i) and (ii) above, and Manager shall otherwise assist in expediting the preparation of an agreement between the prospective Holder and/or Landlord and Manager which will implement the provisions of this Section 23.02 .

ARTICLE XXIV

PROPRIETARY MARKS; INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

24.01 Proprietary Marks. During the Term of this Agreement, the name “ Remington ,” whether used alone or in connection with other another word(s), and all proprietary marks (being all present and future trademarks, trade names, symbols, logos, insignia, service marks, and the like) of Manager or any one of its Manager Affiliate Entities, whether or not registered (“ Proprietary Marks ”) shall in all events remain the exclusive property of Manager and its Manager Affiliate Entities. Lessee shall have no right to use any Proprietary Mark, except during the term of this Agreement to have signage installed using any Proprietary Mark in conformance with the specifications provided by Manager. Upon Termination, any use of a Proprietary Mark by Lessee under this Agreement shall immediately cease. Upon Termination, Manager shall have the option to purchase, at their then book value, any items of the applicable Hotel’s Inventories and Fixed Asset Supplies as may be marked with a Proprietary Mark. In the event Manager does not exercise such option, Lessee agrees that it will use any such items not so purchased exclusively in connection with the Hotel until they are consumed.

24.02 Computer Software and Equipment. All “ Software ” (meaning all computer software and accompanying documentation, other than software which is commercially available, which are used by Manager in connection with the property management system, any reservation system and all future electronic systems developed by Manager for use in the Hotel) is and shall remain the exclusive property of Manager or any one of its Manager Affiliate Entities (or the licensor of such Software, as the case may be), and Lessee shall have no right to use, or to copy, any Software. Upon Termination, Manager shall have the right to remove from the Hotel, without compensation to Lessee, all Software, and any computer equipment which is utilized as part of a centralized property management system or is otherwise considered proprietary by Manager, excepting any software which is owned by the applicable Franchisor; provided that Manager shall cooperate with Lessee in the transition of the centralized management system to the new manager, including in the change of any Software and computer equipment. If any of such computer equipment is owned by Lessee or Landlord, Manager shall reimburse Lessee for previous expenditures made by Lessee for the purchase of such equipment, subject to a reasonable allowance for depreciation.

24.03 Intellectual Property. All “ Intellectual Property ” (meaning all Software and manuals, brochures and directives issued by Manager to its employees at the Hotel regarding procedures and techniques to be used in operating the Hotel) shall at all times be proprietary to Manager or its Affiliates, and shall be the exclusive property of Manager or its Affiliates. Upon

 

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Termination, all Intellectual Property shall be removed from the Hotel by Manager, without compensation to Lessee.

24.04 Books and Records. All Books and Records maintained with respect to the Hotel, including guest records but excluding employee records, shall be the sole property of Lessee but may be used by the Manager during the Term in connection with its management and operation of the Hotel.

ARTICLE XXV

INDEMNIFICATION

25.01 Manager Indemnity. Manager shall indemnify and hold Lessee (and Lessee’s agents, principals, shareholders, partners, members, officers, directors, attorneys and employees) harmless from and against all liabilities, losses, claims, damages, costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) which are not covered by insurance proceeds that may be incurred by or asserted against any such party and that arise from (a) the fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence of Manager; provided, however, that the act or omission of any employee of Manager who is not an Executive Employee, which act or omission is willful or constitutes fraud or gross negligence on the part of such employee, shall not constitute fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of Manager unless Manager’s home office or regional staff, or an Executive Employee, acted with gross negligence in employing, training, supervising or continuing the employment of such employee; (b) the infringement by Manager on the intellectual property rights of any third party; (c) any Excluded Employee Claims; (d) knowing or reckless placing, discharge, leakage, use or storage of hazardous materials on the Premises or in the Hotel by Manager during the Term of this Agreement as set forth in Section 28.09C ; or (e) the breach by Manager of any provision of this Agreement, including, without limitation, any action taken by Manager which is beyond the scope of Manager’s authority under this Agreement, which is not cured within any applicable notice and cure periods. Lessee shall promptly provide Manager with written notice of any claim or suit brought against it by a third party which might result in such indemnification.

25.02 Lessee Indemnity. Except with respect to matters for which Manager is obligated to provide indemnification pursuant to Section 25.01, Lessee shall indemnify and hold Manager (and Manager’s agents, principals, shareholders, partners, members, officers, directors, attorneys and employees) harmless from and against all liabilities, losses, claims, damages, costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) which are not covered by insurance proceeds and that may be incurred by or asserted against such party and that arise from or in connection with (a) the performance of Manager’s services under this Agreement; (b) the condition or use of the Hotel, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including without limitation, any injury to person(s) or damage to property or business by reason of any cause whatsoever in or about the Hotel; (c) any Employee Related Termination Costs, including any liability to which Manager is subjected pursuant to the WARN Act in connection with the termination of this Agreement, provided that Manager has provided notices in the form (other than any reference to the time period) required by the WARN Act within five (5) business days of Manager’s receipt of a notice of the termination of this Agreement (excluding any termination of this Agreement which results from the commission of any theft, embezzlement or other

 

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criminal misappropriation of funds of the Hotel or from the Lessee or any fraud or felony by any Executive Employee that relates to or materially affects the operation or reputation of the Hotel); (d) the Employee Costs and Expenses as set forth in Article IX herein above; or (e) any Employee Claims, but excluding any Excluded Employee Claims. Manager shall promptly provide Lessee with written Notice of any claim or suit brought against it by a third party which might result in such indemnification. THIS INDEMNITY PROVISION IS INTENDED TO INDEMNIFY MANAGER (i) AGAINST THE CONSEQUENCES OF ITS OWN NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT WHEN MANAGER IS SOLELY NEGLIGENT OR CONTRIBUTORILY, PARTIALLY, JOINTLY, COMPARATIVELY OR CONCURRENTLY NEGLIGENT WITH LESSEE OR ANY OTHER PERSON (BUT IS NOT GROSSLY NEGLIGENT, HAS NOT COMMITTED AN INTENTIONAL ACT OR MADE INTENTIONAL OMISSION) AND (ii) AGAINST ANY LIABILITY OF MANAGER BASED ON ANY APPLICABLE DOCTRINE OF STRICT LIABILITY.

25.03 Indemnification Procedure. Any party obligated to indemnify the other party under this Agreement (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) shall have the right, by Notice to the other party, to assume the defense of any claim with respect to which the other party is entitled to indemnification hereunder. If the Indemnifying Party gives such notice, (i) such defense shall be conducted by counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party and approved by the other party, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed (provided, however, that the other party’s approval shall not be required with respect to counsel designated by the Indemnifying Party’s insurer); (ii) so long as the Indemnifying Party is conducting such defense with reasonable diligence, the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to control said defense and shall not be required to pay the fees or disbursements of any counsel engaged by the other party for services rendered after the Indemnifying Party has given the Notice provided for above to the other party, except if there is a conflict of interest between the parties with respect to such claim or defense; and (iii) the Indemnifying Party shall have the right, without the consent of the other party, to settle such claim, but only provided that such settlement involves only the payment of money, the Indemnifying Party pays all amounts due in connection with or by reason of such settlement and, as part thereof, the other party is unconditionally released from all liability in respect of such claim. The other party shall have the right to participate in the defense of such claim being defended by the Indemnifying Party at the expense of the other party, but the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to control such defense (other than in the event of a conflict of interest between the parties with respect to such claim or defense). In no event shall (i) the other party settle any claim without the consent of the Indemnifying Party so long as the Indemnifying Party is conducting the defense thereof in accordance with this Agreement; or (ii) if a claim is covered by the Indemnifying Party’s liability insurance, take or omit to take any action which would cause the insurer not to defend such claim or to disclaim liability in respect thereof.

25.04 Survival. The provisions of this Article shall survive the termination of this Agreement with respect to acts, omissions and occurrences arising during the Term.

25.05 No Successor Liability. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Manager shall not be liable as a successor employer or entity for any actions Manager’s predecessors ( a “ Predecessor Manager”) may have taken in the employer-employee

 

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relationship with Manager’s current or former employees or employees of Manager’s agents before the commencement of the term.

ARTICLE XXVI

NEW HOTELS AND NON-MANAGED HOTELS

Lessee acknowledges and agrees that any Hotel leased by Lessee or its designees from any Affiliates of the Partnership (including the Landlords) from and after the Effective Date may at the election of the parties to the Mutual Exclusivity Agreement either be subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement effective upon execution of an addendum to this Agreement (the “ Addendum ”) in the form of Exhibit “A” attached hereto, or pursuant to a management agreement in form and substance substantially similar to the terms of this Agreement with either Manager or an Affiliate of Manager (provided said Affiliate constitutes an Eligible Independent Contractor); provided that there does not then exist an uncured Event of Default by Manager under this Agreement and the independent director approval requirements under the Mutual Exclusivity Agreement have been satisfied. Effective upon execution of said Addendum, all terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be deemed amended to include and apply to such Hotel(s) as provided in the Addendum. Lessee further acknowledges and agrees that any Non-Managed Hotel leased by Lessee or its designees from any Affiliates of the Partnership (including the Landlords) from and after the Effective Date may at the election of the parties to the Mutual Exclusivity Agreement be subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement that expressly relate to Non-Managed Hotels effective upon execution of an addendum to this Agreement (the “ Project Management Addendum ”) in the form of Exhibit “B” attached hereto; provided that there does not then exist an uncured Event of Default by Manager under this Agreement and the independent director approval requirements under the Mutual Exclusivity Agreement have been satisfied. Effective upon execution of said Project Management Addendum, all terms and conditions of this Agreement relating to Non-Managed Hotels shall be deemed amended to include and apply to such Non-Managed Hotel(s) as provided in the Project Management Addendum.

ARTICLE XXVII

GOVERNING; LAW VENUE

This Agreement and its interpretation, validity and performance shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas without regard to its conflicts of laws principles. In the event any court of law of appropriate judicial authority shall hold or declare that the law of another jurisdiction is applicable, this Agreement shall remain enforceable under the laws of the appropriate jurisdiction. The parties hereto agree that venue for any action in connection herewith shall be proper in Dallas County, Texas. Each party hereto consents to the jurisdiction of any local, state or federal court situated in any of such locations and waives any objection which it may have pertaining to improper venue or forum non conveniens to the conduct of any proceeding in any such court.

 

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ARTICLE XXVIII

MISCELLANEOUS

28.01 Rights to Make Agreement. Each party warrants, with respect to itself, that neither the execution of this Agreement nor the finalization of the transactions contemplated hereby shall violate any provision of law or judgment, writ, injunction, order or decree of any court or governmental authority having jurisdiction over it; result in or constitute a breach or default under any indenture, contract, other commitment or restriction to which it is a party or by which it is bound; or require any consent, vote or approval which has not been given or taken. Each party covenants that it has and will continue to have throughout the term of this Agreement and any extensions thereof, the full right to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder.

28.02 Agency. Manager’s limited agency established by this Agreement is coupled with an interest and may not be terminated by Lessee until the expiration of the Term of this Agreement except as otherwise provided in this Agreement.

28.03 Failure to Perform. If Manager or Lessee at any time fails to make any payments as specified or required hereunder or fails to perform any other act required on its part to be made or performed hereunder without limitation, then the other party after thirty (30) days’ written notice to the defaulting party may (but shall not be obligated to) pay any such delinquent amount or perform any such other act on the defaulting party’s part. Any sums thus paid and all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the making of such payment or the proper performance of any such act, together with interest thereon at the lesser of (i) the interest rate allowed by the applicable usury laws or (ii) at the Prime Rate plus three percent (3%), from the date that such payment is made or such costs and expenses incurred, shall constitute a liquidated amount to be paid by the defaulting party under this Agreement to the other party on demand. For the purposes of this Section 28.03 , the term “ Prime Rate ” shall mean the “prime rate” as published in the “Money Rates” section of The Wall Street Journal; however, if such rate is, at any time during the Term of this Agreement, no longer so published, the term “Prime Rate” shall mean the average of the prime interest rates which are announced, from time to time, by the three (3) largest banks (by assets) headquartered in the United States which publish a “prime rate”.

28.04 Headings. Headings of Articles and Sections are inserted only for convenience and are in no way to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the particular Articles or Sections to which they refer.

28.05 Attorneys’ Fees and Costs. If any action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and necessary disbursements in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.

28.06 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with other writings signed by the parties expressly stated to be supplementary hereto and together with any instruments to be executed and delivered pursuant to this Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between the

 

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parties and supersedes all prior understandings and writings, and may be changed only by a writing signed by the parties hereto.

28.07 Consents. Whenever the consent or approval of Lessee is required under the terms of this Agreement, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, such consent or approval may be granted or withheld by Lessee in its reasonable discretion.

28.08 Eligible Independent Contractor. During the Term of this Agreement, Manager shall at all times qualify as an “eligible independent contractor” as defined in Section 856(d)(9) of the Code (“ Eligible Independent Contractor ”). To that end, during the Term of this Agreement, Manager agrees that:

(a) Manager shall not conduct wagering activities at any of the Hotels;

(b) Manager shall not own, directly or indirectly (within the meaning of Section 856(d)(5) of the Code), more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the outstanding stock of AHP;

(c) no more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the Manager’s partnership interest (in its assets or net profits) shall be owned (within the meaning of Section 856(d)(5) of the Code), directly or indirectly, by one or more persons owning thirty-five percent (35%) (within the meaning of Section 856(d)(5) of the Code) or more of the outstanding stock of AHP;

(d) neither AHP, the Partnership, the Landlords, nor the Lessee, shall derive any income from the Manager or any of its subsidiaries; and

(e) Manager (or a person who is a “related person” within the meaning of Section 856(d)(9)(F) of the Code (a “ Related Person ”) with respect to Manager) shall be actively engaged in the trade or business of operating “qualified lodging facilities” within the meaning of Section 856(d)(9)(D) of the Code (defined below) for one or more persons who are not Related Persons with respect to AHP or Lessee (“ Unrelated Persons ”). For purposes of determining whether the requirement of this paragraph (e) has been met, Manager shall be treated as being “actively engaged” in such a trade or business if Manager (i) derives at least 10% of both its profits and revenue from operating “qualified lodging facilities” within the meaning of Section 856(d)(9)(D) of the Code for Unrelated Persons or (ii) complies with any regulations or other administrative guidance under Section 856(d)(9) of the Code that provide a “safe harbor” rule with respect to the hotel management business with Unrelated Persons that is necessary to qualify as an “eligible independent contractor” within the meaning of such Code section.

A “qualified lodging facility” is defined in Section 856(d)(9)(D) of the Code and means a “Lodging Facility” (defined below), unless wagering activities are conducted at or in connection with such facility by any person who is engaged in the business of accepting wagers and who is fully authorized to engage in such business at or in connection with such facility. A “ Lodging Facility ” is a hotel, motel or other establishment more than one-half of the dwelling units in which are used on a transient

 

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basis, and includes customary amenities and facilities operated as party of, or associated with, the lodging facility so long as such amenities and facilities are customary for other properties of a comparable size and class owned by other owners unrelated to AHP.

28.09 Environmental Matters.

 

  A. For purposes of this Section 28.09 , “hazardous materials” means any substance or material containing one or more of any of the following: “hazardous material,” “hazardous waste,” “hazardous substance,” “regulated substance,” “petroleum,” “pollutant,” “contaminant,” or “asbestos,” as such terms are defined in any applicable environmental law, in such concentration(s) or amount(s) as may impose clean-up, removal, monitoring or other responsibility under any applicable environmental law, or which may present a significant risk of harm to guests, invitees or employees of the Hotel.

 

  B. Regardless of whether or not a given hazardous material is permitted on the Premises under applicable environmental law, Manager shall only bring on the Premises such hazardous materials as are needed in the normal course of business of the Hotel.

 

  C. In the event of the discovery of hazardous materials (as such term may be defined in any applicable environmental law) on the Premises or in the Hotel during the Term of this Agreement, Lessee shall promptly remove, if required by applicable environmental law, such hazardous materials, together with all contaminated soil and containers, and shall otherwise remedy the problem in accordance with all environmental laws (except to the extent knowingly or recklessly caused by Manager during the Term of this Agreement, whereupon the responsibility to promptly remove and/or remedy the environmental problem shall be that of Manager and at Manager’s sole cost and expense). All costs and expenses of the compliance with all environmental laws shall be paid by Lessee from its own funds (except to the extent knowingly or recklessly caused by Manager during the Term of this Agreement as set forth herein above).

28.10 Equity and Debt Offerings. Neither Lessee nor Manager (as an “ issuing party ”) shall make reference to the other party (the “ non-issuing party ”) or any of its Affiliates in any prospectus, private placement memorandum, offering circular or offering documentation related thereto (collectively, referred to as the “ Prospectus ”), issued by the issuing party, unless the non-issuing party has received a copy of all such references. In no event will the non-issuing party be deemed a sponsor of the offering described in any such Prospectus, nor will it have any responsibility for the Prospectus, and the Prospectus will so state. The issuing party shall be entitled to include in the Prospectus an accurate summary of this Agreement but shall not include any proprietary mark of the non-issuing party without prior written consent of the non-issuing party. The issuing party shall indemnify, defend and hold the non-issuing party and its Affiliates (and their respective directors, officers, shareholders, employees and agents) harmless from and against all loss, costs, liability and damage (including attorneys’ fees and expenses, and the cost of litigation), arising out of any Prospectus or the offering described therein, except for any such

 

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losses, costs, liability and damage arising from material misstatements or omissions in a Prospectus based on information provided in writing by the non-issuing party expressly for inclusion in the Prospectus.

28.11 Estoppel Certificates. Lessee and Manager will, at any time and from time to time within fifteen (15) days of the request of the other party or a Holder, or a Franchisor (if so permitted under the applicable Franchise Agreement), or a Landlord (if so permitted under the applicable Lease), execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the other party and such Holder, Franchisor or Landlord, as applicable, a certificate certifying:

 

  A. That the Agreement is unmodified and in full force and effect (or, if there have been modifications, that the same is in full force and effect as modified and stating such modifications);

 

  B. The dates, if any, to which the distributions of excess Working Capital have been paid;

 

  C. Whether there are any existing Event(s) of Default or events which, with the passage of time, would become an Event of Default, by the other party to the knowledge of the party making such certification, and specifying the nature of such Event(s) of Default or defaults or events which, with the passage of time, would become an Event of Default, if any; and

 

  D. Such other matters as may be reasonably requested.

Any such certificates may be relied upon by any party to whom the certificate is directed.

28.12 Confidentiality. The Manager shall keep confidential all non-public information obtained in connection with the services rendered under this Agreement and shall not disclose any such information or use any such information except in furtherance of its duties under this Agreement and as may be required by any of its lenders or owners (provided said lenders and/or owners, as applicable agree prior to disclosure to keep such information confidential as set forth in this subparagraph 28.12), or as may be required by applicable Legal Requirements or court order, or as may be required under any Franchise Agreement, Hotel Mortgage, Lease or Ground Lease.

28.13 Modification. Any amendment, supplement or modification of this Agreement must be in writing signed by both parties hereto.

28.14 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which is an original and all of which collectively constitute one instrument.

[Signature Pages to Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers, as of the Effective Date.

 

LESSEE :
ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
By:  

/s/ David J. Kimichik

  David J. Kimichik
  President
MANAGER :
REMINGTON LODGING & HOSPITALITY, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By:  

/s/ Monty J. Bennett

  Monty J. Bennett
  Chief Executive Officer


EXHIBIT “A”

Addendum to Ashford Prime Hotel Master Management Agreement

            , 20    

Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

Dallas, Texas 75254

Attn: Mr. Monty Bennett

 

  Re: Management of Hotel by Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC as Manager

Dear Mr. Bennett:

Please refer to the Ashford Prime Hotel Master Management Agreement, dated as of             , 20    (the “ Management Agreement ”), between Ashford Prime TRS Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ Lessee ”) and Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as Manager (“ Remington ”). Capitalized terms appearing but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Management Agreement.

Lessee, through its wholly owned subsidiary,                     , a Delaware limited liability company (“ New Lessee ”), hereby appoints Remington to act as manager of the                      property located at the location set forth on Exhibit “A” attached to this Addendum (“ Addendum ”) and fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes (the “ New Hotel ”).

Accordingly, effective as of             , 20     (“ Effective Date ”), the Management Agreement is amended and modified as follows:

1. New Lessee shall be a party to the Management Agreement as a “Lessee” and agrees to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Management Agreement as “Lessee” thereunder to the extent same are applicable to the New Hotel. Lessee shall have no obligations under the Management Agreement with respect to the New Hotel, and New Lessee shall have no obligations under the Management Agreement with respect to any other Hotel (other than the New Hotel).

2. Remington’s retention by New Lessee as the manager of the New Hotel from and after the Effective Date shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Management Agreement, as amended hereby, to the same extent as if New Lessee were the “Lessee” thereunder.

3. The following exhibits and schedules attached to the Management Agreement are hereby supplemented with the information on such exhibits as shown on the following exhibits attached hereto:

 

Schedule 1-1


Exhibits :

Exhibit “A” - Hotel Information for New Hotel

Exhibit “B” - Description of Lease for New Hotel

Exhibit “B-1” – Legal Description for Site of New Hotel

Exhibit “C” – Description of Franchise Agreement and Franchisor for New Hotel

Exhibit “D” – Annual Operating Budget for the Hotel

Schedules :

Schedule 1 - Competitive Set of New Hotel

[Signature pages to follow]

 

2


Please execute in the space provided for your signature below to evidence your agreement to the contents of this Addendum.

 

Sincerely yours,
LESSEE:
ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
By:  

 

Name:   David J. Kimichik
Title:   President
NEW LESSEE:
                     LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By:  

 

Name:   David J. Kimichik
Title:   President

 

3


AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED
AS OF             , 20    :
MANAGER :

REMINGTON LODGING & HOSPITALITY, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:  

 

  Monty Bennett
  CEO

 

4


EXHIBIT “A”

Hotel Information

 

Affiliate

Property Owner

  

Property

  

Commencement Date

     

 

5


EXHIBIT “B”

Description of Lease

 

PROPERTY

  

LANDLORD

  

LESSEE

  

DATE OF LEASE

        

 

6


EXHIBIT “B-1”

Legal Description of Site of New Hotel

 

7


Exhibit “C”

Description of Franchise Agreement and Franchisor

 

8


EXHIBIT “D”

Annual Operating Budget

 

9


SCHEDULE 1

Competitive Set of Hotel

 

10


EXHIBIT “B”

Project Management Addendum to Ashford Prime Hotel Master Management Agreement

            , 20    

Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1150

Dallas, Texas 75254

Attn: Mr. Monty Bennett

 

  Re: Project Management of a New Non-Managed Hotel by Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC

Dear Mr. Bennett:

Please refer to the Ashford Prime Hotel Master Management Agreement, dated as of             , 2013 (the “ Management Agreement ”), between Ashford Prime TRS Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ Lessee ”) and Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Manager ”). Capitalized terms appearing but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Management Agreement.

Effective as of the date hereof (the “ Commencement Date ”), Lessee, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ashford TRS             LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ New Lessee ”), hereby appoints Manager to manage, coordinate, plan and execute the capital improvements budget (“ Project Management Work ”) and Project Related Services for the                      property located at the location set forth on Exhibit “A” attached to this Project Management Addendum (the “ New Non-Managed Hotel ”), in exchange for payment by Lessee of the Project Management Fee and Market Service Fees, all in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Management Agreement.

In addition:

1. The New Non-Managed Hotel shall constitute a “Non-Managed Hotel” under the Management Agreement. New Lessee shall be a party to the Management Agreement as “Lessee” and agrees to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Management Agreement as “Lessee” thereunder to the extent same are applicable to the New Non-Managed Hotel. Lessee shall have no obligations under the Management Agreement with respect to the New Non-Managed Hotel, and New Lessee shall have no obligations under the Management Agreement with respect to any of the other Hotels or other Non-Managed Hotels (other than the New Non-Managed Hotel).

2. Remington’s retention by New Lessee to perform Project Management Work and Project Related Services at the New Non-Managed Hotel from and after the Effective Date shall be

 

11


subject to the terms and conditions of the Management Agreement to the same extent as if New Lessee were the “Lessee” thereunder.

[Signature pages to follow]

 

12


Please execute in the space provided for your signature below to evidence your agreement to the contents of this Project Management Addendum.

 

Sincerely yours,
LESSEE:
ASHFORD TRS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
By:  

 

Name:   David J. Kimichik
Title:   President
NEW LESSEE:
ASHFORD TRS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By:  

 

Name:   David J. Kimichik
Title:   President

 

13


AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED
AS OF             , 20    :
MANAGER :

REMINGTON LODGING & HOSPITALITY, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:  

 

  Monty Bennett
  CEO

 

14


EXHIBIT “A”

Hotel Information

 

Affiliate

Property Owner

  

Property

  

 

15

Exhibit 10.8

EXECUTION VERSION

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, dated as of November 19, 2013, is entered into by and between Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“ Ashford Prime ”), Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Ashford Trust OP ”), which holds common partnership units in Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership ( Ashford Prime OP ”) and Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Ashford Advisor ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, in connection with the separation and distribution of Ashford Prime (the “ Transaction ”) from Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“ Ashford Trust ”), Ashford Trust OP has contributed to Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (“ Ashford Prime OP ”) certain assets in exchange for cash and the issuance of common partnership units of Ashford Prime OP (the “ Ashford Prime OP Units ”). Ashford Trust OP has retained certain of the Ashford Prime OP Units and has distributed the remainder to its limited partners, in accordance with the provisions of Ashford Trust OP’s partnership agreement, and Ashford Trust OP has been admitted as a limited partner of Ashford Prime OP;

WHEREAS, in connection with the Transaction and pursuant to an Advisory Agreement, Ashford Advisor will serve as the external advisor to Ashford Prime, and may receive Ashford Prime OP Units as compensation for such services (the “ Ashford Advisor Units ”);

WHEREAS, in connection with the Transaction, Ashford Prime OP and Ashford Trust OP, together with certain of their Affiliates have entered into option agreement pursuant to which Ashford Trust OP may receive additional Ashford Prime OP Units in exchange for the contribution of specified properties (such additional Ashford Prime OP Units, together with the Ashford Advisor Units, the “ Additional Ashford Prime OP Units ”); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Prime Partnership Agreement (as defined below), Ashford Prime OP Units, including any Additional Ashford Prime OP Units, owned by Ashford Trust OP or Ashford Advisor will be redeemable for cash or, at the option of Ashford Prime, exchangeable for shares of Ashford Prime’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Common Stock ”) upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Prime Partnership Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements herein contained, and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1 Definitions . In addition to the definitions set forth above, the following terms, as used herein, have the following meanings:

Affiliate ” of any Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under common control with such Person. For the purposes of this definition,


“control” when used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

Agreement ” means this Registration Rights Agreement, as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

Ashford Trust OP Unitholder Registration Rights Agreement ” means that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by Ashford Prime for the benefit of Dartmore General Partnership, 5820 General Partnership, 3 MB Associates, Ashford Financial Corporation, Helmut Horn, Graham Hershman, Emily Landau, Martin Edelman, FGT, L.P., David Kimichik, David Brooks, Mark Nunneley, Lawrence D. Barkman, Arthur A. Birney, Washington Brick & Terra Cotta Company, L.P., L.L.P., Barbara Fleischman, Laura Glassman, Paul Glassman, Kogod Family Holding Group LLC, Arlene R. Kogod, Lauren Sue Kogod, Leslie Susan Kogod, Robert P. Kogod, Stuart Allan Kogod, Carice Smith Marital Deduction Trust, MC II Associates.

Business Day ” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in Dallas, Texas are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.

Charter ” means the Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Ashford Prime as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Maryland on November 8, 2013, as the same may be amended, modified or restated from time to time.

Commission ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Confidential Information ” means Confidential Information as defined in Section 2.13(c).

Demand Registration ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(c) of this Agreement.

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

Exchangeable Ashford Prime OP Units ” means Ashford Prime OP Units, including any Additional Ashford Prime OP Units, which may be redeemable for cash or, at the sole and absolute discretion of Ashford Prime, exchangeable for shares of Common Stock pursuant to Section 7.4 of the Prime Partnership Agreement (without regard to any limitations on the exercise of such exchange right as a result of the Ownership Limit Provisions).

Holder ” means any Initial Holder who is the record or beneficial owner of any Registrable Security or any assignee or transferee of such Initial Holder (including assignments or transfers of Registrable Securities to such assignees or transferees as a result of the foreclosure on any loans secured by such Registrable Securities, including, but not limited to, any assignment or transfer to KeyBank National Association, as Agent (or any successor agent or nominee that holds Registrable Securities), as contemplated by that certain Credit Agreement,

 

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dated as of September 26, 2011, as the same may be now or hereafter amended, restated, extended, supplemented or consolidated, or any agreement executed pursuant thereto) (x) to the extent permitted under the Prime Partnership Agreement or the Charter, as applicable, and (y) provided such assignee or transferee agrees in writing to be bound by all the provisions hereof, unless such owner, assignee or transferee acquires such Registrable Security (i) in a public distribution pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act, (ii) pursuant to transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act where securities sold in such transaction may be resold without subsequent registration under the Securities Act or (iii) subject to registration rights under the Ashford Trust OP Unitholder Registration Rights Agreement.

Immediate Family ” of any individual means such individual’s estate and heirs or current spouse, or former spouse, parents, parents-in-law, children (whether natural or adoptive or by marriage), siblings and grandchildren and any trust or estate, all of the beneficiaries of which consist of such individual or any of the foregoing.

Initial Holder ” means (i) Ashford Trust OP, (ii) any partner, member or stockholder of Ashford Trust OP, (iii) any Affiliate of any such partner, member or stockholder, and (iv) the Immediate Family of any of the foregoing.

Notice and Questionnaire ” means a written notice, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A , delivered by a Holder to Ashford Prime (i) notifying Ashford Prime of such Holder’s desire to include Registrable Securities held by it in a Resale Shelf Registration Statement, (ii) containing all information about such Holder required to be included in such registration statement in accordance with applicable law, including Item 507 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act, as amended from time to time, or any similar successor rule thereto, and (iii) pursuant to which such Holder agrees to bound by the terms and conditions hereof.

Ownership Limit Provisions ” mean the various provisions of Ashford Prime’s Charter set forth in ARTICLE VI thereof restricting the ownership of shares of Common Stock by Persons to specified percentages of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.

Person ” means an individual or a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, trust, or any other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.

Piggyback Registration ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b) of this Agreement.

Prime Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ashford Prime OP, dated as of November 19, 2013, as the same may be amended, modified or restated from time to time.

Registrable Securities ” means shares of Common Stock of Ashford Prime at any time owned, either of record or beneficially, (x) by Ashford Trust OP or Ashford Advisor which are issuable or issued upon exchange of Exchangeable Ashford Prime OP Units or (y) by any Holder which are issuable or issued upon exchange of Exchangeable Ashford Prime OP Units issued in connection with the Transaction and, in each case, any additional shares of Common Stock issued as a dividend, distribution or exchange for, or in respect of such shares until:

 

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(i) a registration statement (including a Resale Shelf Registration Statement) covering such shares has been declared effective by the Commission and such shares have been disposed of pursuant to such effective registration statement or such shares (other than Restricted Shares) were issued pursuant to an effective registration statement;

(ii) such shares have been publicly sold under Rule 144;

(iii) at all times that the Holder is an Initial Holder, all such shares held by such Person may be sold in one transaction pursuant to Rule 144; or

(iv) such shares have been otherwise transferred in a transaction that constitutes a sale thereof under the Securities Act, Ashford Prime has delivered a new certificate or other evidence of ownership for such shares not bearing the Securities Act restricted stock legend and such shares may be resold or otherwise transferred by such transferee without subsequent registration under the Securities Act;

provided, however, that “Registrable Securities” for purposes of the indemnification obligations contained in Sections 2.7 and 2.8 shall mean all shares that are registered on the applicable Shelf Registration, notwithstanding that such shares may not otherwise be “Registrable Securities” by operation of clause (iii) above.

Resale Shelf Registration ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

Resale Shelf Registration Statement ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

Restricted Shares ” means shares of Common Stock issued under an Issuer Registration Statement which if sold by the holder thereof would constitute “restricted securities” as defined under Rule 144.

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as amended from time to time, or any similar successor rule thereto that may be promulgated by the Commission.

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

Selling Holder ” means a Holder who is selling Registrable Securities pursuant to a Resale Shelf Registration Statement under the Securities Act.

Suspension Notice ” means any written notice delivered by Ashford Prime pursuant to Section 2.9 with respect to the suspension of rights under a Resale Shelf Registration Statement or any prospectus contained therein.

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

 

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ARTICLE II

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

Section 2.1 Registration .

(a) Resale Shelf Registration . Subject to Section 2.9, Ashford Prime shall prepare and file not later than 54 weeks after the consummation date of the Transaction, a “shelf” registration statement with respect to the resale of the Registrable Securities (“ Resale Shelf Registration ”) by the Holders thereof on an appropriate form for an offering to be made on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (the “ Resale Shelf Registration Statement ”) and permitting registration of such Registrable Securities for resale by such Holders in accordance with the methods of distribution elected by the Holders and set forth in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement. Ashford Prime shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Resale Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission as promptly as reasonably practicable after the filing thereof, and, subject to Sections 2.1(e) and 2.9, to keep such Resale Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective for a period ending when all shares of Common Stock covered by the Resale Shelf Registration Statement are no longer Registrable Securities. In addition, if the Resale Shelf Registration Statement is not on Form S-3 (or any similar or successor form) and during the period that the Resale Shelf Registration Statement is effective Ashford Prime becomes eligible to use Form S-3 (or any similar or successor form), Ashford Prime shall be entitled to amend the Resale Shelf Registration Statement so that it becomes a registration statement on Form S-3 (or any similar or successor form); provided, however, that Ashford Prime shall use its best efforts to have such amendment declared effective as soon as practicable after filing. In the event that Ashford Prime fails to so file, or if filed fails to so maintain the effectiveness of, a Resale Shelf Registration Statement, Ashford Trust OP may participate in a Piggyback Registration pursuant to Section 2.1(b) herein; provided, further, that if and so long as a Resale Shelf Registration Statement is on file and effective (subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement), then Ashford Prime shall have no obligation to allow participation in a Piggyback Registration.

At the time the Resale Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective, Ashford Trust OP and each other Holder that has delivered a duly completed and executed Notice and Questionnaire to Ashford Prime on or prior to the date ten (10) Business Days prior to such time of effectiveness shall be named as a selling securityholder in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus in such a manner as to permit Ashford Trust OP to deliver such prospectus to purchasers of Registrable Securities in accordance with applicable law. If required by applicable law, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, after effectiveness of the Resale Shelf Registration Statement, Ashford Prime shall file a supplement to such prospectus or amendment to the Resale Shelf Registration Statement not less than once a quarter as necessary to name as selling securityholders therein any Holders that provide to Ashford Prime a duly completed and executed Notice and Questionnaire and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any post-effective amendment to such Resale Shelf Registration Statement filed for such purpose to be declared effective by the Commission as promptly as reasonably practicable after the filing thereof.

(b) Piggyback Registration . Subject to Section 2.1(a) hereof, if Ashford Prime proposes to file a registration statement (or a prospectus supplement pursuant to a then existing

 

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shelf registration statement) under the Securities Act with respect to a proposed underwritten equity offering by Ashford Prime for its own account or for the account of any of its respective securityholders of any class of security other than (i) any registration statement filed by Ashford Prime under the Securities Act relating to an offering of Common Stock for its own account as a result of the exercise of the exchange rights set forth in Section 7.4 of the Partnership Agreement, (ii) any registration statement filed in connection with a demand registration or any other contractually obligated registration or (iii) a registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8 (or any substitute form that may be adopted by the Commission) filed in connection with an exchange offer or offering of securities solely to Ashford Prime’s existing securityholders, then Ashford Prime shall give written notice of such proposed filing to the Holders of Registrable Securities as soon as practicable (but in no event less than ten (10) days before the anticipated filing date of the applicable preliminary prospectus or, if applicable, prospectus supplement; provided that in the case of a “bought deal” or an offering in which there is no (or very limited) marketing, seven (7) days before pricing, and such notice shall offer such Holders the opportunity to register such number of shares of Registrable Securities as each such Holder may request (a “ Piggyback Registration ”). Ashford Prime shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the managing Underwriter or Underwriters of a proposed underwritten offering to permit the Registrable Securities requested to be included in a Piggyback Registration to be included on the same terms and conditions as any similar securities of Ashford Prime included therein.

(c) Demand Registration .

(i) Request for Registration . Commencing on or after the date which is one year after the consummation of the Transaction, any Holder of Registrable Securities may make a written request for registration under the Securities Act of all or part of its Registrable Securities (a “ Demand Registration ”); provided, that Ashford Prime shall not be obligated to effect more than one Demand Registration in any twelve month period and not more than two such Demand Registrations in total; and provided, further, that Holders making such written request shall propose the sale of at least 100,000 shares of Registrable Securities (such number to be adjusted successively in the event Ashford Prime effects any stock split, stock consideration or recapitalization after the date hereof) or such lesser number of Registrable Securities if such lesser number is all of the Registrable Shares owned by the Holders. Any such request will specify the number of shares of Registrable Securities proposed to be sold and will also specify the intended method of disposition thereof. Within ten (10) days after receipt of such request, Ashford Prime will give written notice of such registration request to all other Holders of the Registrable Securities and include in such registration all such Registrable Securities with respect to which Ashford Prime has received written requests for inclusion therein within twenty (20) Business Days after the receipt by the applicable Holder of Ashford Prime’s notice. Each such request will also specify the number of shares of Registrable Securities to be registered and the intended method of disposition thereof.

(ii) Effective Demand Registration . A registration will not count as a Demand Registration until it has become effective and has remained effective and available for at least 180 days.

 

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(iii) Priority on Demand Registrations . If the Holders of a majority of shares of the Registrable Securities to be registered in a Demand Registration so elect by written notice to Ashford Prime, the offering of such Registrable Securities pursuant to such Demand Registration shall be in the form of an underwritten offering. Ashford Prime shall select the book-running managing Underwriter in connection with any such Demand Registration; provided that such managing Underwriter must be reasonably satisfactory to the Holders of a majority of the shares of the Registrable Securities. Ashford Prime may select any additional investment banks and managers to be used in connection with the offering; provided that such additional investment bankers and managers must be reasonably satisfactory to the Holders of a majority of the shares of the Registrable Securities. To the extent 10% or more of the Registrable Securities so requested to be registered are excluded from the offering in accordance with Section 2.1(d), the Holders of such Registrable Securities shall have the right to one additional Demand Registration under this Section in such twelve-month period with respect to the Registrable Securities

(d) Reduction of Offering . Notwithstanding anything contained herein, if the managing Underwriter or Underwriters of an offering described in Section 2.1(b) or (c)  deliver a written opinion to Ashford Prime and the Holders of the Registrable Securities included in such offering that (i) the size of the offering that the Holders, Ashford Prime and such other persons intend to make or (ii) the kind of securities that Ashford Trust OP, Ashford Prime and such other Persons intend to include in such offering are such that the success of the offering would be materially and adversely affected by inclusion of the Registrable Securities requested to be included, then:

(i) if the size of the offering is the basis of such Underwriter’s opinion, the amount of securities to be offered for the accounts of Holders shall be reduced pro rata (according to the number of Registrable Securities proposed for registration) to the extent necessary to reduce the total amount of securities to be included in such offering to the amount recommended by such managing Underwriter or Underwriters; provided that, in the case of a Piggyback Registration, if securities are being offered for the account of other Persons as well as Ashford Prime, then with respect to the Registrable Securities intended to be offered by Holders, the proportion by which the amount of such class of securities intended to be offered by Holders is reduced shall not exceed the proportion by which the amount of such class of securities intended to be offered by such other Persons is reduced, if Ashford Prime has the right to reduce such other Person’s allocation; and

(ii) if the combination of securities to be offered is the basis of such Underwriter’s opinion, (x) the Registrable Securities to be included in such offering shall be reduced as described in clause (i) above (subject to the proviso in clause (i)) or (y) if the actions described in clause (x) would, in the judgment of the managing Underwriter, be insufficient to substantially eliminate the adverse effect that inclusion of the Registrable Securities requested to be included would have on such offering, such Registrable Securities will be excluded from such offering.

(e) Continuous Effectiveness of Resale Shelf Registration Statement . Ashford Prime shall prepare and file such additional registration statements as necessary and use its

 

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commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statements to be declared effective by the Commission so that a shelf registration statement remains continuously effective, subject to Section 2.9, with respect to resales of Registrable Securities as and for the periods required under Section 2.1(a), such subsequent registration statements, if any, shall constitute a Resale Shelf Registration Statement hereunder.

(f) Selling Holders Become Party to Agreement . Each Holder acknowledges that by participating in its registration rights pursuant to this Agreement, such Holder will be deemed a party to this Agreement and will be bound by its terms, notwithstanding such Holder’s failure to deliver a Notice and Questionnaire; provided, that any Holder that has not delivered a duly completed and executed Notice and Questionnaire shall not be entitled to be named as a Selling Holder in, or have the Registrable Securities held by it covered by, a Resale Shelf Registration Statement.

Section 2.2 Registration Procedures; Filings; Information . Subject to Section 2.9 hereof, in connection with any Resale Shelf Registration Statement under Section 2.1(a) or whenever Ashford Trust requests than any Registrable Securities be registered pursuant to Section 2.1(c) hereof, Ashford Prime will use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities covered thereby in accordance with the intended method of disposition thereof as quickly as reasonably practicable. In connection with any such request:

(a) Ashford Prime will, as expeditiously as possible, prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement on any form for which Ashford Prime then qualifies or which counsel for Ashford Prime shall deem appropriate and which form shall be available for the sale of the Registrable Securities to be registered thereunder in accordance with the intended method of distribution thereof; provided that if Ashford Prime shall furnish to the Holders making a request for a Demand Registration pursuant to Section 2.2(c) a certificate signed by either its Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or President stating that in his or her good faith judgment it would be significantly disadvantageous to Ashford Prime or its shareholders for such a registration statement to be filed as expeditiously as possible, Ashford Prime shall have a period of not more than 180 days within which to file such registration statement measured from the date of receipt of the request.

(b) Ashford Prime will, if requested, prior to filing a registration statement or prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, furnish to each Selling Holder and each Underwriter, if any, of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement copies of such registration statement as proposed to be filed, and thereafter furnish to such Selling Holder or Underwriter, if any, such number of conformed copies of such registration statement, each amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein), the prospectus included in such registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus) and such other documents as such Selling Holder or Underwriter may reasonably request to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Selling Holder.

(c) After the filing of the registration statement, Ashford Prime will promptly notify each Selling Holder of Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement of any stop

 

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order issued or threatened by the Commission and take all reasonable actions required to prevent the entry of such stop order or to remove it if entered.

(d) Ashford Prime will use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) register or qualify the Registrable Securities under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States (where an exemption does not apply) as any Selling Holder or managing Underwriter or Underwriters, if any, reasonably (in light of such Selling Holder’s intended plan of distribution) requests and (ii) cause such Registrable Securities to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of Ashford Prime and do any and all other acts and things that may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Selling Holder to consummate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Selling Holder; provided that Ashford Prime will not be required to (A) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this paragraph (d), (B) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction or (C) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction.

(e) Ashford Prime will immediately notify each Selling Holder of such Registrable Securities, at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of (i) Ashford Prime’s receipt of any notification of the suspension of the qualification of any Registrable Securities covered by a registration statement for sale in any jurisdiction; or (ii) the occurrence of an event requiring the preparation of a supplement or amendment to such prospectus so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and promptly make available to each Selling Holder any such supplement or amendment.

(f) Ashford Prime will enter into customary agreements (including an underwriting agreement, if any, in customary form) and take such other actions as are reasonably required to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities pursuant to a Demand Registration.

(g) Ashford Prime will make available for inspection by any Selling Holder of such Registrable Securities, any Underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement and any attorney, accountant or other professional retained by any Selling Holder or Underwriter (collectively, the “ Inspectors ”), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of Ashford Prime (collectively, the “ Records ”) as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause Ashford Prime’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any Inspectors in connection with such registration statement. Records which Ashford Prime determines, in good faith, to be confidential and which it notifies the Inspectors are confidential shall not be disclosed by the Inspectors unless (i) the disclosure of such Records is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in such registration statement or (ii) the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction. Each Selling Holder of such Registrable Securities agrees that information obtained by it as a result of such inspections shall be deemed confidential and shall not be used by it as the

 

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basis for any market transactions in the securities of Ashford Prime unless and until such is made generally available to the public. Each Selling Holder of such Registrable Securities further agrees that it will, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction, give notice to Ashford Prime and allow Ashford Prime, at its expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed confidential.

(h) Ashford Prime will furnish to each Selling Holder and to each Underwriter, if any, a signed counterpart, addressed to such Selling Holder or Underwriter, of (i) an opinion or opinions of counsel to Ashford Prime and (ii) if eligible under SAS 100, a comfort letter or comfort letters from Ashford Prime’s independent public accountants, each in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by opinions or comfort letters, as the case may be, as the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities included in such offering or the managing Underwriter or Underwriters therefor reasonably requests.

(i) Ashford Prime will otherwise use its commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make available to its securityholders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering a period of 12 months, beginning within three months after the effective date of the registration statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 of the Commission promulgated thereunder (or any successor rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission).

(j) Ashford Prime will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange on which similar securities issued by Ashford Prime are then listed.

(k) In addition to the Notice and Questionnaire, Ashford Prime may require each Selling Holder of Registrable Securities to promptly furnish in writing to Ashford Prime such information regarding such Selling Holder, the Registrable Securities held by it and the intended method of distribution of the Registrable Securities as Ashford Prime may from time to time reasonably request and such other information as may be legally required in connection with such registration. No Holder may include Registrable Securities in any registration statement pursuant to this Agreement unless and until such Holder has furnished to Ashford Prime such information. Each holder further agrees to furnish as soon as reasonably practicable to Ashford Prime all information required to be disclosed to make information previously furnished to Ashford Prime by such Holder not materially misleading.

(l) Each Selling Holder agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from Ashford Prime of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 2.2(c) or 2.2(e) or upon receipt of a Suspension Notice, such Selling Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the registration statement covering such Registrable Securities until such Selling Holder’s receipt of written notice from Ashford Prime that such disposition may be made and, in the case of clause (ii) of Section 2.2(e) or, if applicable, Section 2.9, copies of any supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by clause (ii) of Section 2.2(e) or, if applicable, prepared under Section 2.9, and, if so directed by Ashford Prime, such Selling Holder will deliver to Ashford Prime all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Selling Holder’s possession, of the most recent prospectus covering such Registrable Securities at the

 

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time of receipt of such notice. Each Selling Holder of Registrable Securities agrees that it will immediately notify Ashford Prime at any time when a prospectus relating to the registration of such Registrable Securities is required to be delivered under the Securities Act of the happening of an event as a result of which information previously furnished by such Selling Holder to Ashford Prime in writing for inclusion in such prospectus contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances in which they were made.

Section 2.3 Registration Expenses . In connection with any registration statement required to be filed hereunder, Ashford Prime shall pay the following registration expenses incurred in connection with the registration hereunder (the “ Registration Expenses ”): (i) all fees and expenses of compliance with securities or “blue sky” laws (including registration and filing fees and reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with blue sky qualifications of the Registrable Securities), (ii) printing expenses, (iii) internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), (iv) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities, (v) reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for Ashford Prime and customary fees and expenses for independent certified public accountants retained by Ashford Prime (including the expenses of any comfort letters or costs associated with the delivery by independent certified public accountants of a comfort letter or comfort letters requested pursuant to Section 2.2(h) hereof), and (vi) the reasonable fees and expenses of any special experts retained by Ashford Prime in connection with such registration. Ashford Prime shall have no obligation to pay any fees, discounts or commissions attributable to the sale of Registrable Securities, any out-of-pocket expenses of the Holders (or the agents who manage their accounts), or any transfer taxes relating to the registration or sale of the Registrable Securities.

Section 2.4 Indemnification by Ashford Prime . Ashford Prime agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Selling Holder of Registrable Securities, its officers, directors and agents, and each Person, if any, who controls such Selling Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities that arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement or prospectus relating to the Registrable Securities (as amended or supplemented if Ashford Prime shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) or any preliminary prospectus, or that arise out of or are based upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of or are based upon any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission included in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to Ashford Prime by such Selling Holder or on such Selling Holder’s behalf expressly for inclusion therein. Ashford Prime also agrees to indemnify any Underwriters of the Registrable Securities, their officers and directors and each Person who controls such underwriters within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act on substantially the same basis as that of the indemnification of the Selling Holders provided in this Section 2.7, provided that the foregoing indemnity with respect to any preliminary prospectus shall not inure to the benefit of any Underwriter of the Registrable Securities from whom the person asserting any such losses, claims, damages or liabilities purchased the Registrable Securities which are the

 

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subject thereof if such person did not receive a copy of the prospectus (or the prospectus as supplemented) at or prior to the confirmation of the sale of such Registrable Securities to such person in any case where such delivery is required by the Securities Act and the untrue statement or omission of a material fact contained in such preliminary prospectus was corrected in the prospectus (or the prospectus as supplemented). The indemnity provided for in this Section 2.4 shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Selling Holder.

Section 2.5 Indemnification by Holders of Registrable Securities . Each Selling Holder agrees, severally but not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless Ashford Prime, its officers, directors and agents and each Person, if any, who controls Ashford Prime within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from Ashford Prime to such Selling Holder, but only with respect to information relating to such Selling Holder included in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing by such Selling Holder or on such Selling Holder’s behalf expressly for use in any registration statement or prospectus relating to the Registrable Securities, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any preliminary prospectus. In case any action or proceeding shall be brought against Ashford Prime or its officers, directors or agents or any such controlling person, in respect of which indemnity may be sought against such Selling Holder, such Selling Holder shall have the rights and duties given to Ashford Prime, and Ashford Prime or its officers, directors or agents or such controlling person shall have the rights and duties given to such Selling Holder, by Section 2.4. Each Selling Holder also agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Underwriters of the Registrable Securities, their officers and directors and each Person who controls such Underwriters within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act on substantially the same basis as that of the indemnification of Ashford Prime provided in this Section 2.5. The obligations of any Selling Holder pursuant to this Section 2.5 will be limited to an amount equal to the net proceeds to such Selling Holder (after deducting any discounts and commissions) from the disposition pursuant to such registration.

Section 2.6 Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings . In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 2.4 or 2.5, such person (an “ Indemnified Party ”) shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (an “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing and the Indemnifying Party shall assume the defense thereof, including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party, and shall assume the payment of all fees and expenses; provided, however, that the failure of any Indemnified Party to give such notice will not relieve such Indemnifying Party of any obligations under this Article II, except to the extent such Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced by such failure. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party unless (i) the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel or (ii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood that the Indemnifying Party shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for

 

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the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) at any time for all such Indemnified Parties, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. In the case of any such separate firm for the Indemnified Parties, such firm shall be designated in writing by (i) in the case of Persons indemnified pursuant to Section 2.4 hereof, the Selling Holders which owned a majority of the Registrable Securities sold under the applicable registration statement and (ii) in the case of Persons indemnified pursuant to Section 2.5, Ashford Prime. The Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent, or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Party shall indemnify and hold harmless such Indemnified Parties from and against any loss or liability (to the extent stated above) by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an Indemnified Party shall have requested an Indemnifying Party to reimburse the Indemnified Party for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the third sentence of this paragraph, the Indemnifying Party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than thirty (30) Business Days after receipt by such Indemnifying Party of the aforesaid request and (ii) such Indemnifying Party shall not have reimbursed the Indemnified Party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such proceeding.

Section 2.7 Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in Section 2.4 or 2.5 hereof is unavailable to an Indemnified Party or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to herein, then each such Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) as between Ashford Prime and the Selling Holders on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of Ashford Prime and each Selling Holder on the one hand and of the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations and (ii) between Ashford Prime on the one hand and each Selling Holder on the other, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of Ashford Prime and each Selling Holder in connection with such statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of Ashford Prime and the Selling Holders on the one hand and of the Underwriters on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by Ashford Prime and the Selling Holders or by the Underwriters. The relative fault of Ashford Prime on the one hand and of each Selling Holder on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by such party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

 

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Ashford Prime and the Selling Holders agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 2.7 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 2.7, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total commissions and discounts received by such Underwriter in connection with the sale of the securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission, and no Selling Holder shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds from the sale of the securities of such Selling Holder to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Selling Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Selling Holder’s obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 2.7 are several in proportion to the net proceeds of the offering received by such Selling Holder bears to the total net proceeds of the offering received by all the Selling Holders and not joint.

Section 2.8 Rule 144 . Ashford Prime covenants that it will (a) make and keep public information regarding Ashford Prime available as those terms are defined in Rule 144, (b) file in a timely manner any reports and documents required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, (c) furnish to any Holder forthwith upon request (i) a written statement by Ashford Prime as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 (at any time more than 90 days after the completion of the Transaction), the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject to such reporting requirements), and (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of Ashford Prime and such other reports and documents so filed by Ashford Prime, and (d) take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable Holders to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144.

Section 2.9 Suspension of Use of Registration Statement .

If the Board of Directors of Ashford Prime determines in its good faith judgment that the filing of a registration statement under Section 2.1 or the use of any related prospectus would be materially detrimental to Ashford Prime because such action would require the disclosure of material information that Ashford Prime has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential or the disclosure of which would impede Ashford Prime’s ability to consummate a significant transaction (“ Confidential Information ”), and that Ashford Prime is not otherwise required by applicable securities laws or regulations to disclose, upon written notice of such determination by Ashford Prime to the Holders, the rights of the Holders to offer, sell or

 

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distribute any Registrable Securities pursuant to a registration Statement or to require Ashford Prime to take action with respect to the registration or sale of any Registrable Securities pursuant to a registration statement shall be suspended until the earlier of (i) the date upon which Ashford Prime notifies the Holders in writing that suspension of such rights for the grounds set forth in this Section 2.9(a) is no longer necessary and (ii) one-hundred eighty (180) days; provided, however, no such 180-day period shall be successive with respect to the same Confidential Information. Ashford Prime agrees to give the notice under (i) above as promptly as practicable following the date that such suspension of rights is no longer necessary.

If all reports required to be filed by Ashford Prime pursuant to the Exchange Act have not been filed by the required date without regard to any extension, or if the consummation of any business combination by Ashford Prime has occurred or is probable for purposes of Rule 3-05 or Article 11 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act or any successor rule, upon written notice thereof by Ashford Prime to the Holders, the rights of Ashford Trust OP to offer, sell or distribute any Registrable Securities pursuant to a registration statement or to require Ashford Prime to take action with respect to the registration or sale of any Registrable Securities pursuant to a registration statement shall be suspended until the date on which Ashford Prime has filed such reports or obtained and filed the financial information required by Rule 3-05 or Article 11 of Regulation S-X to be included or incorporated by reference, as applicable, in the registration statement, and Ashford Prime shall notify the Holders as promptly as practicable when such suspension is no longer required.

Section 2.10 Additional Shares .

Ashford Prime, at its option, may register under a registration statement and any filings with any state securities commissions filed pursuant to this Agreement, any number of unissued shares of Common Stock or any shares of Common Stock owned by any other stockholder or stockholders of Ashford Prime.

Section 2.11 Holdback Agreements.

(a) Restrictions on Public Sale by Holder of Registrable Securities . To the extent not inconsistent with applicable law and except with respect to a shelf registration (including the Resale Shelf Registration Statement), each Holder whose securities are included in a registration statement agrees not to effect any sale or distribution of the issue being registered or a similar security of Ashford Prime, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, including a sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, during the 14 days prior to, and during the 90-day period beginning on, the effective date of such registration statement (except as part of such registration), if and to the extent requested in writing by Ashford Prime in the case of a non-underwritten public offering or if and to the extent requested in writing by the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in the case of an underwritten public offering.

(b) Restrictions on Public Sale by Ashford Prime and Others . Ashford Prime agrees that any agreement entered into after the date of this Agreement pursuant to which Ashford Prime issues or agrees to issue any privately placed securities shall contain a provision under which holders of such securities agree not to effect any sale or distribution of any securities similar to

 

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those being registered in accordance with Section 2.1(b) or (c) hereof, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, during the 14 days prior to, and during the 90-day period beginning on, the effective date of any registration statement (except as part of such registration statement where the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities to be included in such registration statement consent or as part of registration statements filed as set forth in Section 2.1(b)(i) or (iii)), if and to the extent requested in writing by Ashford Prime in the case of a non-underwritten public offering or if and to the extent requested in writing by the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in the case of an underwritten public offering, in each case including a sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (except as part of any such registration, if permitted); provided, however, that the provisions of this paragraph (b) shall not prevent the conversion or exchange of any securities pursuant to their terms into or for other securities.

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 3.1 Remedies . In addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided herein and granted by law, including recovery of damages, the Holders shall be entitled to specific performance of the rights under this Agreement. Ashford Prime agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Agreement and hereby agrees to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

Section 3.2 Amendments and Waivers . The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, in each case without the written consent of Ashford Prime and the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities (with Holders of Exchangeable Ashford Prime OP Units deemed to be Holders, for purposes of this Section, of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such Exchangeable Ashford Prime OP Units would be exchangeable for as of the date on which consent is requested); provided, however, that the effect of any such amendment will be that the consenting Holders will not be treated more favorably than all other Holders (without regard to any differences in effect that such amendment or waiver may have on the Holders due to the differing amounts of Registrable Shares held by such Holders). No failure or delay by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon any breach thereof shall constitute waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.

Section 3.3 Notices . All notices and other communications in connection with this Agreement shall be made in writing by hand delivery, registered first-class mail, telex, telecopier, or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery:

 

  (i) if to Ashford Trust OP, at 14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100, Dallas, TX 25254, Attention: Chief Legal Officer, or to such other address as Ashford Prime may hereafter specify in writing;

 

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  (ii) if to any other Holder, initially to the address indicated in such Holder’s Notice and Questionnaire or, if no Notice and Questionnaire has been delivered, to such other address as any Holder shall have specified in writing; and

 

  (iii) if to Ashford Prime, at 14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100, Dallas, TX 25254, Attention: Chief Legal Officer, or to such other address as Ashford Prime may hereafter specify in writing.

All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; when received if deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when answered back, if telexed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and on the next Business Day, if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.

Section 3.4 Successors and Assigns .

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors, assigns and transferees of each of the parties. Any Holder may assign its rights under this Agreement without the consent of Ashford Prime in connection with a transfer of such Holder’s Ashford Prime OP Units or Registrable Securities; provided, that the Holder satisfies all applicable transfer provisions for the Ashford Prime OP Units or Registrable Securities, as applicable, and notifies Ashford Prime of such proposed transfer and assignment and the transferee or assignee of such rights assumes in writing the obligations of such Holder under this Agreement.

Section 3.5 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Each party shall become bound by this Agreement immediately upon affixing its signature hereto.

Section 3.6 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Texas without regard to the choice of law provisions thereof.

Section 3.7 Severability . In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 3.8 Entire Agreement . This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein with respect to the registration rights granted by Ashford Prime with respect to the Registrable Securities. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.

 

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Section 3.9 Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

Section 3.10 No Third Party Beneficiaries . Nothing express or implied herein is intended or shall be construed to confer upon any person or entity, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights, remedies or other benefits under or by reason of this Agreement.

Section 3.11 Termination . The obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate (i) with respect to a Holder when it no longer holds Registrable Securities, and (ii) with respect to Ashford Prime when there are no longer any Registrable Securities; except, in each case, for any obligations under Sections 2.1(c), 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 and Article III that, by their terms, are intended to survive for a specific period of time.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.
By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

David A. Brooks, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel

Address :
14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100
Dallas, TX 75254
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership
By: Ashford OP General Partner, LLC, its sole general partner
  By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

  David A. Brooks, Vice President
Address :
14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100
Dallas, TX 75254
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY ADVISORS LLC
By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

David A. Brooks, Vice President
Address :
14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100
Dallas, TX 75254

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]


Exhibit A

Form of Notice and Questionnaire

The undersigned beneficial holder of shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (“ Common Stock ”), of Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. (the “ Company ”) and/or common units of limited partnership interests of Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (“ Ashford Prime OP ”) convertible into shares of Common Stock (any such Common Stock, the “ Registrable Securities ”), understands that the Company has filed or intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) one or more registration statements (collectively, the “ Resale Shelf Registration Statement ”) for the registration and resale under Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), dated November 19, 2013, by and between the Company, Ashford Hospitality Limited partners and Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC. A copy of the Registration Rights Agreement is available from the Company upon request at the address set forth below. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Each beneficial owner of Registrable Securities is entitled to the benefits of the Registration Rights Agreement. In order to sell or otherwise dispose of any Registrable Securities pursuant to the Resale Shelf Registration Statement, a beneficial owner of Registrable Securities generally will be required to be named as a selling security holder in the related prospectus, deliver a prospectus to purchasers of Registrable Securities and be bound by those provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement applicable to such beneficial owner (including certain indemnification provisions as described below). To be included in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement, this Notice and Questionnaire must be completed, executed and delivered to the Company at the address set forth herein on or prior to the tenth business day before the effectiveness of the Resale Shelf Registration Statement. We will give notice of the filing and effectiveness of the initial Resale Shelf Registration Statement by issuing a press release and by mailing a notice to the holders at their addresses set forth in the register of the registrar.

Beneficial owners that do not complete this Notice and Questionnaire and deliver it to the Company as provided below will not be named as selling security holders in the prospectus and therefore will not be permitted to sell any Registrable Securities pursuant to the Resale Shelf Registration Statement. Beneficial owners are encouraged to complete and deliver this Notice and Questionnaire prior to the effectiveness of the initial Resale Shelf Registration Statement so that such beneficial owners may be named as selling security holders in the related prospectus at the time of effectiveness. Upon receipt of a completed Notice and Questionnaire from a beneficial owner following the effectiveness of the initial Resale Shelf Registration Statement, in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will file such amendments to the initial Resale Shelf Registration Statement or additional shelf registration statements or supplements to the related prospectus as are necessary to permit such holder to deliver such prospectus to purchasers of Registrable Securities.


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

NOTICE

The undersigned beneficial owner (the “ Selling Security Holder ”) of Registrable Securities hereby elects to include in the prospectus forming a part of the Resale Shelf Registration Statement the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by it and listed below in Item 3 (unless otherwise specified under Item 3). The undersigned, by signing and returning this Notice and Questionnaire, understands that it will be bound by the terms and conditions of this Notice and Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

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

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


QUESTIONNAIRE

 

  1. (a) Full Legal Name of Selling Security Holder:

(b) Full Legal Name of registered holder (if not the same as (a) above) through which Registrable Securities listed in Item (3) below are held:

(c) Full Legal Name of DTC Participant (if applicable and if not the same as (b) above) through which Registrable Securities listed in Item (3) below are held:

(d) List below the individual or individuals who exercise voting and/or dispositive powers with respect to the Registrable Securities listed in Item (3) below:

 

  2. Address for Notices to Selling Security Holder:

Telephone:

Fax:

E-mail address:

Contact Person:

 

  3. Beneficial Ownership of Registrable Securities:

Type of Registrable Securities beneficially owned, and number of shares of Common Stock and/or OP Units, as the case may be, beneficially owned:


  4. Beneficial Ownership of Securities of the Company Owned by the Selling Security Holder:

Except as set forth below in this Item (4), the undersigned is not the beneficial or registered owner of any securities of the Company, other than the Registrable Securities listed above in Item (3).

Type and amount of other securities beneficially owned by the Selling Security Holder:

 

  5. Relationship with the Company

Except as set forth below, neither the undersigned nor any of its affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity holders (5% or more) has held any position or office or has had any other material relationship with the Company (or its predecessors or affiliates) during the past three years.

State any exceptions here:

 

  6. Plan of Distribution

Except as set forth below, the undersigned (including its donees or pledgees) intends to distribute the Registrable Securities listed above in Item (3) pursuant to the Resale Shelf Registration Statement only as follows and will not be offering any of such Registrable Securities pursuant to an agreement, arrangement or understanding entered into with a broker or dealer prior to the effective date of the Resale Shelf Registration Statement. Such Registrable Securities may be sold from time to time directly by the undersigned or, alternatively, through broker-dealers or agents. If the Registrable Securities are sold through broker-dealers, the Selling Security Holder will be responsible for discounts or commissions or agent’s commissions. Such Registrable Securities may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. Such sales may be effected in transactions (which may involve crosses or block transactions)

(i) on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the Registrable Securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale;

(ii) in the over-the-counter market;

(iii) in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market; or

(iv) through the writing of options.

In connection with sales of the Registrable Securities or otherwise, the undersigned may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of


the Registrable Securities and deliver Registrable Securities to close out such short positions, or loan or pledge Registrable Securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such securities.

State any exceptions here:

Note: In no event may such method(s) of distribution take the form of an underwritten offering of the Registrable Securities.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The undersigned acknowledges that it understands its obligation to comply with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules thereunder relating to stock manipulation, particularly Regulation M thereunder (or any successor rules or regulations), in connection with any offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. The undersigned agrees that neither it nor any person acting on its behalf will engage in any transaction in violation of such provisions.

The Selling Security Holder hereby acknowledges its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement to indemnify and hold harmless certain persons set forth therein. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, Ashford Prime has agreed under certain circumstances to indemnify the Selling Security Holders against certain liabilities.

In accordance with the undersigned’s obligation under the Registration Rights Agreement to provide such information as may be required by law for inclusion in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement, the undersigned agrees to promptly notify Ashford Prime of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein that may occur subsequent to the date hereof at any time while the Resale Shelf Registration Statement remains effective. All notices hereunder and pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement shall be made in writing at the address set forth below.

In the event that the undersigned transfers all or any portion of the Registrable Securities listed in Item 3 above after the date on which such information is provided to Ashford Prime, the undersigned agrees to notify the transferee(s) at the time of transfer of its rights and obligations under this Notice and Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

By signing this Notice and Questionnaire, the undersigned consents to the disclosure of the information contained herein in its answers to Items (1) through (6) above and the inclusion of such information in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus. The undersigned understands that such information will be relied upon by the Company in connection with the preparation or amendment of the Resale Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus.

Once this Notice and Questionnaire is executed by the Selling Security Holder and received by the Company, the terms of this Notice and Questionnaire and the representations and warranties contained herein shall be binding on, shall insure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the respective successors, heirs, personal representatives and assigns of the Company and the Selling Security Holder with respect to the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by such Selling Security Holder and listed in Item 3 above.

This Notice and Questionnaire shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas.


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

 

Holder:
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Dated:  

 


Please return the completed and executed Notice and Questionnaire to:

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

14185 Dallas parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Tel: (972) 490-9600

Attention: Chief Legal Officer

Exhibit 10.9

EXECUTION VERSION

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, dated as of November 19, 2013, is entered into by Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“ Ashford Prime ”) for the benefit of the holders of common partnership units in Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership ( Ashford Prime OP ”) whose names are set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto (the “ Ashford Prime OP Unit Holders ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, in connection with the separation and distribution of Ashford Prime (the “ Transaction ”) from Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“ Ashford Trust ”), Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Ashford Trust OP ”), has contributed to Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (“ Ashford Prime OP ”) certain assets in exchange for the issuance of common partnership units of Ashford Prime OP (the “ Ashford Prime OP Units ”). Ashford Trust OP has retained certain of the Ashford Prime OP Units and has distributed the remainder to its limited partners, in accordance with the provisions of Ashford Trust OP’s partnership agreement, and each Ashford Trust OP Unit Holder has been admitted as a limited partner of Ashford Prime OP; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Prime Partnership Agreement (as defined below), Ashford Prime OP Units owned by the Ashford Prime OP Unit Holder will be redeemable for cash or, at the option of Ashford Prime, exchangeable for shares of Ashford Prime’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Common Stock ”) upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Prime Partnership Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements herein contained, and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1 Definitions . In addition to the definitions set forth above, the following terms, as used herein, have the following meanings:

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

Agreement ” means this Registration Rights Agreement, as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.


Business Day ” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in Dallas, Texas are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.

Charter ” means the Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Ashford Prime as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Maryland on November 8, 2013, as the same may be amended, modified or restated from time to time.

Commission ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Confidential Information ” means Confidential Information as defined in Section 2.13(c).

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

Exchangeable Ashford Prime OP Units ” means Ashford Prime OP Units which may be redeemable for cash or, at the sole and absolute discretion of Ashford Prime, exchangeable for shares of Common Stock pursuant to Section 7.4 of the Prime Partnership Agreement (without regard to any limitations on the exercise of such exchange right as a result of the Ownership Limit Provisions).

Holder ” means any Initial Holder who is the record or beneficial owner of any Registrable Security or any assignee or transferee of such Initial Holder (including assignments or transfers of Registrable Securities to such assignees or transferees as a result of the foreclosure on any loans secured by such Registrable Securities) (x) to the extent permitted under the Prime Partnership Agreement or the Charter, as applicable, and (y) provided such assignee or transferee agrees in writing to be bound by all the provisions hereof, unless such owner, assignee or transferee acquires such Registrable Security in a public distribution pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act where securities sold in such transaction may be resold without subsequent registration under the Securities Act.

Immediate Family ” of any individual means such individual’s estate and heirs or current spouse, or former spouse, parents, parents-in-law, children (whether natural or adoptive or by marriage), siblings and grandchildren and any trust or estate, all of the beneficiaries of which consist of such individual or any of the foregoing.

Initial Holder ” means (i) the Ashford Prime Unit Holders, (ii) any partner, member or stockholder of the Ashford Prime Unit Holder, (iii) any Affiliate of any such partner, member or stockholder, and (iv) the Immediate Family of any of the foregoing.

Issuer Shelf Registration Statement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b).

Notice and Questionnaire ” means a written notice, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B , delivered by a Holder to Ashford Prime (i) notifying Ashford Prime of such Holder’s desire to include Registrable Securities held by it in a Resale Shelf Registration Statement, (ii) containing all information about such Holder required to be included in such registration statement in accordance with applicable law, including Item 507 of Regulation S-K promulgated

 

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under the Securities Act, as amended from time to time, or any similar successor rule thereto, and (iii) pursuant to which such Holder agrees to bound by the terms and conditions hereof.

Ownership Limit Provisions ” mean the various provisions of Ashford Prime’s Charter set forth in ARTICLE VI thereof restricting the ownership of shares of Common Stock by Persons to specified percentages of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.

Person ” means an individual or a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, trust, or any other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.

Primary Shares ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b) of this Agreement.

Prime Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ashford Prime OP, dated as of November 19, 2013, as the same may be amended, modified or restated from time to time.

Registrable Securities ” means shares of Common Stock of Ashford Prime at any time owned, either of record or beneficially, by any Holder which are issuable or issued upon exchange of Exchangeable Ashford Prime OP Units issued in connection with the Transaction and any additional shares of Common Stock issued as a dividend, distribution or exchange for, or in respect of such shares until:

(i) a registration statement (including a Resale Shelf Registration Statement) covering such shares has been declared effective by the Commission and such shares have been disposed of pursuant to such effective registration statement or such shares (other than Restricted Shares) were issued pursuant to an effective registration statement (including an Issuer Shelf Registration Statement);

(ii) such shares have been publicly sold under Rule 144;

(iii) all such shares held by such Person may be sold in one transaction pursuant to Rule 144; or

(iv) such shares have been otherwise transferred in a transaction that constitutes a sale thereof under the Securities Act, Ashford Prime has delivered a new certificate or other evidence of ownership for such shares not bearing the Securities Act restricted stock legend and such shares may be resold or otherwise transferred by such transferee without subsequent registration under the Securities Act;

provided, however, that “Registrable Securities” for purposes of the indemnification obligations contained in Sections 2.7 and 2.8 shall mean all shares that are registered on the applicable Shelf Registration, notwithstanding that such shares may not otherwise be “Registrable Securities” by operation of clause (iii) above.

Resale Shelf Registration ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

 

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Resale Shelf Registration Statement ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

Restricted Shares ” means shares of Common Stock issued under an Issuer Registration Statement which if sold by the holder thereof would constitute “restricted securities” as defined under Rule 144.

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as amended from time to time, or any similar successor rule thereto that may be promulgated by the Commission.

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

Selling Holder ” means a Holder who is selling Registrable Securities pursuant to a Resale Shelf Registration Statement under the Securities Act.

Shelf Registration Statement ” means a Resale Shelf Registration Statement or an Issuer Shelf Registration Statement, as applicable.

Suspension Notice ” means any written notice delivered by the Company pursuant to Section 2.9 with respect to the suspension of rights under a Resale Shelf Registration Statement or any prospectus contained therein.

ARTICLE II

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

Section 2.1 Shelf Registration .

(a) Resale Shelf Registration . Subject to Section 2.9, Ashford Prime shall prepare and file not later than 54 weeks after the consummation date of the Transaction, a “shelf” registration statement with respect to the resale of the Registrable Securities (“ Resale Shelf Registration ”) by the Holders thereof on an appropriate form for an offering to be made on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (the “ Resale Shelf Registration Statement ”) and permitting registration of such Registrable Securities for resale by such Holders in accordance with the methods of distribution elected by the Holders and set forth in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement. Ashford Prime shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Resale Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission as promptly as reasonably practicable after the filing thereof, and, subject to Sections 2.1(c) and 2.9, to keep such Resale Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective for a period ending when all shares of Common Stock covered by the Resale Shelf Registration Statement are no longer Registrable Securities. In addition, if the Resale Shelf Registration Statement is not on Form S-3 (or any similar or successor form) and during the period that the Resale Shelf Registration Statement is effective Ashford Prime becomes eligible to use Form S-3 (or any similar or successor form), Ashford Prime shall be entitled to amend the Resale Shelf Registration Statement so that it becomes a registration statement on Form S-3 (or any similar or successor form); provided, however, that the Company shall use its best efforts to have such amendment declared effective as soon as practicable after filing.

 

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At the time the Resale Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective, each Holder that has delivered a duly completed and executed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company on or prior to the date ten (10) Business Days prior to such time of effectiveness shall be named as a selling securityholder in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus in such a manner as to permit such Holder to deliver such prospectus to purchasers of Registrable Securities in accordance with applicable law. If required by applicable law, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, after effectiveness of the Resale Shelf Registration Statement, Ashford Prime shall file a supplement to such prospectus or amendment to the Resale Shelf Registration Statement not less than once a quarter as necessary to name as selling securityholders therein any Holders that provide to Ashford Prime a duly completed and executed Notice and Questionnaire and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any post-effective amendment to such Resale Shelf Registration Statement filed for such purpose to be declared effective by the Commission as promptly as reasonably practicable after the filing thereof.

(b) Issuance Shelf Registration . Ashford Prime may, at its option, satisfy its obligation to prepare and file a Resale Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2.1(a) with respect to shares of Common Stock issuable upon exchange of Exchangeable Ashford Prime OP Units received in connection with the Transaction by preparing and filing with the Commission a registration statement on an appropriate form for an offering to be made on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (an “ Issuer Shelf Registration Statement ”) providing for the issuance by Ashford Prime, from time to time, to the Holders of such Exchangeable Ashford Prime OP Units shares of Common Stock registered under the Securities Act (the “ Primary Shares ”) in lieu of Ashford Prime OP’s obligation to pay cash for such Exchangeable Ashford Prime OP Units. Ashford Prime shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Issuer Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission as promptly as reasonably practicable after filing thereof. Ashford Prime shall use commercially reasonable efforts, subject to Sections 2.1(c) and 2.9, to keep the Issuer Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective for a period (the “ Effectiveness Period ”) expiring on the date all of the shares of Common Stock covered by such Issuer Shelf Registration Statement have been issued by the Company pursuant thereto. In addition, if the Issuer Shelf Registration Statement is not on Form S-3 (or any similar or successor form) and during the period that the Issuer Shelf Registration Statement is effective Ashford Prime becomes eligible to use Form S-3 (or any similar or successor form), Ashford Prime shall be entitled to amend the Issuer Shelf Registration Statement so that it becomes a registration statement on Form S-3 (or any similar or successor form); provided, however, that Ashford Prime shall use its best efforts to have such amendment declared effective as soon as practicable after filing. If Ashford Prime shall exercise its rights under this Section 2.1(b), Holders (other than Holders of Restricted Shares) shall have no right to have shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon exchange of Exchangeable Ashford Prime OP Units included in a Resale Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2.1(a).

(c) Continuous Effectiveness . Ashford Prime shall prepare and file such additional registration statements as necessary and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statements to be declared effective by the Commission so that a shelf registration statement remains continuously effective, subject to Section 2.9, with respect to resales of Registrable Securities as and for the periods required under Section 2.1(a) or (b), as applicable,

 

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such subsequent registration statements, if any, shall constitute a Issuer Shelf Registration Statement or a Resale Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be, hereunder.

(d) Selling Holders Become Party to Agreement . Each Holder acknowledges that by participating in its registration rights pursuant to this Agreement, such Holder will be deemed a party to this Agreement and will be bound by its terms, notwithstanding such Holder’s failure to deliver a Notice and Questionnaire; provided, that any Holder that has not delivered a duly completed and executed Notice and Questionnaire shall not be entitled to be named as a Selling Holder in, or have the Registrable Securities held by it covered by, a Resale Shelf Registration Statement.

Section 2.2 Registration Procedures; Filings; Information . Subject to Section 2.9 hereof, in connection with any Resale Shelf Registration Statement under Section 2.1(a), Ashford Prime will use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities covered thereby in accordance with the intended method of disposition thereof as quickly as reasonably practicable, and in connection with any Issuer Shelf Registration Statement under Section 2.1(b), the Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration of the Primary Shares as quickly as reasonably practicable. In connection with any Shelf Registration Statement:

(a) Ashford Prime will, if requested, prior to filing a Resale Shelf Registration Statement or prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, furnish to each Selling Holder of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement copies of such registration statement as proposed to be filed, and thereafter furnish to such Selling Holder such number of conformed copies of such registration statement, each amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein), the prospectus included in such registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus) and such other documents as such Selling Holder may reasonably request to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Selling Holder.

(b) After the filing of the Resale Shelf Registration Statement, Ashford Prime will promptly notify each Selling Holder of Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement of any stop order issued or threatened by the Commission and take all reasonable actions required to prevent the entry of such stop order or to remove it if entered.

(c) Ashford Prime will use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) register or qualify the Registrable Securities under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States (where an exemption does not apply) as any Selling Holder reasonably (in light of such Selling Holder’s intended plan of distribution) requests and (ii) cause such Registrable Securities to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of Ashford Prime and do any and all other acts and things that may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Selling Holder to consummate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Selling Holder; provided that Ashford Prime will not be required to (A) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this paragraph (d), (B) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction or (C) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction.

 

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(d) Ashford Prime will immediately notify each Selling Holder of such Registrable Securities, at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of (i) Ashford Prime’s receipt of any notification of the suspension of the qualification of any Registrable Securities covered by a Resale Shelf Registration Statement for sale in any jurisdiction; or (ii) the occurrence of an event requiring the preparation of a supplement or amendment to such prospectus so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and promptly make available to each Selling Holder any such supplement or amendment.

(e) Ashford Prime will otherwise use its commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make available to its securityholders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering a period of 12 months, beginning within three months after the effective date of the registration statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 of the Commission promulgated thereunder (or any successor rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission).

(f) Ashford Prime will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Securities covered by such Resale Shelf Registration Statement or Primary Shares covered by such Issuer Shelf Registration Statement to be listed on each securities exchange on which similar securities issued by Ashford Prime are then listed.

(g) In addition to the Notice and Questionnaire, Ashford Prime may require each Selling Holder of Registrable Securities to promptly furnish in writing to Ashford Prime such information regarding such Selling Holder, the Registrable Securities held by it and the intended method of distribution of the Registrable Securities as Ashford Prime may from time to time reasonably request and such other information as may be legally required in connection with such registration. No Holder may include Registrable Securities in any registration statement pursuant to this Agreement unless and until such Holder has furnished to Ashford Prime such information. Each Holder further agrees to furnish as soon as reasonably practicable to Ashford Prime all information required to be disclosed to make information previously furnished to Ashford Prime by such Holder not materially misleading.

(h) Each Selling Holder agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from Ashford Prime of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 2.2(b) or 2.2(d) or upon receipt of a Suspension Notice, such Selling Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the registration statement covering such Registrable Securities until such Selling Holder’s receipt of written notice from Ashford Prime that such disposition may be made and, in the case of clause (ii) of Section 2.2(d) or, if applicable, Section 2.9, copies of any supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by clause (ii) of Section 2.2(d) or, if applicable, prepared under Section 2.9, and, if so directed by Ashford Prime, such Selling Holder will deliver to Ashford Prime all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Selling Holder’s possession, of the most recent prospectus covering such Registrable Securities at the time of receipt of such notice. Each Selling Holder of Registrable Securities agrees that it will immediately notify Ashford Prime at any time when a prospectus relating to the registration of

 

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such Registrable Securities is required to be delivered under the Securities Act of the happening of an event as a result of which information previously furnished by such Selling Holder to Ashford Prime in writing for inclusion in such prospectus contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances in which they were made.

Section 2.3 Registration Expenses . In connection with any registration statement required to be filed hereunder, Ashford Prime shall pay the following registration expenses incurred in connection with the registration hereunder (the “ Registration Expenses ”): (i) all fees and expenses of compliance with securities or “blue sky” laws (including registration and filing fees and reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with blue sky qualifications of the Registrable Securities), (ii) printing expenses, (iii) internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), (iv) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities, (v) reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for Ashford Prime and customary fees and expenses for independent certified public accountants retained by Ashford Prime, and (vi) the reasonable fees and expenses of any special experts retained by Ashford Prime in connection with such registration. Ashford Prime shall have no obligation to pay any fees, discounts or commissions attributable to the sale of Registrable Securities, any out-of-pocket expenses of the Holders (or the agents who manage their accounts), or any transfer taxes relating to the registration or sale of the Registrable Securities.

Section 2.4 Indemnification by Ashford Prime . Ashford Prime agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Selling Holder of Registrable Securities, its officers, directors and agents, and each Person, if any, who controls such Selling Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities that arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement or prospectus relating to the Registrable Securities (as amended or supplemented if Ashford Prime shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) or any preliminary prospectus, or that arise out of or are based upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of or are based upon any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission included in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to Ashford Prime by such Selling Holder or on such Selling Holder’s behalf expressly for inclusion therein. The indemnity provided for in this Section 2.4 shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Selling Holder.

Section 2.5 Indemnification by Holders of Registrable Securities . Each Selling Holder agrees, severally but not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless Ashford Prime, its officers, directors and agents and each Person, if any, who controls Ashford Prime within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from Ashford Prime to such Selling Holder, but only with respect to information relating to such Selling Holder included in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing by such Selling Holder or on such Selling Holder’s behalf expressly for use in any registration statement or prospectus relating to the

 

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Registrable Securities, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any preliminary prospectus. In case any action or proceeding shall be brought against Ashford Prime or its officers, directors or agents or any such controlling person, in respect of which indemnity may be sought against such Selling Holder, such Selling Holder shall have the rights and duties given to Ashford Prime, and Ashford Prime or its officers, directors or agents or such controlling person shall have the rights and duties given to such Selling Holder, by Section 2.4. The obligations of any Selling Holder pursuant to this Section 2.5 will be limited to an amount equal to the net proceeds to such Selling Holder (after deducting any discounts and commissions) from the disposition pursuant to such registration.

Section 2.6 Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings . In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 2.4 or 2.5, such person (an “ Indemnified Party ”) shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (an “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing and the Indemnifying Party shall assume the defense thereof, including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party, and shall assume the payment of all fees and expenses; provided, however, that the failure of any Indemnified Party to give such notice will not relieve such Indemnifying Party of any obligations under this Article II, except to the extent such Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced by such failure. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party unless (i) the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel or (ii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood that the Indemnifying Party shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) at any time for all such Indemnified Parties, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. In the case of any such separate firm for the Indemnified Parties, such firm shall be designated in writing by (i) in the case of Persons indemnified pursuant to Section 2.4 hereof, the Selling Holders which owned a majority of the Registrable Securities sold under the applicable registration statement and (ii) in the case of Persons indemnified pursuant to Section 2.5, Ashford Prime. The Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent, or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Party shall indemnify and hold harmless such Indemnified Parties from and against any loss or liability (to the extent stated above) by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an Indemnified Party shall have requested an Indemnifying Party to reimburse the Indemnified Party for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the third sentence of this paragraph, the Indemnifying Party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than thirty (30) Business Days after receipt by such Indemnifying Party of the aforesaid request and (ii) such Indemnifying Party shall not have reimbursed the Indemnified Party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Party is or could have

 

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been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such proceeding.

Section 2.7 Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in Section 2.4 or 2.5 hereof is unavailable to an Indemnified Party or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to herein, then each such Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of Ashford Prime and each Selling Holder in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of Ashford Prime on the one hand and of each Selling Holder on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by such party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

Ashford Prime and the Selling Holders agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 2.7 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 2.7, no Selling Holder shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds from the sale of the securities of such Selling Holder to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Selling Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Selling Holder’s obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 2.7 are several in proportion to the net proceeds of the offering received by such Selling Holder bears to the total net proceeds of the offering received by all the Selling Holders and not joint.

Section 2.8 Rule 144 . Ashford Prime covenants that it will (a) make and keep public information regarding Ashford Prime available as those terms are defined in Rule 144, (b) file in a timely manner any reports and documents required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, (c) furnish to any Holder forthwith upon request (i) a written statement by Ashford Prime as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 (at any time more than 90 days after the completion of the Transaction), the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject to such reporting requirements), and (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of Ashford Prime and such other reports and documents so filed by Ashford Prime, and (d) take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable Holders to sell

 

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Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144.

Section 2.9 Suspension of Use of Registration Statement .

(a) If the Board of Directors of Ashford Prime determines in its good faith judgment that the filing of a Resale Shelf Registration Statement under Section 2.1(a) or the use of any related prospectus would be materially detrimental to Ashford Prime because such action would require the disclosure of material information that Ashford Prime has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential or the disclosure of which would impede Ashford Prime’s ability to consummate a significant transaction (“ Confidential Information ”), and that Ashford Prime is not otherwise required by applicable securities laws or regulations to disclose, upon written notice of such determination by Ashford Prime to the Holders, the rights of the Holders to offer, sell or distribute any Registrable Securities pursuant to a Resale Shelf Registration Statement or to require Ashford Prime to take action with respect to the registration or sale of any Registrable Securities pursuant to a Resale Shelf Registration Statement shall be suspended until the earlier of (i) the date upon which Ashford Prime notifies the Holders in writing that suspension of such rights for the grounds set forth in this Section 2.9(a) is no longer necessary and (ii) one-hundred eighty (180) days; provided, however, no such 180-day period shall be successive with respect to the same Confidential Information. Ashford Prime agrees to give the notice under (i) above as promptly as practicable following the date that such suspension of rights is no longer necessary.

If all reports required to be filed by Ashford Prime pursuant to the Exchange Act have not been filed by the required date without regard to any extension, or if the consummation of any business combination by Ashford Prime has occurred or is probable for purposes of Rule 3-05 or Article 11 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act or any successor rule, upon written notice thereof by Ashford Prime to the Holders, the rights of the Holders to offer, sell or distribute any Registrable Securities pursuant to a Resale Shelf Registration Statement or to require Ashford Prime to take action with respect to the registration or sale of any Registrable Securities pursuant to a Resale Shelf Registration Statement shall be suspended until the date on which Ashford Prime has filed such reports or obtained and filed the financial information required by Rule 3-05 or Article 11 of Regulation S-X to be included or incorporated by reference, as applicable, in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement, and Ashford Prime shall notify the Holders as promptly as practicable when such suspension is no longer required.

Section 2.10 Additional Shares . Ashford Prime, at its option, may register under a Shelf Registration Statement and any filings with any state securities commissions filed pursuant to this Agreement, any number of unissued shares of Common Stock or any shares of Common Stock owned by any other stockholder or stockholders of the Company.

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 3.1 Remedies . In addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided herein and granted by law, including recovery of damages, the Holders shall be entitled to specific performance of the rights under this Agreement. Ashford Prime agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it

 

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of the provisions of this Agreement and hereby agrees to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

Section 3.2 Amendments and Waivers . The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, in each case without the written consent of Ashford Prime and the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities (with Holders of Exchangeable Ashford Prime OP Units deemed to be Holders, for purposes of this Section, of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such Exchangeable Ashford Prime OP Units would be exchangeable for as of the date on which consent is requested); provided, however, that the effect of any such amendment will be that the consenting Holders will not be treated more favorably than all other Holders (without regard to any differences in effect that such amendment or waiver may have on the Holders due to the differing amounts of Registrable Shares held by such Holders). No failure or delay by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon any breach thereof shall constitute waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.

Section 3.3 Notices . All notices and other communications in connection with this Agreement shall be made in writing by hand delivery, registered first-class mail, telex, telecopier, or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery:

 

  (i) if to any Holder, initially to the address indicated in such Holder’s Notice and Questionnaire or, if no Notice and Questionnaire has been delivered, to such other address as any Holder shall have specified in writing; and

 

  (ii) if to Ashford Prime, at 14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100, Dallas, TX 25254, Attention: Chief Legal Officer, or to such other address as Ashford Prime may hereafter specify in writing.

All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; when received if deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when answered back, if telexed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and on the next Business Day, if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.

Section 3.4 Successors and Assigns .

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors, assigns and transferees of each of the parties. Any Holder may assign its rights under this Agreement without the consent of Ashford Prime in connection with a transfer of such Holder’s Ashford Prime OP Units or Registrable Securities; provided, that the Holder satisfies all applicable transfer provisions for the Ashford Prime OP Units or Registrable Securities, as applicable, and notifies Ashford Prime of such proposed transfer and assignment and the transferee or assignee of such rights assumes in writing the obligations of such Holder under this Agreement.

 

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Section 3.5 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Each party shall become bound by this Agreement immediately upon affixing its signature hereto.

Section 3.6 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Texas without regard to the choice of law provisions thereof.

Section 3.7 Severability . In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 3.8 Entire Agreement . This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein with respect to the registration rights granted by Ashford Prime with respect to the Registrable Securities. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.

Section 3.9 Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

Section 3.10 No Third Party Beneficiaries . Nothing express or implied herein is intended or shall be construed to confer upon any person or entity, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights, remedies or other benefits under or by reason of this Agreement.

Section 3.11 Termination . The obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate (i) with respect to a Holder when it no longer holds Registrable Securities, and (ii) with respect to Ashford Prime upon the end of the Effectiveness Period with respect to any Issuer Shelf Registration Statement and when there are no longer any Registrable Securities with respect to any Resale Shelf Registration Statement; except, in each case, for any obligations under Sections 2.1(c), 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 and Article III that, by their terms, are intended to survive for a specific period of time.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

COMPANY :
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.
By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

Name:   David A. Brooks
Title:   Chief Operating Officer
Address :
14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100
Dallas, TX 75254

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]


ASHFORD PRIME OP UNIT HOLDER :  

 

  ,

 

 
By:  

 

 
Name:  

 

 
Title:  

 

 
Address :  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]


Exhibit A

List of all unit holders – names

 

Dartmore General Partnership

       2,756,028   

5820 General Partnership

       2,756,028   

3 MB Associates

       120,647   

Ashford Financial Corporation

       1,025,000   

Helmut Horn

       6,944   

Graham Hershman

       5,226   

Emily Landau

       117,535   

Martin Edelman

       92,711   

FGT, L.P.

       1,004,306   

David Kimichik

       45,788   

David Brooks

       266,435   

Mark Nunneley

       106,590   
  COMMON UNITS      8,303,238   


Lawrence D. Barkman

       41,200   

Arthur A. Birney

       20,600   

Washington Brick & Terra Cotta Company, L.P., L.L.P.

       2,039,451   

Barbara Fleischman

       65,894   

Laura Glassman

       1,905   

Paul Glassman

       1,905   

Kogod Family Holding Group LLC

       348,941   

Arlene R. Kogod

       160,620   

Lauren Sue Kogod

       61,801   

Leslie Susan Kogod

       61,801   

Robert P. Kogod

       159,944   

Stuart Allan Kogod

       61,801   

Clarice Smith Marital Deduction Trust

       351,467   

MC II Associates

       271,930   

Gateway

 

B UNITS

     3,649,260   


Exhibit B

Form of Notice and Questionnaire

The undersigned beneficial holder of shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (“ Common Stock ”), of Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. (the “ Company ”) and/or common units of limited partnership interests of Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (“ Ashford Prime OP ”) convertible into shares of Common Stock (any such Common Stock, the “ Registrable Securities ”), understands that the Company has filed or intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) one or more registration statements (collectively, the “ Resale Shelf Registration Statement ”) for the registration and resale under Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), dated November 19, 2013, by the Company for the benefit of the holders of common partnership units in Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership whose names are set forth on Exhibit A attached thereto. A copy of the Registration Rights Agreement is available from the Company upon request at the address set forth below. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Each beneficial owner of Registrable Securities is entitled to the benefits of the Registration Rights Agreement. In order to sell or otherwise dispose of any Registrable Securities pursuant to the Resale Shelf Registration Statement, a beneficial owner of Registrable Securities generally will be required to be named as a selling security holder in the related prospectus, deliver a prospectus to purchasers of Registrable Securities and be bound by those provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement applicable to such beneficial owner (including certain indemnification provisions as described below). To be included in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement, this Notice and Questionnaire must be completed, executed and delivered to the Company at the address set forth herein on or prior to the tenth business day before the effectiveness of the Resale Shelf Registration Statement. We will give notice of the filing and effectiveness of the initial Resale Shelf Registration Statement by issuing a press release and by mailing a notice to the holders at their addresses set forth in the register of the registrar.

Beneficial owners that do not complete this Notice and Questionnaire and deliver it to the Company as provided below will not be named as selling security holders in the prospectus and therefore will not be permitted to sell any Registrable Securities pursuant to the Resale Shelf Registration Statement. Beneficial owners are encouraged to complete and deliver this Notice and Questionnaire prior to the effectiveness of the initial Resale Shelf Registration Statement so that such beneficial owners may be named as selling security holders in the related prospectus at the time of effectiveness. Upon receipt of a completed Notice and Questionnaire from a beneficial owner following the effectiveness of the initial Resale Shelf Registration Statement, in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will file such amendments to the initial Resale Shelf Registration Statement or additional shelf registration statements or supplements to the related prospectus as are necessary to permit such holder to deliver such prospectus to purchasers of Registrable Securities.

Certain legal consequences arise from being named as selling security holders in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus. Accordingly, holders and


beneficial owners of Registrable Securities are advised to consult their own securities law counsel regarding the consequences of being named or not being named as a selling security holder in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus.

NOTICE

The undersigned beneficial owner (the “ Selling Security Holder ”) of Registrable Securities hereby elects to include in the prospectus forming a part of the Resale Shelf Registration Statement the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by it and listed below in Item 3 (unless otherwise specified under Item 3). The undersigned, by signing and returning this Notice and Questionnaire, understands that it will be bound by the terms and conditions of this Notice and Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

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

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


QUESTIONNAIRE

 

  1. (a) Full Legal Name of Selling Security Holder:

(b) Full Legal Name of registered holder (if not the same as (a) above) through which Registrable Securities listed in Item (3) below are held:

(c) Full Legal Name of DTC Participant (if applicable and if not the same as (b) above) through which Registrable Securities listed in Item (3) below are held:

(d) List below the individual or individuals who exercise voting and/or dispositive powers with respect to the Registrable Securities listed in Item (3) below:

 

  2. Address for Notices to Selling Security Holder:

Telephone:

Fax:

E-mail address:

Contact Person:

 

  3. Beneficial Ownership of Registrable Securities:

Type of Registrable Securities beneficially owned, and number of shares of Common Stock and/or OP Units, as the case may be, beneficially owned:


  4. Beneficial Ownership of Securities of the Company Owned by the Selling Security Holder:

Except as set forth below in this Item (4), the undersigned is not the beneficial or registered owner of any securities of the Company, other than the Registrable Securities listed above in Item (3).

Type and amount of other securities beneficially owned by the Selling Security Holder:

 

  5. Relationship with the Company

Except as set forth below, neither the undersigned nor any of its affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity holders (5% or more) has held any position or office or has had any other material relationship with the Company (or its predecessors or affiliates) during the past three years.

State any exceptions here:

 

  6. Plan of Distribution

Except as set forth below, the undersigned (including its donees or pledgees) intends to distribute the Registrable Securities listed above in Item (3) pursuant to the Resale Shelf Registration Statement only as follows and will not be offering any of such Registrable Securities pursuant to an agreement, arrangement or understanding entered into with a broker or dealer prior to the effective date of the Resale Shelf Registration Statement. Such Registrable Securities may be sold from time to time directly by the undersigned or, alternatively, through broker-dealers or agents. If the Registrable Securities are sold through broker-dealers, the Selling Security Holder will be responsible for discounts or commissions or agent’s commissions. Such Registrable Securities may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. Such sales may be effected in transactions (which may involve crosses or block transactions)

(i) on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the Registrable Securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale;

(ii) in the over-the-counter market;

(iii) in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market; or

(iv) through the writing of options.

In connection with sales of the Registrable Securities or otherwise, the undersigned may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of


the Registrable Securities and deliver Registrable Securities to close out such short positions, or loan or pledge Registrable Securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such securities.

State any exceptions here:

Note: In no event may such method(s) of distribution take the form of an underwritten offering of the Registrable Securities.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The undersigned acknowledges that it understands its obligation to comply with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules thereunder relating to stock manipulation, particularly Regulation M thereunder (or any successor rules or regulations), in connection with any offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. The undersigned agrees that neither it nor any person acting on its behalf will engage in any transaction in violation of such provisions.

The Selling Security Holder hereby acknowledges its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement to indemnify and hold harmless certain persons set forth therein. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, Ashford Prime has agreed under certain circumstances to indemnify the Selling Security Holders against certain liabilities.

In accordance with the undersigned’s obligation under the Registration Rights Agreement to provide such information as may be required by law for inclusion in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement, the undersigned agrees to promptly notify Ashford Prime of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein that may occur subsequent to the date hereof at any time while the Resale Shelf Registration Statement remains effective. All notices hereunder and pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement shall be made in writing at the address set forth below.

In the event that the undersigned transfers all or any portion of the Registrable Securities listed in Item 3 above after the date on which such information is provided to Ashford Prime, the undersigned agrees to notify the transferee(s) at the time of transfer of its rights and obligations under this Notice and Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

By signing this Notice and Questionnaire, the undersigned consents to the disclosure of the information contained herein in its answers to Items (1) through (6) above and the inclusion of such information in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus. The undersigned understands that such information will be relied upon by the Company in connection with the preparation or amendment of the Resale Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus.

Once this Notice and Questionnaire is executed by the Selling Security Holder and received by the Company, the terms of this Notice and Questionnaire and the representations and warranties contained herein shall be binding on, shall insure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the respective successors, heirs, personal representatives and assigns of the Company and the Selling Security Holder with respect to the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by such Selling Security Holder and listed in Item 3 above.

This Notice and Questionnaire shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas.


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

 

Holder:  
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Dated:  

 


Please return the completed and executed Notice and Questionnaire to:

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

14185 Dallas parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Tel: (972) 490-9600

Attention: Chief Legal Officer

Exhibit 10.10

EXECUTION VERSION

LICENSING AGREEMENT

This LICENSING AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) dated as of November 19, 2013 (the “ Effective Date ”) between Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“ Licensor ” or “ Party ”), and Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“ Ashford Prime ”) and Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Ashford Prime OP ”) (Ashford Prime and Ashford Prime OP, collectively, referred to as “ Licensee ” or “ Party ”) (each Party, collectively, referred to as the “ Parties ”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS , Licensor owns, or has the right to use and sublicense, the Licensed Marks as defined in Section 1.01(a).

WHEREAS , pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement by and between Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership, Ashford TRS Corporation, Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership and Ashford Prime TRS Corporation, dated as of November 8, 2013, (the “Separation and Distribution Agreement”), Licensor, as the sole stockholder of Ashford Prime, will effect a spin-off of Ashford Prime (the “ Spin-Off ”) through a distribution to Licensor’s stockholders, on a pro rata basis, of all of the outstanding shares of Ashford Prime. Following the Spin-Off, Ashford Prime will be an independent and separately traded company that is engaged in the business of investing in hotel real estate assets primarily consisting of equity or ownership interests, as well as debt investments when such debt is acquired with the intent of obtaining an equity or ownership interest, in:

 

  (i) full service and urban select service hotels with trailing twelve (12) month average revenue per available room (“ RevPAR ”) or anticipated twelve (12) month average RevPAR of at least twice the then-current U.S. national average RevPAR for all hotels as determined with reference to the most current Smith Travel Research reports, generally in the 20 most populous metropolitan statistical areas, as estimated by the United States Census Bureau and delineated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget;

 

  (ii) upscale, upper-upscale and luxury hotels meeting the RevPAR criteria set forth in clause (i) above and situated in markets that may be generally recognized as resort markets; and

 

  (iii) international hospitality assets predominantly focused in areas that are general destinations or in close proximity to major transportation hubs or business centers, such that the area serves as a significant entry or departure point to a foreign country or region of a foreign country for business or leisure travelers and meet the RevPAR criteria set forth in clause (i) above (after any applicable currency conversion to U.S. dollars) (the “ Licensed Business ”);

 

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WHEREAS , subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Licensee desires to obtain, and Licensor is willing to grant to Licensee, a license to use the Licensed Marks in connection with the Licensed Business.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and in the Separation and Distribution Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01. Definitions . (a) The following terms, as used herein, have the following meanings:

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the specified Person. For this purpose “control” of a Person means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Applicable Law ” means any law, statute, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, order, writ, proclamation, judgment, injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority.

Business Day ” means a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions located in the States of Texas or New York are authorized or obligated by Applicable Law or executive order to close.

Governmental Authority ” means any U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. court, government, department, commission, board, bureau, agency, official or other regulatory, administrative or governmental authority.

Licensed Marks ” means the names, trademarks and service marks set forth (and only as set forth) in Exhibit A. For the avoidance of doubt, the Licensed Marks shall not include any name, trademark or service mark that is derivative of those set forth in Exhibit A.

Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, a union, an unincorporated organization or a governmental department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any specified Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which at least a majority of the securities or interests having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such corporation or other organization, or that otherwise constitutes control of such corporation or other organization, is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such specified Person or by any one or more of its subsidiaries, or by such specified Person and one or more of its subsidiaries.

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

 

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Term

  

Section

Agreement    Preamble
Ashford Prime    Preamble
Ashford Prime OP    Preamble
Effective Date    Preamble
License    2.01
Licensed Business    Recitals
Licensee    Preamble
Licensor    Preamble
Party and Parties    Preamble

Separation and

Distribution

Agreement

   Recitals
Spin-Off    Recitals
Term    5.01
Trademark Claims    4.03

Section 1.02. Other Definitional and Interpretative Provisions . The words “hereof”, “herein” and “hereunder” and words of like import used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The captions herein are included for convenience of reference only and shall be ignored in the construction or interpretation hereof. References to Articles, Sections and Exhibits are to Articles, Sections and Exhibits of this Agreement unless otherwise specified. All Exhibits annexed hereto or referred to herein are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement as if set forth in full herein. Any capitalized terms used in any Exhibit but not otherwise defined therein shall have the respective meanings given to them in this Agreement. Any singular term in this Agreement shall be deemed to include the plural, and any plural term the singular. Whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”, whether or not they are in fact followed by those words or words of like import. “Writing”, “written” and comparable terms refer to printing, typing and other means of reproducing words (including electronic media) in a visible form.

ARTICLE 2

LICENSE

Section 2.01 . Grant of License . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Licensor hereby grants to Licensee a worldwide, non-exclusive, non-transferable (except as otherwise set forth in Section 6.01), non-sublicensable (except as otherwise set forth in Section 2.02), royalty-free, fully paid-up license to use the Licensed Marks solely in connection with the conduct of the Licensed Business during the Term (the “ License ”). For the avoidance of doubt, subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, the License shall include Ashford Prime’s right to use “Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.,” and Ashford Prime OP’s right to use “Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership,” as their corporate names during the Term.

Section 2.02. Sublicense Rights . The License shall include the right of Licensee to grant sublicenses to its wholly-owned Subsidiaries; provided that any such sublicense shall terminate immediately upon the applicable sublicensee ceasing to be a wholly-owned Subsidiary of

 

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Licensee. Any such sublicense shall be subject to terms and conditions that are no less restrictive on the applicable sublicensee’s use of the Licensed Marks than the terms and conditions in this Agreement.

ARTICLE 3

OWNERSHIP AND USE OF LICENSED MARKS

Section 3.01 . Ownership of Licensed Marks; Reservation of Rights . (a) Licensee hereby acknowledges that (i) the License is the only license granted to Licensee with respect to the Licensed Marks and (ii) no other licenses whatsoever have been granted, expressly or by implication or estoppel, to Licensee by the provisions of this Agreement. Neither this Agreement nor its performance shall confer on Licensee any right with respect to the Licensed Marks other than those rights expressly granted herein, and any and all rights in and to the Licensed Marks not expressly granted to Licensee herein are reserved and retained by Licensor. Any use of the Licensed Marks by Licensee pursuant to the License shall inure to the benefit of Licensor.

(b) Licensee shall not (i) challenge the validity or ownership of the Licensed Marks or any other marks of Licensor or its Affiliates or claim adversely or assist in any claim adverse to Licensor concerning any right, title or interest in or to the Licensed Marks, (ii) do or permit any act which may directly or indirectly impair or prejudice Licensor’s title to the Licensed Marks or be detrimental to the reputation and goodwill of Licensor, or (iii) register or attempt to register any trademark, design, company name, trade name, domain name or other source identifier that is derivative of, confusingly similar to or contains any Licensed Mark.

Section 3.02. Appearance of the Licensed Marks; Quality Control . Licensee shall use the Licensed Marks only in the form stipulated by Licensor and shall conform to and observe such standards as Licensor from time to time prescribes, including standards relative to the quality, design, identity, size, position, appearance, marking and color of the Licensed Marks and the manner, disposition and use of the Licensed Marks. The Licensed Business shall be conducted at all times in material compliance with Applicable Law and in a manner consistent with the quality of goods and services provided by Licensor under the Licensed Marks as of immediately prior to the Effective Date. Licensor shall have the right to inspect any written or electronic materials bearing any Licensed Mark.

Section 3.03 . Prosecution and Maintenance . Licensor shall, reasonably promptly following Licensee’s request and at Licensor’s sole cost and expense, take all such actions as Licensee may reasonably request to prosecute and maintain any registration or application for registration of any Licensed Mark.

Section 3.04 . Third Party Notices . If requested in writing by Licensor, Licensee shall ensure that any written or electronic materials bearing a Licensed Mark includes a written statement to the effect that such Licensed Mark is used by Licensee under license from Licensor.

Section 3.06 . Fair Use . For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement shall restrict or limit either Party’s right to make any use of any term, or trademark or service mark that constitutes fair use under Applicable Law or factual use for historical or reference purposes.

 

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ARTICLE 4

LIABILITY, CLAIMS AND INDEMNIFICATION

Section 4.01 . Disclaimers; Limitation of Liability . NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, THE LICENSE IS GRANTED ON AN “AS IS” BASIS WITH NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, AND EACH PARTY, ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND ITS AFFILIATES, HEREBY EXCLUDES AND DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WITH RESPECT TO THE LICENSE, INCLUDING THOSE REGARDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT AND ANY WARRANTIES IMPLIED BY ANY COURSE OF DEALING OR TRADE USAGE. NEITHER PARTY NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES SHALL BE LIABLE UNDER ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT EVEN IF THE OTHER PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Section 4.02 . Infringement of Licensed Marks by Third Party . Licensee shall promptly notify Licensor of any unauthorized or improper use by any Person of any Licensed Marks, including in such notice the particulars of such use and any other information that Licensee and its Affiliates may have relating to such use, and reasonably cooperate with Licensor, at Licensee’s sole cost and expense, in connection with any action Licensor may take to prevent or halt such use. In the event that Licensor does not take reasonable action to halt any such use related to the Licensed Business within a reasonable period of time following such notice, Licensee may take reasonable action to prevent or halt such use, and Licensor shall reasonably cooperate with Licensee, at Licensee’s sole cost and expense, in connection with any such action of Licensee.

Section 4.03 . Third Party Actions . Licensee shall promptly notify Licensor of any allegations, claims or demands (actual or threatened) against Licensee for infringement of any intellectual property rights of third parties by reason of Licensee’s use of the Licensed Marks (collectively, “ Trademark Claims ”) and provide all related particulars requested by Licensor. Licensor shall retain exclusive control over the resolution of any Trademark Claim, including the right to agree to an injunction against further use of any Licensed Mark at issue or to otherwise settle such Trademark Claim; provided that such settlement shall not require any payment by Licensee without Licensee’s prior written consent. In the event that Licensor does not take reasonable action to resolve a Trademark Claim within a reasonable period of time following such notice, Licensee may assume exclusive control over such Trademark Claim (but solely to the extent such Trademark Claim relates to allegations, claims or demands (actual or threatened) against Licensee), including the right to agree to an injunction against further use of any Licensed Mark at issue by Licensee or to otherwise settle such Trademark Claim with respect to Licensee; provided that such settlement shall not bind or apply to Licensor in any manner without Licensor’s prior written consent. Subject to the foregoing and at Licensee’s sole cost and expense, each Party shall provide to the other Party such assistance as such other Party may reasonably request in connection with the defense or settlement of any Trademark Claim.

Section 4.04 . Indemnification . (a) Licensee shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Licensor, its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents and their

 

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respective successors and assigns, from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, fines, penalties and expenses (including reasonable costs of investigation and reasonable attorneys’ fees in connection with any action, suit or proceeding) related to or arising out of the use of the Licensed Marks by Licensee in violation of this Agreement, any violation of Applicable Law with respect to the Licensed Business, any claims related to the sale or provision of goods or services or use of intellectual property other than the Licensed Marks.

(b) Licensee shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Licensor, its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents and their respective successors and assigns, from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, fines, penalties and expenses (including reasonable costs of investigation and reasonable attorneys’ fees in connection with any action, suit or proceeding) by third parties alleging infringement claims against Licensee’s use of the Licensed Marks in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 5

TERM AND TERMINATION

Section 5.01 . Term . This Agreement is effective as of the Effective Date and shall continue in full force and effect in perpetuity unless terminated in accordance with Section 5.02 (the “ Term ”).

Section 5.02 . Termination by Licensor . Licensor may terminate this Agreement at any time immediately upon written notice to Licensor. Further, this Agreement will terminate immediately if at any time the Licensee ceases to retain Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC (“Advisor”) or one of its affiliates to perform advisory services for the Licensee.

Section 5.03 . Effect of Termination; Survival . Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, the License shall immediately terminate without any further action by Licensor, and Licensee and its Subsidiaries shall have sixty (60) days from expiration or termination to cease all use of, and cease conducting all business under, any names, service marks or trademarks consisting of or comprising the term “Ashford” or any derivation thereof that might, in the reasonable discretion of Licensor, be likely to cause confusion with Licensor, Licensor’s Affiliates or Licensor’s business, services or goods, including but not limited to a likelihood of confusion that there is an association, affiliation or some other relationship between Licensor or any its Affiliates, on the one hand, and Licensee or Licensee’s Subsidiaries, on the other hand. For the sake of clarity, this section requires that Licensee and its Subsidiaries change their business names, trade names and fictitious names to names that do not contain the term “Ashford” or any other word or words that might, in the reasonable discretion of Licensor, be likely to cause confusion with Licensor, Licensor’s Affiliates or Licensor’s business, services or goods, including but not limited to a likelihood of confusion that there is an association, affiliation or some other relationship between Licensor or any its Affiliates, on the one hand, and Licensee or Licensee’s Subsidiaries, on the other hand. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Sections 3.01(a), 4.01, 4.04 and 5.03 and Article 6 shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE 6

GENERAL

Section 6.01 . Successors and Assigns . The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns; provided that, except as expressly set forth in Section 2.02, Licensee may not assign, delegate or otherwise transfer this Agreement or any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the express prior written consent of Licensor.

Section 6.02 . Notices . All notices, requests, permissions, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) five (5) Business Days following sending by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, (b) when sent, if sent by facsimile, (c) when delivered, if delivered personally to the intended recipient, and (d) one (1) Business Day following sending by overnight delivery via a national courier service and, in each case, addressed to a Party at the following address for such Party:

If to Licensor:

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

Phone: (972) 490-9600

With a copy to:

Andrews Kurth LLP

1717 Main Street, Suite 1700

Dallas, TX 75201

Attention: Muriel C. McFarling

If to Licensee:

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

c/o Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

Dallas, TX 75254

Phone: (972) 490-9600

With a copy to:

Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Attention: General Counsel

Dallas, TX 75254

Phone: (972) 490-9600

 

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Section 6.03. Specific Performance . The Parties acknowledge that money damages are not an adequate remedy for any violation of this Agreement and that either Party may, in its sole discretion, apply to the courts set forth in Section 6.05 for specific performance, or injunctive or such other relief as such courts may deem just and proper, in order to enforce this Agreement or prevent any violation hereof, and to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Party waives the posting of bond and any objection to the imposition of such relief.

Section 6.04 . Amendments and Waivers . (a) Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived if, and only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and signed, in the case of an amendment, by each of the Parties or, in the case of a waiver, by the Party against whom the waiver is to be effective.

(b) No failure or delay by any Party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by Applicable Law.

Section 6.05 . Governing Law; Venue . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of Texas, without regard to any conflicts of law provisions thereof that would result in the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction. The parties hereto agree that venue for any action in connection herewith shall be proper in Dallas County, Texas. Each party hereto consents to the jurisdiction of any local, state or federal court situated in any of such locations and waives any objection which it may have pertaining to improper venue or forum non conveniens to the conduct of any proceeding in any such court.

Section 6.06 . Counterparts; Electronic Delivery . This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement or any other documents pursuant to this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic means shall be deemed to be, and shall have the same legal effect as, execution by an original signature and delivery in person.

Section 6.07 . No Third Party Beneficiaries . No provision of this Agreement is intended to confer any rights, benefits, remedies, obligations or liabilities hereunder upon any Person other than the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

Section 6.08 . Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Exhibit referenced herein, and attached hereto constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements, understandings and negotiations, both oral and written, among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties acknowledge and agree that the transactions contemplated in connection with the Spin-Off, together with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, collectively constitute a single and integrated transaction.

Section 6.09 . Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement or the Exhibit attached hereto is determined by a nonappealable decision by a court, administrative agency or

 

8


arbitrator to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated in connection with the Spin-Off and contemplated by this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to either Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the court, administrative agency or arbitrator shall interpret this Agreement so as to affect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated in connection with the Spin-Off and contemplated by this Agreement are fulfilled to the fullest extent possible. If any sentence in this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only as broad as is enforceable.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

9


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

Licensor:
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC.
By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

David A. Brooks, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel

Licensee:
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.
By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

David A. Brooks, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership
By: Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its general partner
  By:  

/s/ David A. Brooks

  David A. Brooks, Vice President

 

10


Exhibit A

Licensed Marks

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME

ASHFORD PRIME

 

LOGO

 

11

Exhibit 10.11

 

 

 

Published CUSIP Number: 04410FAA0

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of November 19, 2013

among

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,

as the Borrower,

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.,

as the Parent,

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and

L/C Issuer,

and

The Other Lenders Party Hereto

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH, INCORPORATED,

as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager

DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC.

and

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Syndication Agents

CREDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANK,

as Documentation Agent

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Section

          Page  

Article I. Definitions and Accounting Terms

     1   

1.01

    

Defined Terms

     1   

1.02

    

Other Interpretive Provisions

     26   

1.03

    

Accounting Terms

     27   

1.04

    

Rounding

     28   

1.05

    

Times of Day; Rates

     28   

1.06

    

Letter of Credit Amounts

     28   

Article II. The Commitments and Credit Extensions

     28   

2.01

    

The Revolving Credit Loans

     28   

2.02

    

Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans

     29   

2.03

    

Letters of Credit

     30   

2.04

    

Swing Line Loans

     38   

2.05

    

Prepayments

     41   

2.06

    

Termination or Reduction of Commitments

     42   

2.07

    

Repayment of Loans

     42   

2.08

    

Interest

     42   

2.09

    

Fees

     43   

2.10

    

Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Margin

     44   

2.11

    

Evidence of Debt

     44   

2.12

    

Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback

     45   

2.13

    

Sharing of Payments by Lenders

     47   

2.14

    

Extension of Maturity Date

     47   

2.15

    

Increase in Commitments

     48   

2.16

    

Cash Collateral

     49   

2.17

    

Defaulting Lenders

     50   

Article III. Taxes, Yield Protection and Illegality

     52   

3.01

    

Taxes

     52   

3.02

    

Illegality

     57   

3.03

    

Inability to Determine Rates

     57   

3.04

    

Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans

     58   

3.05

    

Compensation for Losses

     59   

3.06

    

Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders

     60   

3.07

    

Survival

     60   

Article IV. Conditions Precedent To Credit Extensions

     60   

4.01

    

Conditions of Initial Credit Extension

     60   

4.02

    

Conditions to all Credit Extensions

     63   

Article V. Representations and Warranties

     64   

5.01

    

Existence, Qualification and Power

     64   

5.02

    

Authorization; No Contravention

     64   

5.03

    

Governmental Authorization; Other Consents

     64   

5.04

    

Binding Effect

     64   

5.05

    

Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect

     65   

 

i


5.06

    

Litigation

     65   

5.07

    

No Default

     65   

5.08

    

Ownership of Property; Liens; Investments

     65   

5.09

    

Environmental Compliance

     66   

5.10

    

Insurance

     67   

5.11

    

Taxes

     67   

5.12

    

ERISA Compliance

     67   

5.13

    

Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries; Equity Interests; Loan Parties

     68   

5.14

    

Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act

     68   

5.15

    

Disclosure

     68   

5.16

    

Compliance with Laws

     69   

5.17

    

Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc.

     69   

5.18

    

Solvency

     69   

5.19

    

Casualty, Etc.

     69   

5.20

    

Labor Matters

     69   

5.21

    

Collateral Documents

     69   

5.22

    

OFAC

     69   

5.23

    

Nature of Business

     70   

Article VI. Affirmative Covenants

     70   

6.01

    

Financial Statements

     70   

6.02

    

Certificates; Other Information

     71   

6.03

    

Notices

     72   

6.04

    

Payment of Obligations

     73   

6.05

    

Preservation of Existence, Etc.

     73   

6.06

    

Maintenance of Properties

     73   

6.07

    

Maintenance of Insurance

     73   

6.08

    

Compliance with Laws

     74   

6.09

    

Books and Records

     74   

6.10

    

Inspection Rights

     74   

6.11

    

Use of Proceeds

     74   

6.12

    

Covenant to Guarantee Obligations and Give Security

     74   

6.13

    

Compliance with Environmental Laws

     75   

6.14

    

Further Assurances

     75   

6.15

    

Compliance with Terms of Leaseholds

     76   

6.16

    

Lien Searches

     76   

6.17

    

Material Contracts

     76   

6.18

    

Cash Collateral Accounts

     76   

6.19

    

Maintenance of Listing

     76   

Article VII. Negative Covenants

     76   

7.01

    

Liens

     76   

7.02

    

Indebtedness

     77   

7.03

    

Investments

     77   

7.04

    

Fundamental Changes

     78   

7.05

    

Dispositions

     78   

7.06

    

Restricted Payments

     79   

7.07

    

Change in Nature of Business

     79   

7.08

    

Transactions with Affiliates

     79   

7.09

    

Burdensome Agreements

     79   

7.10

    

Use of Proceeds

     79   

 

ii


7.11

    

Financial Covenants

     79   

7.12

    

Capital Expenditures

     81   

7.13

    

Organization Documents

     81   

7.14

    

Accounting Changes

     81   

7.15

    

Related Documents

     81   

7.16

    

Sanctions

     81   

Article VIII. Events of Default and Remedies

     81   

8.01

    

Events of Default

     81   

8.02

    

Remedies Upon Event of Default

     84   

8.03

    

Application of Funds

     84   

Article IX. Administrative Agent

     85   

9.01

    

Appointment and Authority

     85   

9.02

    

Rights as a Lender

     86   

9.03

    

Exculpatory Provisions

     86   

9.04

    

Reliance by Administrative Agent

     87   

9.05

    

Delegation of Duties

     87   

9.06

    

Resignation of Administrative Agent

     87   

9.07

    

Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders

     89   

9.08

    

No Other Duties, Etc.

     89   

9.09

    

Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

     89   

9.10

    

Collateral and Guaranty Matters

     90   

9.11

    

Releases

     90   

9.12

    

Secured Hedge Agreements

     91   

Article X. Continuing Guaranty

     92   

10.01

    

Guaranty

     92   

10.02

    

Rights of Lenders

     92   

10.03

    

Certain Waivers

     92   

10.04

    

Obligations Independent

     93   

10.05

    

Subrogation

     93   

10.06

    

Termination; Reinstatement

     93   

10.07

    

Subordination

     93   

10.08

    

Stay of Acceleration

     93   

10.09

    

Condition of Borrower

     93   

Article XI. Miscellaneous

     94   

11.01

    

Amendments, Etc.

     94   

11.02

    

Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communications

     95   

11.03

    

No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement

     97   

11.04

    

Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver

     98   

11.05

    

Payments Set Aside

     100   

11.06

    

Successors and Assigns

     100   

11.07

    

Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality

     105   

11.08

    

Right of Setoff

     105   

11.09

    

Interest Rate Limitation

     106   

11.10

    

Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness

     106   

11.11

    

Survival of Representations and Warranties

     106   

11.12

    

Severability

     107   

11.13

    

Replacement of Lenders

     107   

 

iii


11.14

    

Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.

     107   

11.15

    

Waiver of Jury Trial

     108   

11.16

    

No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility

     109   

11.17

    

Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents

     109   

11.18

    

USA PATRIOT Act

     109   

11.19

    

Time of the Essence

     110   

11.20

    

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

     110   

SCHEDULES

 

2.01

    

Commitments and Applicable Percentage

5.06

    

Litigation

5.08(b)

    

Existing Liens

5.08(c)

    

Owned and Ground Leased Real Property

5.08(d)

    

Existing Investments

5.09

    

Environmental Matters

5.12(d)

    

ERISA Matters

5.13

    

Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries and Other Equity Investments; Loan Parties

5.17

    

Intellectual Property Matters

7.09

    

Burdensome Agreements

11.02

    

Administrative Agent’s Office, Certain Addresses for Notices

EXHIBITS

 

Form of

    

A

    

Committed Loan Notice

B

    

Swing Line Loan Notice

C

    

Note

D

    

Compliance Certificate

E-1

    

Assignment and Assumption

E-2

    

Administrative Questionnaire

F-1

    

Guaranty

F-2

    

Borrower Guaranty

G

    

Security Agreement

H

    

Pledge Agreement

I

    

Opinion Matters – Counsel to Loan Parties

J

    

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificates

 

iv


CREDIT AGREEMENT

This CREDIT AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”) is entered into as of November 19, 2013, among ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ”), ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC., a Maryland corporation (the “ Parent ”), each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “ Lenders ” and individually, a “ Lender ”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer.

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS :

The Borrower has requested that the Lenders provide a revolving credit facility, and the Lenders and the Swing Line Lender have indicated their willingness to lend and the L/C Issuer has indicated its willingness to issue letters of credit, in each case, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

Article I.

Definitions and Accounting Terms

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

Administrative Agent ” means Bank of America (as hereafter defined) in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.

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

Administrative Questionnaire ” means an Administrative Questionnaire in substantially the form of Exhibit E-2 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

Advisor ” means Ashford Hospitality Advisor LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its successors and assigns.

Advisory Agreement ” means that certain Advisory Agreement of even date herewith by and among Advisor, Borrower and Parent, as amended or assigned from time to time.

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

Aggregate Commitments ” means the Commitments of all the Lenders, which on the Closing Date equal $150,000,000.

Agreement ” means this Credit Agreement.

AHT ” means Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation.


Applicable Percentage ” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate Commitments represented by such Lender’s Commitment at such time, as any such Applicable Percentage may be adjusted as provided in Section 2.17 . If the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 , or if the Aggregate Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments. The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.

Applicable Margin ” means the applicable percentage per annum set forth below determined by reference to the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as set forth in the most recent Compliance Certificate received by the Administrative Agent pursuant to  Section 6.02(a) :

 

Applicable Margin

 

Pricing Level

   Consolidated
Leverage Ratio
   Eurodollar
Rate /
Letters of
Credit
    Base Rate  

1

   < 4.0x      2.25     1.25

2

   ³ 4.0 but <5.0x      2.50     1.50

3

   ³ 5.0x but  £ 5.5x      2.75     1.75

4

   >5.5x but  £ 6.0x      3.25     2.25

5

   >6.0x but £ 6.5x      3.50     2.50

6

   >6.5x      3.75     2.75

Any increase or decrease in the Applicable Margin resulting from a change in the Consolidated Leverage Ratio shall become effective as of the first Business Day immediately following the date a Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to  Section 6.02(a) ;  provided , however , that if a Compliance Certificate is not delivered when due in accordance with such Section, then, upon the request of the Required Lenders, Pricing Level 6 shall apply as of the first Business Day after the date on which such Compliance Certificate was required to have been delivered and in each case shall remain in effect until the date on which such Compliance Certificate is delivered. The Applicable Margin in effect from the Closing Date until adjusted as set forth above shall be set at Pricing Level 5.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this definition, the determination of the Applicable Margin for any period shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.10(b) .

Approved Fund ” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

Arranger ” means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Incorporated, in its capacity as sole lead arranger and sole book manager.

Ashford Prime TRS ” means Ashford Prime TRS Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

Ashford Trust ” means Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership.

 

2


Ashford Trust TRS ” means Ashford TRS Corporation, a Delaware corporation

Assignee Group ” means two or more Eligible Assignees that are Affiliates of one another or two or more Approved Funds managed by the same investment advisor or by investment advisors that are Affiliates.

Assignment and Assumption ” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 11.06(b) ), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit E-1 or any other form (including electronic documentation generated by MarkitClear or other electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent.

Attributable Indebtedness ” means, on any date, (a) in respect of any Capitalized Lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP and (b) in respect of any Synthetic Lease Obligation, the capitalized amount of the remaining lease or similar payments under the relevant lease or other applicable agreement or instrument that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP if such lease or other agreement or instrument were accounted for as a Capitalized Lease.

Availability Period ” means the period from and including the Closing Date to the earliest of (i) the Maturity Date, (ii) the date of termination of the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.06 , and (iii) the date of termination of the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and of the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions pursuant to Section 8.02 .

Bank of America ” means Bank of America, N.A. and its successors.

Base Rate ” means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1% and (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America as its “prime rate.” The “prime rate” is a rate set by Bank of America based upon various factors including Bank of America’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate. Any change in such prime rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.

Base Rate Loan ” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.

Base Rate Revolving Loan ” means a Revolving Credit Loan that is a Base Rate Loan.

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

Borrower Materials ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02 .

Borrowing ” means a Revolving Credit Borrowing or a Swing Line Borrowing, as the context may require.

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located and, if such day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, means any such day that is also a London Banking Day.

 

3


Capitalized Leases ” means all leases that have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capitalized leases.

Cash Collateral Account ” means a blocked, non-interest bearing deposit account for Cash Collateral of one or more of the Loan Parties at Bank of America (or another commercial bank satisfying the requirements of Section 6.18 ) in the name of the Administrative Agent and under the sole dominion and control of the Administrative Agent, and otherwise established in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Cash Collateralize ” means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of one or more of the L/C Issuer or the Lenders, as collateral for L/C Obligations or obligations of the Lenders to fund participations in respect of L/C Obligations, cash or deposit account balances or, if the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer shall agree in their sole discretion, other credit support, in each case pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer. “ Cash Collateral ” shall have a meaning correlative to the foregoing and shall include the proceeds of such cash collateral and other credit support.

Cash Equivalents ” means any of the following types of Investments, to the extent owned by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries:

(a) readily marketable obligations issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof having maturities of not more than 360 days from the date of acquisition thereof; provided that the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged in support thereof;

(b) time deposits with, or insured certificates of deposit or bankers’ acceptances of, any commercial bank that (i)(A) is a Lender or (B) is organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia or is the principal banking subsidiary of a bank holding company organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, and is a member of the Federal Reserve System, (ii) issues (or the parent of which issues) commercial paper rated as described in clause (c) of this definition and (iii) has combined capital and surplus of at least $1,000,000,000, in each case with maturities of not more than 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof;

(c) commercial paper issued by any Person organized under the laws of any state of the United States of America and rated at least “Prime-1” (or the then equivalent grade) by Moody’s or at least “A-1” (or the then equivalent grade) by S&P, in each case with maturities of not more than 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof; and

(d) Investments, classified in accordance with GAAP as current assets of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries, in money market investment programs registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which are administered by financial institutions that have the highest rating obtainable from either Moody’s or S&P, and the portfolios of which are limited solely to Investments of the character, quality and maturity described in clauses (a) , (b)  and (c)  of this definition.

CERCLA ” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980.

CERCLIS ” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Information System maintained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

 

4


CFC ” means a Person that is a controlled foreign corporation under Section 957 of the Code.

Change in Law ” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

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

(a) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becomes the “ beneficial owner ” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except that a person or group shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that such person or group has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time (such right, an “ option right ”)), directly or indirectly, of 35% or more of the equity securities of the Parent entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Parent on a fully-diluted basis (and taking into account all such securities that such “person” or “group” has the right to acquire pursuant to any option right); or

(b) during any period of 12 consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors or other equivalent governing body of the Parent cease to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii)  above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body (excluding, in the case of both clause (ii) and clause (iii) , any individual whose initial nomination for, or assumption of office as, a member of that board or equivalent governing body occurs as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents for the election or removal of one or more directors by any person or group other than a solicitation for the election of one or more directors by or on behalf of the board of directors); or

(c) The Parent shall cease, directly or indirectly, to Control the Borrower.

Closing Date ” means the first date all the conditions precedent in Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 11.01 .

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 

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Collateral ” means all of the “Collateral” referred to in the Collateral Documents and all of the other property that is or is intended under the terms of the Collateral Documents to be subject to Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

Collateral Documents ” means, collectively, the Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement, each of the collateral assignments, security agreements, pledge agreements, any amendments or supplements thereto or other similar agreements delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 6.12 , and each of the other agreements, instruments or documents that relates to any of the foregoing or creates or purports to create a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

Commitment ” means, as to each Lender, its obligation to (a) make Revolving Credit Loans to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01 , (b) purchase participations in L/C Obligations, and (c) purchase participations in Swing Line Loans, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto or obtains additional Commitments from another Lender, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

Committed Loan Notice ” means a notice of (a) a Revolving Credit Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a) , which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A .

Commodity Exchange Act ” means the Commodity Exchange Act ( 7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq .), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

Compliance Certificate ” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D or in such other form as may be agreed by Borrower and Administrative Agent.

Connection Income Taxes ” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA ” means, for any period, for the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis, EBITDA less an annual replacement reserve equal to 4% of gross property revenues (or pro rata share of gross property revenues from JV Subsidiaries) in the aggregate.

Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, without duplication, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the previous four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ending on such date to (b) Consolidated Fixed Charges for such period. For purposes of this calculation only, cash gains and other income (losses) in respect of Swap Contracts and foreign currency hedges realized during any applicable period shall be (i) deducted from (added to) Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for such period but only to the extent included in net income when determining Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and (ii) deducted from (added to) Consolidated Fixed Charges for such period.

Consolidated Fixed Charges ” means, for any period, for the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis, the sum of (a) Consolidated Interest Charges for such period, plus (b) current regularly scheduled principal payments on Consolidated Funded Indebtedness for such period (including, for purposes hereof, current scheduled reductions in commitments, but excluding any payment of principal under the Loan Documents, any “balloon” payment or final payment at maturity that is significantly larger than the scheduled payments that preceded it and any amounts paid under a cash flow mortgage applied to principal), plus (c) dividends and distributions paid in cash on preferred stock by the

 

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Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis for such period determined in accordance with GAAP. Preferred stock shall not include (i) any equity in a JV Subsidiary that provides for distributions on account of such equity in accordance with a waterfall provision, priority distribution provision, sequential distribution provision or other similar provision as set forth in the joint venture agreement, or (ii) any class B operating partnership units issued by the Borrower in connection with the acquisition of the Marriott Crystal Gateway hotel in Arlington, Virginia, or other operating partnership units having similar terms. The Borrower’s pro rata share of Consolidated Fixed Charges of a JV Subsidiary shall be included in the determination of Consolidated Fixed Charges.

Consolidated Funded Indebtedness ” means, as of any date of determination, without duplication, the sum of (a) the outstanding principal amount of all obligations of the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis (other than trade debt incurred in the ordinary course of business not past due for more than 90 days), whether current or long-term, for borrowed money (including all obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents) and all obligations of the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments, (b) all purchase money Indebtedness of the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis, (c) all obligations of the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments, (d) all obligations of the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis in respect of forward purchase agreements or the deferred purchase price of any property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business), in each case evidenced by a binding agreement, (e) Attributable Indebtedness of the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis in respect of Capitalized Leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations (the amount of a Capitalized Lease is the capitalized amount of such obligation as would be required to be reflected on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, as GAAP is in effect as of the Closing Date), (f) obligations (which will increase Consolidated Funded Indebtedness) and assets (which will decrease Consolidated Funded Indebtedness) under any Swap Contract or foreign currency hedge, in an amount equal to the Swap Termination Value thereof (net of any cash or Cash Equivalents posted as collateral for such Swap Contracts), and (g) without duplication, all Guarantees of the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis with respect to outstanding Consolidated Funded Indebtedness of the types specified in clauses (a) through (f) above of Persons other than the Parent, any Subsidiary, or any JV Subsidiary (or Subsidiary thereof). For the avoidance of doubt, Consolidated Funded Indebtedness shall not include intra-company Indebtedness. The Borrower’s pro rata share of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness of a JV Subsidiary shall be included in the determination of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness. Consolidated Funded Indebtedness shall exclude the outstanding principal amount of that certain tax incremental financing loan secured by a subordinate mortgage lien on the Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown hotel.

Consolidated Interest Charges ” means, for any period, the sum of (a) all interest, premium payments, debt discount, fees, charges and related expenses of the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis, in connection with borrowed money (including capitalized interest) or in connection with the deferred purchase price of assets, in each case to the extent treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, and (b) the portion of rent expense of the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis with respect to such period under Capitalized Leases that is treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, as GAAP is in effect as of the Closing Date. The Borrower’s pro rata share of Consolidated Interest Charges of a JV Subsidiary shall be included in the determination of Consolidated Interest Charges.

Consolidated Leverage Ratio ” means, without duplication, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Funded Indebtedness less Unrestricted Cash as of such date to (b) EBITDA for the period of the four (4) fiscal quarters most recently ended.

 

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Consolidated Net Income ” means, for any period, the net income of the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis (excluding extraordinary gains and extraordinary losses and excluding gains and losses from the sale of assets) for such period, calculated in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Parties ” means a collective reference to the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries; and “ Consolidated Party ” means any one of them.

Consolidated Recourse Indebtedness ” means, as of any date of determination, for the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis, all Secured Indebtedness and Unsecured Indebtedness that is recourse to any Consolidated Party (except to the extent such recourse is limited to customary non-recourse carve-outs, environmental related indemnities, and completion of capital replacements or repairs, or otherwise constitutes Secured Indebtedness or Unsecured Indebtedness that is recourse to a Single Purpose Entity). The Borrower’s pro rata share of Consolidated Recourse Indebtedness of a JV Subsidiary shall be included in the determination of Consolidated Recourse Indebtedness.

Consolidated Tangible Net Worth ” means, as of any date of determination, for the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis, Shareholders’ Equity on that date, minus the amount of Intangible Assets, plus the amount of accumulated depreciation; provided , however , that there shall be excluded from the calculation of “Consolidated Tangible Net Worth” any effects resulting from the application of FASB ASC No. 715: Compensation – Retirement Benefits. Consolidated Tangible Net Worth shall be adjusted to remove any impact from straight line rent leveling adjustments required under GAAP and amortization of intangibles pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards number 141.

Contractual Obligation ” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.

Control ” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “ Controlling ” and “ Controlled ” have meanings correlative thereto. Advisor shall not Control or be deemed to Control Borrower or Parent by reason of the Advisory Agreement.

Controlled JV Subsidiary ” means, for any Person, any corporation, partnership or other entity of which at least a majority of the Equity Interests having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other individuals performing similar functions of such corporation, partnership or other entity (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) is at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or one or more Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries of such Person, and shall include all Persons the accounts of which are consolidated with those of such Person pursuant to GAAP.

Credit Extension ” means each of the following: (a) a Borrowing and (b) an L/C Credit Extension.

Debtor Relief Laws ” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect.

Default ” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.

 

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Default Rate ” means (a) when used with respect to Obligations other than Letter of Credit Fees, an interest rate equal to (i) the Base Rate plus (ii) the Applicable Margin, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (iii) 2% per annum; provided , however , that with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Margin) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2% per annum and (b) when used with respect to Letter of Credit Fees, a rate equal to the Applicable Margin plus 2% per annum.

Defaulting Lender ” means, subject to Section 2.17(b) , any Lender that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of its Loans within two Business Days of the date such Loans were required to be funded hereunder unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder (including in respect of its participation in Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans) within two Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lender’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied), (c) has failed, within three Business Days after written request by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower, to confirm in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder ( provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c)  upon receipt of such written confirmation by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any Equity Interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender. Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d)  above, and of the effective date of such status, shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.17(b) ) as of the date established therefor by the Administrative Agent in a written notice of such determination, which shall be delivered by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower, the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender and each other Lender promptly following such determination.

Designated Jurisdiction ” means any country or territory to the extent that such country or territory itself is the subject of any Sanction.

Disposition ” or “ Dispose ” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction) of any property by any Person (or the granting of any option or other right to do any of the foregoing), including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.

Dollar ” and “ $ ” mean lawful money of the United States.

 

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EBITDA ” means, with respect to the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis for any period (without duplication) Consolidated Net Income (loss) for such period determined on a consolidated basis, in accordance with GAAP, exclusive of the following (but only to the extent included in determination of such Consolidated Net Income (loss)): (a) depreciation and amortization (but as to Capitalized Leases included as an asset, only depreciation in accordance with GAAP in effect as of the Closing Date); (b) Consolidated Interest Charges; (c) income tax expense; (d) extraordinary or non-recurring gains and losses and unrealized gains and losses; and (e) other non-cash items, including without limitation, non-cash impairment charges, any changes in the fair market value of any Swap Contracts and deferred compensation expense for officers and employees and amortization of stock grants; provided that, for purposes of calculating the general administrative expenses and external management fees (i) for the Closing Date (and the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2013), general administrative expenses shall be deemed to be $4,000,000 and external management fees shall be deemed to be $7,000,000 and (ii) for the three fiscal quarters following the Closing Date, general administrative expenses and external management fees shall be calculated as follows: (A) for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2013, the general administrative expenses for such period shall be deemed to be $4,000,000 and the external management fees for such period shall be deemed to be $7,000,000; (B) for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2014, the general administrative expenses and external management fees for such period shall equal the amount of general administrative expenses and external management fees for the two fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2014, multiplied by two (2); and (C) for the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2014, the general administrative expenses and external management fees for such period shall equal the amount of general administrative expenses and external management fees for the three fiscal quarters ending June 30, 2014, multiplied by four/thirds (4/3). EBITDA shall be adjusted to remove any impact from straight line rent leveling adjustments required under GAAP and amortization of intangibles pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards number 141. The Borrower’s pro rata share of EBITDA of a JV Subsidiary shall be included in the determination of EBITDA.

Eligible Assignee ” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Sections 11.06(b)(iii) and (v)  (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 11.06(b)(iii) ).

Environmental Laws ” means any and all Federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or governmental restrictions relating to pollution and the protection of the environment or the release of any materials into the environment, including those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges to waste or public systems.

Environmental Liability ” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

Environmental Permit ” means any permit, approval, identification number, license or other authorization required under any Environmental Law.

Equity Interests ” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares of capital stock (or other ownership or profit interests) in such Person, all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of shares of capital stock (or other ownership or profit interests) in such

 

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Person, all of the securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock (or other ownership or profit interests) in such Person or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests), and all of the other ownership or profit interests in such Person (including partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such shares, warrants, options, rights or other interests are outstanding on any date of determination.

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

ERISA Affiliate ” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with the Borrower within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c)  of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o)  of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).

ERISA Event ” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) the withdrawal of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which such entity was a “ substantial employer ” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Pension Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 or 4041A of ERISA; (e) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Pension Plan; (f) any event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan; (g) the determination that any Pension Plan is considered an at-risk plan or a plan in endangered or critical status within the meaning of Sections 430 , 431 and 432 of the Code or Sections 303 , 304 and 305 of ERISA; or (h) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

Eurodollar Rate ” means, for any Interest Period with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“ LIBOR ”) or a comparable or successor rate, which rate is approved by the Administrative Agent, as published on the applicable Reuters screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period; provided that to the extent a comparable or successor rate is approved by the Administrative Agent in connection herewith, the approved rate shall be applied to the applicable Interest Period in a manner consistent with market practice; provided , further that to the extent such market practice is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, such approved rate shall be applied to the applicable Interest Period as otherwise reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent.

Eurodollar Rate Loan ” means a Revolving Credit Loan that bears interest at a rate based on clause (a) of the definition of Eurodollar Rate.

Event of Default ” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01 .

Excluded Subsidiary ” means (a) any Subsidiary (i) holding title to or beneficially owning assets which are or are intended to become collateral for any Secured Indebtedness of such Subsidiary, or being a beneficial owner of a Subsidiary holding title to or beneficially owning such assets (but having no material assets other than such beneficial ownership interests) and (ii) which (x) is, or is expected to be, prohibited from guaranteeing the Indebtedness of any other Person pursuant to any document, instrument

 

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or agreement evidencing such Secured Indebtedness or (y) is prohibited from guaranteeing the Indebtedness of any other Person pursuant to a provision of such Subsidiary’s organizational documents which provision was included in such Subsidiary’s organizational documents as a condition or anticipated condition to the extension of such Secured Indebtedness, (b) a JV Subsidiary of which more than 5% of the outstanding Equity Interests are owned by another person and that is prohibited from guarantying the Indebtedness of any other person without the consent of such other person, and (c) any Subsidiary of any entity described in clause (a)  or (b)  above. A Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary shall no longer be considered an Excluded Subsidiary when it ceases to be subject to the circumstances or restrictions which caused it to be an Excluded Subsidiary.

Excluded Swap Obligation ” means, with respect to any Guarantor, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guaranty of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of a security interest or lien to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any Guaranty thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act (determined after giving effect to Sections 22 and 24 of the Guaranty, as applicable, and any other “keepwell, support or other agreement” for the benefit of such Guarantor and any and all guarantees of such Guarantor’s Swap Obligations by other Loan Parties) at the time the Guaranty of such Guarantor, or a grant by such Guarantor of a security interest or lien, becomes effective with respect to such Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guaranty, security interest, or lien is or becomes excluded in accordance with the first sentence of this definition. A Swap Obligation that is an Excluded Swap Obligation with respect to a particular Guarantor shall not be an Excluded Swap Obligation with respect to any other Loan Party unless that Swap Obligation is an Excluded Swap Obligation with respect to such other Loan Party pursuant to the first sentence of this definition.

Excluded Taxes ” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to any Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient: (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its Lending Office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 11.13 ), or (ii) such Lender changes its Lending Office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 3.01(a)(ii) , (a)(iii) or (c) , amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its Lending Office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 3.01(e) and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed pursuant to FATCA.

Extended Maturity Date ” means, (a) with respect to the first requested extension pursuant to Section 2.14 , if any, November 20, 2017, and (b) with respect to the second requested extension pursuant to Section 2.14 , if any, November 19, 2018.

FASB ASC ” means the Accounting Standards Codification of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

 

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FATCA ” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), and any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof and any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code.

Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to Bank of America on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.

Fee Letter ” means that certain Arrangement and Agency Fee Letter, dated June 26, 2013, among the Borrower, the Parent, the Administrative Agent and the Arranger.

Foreign Lender ” means (a) if the Borrower is a U.S. Person, a Lender that is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if the Borrower is not a U.S. Person, a Lender that is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes. For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.

FRB ” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.

Fronting Exposure ” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to the L/C Issuer, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding L/C Obligations other than L/C Obligations as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof, and (b) with respect to the Swing Line Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of Swing Line Loans other than Swing Line Loans as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders in accordance with the terms hereof.

Fund ” means any Person (other than a natural Person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its activities.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or such other principles as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied.

Governmental Authority ” means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

 

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Guarantee ” means, as to any Person, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “ Guarantee ” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

Guarantors ” means, collectively, (a) the Parent, (b) all Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries of the Parent that have executed the Guaranty (or an addendum thereto in the form attached to the Guaranty) or any Collateral Document, (c) with respect to Obligations owing by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary of a Loan Party (other than the Borrower) under any Secured Hedge Agreement, the Borrower, and (d) with respect to the payment and performance by each Specified Loan Party (as such term is defined in the Guaranty) of its obligations under its Guaranty with respect to all Swap Obligations, the Borrower; provided that “ Guarantors ” shall not include (i) all Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries of the Borrower that have been released from the Guaranty or that are not required to execute a Guaranty pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, (ii) Excluded Subsidiaries, and (iii) any CFC or a Subsidiary that is held directly or indirectly by a CFC.

Guaranty ” means, collectively, the Guaranty made by the Parent under Article X in favor of the Secured Parties, the Guaranty made by the Guarantors in favor of the Secured Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit F-1 , and the Guaranty made by the Borrower in favor of the Secured Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit F-2 , together with each other guaranty and guaranty supplement delivered pursuant to Section 6.12 .

Hazardous Materials ” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.

Hedge Bank ” means any Person that, at the time it enters into a Swap Contract with any Loan Party permitted under Article VI and Article VII , is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, in its capacity as a party to such Swap Contract.

Historical Financial Statements ” means the unaudited pro forma combined consolidated balance sheet for the Consolidated Parties for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2013, June 30, 2013, and September 30, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year and fiscal quarters of the Parent.

 

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Indebtedness ” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or liabilities in accordance with GAAP:

(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;

(b) the maximum amount of all direct or contingent obligations of such Person arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments;

(c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;

(d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business and not past due for more than 90 days);

(e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;

(f) all Attributable Indebtedness in respect of Capitalized Leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations of such Person;

(g) all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise make any return of capital payment in respect of any Equity Interest in such Person or any other Person, valued, in the case of a redeemable preferred interest, at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends, but excluding any such obligations (i) to the extent the obligation may be satisfied by the issuance of any Equity Interests in such Person or any other Person, (ii) constituting an Investment, including any purchase agreement to acquire a new Subsidiary or interest in a new or existing JV Subsidiary (or Subsidiary of a JV Subsidiary), or (iii) contained in the organizational documents of a JV Subsidiary (or Subsidiary of a JV Subsidiary); and

(h) all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing (other than Guarantees limited to customary non-recourse carve-outs, environmental related indemnities, and completion of capital replacements or repairs).

For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any JV Subsidiary (other than a JV Subsidiary that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is non-recourse to such Person or such Person is itself a corporation or limited liability company. The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date (net of any cash or Cash Equivalents posted as collateral for such Swap Contract).

Indemnified Taxes ” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a), Other Taxes.

Indemnitees ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.04(b) .

 

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Information ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.07 .

Initial Maturity Date ” means November 21, 2016.

Initial Properties ” means the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines hotel in La Jolla, California, the Capital Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C., the Marriot Plano Legacy Town Center hotel in Plano, Texas, the Seattle Marriot Waterfront hotel in Seattle, Washington, the Courtyard San Francisco Downtown hotel in San Francisco, California, the Courtyard Seattle Downtown hotel in Seattle, Washington, the Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza hotel in Tampa, Florida.

Intangible Assets ” means assets that are considered to be intangible assets under GAAP, including customer lists, goodwill, computer software, copyrights, trade names, trademarks, patents, franchises, licenses, unamortized deferred charges, unamortized debt discount and capitalized research and development costs.

Interest Payment Date ” means, (a) as to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date; provided , however , that if any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date.

Interest Period ” means, as to each Eurodollar Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurodollar Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or six months thereafter (in each case, subject to availability), as selected by the Borrower in its Committed Loan Notice or as automatically continued pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.02(a) hereof; provided that:

(a) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;

(b) any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or 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; and

(c) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date.

Investment ” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of capital stock or other securities of another Person, (b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of debt of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person and any arrangement pursuant to which the investor Guarantees Indebtedness of such other Person, or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of assets of another Person that constitute a business unit. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment shall be the amount of equity actually invested, without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.

IP Rights ” has the meaning specified in Section 5.17 .

 

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IRS ” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

ISP ” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the “International Standby Practices 1998” published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, Inc. (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).

Issuer Documents ” means with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Letter of Credit Application, and any other document, agreement and instrument entered into by the L/C Issuer and the Borrower (or any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary) or in favor of the L/C Issuer and relating to such Letter of Credit.

JV Subsidiary ” means any entity in which Borrower owns, directly and indirectly, less than 100% of the equity interests, excluding any investment in the securities of any publicly traded company constituting less than 5% of the outstanding class of such securities.

Laws ” means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law.

L/C Advance ” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s funding of its participation in any L/C Borrowing in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.

L/C Borrowing ” means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit which has not been reimbursed on the date when made or refinanced as a Revolving Credit Borrowing.

L/C Credit Extension ” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the issuance thereof or extension of the expiry date thereof, or the increase of the amount thereof.

L/C Issuer ” means Bank of America in its capacity as issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, or any successor issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder.

L/C Obligations ” means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate amount available to be drawn under all outstanding Letters of Credit plus the aggregate of all Unreimbursed Amounts, including all L/C Borrowings. For purposes of computing the amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06 . For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Rule 3.14 of the ISP, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” in the amount so remaining available to be drawn.

Lender ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto and, unless the context requires otherwise, includes the Swing Line Lender.

Lending Office ” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

 

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Letter of Credit ” means any standby letter of credit issued hereunder providing for the payment of cash upon the honoring of a presentation thereunder.

Letter of Credit Application ” means an application and agreement for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit in the form from time to time in use by the L/C Issuer.

Letter of Credit Expiration Date ” means the day that is thirty days prior to the Maturity Date then in effect (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day).

Letter of Credit Fee ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(h) .

Letter of Credit Sublimit ” means an amount equal to $15,000,000. The Letter of Credit Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Commitments.

LIBOR ” has the meaning specified in the definition of Eurodollar Rate.

Lien ” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement in the nature of a security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

Loan ” means an extension of credit by a Lender to the Borrower under Article II in the form of a Revolving Credit Loan or a Swing Line Loan.

Loan Documents ” means, collectively, (a) this Agreement, (b) the Notes, (c) the Guaranty, (d) the Collateral Documents, (e) the Fee Letter, (f) each Issuer Document, and (g) any agreement creating or perfecting rights in Cash Collateral pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 .

Loan Parties ” means, collectively, the Borrower and each Guarantor.

London Banking Day ” means any day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market.

Material Adverse Effect ” means (a) a material adverse effect upon the operations, performance, business, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Parent and its Subsidiaries and Controlled JV Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of the Borrower or any other Loan Party taken as a whole to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Loan Party of any material provision of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

Material Contract ” means, with respect to any Person, each contract to which such Person is a party as to which the breach, nonperformance, cancellation or failure to renew by any party thereto could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Maturity Date ” means (a) if the Initial Maturity Date is not extended to the Extended Maturity Date pursuant to Section 2.14 , then the Initial Maturity Date, and (b) if the Initial Maturity Date is extended to the Extended Maturity Date pursuant to Section 2.14 , then the Extended Maturity Date; provided , however , that, in each case, if such date is not a Business Day, then the Maturity Date shall be

 

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the next succeeding Business Day, unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case the Maturity Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.

Minimum Collateral Amount ” means, at any time, (i) with respect to Cash Collateral consisting of cash or deposit account balances provided to reduce or eliminate Fronting Exposure during the existence of a Defaulting Lender, an amount equal to 105% of the Fronting Exposure of the L/C Issuer with respect to Letters of Credit issued and outstanding at such time, (ii) with respect to Cash Collateral consisting of cash or deposit account balances provided in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.16(a)(i) , (a)(ii) or (a)(iii) , an amount equal to 105% of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, and (iii) otherwise, an amount determined by the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer in their sole discretion.

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.

Multiemployer Plan ” means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.

Multiple Employer Plan ” means a Plan which has two or more contributing sponsors (including the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate) at least two of whom are not under common control, as such a plan is described in Section 4064 of ERISA.

Non-Consenting Lender ” means any Lender that does not approve any consent, waiver or amendment that (a) requires the approval of all Lenders or all affected Lenders in accordance with the terms of Section 11.01 and (b) has been approved by the Required Lenders.

Non-Defaulting Lender ” means, at any time, each Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time.

Note ” means a promissory note made by the Borrower in favor of a Lender evidencing Loans made by such Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit C .

NPL ” means the National Priorities List under CERCLA.

Obligations ” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan, Letter of Credit, or Secured Hedge Agreement, in each case whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding; provided that the “ Obligations ” shall exclude any Excluded Swap Obligations.

OFAC ” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.

Organization Documents ” means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture,

 

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trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.

Other Connection Taxes ” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).

Other Net Assets ” means the greater of (i) zero and (ii) the amount equal to (a) all assets (other than cash, Cash Equivalents, marketable securities, Real Properties and intangible assets) of the Consolidated Parties, minus (b) all liabilities (other than Indebtedness and intangible liabilities) of the Consolidated Parties.

Other Taxes ” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 3.06 ).

Outstanding Amount ” means (a) with respect to Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date; and (b) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date, the amount of such L/C Obligations on such date after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension occurring on such date and any other changes in the aggregate amount of the L/C Obligations as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements by the Borrower of Unreimbursed Amounts.

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

Participant ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.06(d) .

Participant Register ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.06(d) .

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

Pension Act ” means the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

Pension Funding Rules ” means the rules of the Code and ERISA regarding minimum required contributions (including any installment payment thereof) to Pension Plans and set forth in, with respect to plan years ending prior to the effective date of the Pension Act, Section 412 of the Code and Section 302 of ERISA, each as in effect prior to the Pension Act and, thereafter, Section 412, 430, 431, 432 and 436 of the Code and Sections 302, 303, 304 and 305 of ERISA.

Pension Plan ” means any employee pension benefit plan (including a Multiple Employer Plan or a Multiemployer Plan) that is maintained or is contributed to by the Borrower and any ERISA Affiliate

 

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and is either covered by Title IV of ERISA or is subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code.

Person ” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Pier House Acquisition ” means the acquisition by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of either the Pier House Resort and Spa located in Key West, Florida or the direct or indirect Equity Interests in the owner thereof, pursuant to the terms of the Pier House Option Agreement, with such changes as shall not materially adversely affect the interests of the Lenders; provided that the Pier House Option Agreement may not be amended to extend the Option Termination Date (as defined therein).

Pier House Option Agreement ” means that certain Option Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2013, by and among Borrower, Ashford Trust, Ashford Prime TRS and Ashford Trust TRS, with respect to the Pier House Resort and Spa, as in effect on the date hereof.

Plan ” means any “employee benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (including a Pension Plan), maintained for employees of the Parent, the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or any such Plan to which the Parent, the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is required to contribute on behalf of any of its employees.

Platform ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02 .

Pledge Agreement ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.01(a)(iii) .

Pledged Debt Instruments ” has the meaning specified in Section 1 of the Security Agreement.

Pledged Equity ” means the Pledged Shares and the Pledged Interests, each as defined in Section 1 of the Pledge Agreement.

Public Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02 .

Real Properties ” means, at any time, a collective reference to each of the facilities and real properties owned or leased by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary or in which any such Person has an interest at such time; and “ Real Property ” means any one of such Real Properties.

Recipient ” means the Administrative Agent, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder.

Register ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.06(c) .

REIT ” means a Person qualifying for treatment as a “real estate investment trust” under the Code.

Related Documents ” means (i) the Separation and Distribution Agreement, (ii) the Advisory Agreement, (iii) that certain Ashford Prime Hotel Master Management Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2013, by and between Ashford Prime TRS and Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, (iv) that certain Mutual Exclusivity Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2013, by and among Parent, Borrower, and Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, (v) that certain Option Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2013, by and among Borrower, Ashford Trust, Ashford Prime TRS and Ashford Trust TRS, with

 

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respect to the Marriott Crystal Gateway, (vi) the Pier House Option Agreement, and (vii) that certain Right of First Offer Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2013, by and between AHT and Parent.

Related Parties ” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, administrators, managers, advisors and representatives of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

Reportable Event ” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the 30 day notice period has been waived.

Request for Credit Extension ” means (a) with respect to a Borrowing, conversion or continuation of Revolving Credit Loans, a Committed Loan Notice, (b) with respect to an L/C Credit Extension, a Letter of Credit Application, and (c) with respect to a Swing Line Loan, a Swing Line Loan Notice.

Required Lenders ” means, at any time, Lenders having Total Credit Exposures representing more than 50% of the Total Credit Exposures of all Lenders. The Total Credit Exposure of any Defaulting Lender shall be disregarded in determining Required Lenders at any time; provided that, the amount of any participation in any Swing Line Loan and Unreimbursed Amount that such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund that have not been reallocated to and funded by another Lender shall be deemed to be held by the Lender that is the Swing Line Lender or L/C Issuer, as the case may be, in making such determination.

Responsible Officer ” means the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer, controller or other executive officer of a Loan Party, solely for purposes of the delivery of incumbency certificates pursuant to Section 4.01 , the secretary or any assistant secretary of a Loan Party and, solely for purposes of notices given pursuant to Article II , any other officer or employee of the applicable Loan Party so designated by any of the foregoing officers in a notice to the Administrative Agent. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.

Restricted Payment ” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property, but excluding dividends and distributions payable in equity interests) with respect to any capital stock or other Equity Interest of the Parent, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such capital stock or other Equity Interest, or on account of any return of capital to the Parent’s shareholders, partners or members (or the equivalent Person thereof).

Revolving Credit Borrowing ” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Revolving Credit Loans of the same Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01 .

Revolving Credit Exposure ” means, as to any Lender at any time, the aggregate principal amount at such time of its outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and such Lender’s participation in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans at such time.

Revolving Credit Loan ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01 .

 

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S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and any successor thereto.

Sanction(s) ” means any international economic sanction administered or enforced by the United States Government (including without limitation, OFAC), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury or other relevant sanctions authority.

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

Secured Hedge Agreement ” means any Swap Contract permitted under Article VI and Article VII that is entered into by and between any Loan Party and any Hedge Bank that expressly provides that it is secured by the Collateral.

Secured Indebtedness ” means, for any given calculation date, without duplication, the total aggregate principal amount of any Indebtedness of the Consolidated Parties on a consolidated basis that is secured in any manner by any Lien. The Borrower’s pro rata share of Secured Indebtedness of a JV Subsidiary shall be included in the determination of Secured Indebtedness.

Secured Parties ” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the L/C Issuer, the Hedge Banks under any Secured Hedge Agreement, each co-agent or sub-agent appointed by the Administrative Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 9.05 , and the other Persons the Obligations owing to which are or are purported to be secured by the Collateral under the terms of the Collateral Documents.

Security Agreement ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.01(a)(iii) .

Separation and Distribution Agreement ” means that certain Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated November 8, 2013, by and between AHT, Ashford Trust, Ashford Trust TRS, Parent, Borrower, and Ashford Prime TRS.

Shareholders’ Equity ” means, as of any date of determination, the consolidated shareholders’ equity of the Consolidated Parties as of that date determined in accordance with GAAP.

Significant Acquisition ” means the acquisition (in one or a series of transactions) of assets or Equity Interests of a Person or any division, line of business or business unit of a Person for an aggregate consideration of equal to or greater than $50,000,000.

Single Purpose Entity ” means a Person (other than an individual) that (a) owns one or more properties or assets, (b) is engaged only in the business of owning, developing and/or leasing such properties or assets, and (c) receives substantially all of its gross revenues from such properties or assets. In addition, if the assets of a person consists solely of (i) equity interests in one or more Single Purpose Entities and (ii) cash and other assets of nominal value incidental to such person’s ownership of the other Single Purpose Entities, such person shall also be deemed to be a Single Purpose Entity.

Solvent ” and “ Solvency ” mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they

 

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mature, (d) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital, and (e) such Person is able to pay its debts and liabilities, contingent obligations and other commitments as they mature in the ordinary course of business. The amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

Spin-Off ” means a series of one or more transactions by AHT and its Affiliates to give effect to the public spin-off of Parent as announced by AHT on June 17, 2013, the general terms of which are described in the filings of AHT with the SEC dated June 17, 2013, June 19, 2013, June 21, 2013, and June 26, 2013, as same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

Subsidiary ” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity in respect of which 100% of the Equity Interests therein are at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person. As used in this Agreement, the Borrower shall be deemed a Subsidiary of Parent. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower.

Swap Contract ” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other netting or master agreement (any such netting or master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “ Master Agreement ”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.

Swap Obligations ” means with respect to any Guarantor any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Swap Termination Value ” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a) , the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).

Swing Line Borrowing ” means a borrowing of a Swing Line Loan pursuant to Section 2.04 .

Swing Line Lender ” means Bank of America in its capacity as provider of Swing Line Loans, or any successor swing line lender hereunder.

 

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Swing Line Loan ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.04(a) .

Swing Line Loan Notice ” means a notice of a Swing Line Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.04(b) , which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B .

Swing Line Sublimit ” means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) $15,000,000 and (b) the Aggregate Commitments. The Swing Line Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Commitments.

Synthetic Lease Obligation ” means the monetary obligation of a Person under (a) a so-called synthetic, off-balance sheet or tax retention lease, or (b) an agreement for the use or possession of property (including sale and leaseback transactions), in each case, creating obligations that do not appear on the balance sheet of such Person but which, upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of such Person, would be characterized as the indebtedness of such Person (without regard to accounting treatment).

Taxes ” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

Threshold Amount ” means $25,000,000.

Total Asset Value ” means the sum of all of the following (without duplication) of the Consolidated Parties: (a) cash, Cash Equivalents and marketable securities, plus (b) the undepreciated GAAP book value of all Real Properties, plus (c) Other Net Assets. The Borrower’s pro rata share of Total Asset Value of a JV Subsidiary shall be included in the determination of Total Asset Value.

Total Credit Exposure ” means, as to any Lender at any time, the unused Commitments and Revolving Credit Exposure of such Lender at such time.

Total Outstandings ” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans and all L/C Obligations.

Transaction ” means, collectively, (a) the consummation of the Spin-Off, (b) the entering into by the Loan Parties and their applicable Subsidiaries and Controlled JV Subsidiaries of the Loan Documents and the Related Documents to which they are or are intended to be a party, and (c) the payment of the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of the foregoing.

Type ” means, with respect to a Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Rate Loan.

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York or any other applicable jurisdiction.

UCP ” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, International Chamber of Commerce (“ ICC ”) Publication No. 600 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).

United States ” and “ U.S. ” mean the United States of America.

Unpledgeable Subsidiary ” means (a) any Subsidiary (i) holding title to or beneficially owning assets which are or are intended to become collateral for any Secured Indebtedness of such Subsidiary, or

 

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being a beneficial owner of a Subsidiary holding title to or beneficially owning such assets (but having no material assets other than such beneficial ownership interests) and (ii) the Equity Interests in which may not be pledged as security to any Person pursuant to restrictions contained in (x) any document, instrument or agreement evidencing such Secured Indebtedness or (y) such Subsidiary’s organizational documents included as a condition or anticipated condition to the extension of such Secured Indebtedness, (b) any JV Subsidiary of which more than 5% of the outstanding Equity Interests are owned by another person and the Equity Interests of such JV Subsidiary may not be pledged as security to any Person without the consent of such other person, and (c) any Subsidiary of an entity described in clause (a)  or (b)  above.

Unreimbursed Amount ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(c)(i) .

Unrestricted Cash ” means, as of any date of determination, without duplication, all cash and Cash Equivalents, cash held by property managers, amounts representing “Marketable Securities” and “Due From Third Party Hotel Managers” (as set forth on the balance sheet of the Parent) of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, including its pro rata share of such amounts of any JV Subsidiaries.

Unsecured Indebtedness ” means all Indebtedness of the Consolidated Parties which is not Secured Indebtedness. The Borrower’s pro rata share of Unsecured Indebtedness of a JV Subsidiary shall be included in the determination of Unsecured Indebtedness.

Unused Rate ” means the following percentages per annum based upon the Daily Usage as set forth below:

 

Daily Usage

   Unused Rate  

<50%

     0.35

³ 50%

     0.25

U . S . Loan Party ” means any Loan Party that is organized under the laws of one of the states of the United States of America and that is not a CFC.

U.S. Person ” means any Person that is a “ United States Person ” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code .

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(e)(ii)(B)(3 ) or (4) .

1.02 Other Interpretive Provisions . With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:

(a) The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document (including any Organization Document) shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or

 

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otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Loan Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (iii) the words “hereto,” “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to Articles, Sections, Preliminary Statements, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Preliminary Statements, Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and (vi) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

(b) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including;” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including.”

(c) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

1.03 Accounting Terms.

(a) Generally . All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) contained herein, Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and or Controlled JV Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be carried at 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof, and the effects of FASB ASC 825 on financial liabilities shall be disregarded.

(b) Changes in GAAP . If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders except as otherwise provided in Section 11.01(d) ); provided that, until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP.

(c) Consolidated Leverage Ratio Calculation Conventions . Notwithstanding the above, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that, for purposes of all calculations made under the financial covenants set forth in Section 7.11(e) , (i) after consummation of any Disposition (A) income statement items (whether income or expense) and capital expenditures attributable to

 

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the property disposed of or removed shall, to the extent not otherwise excluded in such income statement items for the Consolidated Parties and the JV Subsidiaries, as applicable, in accordance with GAAP or in accordance with any defined terms set forth in Section 1.01 , be excluded as of the first day of the applicable period and (B) Indebtedness which is retired shall be excluded and deemed to have been retired as of the first day of the applicable period and (ii) after consummation of any acquisition (A) income statement items (whether positive or negative) and capital expenditures attributable to the Person or property acquired shall, to the extent not otherwise included in such income statement items for the Consolidated Parties and the JV Subsidiaries, as applicable, in accordance with GAAP or in accordance with any defined terms set forth in Section 1.01 , be included to the extent relating to any period applicable in such calculations, (B) to the extent not retired in connection with such acquisition, Indebtedness of the Person or property acquired shall be deemed to have been incurred as of the first day of the applicable period, (iii) in connection with any incurrence of Indebtedness, any Indebtedness which is retired in connection with such incurrence shall be excluded and deemed to have been retired as of the first day of the applicable period and (iv) pro forma adjustments may be included to the extent that such adjustments would give effect to items that are (1) directly attributable to the relevant transaction, (2) expected to have a continuing impact on the Consolidated Parties and the JV Subsidiaries, as applicable, and (3) factually supportable (in Administrative Agent’s reasonable judgment).

1.04 Rounding . Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).

1.05 Times of Day; Rates . Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable). The Administrative Agent does not warrant, nor accept responsibility, nor shall the Administrative Agent have any liability with respect to the administration, submission or any other matter related to the rates in the definition of “Eurodollar Rate” or with respect to any comparable or successor rate thereto.

1.06 Letter of Credit Amounts . Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount of such Letter of Credit in effect at such time; provided , however , that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any Issuer Document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such time.

Article II.

The Commitments and Credit Extensions

2.01 The Revolving Credit Loans . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make loans (each such loan, a “ Revolving Credit Loan ”) to the Borrower from time to time, on any Business Day during the Availability Period, in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such Lender’s Commitment; provided , however , that after giving effect to any Revolving Credit Borrowing, (i) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, and (ii) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Lender shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment. Within the limits of each Lender’s Commitment, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01 , prepay under Section 2.05 , and

 

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reborrow under this Section 2.01 . Revolving Credit Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans, as further provided herein.

2.02 Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans .

(a) Each Revolving Credit Borrowing, each conversion of Revolving Credit Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) three Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans or of any conversion of Eurodollar Rate Loans to Base Rate Revolving Loans, and (ii) on the requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Revolving Loans. Each telephonic notice by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.02(a) must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a written Committed Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Except as provided in Sections 2.03(c) and 2.04(c) , each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Revolving Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof. Each Committed Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall specify (i) whether the Borrower is requesting a Revolving Credit Borrowing, a conversion of Revolving Credit Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Revolving Credit Loans are to be converted, and (v) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of Loan in a Committed Loan Notice for a Revolving Credit Borrowing, then the applicable Revolving Credit Loans shall be made as a Base Rate Loan. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, if the Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation of a Eurodollar Rate Loan, then the Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be automatically continued as a Eurodollar Rate Loan with an Interest Period of one month. If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans in any such Committed Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Swing Line Loan may not be converted to a Eurodollar Rate Loan.

(b) Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Applicable Percentage of the applicable Revolving Credit Loans. In the case of a Revolving Credit Borrowing, each Lender shall make the amount of its Revolving Credit Loan available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (and, if such Borrowing is the initial Credit Extension, Section 4.01 ), the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of Bank of America with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower; provided, however , that if, on the date the Committed Loan Notice with respect to a Revolving Credit Borrowing is given by the Borrower, there are L/C Borrowings outstanding, then the proceeds of such Revolving Credit

 

29


Borrowing, first , shall be applied to the payment in full of any such L/C Borrowings, and second , shall be made available to the Borrower as provided above.

(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, a Eurodollar Rate Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Loan. During the existence of a Default, no Loans may be requested as, converted to or continued as Eurodollar Rate Loans without the consent of the Required Lenders.

(d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of any change in Bank of America’s prime rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change.

(e) After giving effect to all Revolving Credit Borrowings, all conversions of Revolving Credit Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Revolving Credit Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than five Interest Periods in effect with respect to Revolving Credit Loans.

2.03 Letters of Credit.

(a) The Letter of Credit Commitment .

(i) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (A) the L/C Issuer agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the Lenders set forth in this Section 2.03 , (1) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date until the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries, and to amend or extend Letters of Credit previously issued by it, in accordance with Section 2.03(b) , and (2) to honor drawings under the Letters of Credit; and (B) the Lenders severally agree to participate in Letters of Credit issued for the account of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries and any drawings thereunder; provided that after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension with respect to any Letter of Credit, (x) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, (y) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Lender shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment, and (z) the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations shall not exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit. Each request by the Borrower for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be a representation by the Borrower that the L/C Credit Extension so requested complies with the conditions set forth in the proviso to the preceding sentence. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower’s ability to obtain Letters of Credit shall be fully revolving, and accordingly the Borrower may, during the foregoing period, obtain Letters of Credit to replace Letters of Credit that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed.

(ii) The L/C Issuer shall not issue any Letter of Credit if:

(A) subject to Section 2.03(b)(iii) , the expiry date of the requested Letter of Credit would occur more than twelve months after the date of issuance or last extension, unless the Required Lenders have approved such expiry date; or

 

30


(B) the expiry date of the requested Letter of Credit would occur after the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, unless the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, and the Lenders have approved such expiry date.

(iii) The L/C Issuer shall not be under any obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if:

(A) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the L/C Issuer from issuing the Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to the L/C Issuer or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the L/C Issuer shall prohibit, or request that the L/C Issuer refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or the Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer with respect to the Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which the L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date and which the L/C Issuer in good faith deems material to it;

(B) the issuance of the Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of the L/C Issuer applicable to letters of credit generally;

(C) except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer, the Letter of Credit is in an initial stated amount less than $500,000;

(D) the Letter of Credit is to be denominated in a currency other than Dollars;

(E) any Lender is at that time a Defaulting Lender, unless the L/C Issuer has entered into arrangements, including the delivery of Cash Collateral, satisfactory to the L/C Issuer (in its sole discretion) with the Borrower or such Lender to eliminate the L/C Issuer’s actual or potential Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv) ) with respect to the Defaulting Lender arising from either the Letter of Credit then proposed to be issued or that Letter of Credit and all other L/C Obligations as to which the L/C Issuer has actual or potential Fronting Exposure, as it may elect in its sole discretion; or

(F) the Letter of Credit contains any provisions for automatic reinstatement of the stated amount after any drawing thereunder.

(iv) The L/C Issuer shall not amend any Letter of Credit if the L/C Issuer would not be permitted at such time to issue the Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof.

(v) The L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to amend any Letter of Credit if (A) the L/C Issuer would have no obligation at such time to issue the Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to the Letter of Credit.

 

31


(vi) The L/C Issuer shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and the L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (A) provided to the Administrative Agent in Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by the L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and Issuer Documents pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term “Administrative Agent” as used in Article IX included the L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (B) as additionally provided herein with respect to the L/C Issuer.

(b) Procedures for Issuance and Amendment of Letters of Credit; Auto-Extension Letters of Credit .

(i) Each Letter of Credit shall be issued or amended, as the case may be, upon the request of the Borrower delivered to the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) in the form of a Letter of Credit Application, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Such Letter of Credit Application may be sent by facsimile, by United States mail, by overnight courier, by electronic transmission using the system provided by the L/C Issuer, by personal delivery or by any other means acceptable to the L/C Issuer. Such Letter of Credit Application must be received by the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. at least two Business Days (or such later date and time as the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer may agree in a particular instance in their sole discretion) prior to the proposed issuance date or date of amendment, as the case may be. In the case of a request for an initial issuance of a Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer: (A) the proposed issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit (which shall be a Business Day); (B) the amount thereof; (C) the expiry date thereof; (D) the name and address of the beneficiary thereof; (E) the documents to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (F) the full text of any certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (G) the purpose and nature of the requested Letter of Credit; and (H) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may require. In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer (1) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (2) the proposed date of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); (3) the nature of the proposed amendment; and (4) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may require. Additionally, the Borrower shall furnish to the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent such other documents and information pertaining to such requested Letter of Credit issuance or amendment, including any Issuer Documents, as the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent may require.

(ii) Promptly after receipt of any Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has received a copy of such Letter of Credit Application from the Borrower and, if not, the L/C Issuer will provide the Administrative Agent with a copy thereof. Unless the L/C Issuer has received written notice from any Lender, the Administrative Agent or any Loan Party, at least one Business Day prior to the requested date of issuance or amendment of the applicable Letter of Credit, that one or more applicable conditions contained in Article IV shall not then be satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the L/C Issuer shall, on the requested date, issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the Borrower (or the applicable Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary) or enter into the applicable amendment, as the case may be, in each case in

 

32


accordance with the L/C Issuer’s usual and customary business practices. Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the L/C Issuer a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage times the amount of such Letter of Credit.

(iii) If the Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer may, in its sole discretion, agree to issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, an “ Auto-Extension Letter of Credit ”); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit the L/C Issuer to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the “ Non-Extension Notice Date ”) in each such twelve-month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is issued. Unless otherwise directed by the L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the L/C Issuer for any such extension. Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the L/C Issuer to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the Letter of Credit Expiration Date; provided , however , that the L/C Issuer shall not permit any such extension if (A) the L/C Issuer has determined that it would not be permitted, or would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its revised form (as extended) under the terms hereof (by reason of the provisions of clause (ii) or (iii)  of Section 2.03(a) or otherwise), or (B) it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is seven Business Days before the Non-Extension Notice Date (1) from the Administrative Agent that the Required Lenders have elected not to permit such extension or (2) from the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02 is not then satisfied, and in each such case directing the L/C Issuer not to permit such extension.

(iv) If the Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer may, in its sole discretion, agree to issue a Letter of Credit that permits the automatic reinstatement of all or a portion of the stated amount thereof after any drawing thereunder (each, an “ Auto-Reinstatement Letter of Credit ”). Unless otherwise directed by the L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the L/C Issuer to permit such reinstatement. Once an Auto-Reinstatement Letter of Credit has been issued, except as provided in the following sentence, the Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the L/C Issuer to reinstate all or a portion of the stated amount thereof in accordance with the provisions of such Letter of Credit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such Auto-Reinstatement Letter of Credit permits the L/C Issuer to decline to reinstate all or any portion of the stated amount thereof after a drawing thereunder by giving notice of such non-reinstatement within a specified number of days after such drawing (the “ Non-Reinstatement Deadline ”), the L/C Issuer shall not permit such reinstatement if it has received a notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is seven Business Days before the Non-Reinstatement Deadline (A) from the Administrative Agent that the Required Lenders have elected not to permit such reinstatement or (B) from the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02 is not then satisfied (treating such reinstatement as an L/C Credit Extension for purposes of this clause ) and, in each case, directing the L/C Issuer not to permit such reinstatement.

 

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(v) Promptly after its delivery of any Letter of Credit or any amendment to a Letter of Credit to an advising bank with respect thereto or to the beneficiary thereof, the L/C Issuer will also deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent a true and complete copy of such Letter of Credit or amendment.

(c) Drawings and Reimbursements; Funding of Participations .

(i) Upon receipt from the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of any notice of a drawing under such Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent thereof. Not later than 11:00 a.m. on the date of any payment by the L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit (each such date, an “ Honor Date ”), the Borrower shall reimburse the L/C Issuer through the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to the amount of such drawing. If the Borrower fails to so reimburse the L/C Issuer by such time, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the Honor Date, the amount of the unreimbursed drawing (the “ Unreimbursed Amount ”), and the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. In such event, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a Revolving Credit Borrowing of Base Rate Loans to be disbursed on the Honor Date in an amount equal to the Unreimbursed Amount, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.02 for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than the delivery of a Committed Loan Notice). Any notice given by the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.03(c)(i) may be given by telephone if immediately confirmed in writing; provided that the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice.

(ii) Each Lender shall upon any notice pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) make funds available (and the Administrative Agent may apply Cash Collateral provided for this purpose) for the account of the L/C Issuer at the Administrative Agent’s Office in an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the Unreimbursed Amount not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in such notice by the Administrative Agent, whereupon, subject to the provisions of Section 2.03(c)(iii) , each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Revolving Loan to the Borrower in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the L/C Issuer.

(iii) With respect to any Unreimbursed Amount that is not fully refinanced by a Revolving Credit Borrowing of Base Rate Loans because the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 cannot be satisfied or for any other reason, the Borrower shall be deemed to have incurred from the L/C Issuer an L/C Borrowing in the amount of the Unreimbursed Amount that is not so refinanced, which L/C Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall bear interest at the Default Rate. In such event, each Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(ii) shall be deemed payment in respect of its participation in such L/C Borrowing and shall constitute an L/C Advance from such Lender in satisfaction of its participation obligation under this Section 2.03 .

(iv) Until each Lender funds its Revolving Credit Loan or L/C Advance pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) to reimburse the L/C Issuer for any amount drawn under any Letter of Credit, interest in respect of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such amount shall be solely for the account of the L/C Issuer.

 

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(v) Each Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans or L/C Advances to reimburse the L/C Issuer for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, as contemplated by this Section 2.03(c) , shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the L/C Issuer, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided , however , that each Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than delivery by the Borrower of a Committed Loan Notice ). No such making of an L/C Advance shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the L/C Issuer for the amount of any payment made by the L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit, together with interest as provided herein.

(vi) If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03(c) by the time specified in Section 2.03(c)(ii) , then, without limiting the other provisions of this Agreement, the L/C Issuer shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the L/C Issuer at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the L/C Issuer in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the L/C Issuer in connection with the foregoing. If such Lender pays such amount (with interest and fees as aforesaid), the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Revolving Credit Loan included in the relevant Revolving Credit Borrowing or L/C Advance in respect of the relevant L/C Borrowing, as the case may be. A certificate of the L/C Issuer submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this Section 2.03(c)(vi) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d) Repayment of Participations .

(i) At any time after the L/C Issuer has made a payment under any Letter of Credit and has received from any Lender such Lender’s L/C Advance in respect of such payment in accordance with Section 2.03(c) , if the Administrative Agent receives for the account of the L/C Issuer any payment in respect of the related Unreimbursed Amount or interest thereon (whether directly from the Borrower or otherwise, including proceeds of Cash Collateral applied thereto by the Administrative Agent), the Administrative Agent will distribute to such Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof in the same funds as those received by the Administrative Agent.

(ii) If any payment received by the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) is required to be returned under any of the circumstances described in Section 11.05 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the L/C Issuer in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned by such Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

 

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(e) Obligations Absolute . The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the L/C Issuer for each drawing under each Letter of Credit and to repay each L/C Borrowing shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including the following:

(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit, this Agreement, or any other Loan Document;

(ii) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the L/C Issuer or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction;

(iii) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit;

(iv) waiver by the L/C Issuer of any requirement that exists for the L/C Issuer’s protection and not the protection of the Borrower or any waiver by the L/C Issuer which does not in fact materially prejudice the Borrower;

(v) honor of a demand for payment presented electronically even if such Letter of Credit requires that demand be in the form of a draft;

(vi) any payment made by the L/C Issuer in respect of an otherwise complying item presented after the date specified as the expiration date of, or the date by which documents must be received under such Letter of Credit if presentation after such date is authorized by the UCC, the ISP or the UCP, as applicable;

(vii) any payment by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or any payment made by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law; or

(viii) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries.

The Borrower shall promptly examine a copy of each Letter of Credit and each amendment thereto that is delivered to it and, in the event of any claim of noncompliance with the Borrower’s instructions or other irregularity, the Borrower will immediately notify the L/C Issuer. The Borrower

 

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shall be conclusively deemed to have waived any such claim against the L/C Issuer and its correspondents unless such notice is given as aforesaid.

(f) Role of L/C Issuer . Each Lender and the Borrower agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall not have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document. None of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable to any Lender for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of the Lenders or the Required Lenders, as applicable; (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct; or (iii) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Issuer Document. The Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit; provided , however , that this assumption is not intended to, and shall not, preclude the Borrower’s pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. None of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through (viii)  of Section 2.03(e) ; provided , however , that anything in such clauses to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower may have a claim against the L/C Issuer, and the L/C Issuer may be liable to the Borrower, to the extent, but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential or exemplary, damages suffered by the Borrower which the Borrower proves were caused by the L/C Issuer’s willful misconduct or gross negligence or the L/C Issuer’s willful failure to pay under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and certificate(s) strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the L/C Issuer may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and the L/C Issuer shall not be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason. The L/C Issuer may send a Letter of Credit or conduct any communication to or from the beneficiary via the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (“SWIFT”) message or overnight courier, or any other commercially reasonable means of communicating with a beneficiary.

(g) Applicability of ISP and UCP; Limitation of Liability . Unless otherwise expressly agreed by the L/C Issuer and the Borrower when a Letter of Credit is issued, each Letter of Credit shall provide that the rules of the ISP shall apply to each standby Letter of Credit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the L/C Issuer shall not be responsible to the Borrower for, and the L/C Issuer’s rights and remedies against the Borrower shall not be impaired by, any action or inaction of the L/C Issuer required or permitted under any law, order, or practice that is required or permitted to be applied to any Letter of Credit or this Agreement, including the Law or any order of a jurisdiction where the L/C Issuer or the beneficiary is located, the practice stated in the ISP or UCP, as applicable, or in the decisions, opinions, practice statements, or official commentary of the ICC Banking Commission, the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade – International Financial Services Association (BAFT-IFSA), or the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, whether or not any Letter of Credit chooses such law or practice.

 

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(h) Letter of Credit Fees . The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance, subject to Section 2.17 , with its Applicable Percentage a Letter of Credit fee (the “ Letter of Credit Fee ”) for each Letter of Credit equal to the Applicable Margin times the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06 . Letter of Credit Fees shall be (i) due and payable on the first Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand and (ii) computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. If there is any change in the Applicable Margin during any quarter, the daily amount available to be drawn under each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Margin separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Margin was in effect. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, upon the request of the Required Lenders, while any Event of Default exists, all Letter of Credit Fees shall accrue at the Default Rate.

(i) Fronting Fee and Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to L/C Issuer . The Borrower shall pay directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account a fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit, equal to the greater of (i) $1,250 and (ii) 0.125% computed on the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit on a quarterly basis in arrears. Such fronting fee shall be due and payable on the tenth Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December in respect of the most recently-ended quarterly period (or portion thereof, in the case of the first payment), commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand. For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06 . In addition, the Borrower shall pay directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of the L/C Issuer relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect. Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable on demand and are nonrefundable.

(j) Conflict with Issuer Documents . In the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any Issuer Document, the terms hereof shall control.

(k) Letters of Credit Issued for Subsidiaries and Controlled JV Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder is in support of any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Subsidiary or a Controlled JV Subsidiary, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the L/C Issuer hereunder for any and all drawings under such Letter of Credit. The Borrower hereby acknowledges that the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of Subsidiaries and Controlled JV Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of the Borrower, and that the Borrower’s business derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such Subsidiaries and such Controlled JV Subsidiaries.

2.04 Swing Line Loans.

(a) The Swing Line . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swing Line Lender, in reliance upon the agreements of the other Lenders set forth in this Section 2.04 , may in its sole discretion, make loans (each such loan, a “ Swing Line Loan ”) to the Borrower from time to time on any Business Day during the Availability Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of the Swing Line Sublimit, notwithstanding the

 

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fact that such Swing Line Loans, when aggregated with the Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Credit Loans and L/C Obligations of the Lender acting as Swing Line Lender, may exceed the amount of such Lender’s Commitment; provided , however , that after giving effect to any Swing Line Loan, (i) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, and (ii) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Lender at such time shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment, and provided further that (y) the Borrower shall not use the proceeds of any Swing Line Loan to refinance any outstanding Swing Line Loan, and (z) the Swing Line Lender shall not be under any obligation to make any Swing Line Loan if it shall determine (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that it has, or by such Credit Extension may have, Fronting Exposure. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.04 , prepay under Section 2.05 , and reborrow under this Section 2.04 . Each Swing Line Loan shall be a Base Rate Loan. Immediately upon the making of a Swing Line Loan, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the Swing Line Lender a risk participation in such Swing Line Loan in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage times the amount of such Swing Line Loan.

(b) Borrowing Procedures . Each Swing Line Borrowing shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the requested borrowing date, and shall specify (i) the amount to be borrowed, which shall be a minimum of $250,000, and (ii) the requested borrowing date, which shall be a Business Day. Each such telephonic notice must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent of a written Swing Line Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Promptly after receipt by the Swing Line Lender of any telephonic Swing Line Loan Notice, the Swing Line Lender will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has also received such Swing Line Loan Notice and, if not, the Swing Line Lender will notify the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) of the contents thereof. Unless the Swing Line Lender has received notice (by telephone or in writing) from the Administrative Agent (including at the request of any Lender) prior to 2:00 p.m. on the date of the proposed Swing Line Borrowing (A) directing the Swing Line Lender not to make such Swing Line Loan as a result of the limitations set forth in the first proviso to the first sentence of Section 2.04(a) , or (B) that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Article IV is not then satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swing Line Lender will, not later than 3:00 p.m. on the borrowing date specified in such Swing Line Loan Notice, make the amount of its Swing Line Loan available to the Borrower.

(c) Refinancing of Swing Line Loans .

(i) The Swing Line Lender at any time in its sole discretion may request, on behalf of the Borrower (which hereby irrevocably authorizes the Swing Line Lender to so request on its behalf), that each Lender make a Base Rate Revolving Loan in an amount equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the amount of Swing Line Loans then outstanding. Such request shall be made in writing (which written request shall be deemed to be a Committed Loan Notice for purposes hereof) and in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.02 , without regard to the minimum and multiples specified therein for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 . The Swing Line Lender shall furnish the Borrower with a copy of the applicable Committed Loan Notice promptly after delivering such notice to the Administrative Agent. Each Lender

 

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shall make an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the amount specified in such Committed Loan Notice available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds (and the Administrative Agent may apply Cash Collateral available with respect to the applicable Swing Line Loan) for the account of the Swing Line Lender at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day specified in such Committed Loan Notice, whereupon, subject to Section 2.04(c)(ii) , each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Revolving Loan to the Borrower in such amount, and to such extent, the Swing Line Loan shall be deemed repaid. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the Swing Line Lender.

(ii) If for any reason any Swing Line Loan cannot be refinanced by such a Revolving Credit Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.04(c)(i) , the request for Base Rate Revolving Loans submitted by the Swing Line Lender as set forth herein shall be deemed to be a request by the Swing Line Lender that each of the Lenders fund its risk participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan and each Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Section 2.04(c)(i) shall be deemed payment in respect of such participation.

(iii) If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.04(c) by the time specified in Section 2.04(c)(i) , the Swing Line Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the Swing Line Lender at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Swing Line Lender in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Swing Line Lender in connection with the foregoing. If such Lender pays such amount (with interest and fees as aforesaid), the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Revolving Credit Loan included in the relevant Revolving Credit Borrowing or funded participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan, as the case may be. A certificate of the Swing Line Lender submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (iii) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(iv) Each Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans or to purchase and fund risk participations in Swing Line Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the Swing Line Lender, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided , however , that each Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 . No such funding of risk participations shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to repay Swing Line Loans, together with interest as provided herein.

(d) Repayment of Participations .

 

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(i) At any time after any Lender has purchased and funded a risk participation in a Swing Line Loan, if the Swing Line Lender receives any payment on account of such Swing Line Loan, the Swing Line Lender will distribute to such Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof in the same funds as those received by the Swing Line Lender.

(ii) If any payment received by the Swing Line Lender in respect of principal or interest on any Swing Line Loan is required to be returned by the Swing Line Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 11.05 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Swing Line Lender in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to the Swing Line Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate. The Administrative Agent will make such demand upon the request of the Swing Line Lender. The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

(e) Interest for Account of Swing Line Lender . The Swing Line Lender shall be responsible for invoicing the Borrower for interest on the Swing Line Loans. Until each Lender funds its Base Rate Revolving Loan or risk participation pursuant to this Section 2.04 to refinance such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of any Swing Line Loan, interest in respect of such Applicable Percentage shall be solely for the account of the Swing Line Lender.

(f) Payments Directly to Swing Line Lender . The Borrower shall make all payments of principal and interest in respect of the Swing Line Loans directly to the Swing Line Lender.

2.05 Prepayments.

(a) The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Revolving Credit Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (A) one Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Loans and (B) on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Revolving Loans; (ii) any prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; and (iii) any prepayment of Base Rate Revolving Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid and, if Eurodollar Rate Loans are to be prepaid, the Interest Period(s) of such Loans. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest on the amount prepaid, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05 . Subject to Section 2.17 , each such prepayment shall be applied to the Loans of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages.

(b) The Borrower may, upon notice to the Swing Line Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at any time or from time to time, voluntarily prepay Swing Line Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be received by

 

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the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the date of the prepayment, and (ii) any such prepayment shall be in a minimum principal amount of $100,000 or if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein.

(c) If for any reason the Total Outstandings at any time exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect, the Borrower shall immediately prepay Loans and/or Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in an aggregate amount equal to such excess; provided , however , that the Borrower shall not be required to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to this Section 2.05(c) unless after the prepayment in full of the Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans the Total Outstandings exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect.

2.06 Termination or Reduction of Commitments. The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the Aggregate Commitments, or from time to time permanently reduce the Aggregate Commitments; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. five Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of $10,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (iii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Aggregate Commitments if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the Total Outstandings would exceed the Aggregate Commitments and (iv) if, after giving effect to any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit exceeds the amount of the Aggregate Commitments, such sublimit shall be automatically reduced by the amount of such excess. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of any such notice of termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitments. Any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments shall be applied to the Commitment of each Lender according to its Applicable Percentage. All fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.

2.07 Repayment of Loans.

(a) Revolving Credit Loans . The Borrower shall repay to the Lenders on the Maturity Date the aggregate principal amount of all Revolving Credit Loans outstanding on such date.

(b) Swing Line Loans . The Borrower shall repay each Swing Line Loan on the earlier to occur of (i) the date five Business Days after such Loan is made and (ii) the Maturity Date.

2.08 Interest.

(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 2.08(b) , (i) each Eurodollar Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin; (ii) each Base Rate Revolving Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin; and (iii) each Swing Line Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin that applies to a Base Rate Loan.

 

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(b) (i) If any amount of principal of any Loan is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

(ii) If any amount (other than principal of any Loan) payable by the Borrower under any Loan Document is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, then upon the request of the Required Lenders such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

(iii) Upon the request of the Required Lenders, while any Event of Default exists (other than as set forth in clauses (b)(i) and (b)(ii) above), the Borrower shall pay interest on the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

(iv) Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.

(c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.

2.09 Fees . In addition to certain fees described in Sections 2.03(h) and (i) :

(a) Unused Fee. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, an unused fee equal to the Unused Rate times the actual daily amount by which the Aggregate Commitments exceed the sum of (i) the Outstanding Amount of Loans and (ii) the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.17 . For the avoidance of doubt, the Outstanding Amount of Swing Line Loans shall not be counted towards or considered usage of the Aggregate Commitments for purposes of determining the unused fee. The unused fee shall accrue at all times during the Availability Period, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the last day of the Availability Period. The unused fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Unused Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Unused Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Unused Rate was in effect.

 

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(b) Other Fees .

(i) The Borrower shall pay to the Arranger and the Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letter. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.

(ii) The Borrower shall pay to the Lenders such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.

2.10 Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Margin.

(a) All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365-day year). Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid, provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.12(a) , bear interest for one day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

(b) If, as a result of any restatement of or other adjustment to the financial statements of the Parent or for any other reason, the Borrower, the Parent or the Lenders determine that (i) the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as calculated by the Parent as of any applicable date was inaccurate and (ii) a proper calculation of the Consolidated Leverage Ratio would have resulted in higher pricing for such period, the Borrower shall immediately and retroactively be obligated to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lenders or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, promptly on demand by the Administrative Agent (or, after the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, automatically and without further action by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer), an amount equal to the excess of the amount of interest and fees that should have been paid for such period over the amount of interest and fees actually paid for such period. This paragraph shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, under Section 2.03(c)(iii) , 2.03(h) or 2.08(b) or under Article VIII . The Borrower’s obligations under this paragraph shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.

2.11 Evidence of Debt.

(a) The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative

 

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Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

(b) In addition to the accounts and records referred to in Section 2.11(a) , each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice accounts or records evidencing the purchases and sales by such Lender of participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by the Administrative Agent and the accounts and records of any Lender in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error.

2.12 Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback.

(a) General . All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made free and clear of and without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Applicable Percentage (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. If any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.

(b) Clawback .

(i) Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent . Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Loans (or, in the case of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, prior to 12:00 noon on the date of such Borrowing) that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.02 (or, in the case of a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, that such Lender has made such share available in accordance with and at the time required by Section 2.02 ) and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative,

 

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processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing, and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. If the Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrower the amount of such interest paid by the Borrower for such period. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing. Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.

(ii) Payments by Borrower; Presumptions by Administrative Agent . Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this subsection (b) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

(c) Failure to Satisfy Conditions Precedent. If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II , and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.

(d) Obligations of Lenders Several . The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Revolving Credit Loans, to fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 11.04(c) are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan, to fund any such participation or to make any payment under Section 11.04(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section 11.04(c) .

(e) Funding Source . Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.

 

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(f) Insufficient Funds . If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, L/C Borrowings, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i)  first , toward payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii)  second , toward payment of principal and L/C Borrowings then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal and L/C Borrowings then due to such parties.

2.13 Sharing of Payments by Lenders . Subject to Section 2.15(e) , if any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of the Revolving Credit Loans made by it, or the participations in L/C Obligations or in Swing Line Loans held by it resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Revolving Credit Loans or participations and accrued interest thereon greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Revolving Credit Loans and subparticipations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Revolving Credit Loans and other amounts owing them, provided that:

(i) if any such participations or subparticipations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations or subparticipations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and

(ii) the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (A) any payment made by or on behalf of the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender), (B) the application of Cash Collateral provided for in Section 2.16 , or (C) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or subparticipations in L/C Obligations or Swing Line Loans to any assignee or participant, other than an assignment to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).

Each Loan Party consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against such Loan Party rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Loan Party in the amount of such participation.

 

  2.14 Extension of Maturity Date.

(a) Notice of Extension. The Borrower may, on two occasions, by notice to the Administrative Agent (who shall promptly notify the Lenders) not earlier than 120 days and not later than 60 days prior to the Maturity Date then in effect hereunder (the “ Existing Maturity Date ”), extend the Maturity Date to the Extended Maturity Date.

(b) Conditions to Effectiveness of Extensions. As a condition precedent to such extension, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of Borrower dated as of the Existing Maturity Date signed by a Responsible Officer of Borrower (i) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by the Borrower approving or consenting to such extension and

 

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(ii) certifying that, before and after giving effect to such extension, (A) the representations and warranties contained in Article V and the other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of the Existing Maturity Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 2.14 , the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b)  of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) , respectively, of Section 6.01 , and (B) no Default exists. In addition, on or before the Existing Maturity Date, Borrower shall pay to Administrative Agent, for the pro rata account of each Lender in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages, an extension fee equal to 0.25% of the Aggregate Commitments as of such date, which fee shall, when paid, be fully earned and non-refundable under any circumstances.

(c) Conflicting Provisions. This Section shall supersede any provisions in Section 11.01 to the contrary.

2.15 Increase in Commitments.

(a) Request for Increase. Provided there exists no Default, upon notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly notify the Lenders), the Borrower may from time to time, request an increase in the Aggregate Commitments by an amount (for all such requests) not exceeding $150,000,000; provided that any such request for an increase shall be in a minimum amount of $10,000,000 and, if greater than $10,000,000, in whole increments of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, unless the Administrative Agent and the Borrower agree otherwise. At the time of sending such notice, the Borrower (in consultation with the Administrative Agent) shall specify the time period within which each Lender is requested to respond (which shall in no event be less than ten Business Days from the date of delivery of such notice to the Lenders).

(b) Lender Elections to Increase. Each Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent within such time period whether or not it agrees to increase its Commitment and, if so, whether by an amount equal to, greater than, or less than its Applicable Percentage of such requested increase. Any Lender not responding within such time period shall be deemed to have declined to increase its Commitment.

(c) Notification by Administrative Agent; Additional Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and each Lender of the Lenders’ responses to each request made hereunder. To achieve the full amount of a requested increase, and subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender (which approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld), the Borrower may also invite additional Eligible Assignees to become Lenders pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.

(d) Effective Date and Allocations. If the Aggregate Commitments are increased in accordance with this Section , the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall determine the effective date (the “ Increase Effective Date ”) and the final allocation of such increase. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the final allocation of such increase and the Increase Effective Date.

(e) Conditions to Effectiveness of Increase. As a condition precedent to such increase, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of Borrower dated as of the Increase Effective Date (in sufficient copies for each Lender) signed by a Responsible Officer of Borrower (x) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by the applicable Loan

 

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Party approving or consenting to such increase, and (y) in the case of the Borrower, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase, (A) the representations and warranties contained in Article V and the other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of the Increase Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 2.15 , the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b)  of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) , respectively, of Section 6.01 , and (B) no Default exists. The Borrower shall prepay any Revolving Credit Loans outstanding on the Increase Effective Date (and pay any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05 ) to the extent necessary to keep the outstanding Revolving Credit Loans ratable with any revised Applicable Percentages arising from any nonratable increase in the Commitments under this Section.

(f) Conflicting Provisions. This Section shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.13 or 11.01 to the contrary.

2.16 Cash Collateral .

(a) Certain Credit Support Events. If (i) the L/C Issuer has honored any full or partial drawing request under any Letter of Credit and such drawing has resulted in an L/C Borrowing, (ii) as of the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, any L/C Obligation for any reason remains outstanding, (iii) the Borrower shall be required to provide Cash Collateral pursuant to Section 8.02 , or (iv) there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower shall immediately (in the case of clause (iii) above) or within one Business Day (in all other cases) following any request by the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, provide Cash Collateral in an amount not less than the applicable Minimum Collateral Amount (determined in the case of Cash Collateral provided pursuant to clause (iv) above, after giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv) and any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender).

(b) Grant of Security Interest. The Borrower, and to the extent provided by any Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender, hereby grants to (and subjects to the control of) the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders, and agrees to maintain, a first priority security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein, and all other property so provided as collateral pursuant hereto, and in all proceeds of the foregoing, all as security for the obligations to which such Cash Collateral may be applied pursuant to Section 2.16(c) . If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that Cash Collateral is subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer as herein provided, or that the total amount of such Cash Collateral is less than the Minimum Collateral Amount, the Borrower will, promptly upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay or provide to the Administrative Agent additional Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to eliminate such deficiency. All Cash Collateral (other than credit support not constituting funds subject to deposit) shall be maintained in blocked, non-interest bearing deposit accounts at Bank of America. The Borrower shall pay on demand therefor from time to time all customary account opening, activity and other administrative fees and charges in connection with the maintenance and disbursement of Cash Collateral.

(c) Application. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Cash Collateral provided under any of this Section 2.16 or Sections 2.03, 2.05 , 2.17 , or 8.02 in respect of Letters of Credit shall be held and applied to the satisfaction of the specific L/C Obligations, obligations to fund participations therein (including, as to Cash Collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, any interest accrued on such obligation) and other obligations

 

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for which the Cash Collateral was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may otherwise be provided for herein.

(d) Release. Cash Collateral (or the appropriate portion thereof) provided to reduce Fronting Exposure or to secure other obligations shall be released promptly following (i) the elimination of the applicable Fronting Exposure or other obligations giving rise thereto (including by the termination of Defaulting Lender status of the applicable Lender (or, as appropriate, its assignee following compliance with Section 11.06(b)(vi) )) or (ii) the determination by the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer that there exists excess Cash Collateral; provided , however, (x) any such release shall be without prejudice to, and any disbursement or other transfer of Cash Collateral shall be and remain subject to, any other Lien conferred under the Loan Documents and the other applicable provisions of the Loan Documents, and (y) the Person providing Cash Collateral and the L/C Issuer may agree that Cash Collateral shall not be released but instead held to support future anticipated Fronting Exposure or other obligations.

2.17 Defaulting Lenders.

(a) Adjustments . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as that Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:

(i) Waivers and Amendments . Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in the definition of “Required Lenders” and in Section 11.01 .

(ii) Defaulting Lender Waterfall . Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VIII or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 11.08 , shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender hereunder; third, to Cash Collateralize the L/C Issuer’s Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with Section 2.16 ; fourth, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement and (y) Cash Collateralize the L/C Issuer’s future Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement, in accordance with Section 2.16 ; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this

 

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Agreement; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or L/C Borrowings in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (y) such Loans or were made or the related Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and L/C Obligations owed to, all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or L/C Obligations owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with their Commitments hereunder without giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv) . Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 2.17(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

(iii) Certain Fees .

(A) No Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive any fee payable under Section 2.09(a) for any period during which such Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to such Defaulting Lender).

(B) Each Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive Letter of Credit Fees for any period during which such Lender is a Defaulting Lender only to the extent allocable to its Applicable Percentage of the stated amount of Letters of Credit for which it has provided Cash Collateral pursuant to Section 2.16 .

(C) With respect to any fee payable under Section 2.09(a) or any Letter of Credit Fee not required to be paid to any Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (A) or (B)  above, the Borrower shall (x) pay to each Non-Defaulting Lender that portion of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s participation in L/C Obligations or Swing Line Loans that has been reallocated to such Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (iv) below, (y) pay to the L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, as applicable, the amount of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender to the extent allocable to such L/C Issuer’s or Swing Line Lender’s Fronting Exposure to such Defaulting Lender, and (z) not be required to pay the remaining amount of any such fee.

(iv) Reallocation of Applicable Percentages to Reduce Fronting Exposure . All or any part of such Defaulting Lender’s participation in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans shall be reallocated among the Non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages (calculated without regard to such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment) but only to the extent that (x) the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 are satisfied at the time of such reallocation (and, unless the Borrower shall have otherwise notified the Administrative Agent at such time, the Borrower shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that such conditions are satisfied at such time), and (y) such reallocation does not cause the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure of any Non-Defaulting Lender to exceed such Non-Defaulting Lender’s

 

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Commitment. No reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a Non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such Non-Defaulting Lender’s increased exposure following such reallocation.

(v) Cash Collateral, Repayment of Swing Line Loans . If the reallocation described in clause (a)(iv) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall, without prejudice to any right or remedy available to it hereunder or under applicable Law, (x) first, prepay Swing Line Loans in an amount equal to the Swing Line Lenders’ Fronting Exposure and (y) second, Cash Collateralize the L/C Issuers’ Fronting Exposure in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.16 .

(b) Defaulting Lender Cure . If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and the L/C Issuer agree in writing that a Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any Cash Collateral), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Revolving Credit Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Applicable Percentages (without giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv) ), whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided , further , that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

Article III.

Taxes, Yield Protection and Illegality

3.01 Taxes.

(a) Payments Free of Taxes; Obligation to Withhold; Payments on Account of Taxes.

(i) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable Laws. If any applicable Laws (as determined in the good faith discretion of the Administrative Agent) require the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by the Administrative Agent or a Loan Party, then the Administrative Agent or such Loan Party shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding, upon the basis of the information and documentation to be delivered pursuant to subsection (e) below.

(ii) If any Loan Party or the Administrative Agent shall be required by the Code to withhold or deduct any Taxes, including both United States Federal backup withholding and withholding taxes, from any payment, then (A) the Administrative Agent shall withhold or make such deductions as are determined by the Administrative Agent to be required based upon the information and documentation it has received pursuant to subsection (e) below, (B) the Administrative Agent shall timely pay the full

 

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amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with the Code, and (C) to the extent that the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes, the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after any required withholding or the making of all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01 ) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.

(iii) If any Loan Party or the Administrative Agent shall be required by any applicable Laws other than the Code to withhold or deduct any Taxes from any payment, then (A) such Loan Party or the Administrative Agent, as required by such Laws, shall withhold or make such deductions as are determined by it to be required based upon the information and documentation it has received pursuant to subsection (e) below, (B) such Loan Party or the Administrative Agent, to the extent required by such Laws, shall timely pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with such Laws, and (C) to the extent that the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes, the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after any required withholding or the making of all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01 ) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.

(b) Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrower. Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, the Loan Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

(c) Tax Indemnifications.

(i) Each of the Loan Parties shall, and does hereby, jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 3.01 ) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender or the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each of the Loan Parties shall, and does hereby, jointly and severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, for any amount which a Lender or the L/C Issuer for any reason fails to pay indefeasibly to the Administrative Agent as required pursuant to Section 3.01(c)(ii) below.

(ii) Each Lender and the L/C Issuer shall, and does hereby, severally indemnify, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, (x) the Administrative Agent against any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender or the L/C Issuer (but only to the extent that any Loan Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting

 

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the obligation of the Loan Parties to do so), (y) the Administrative Agent and the Loan Parties, as applicable, against any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 11.06 (d)  relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Loan Parties, as applicable, against any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent or a Loan Party in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender and the L/C Issuer hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this clause (ii) .

(d) Evidence of Payments. Upon request by any Loan Party or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, after any payment of Taxes by such Loan Party or by the Administrative Agent to a Governmental Authority as provided in this Section 3.01 , such Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent or the Administrative Agent shall deliver to such Loan Party, as the case may be, the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of any return required by Laws to report such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to such Loan Party or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be.

(e) Status of Lenders; Tax Documentation .

(i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 3.01(e)(ii)(A) , 3.01(e)(ii)(B) and 3.01(e)(ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower is a U.S. Person,

(A) any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed

 

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originals of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

(B) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

(1) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

(2) executed originals of IRS Form W-8ECI;

(3) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “ U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate ”) and (y) executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN; or

(4) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed originals of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J-2 or Exhibit J-3 , IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

(C) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed originals of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be

 

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prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

(D) if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D) , “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

(iii) Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered pursuant to this Section 3.01 expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

(f) Treatment of Certain Refunds. Unless required by applicable Laws, at no time shall the Administrative Agent have any obligation to file for or otherwise pursue on behalf of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, or have any obligation to pay to any Lender or the L/C Issuer, any refund of Taxes withheld or deducted from funds paid for the account of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be. If any Recipient determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by any Loan Party or with respect to which any Loan Party has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 3.01 , it shall pay to the Loan Party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by a Loan Party under this Section 3.01 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) incurred by such Recipient, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that the Loan Party, upon the request of the Recipient, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Loan Party (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Recipient in the event the Recipient is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subsection, in no event will the applicable Recipient be required to pay any amount to the Loan Party pursuant to this subsection the payment of which would place the Recipient in a less favorable net after-Tax position than such Recipient would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This subsection shall not be construed to require any Recipient to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to any Loan Party or any other Person.

(g) Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 3.01 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the

 

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replacement of, a Lender or the L/C Issuer, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations.

3.02 Illegality . If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Loans whose interest is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurodollar Rate Loans or to convert Base Rate Revolving Loans to Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all Eurodollar Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

3.03 Inability to Determine Rates . If in connection with any request for a Eurodollar Rate Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof, (a) the Administrative Agent determines that (i) Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the applicable offshore interbank market for such currency for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Eurodollar Rate Loan, or (ii) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan (in each case with respect to clause (a)  above, “ Impacted Loans ”), or (b) the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders determine that for any reason the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Eurodollar Rate Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended (to the extent of the affected Eurodollar Rate Loans or Interest Periods) until the Administrative Agent upon the instruction of the Required Lenders revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans (to the extent of the affected Eurodollar Rate Loans or Interest Periods), or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Administrative Agent has made the determination described in clause (a)  of the first sentence of this section, the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower and the affected Lenders, may establish an alternative interest rate for the Impacted Loans, in which case, such alternative rate of interest shall apply with respect to the Impacted Loans until (1) the Administrative Agent revokes the notice delivered with respect to the Impacted Loans under clause (a)  of the first sentence of this section, (2) the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that such alternative interest rate does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding the Impacted Loans, or (3) any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for such Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Loans whose interest is determined by reference to such alternative rate of interest or to determine or charge interest rates based upon such rate or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to do any of the foregoing and provides the Administrative Agent and the Borrower written notice thereof.

 

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3.04 Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans.

(a) Increased Costs Generally . If any Change in Law shall:

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement contemplated by Section 3.04(e) ) or the L/C Issuer;

(ii) subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b)  through (d)  of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

(iii) impose on any Lender or the L/C Issuer or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Rate Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Loan the interest on which is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to increase the cost to such Lender or the L/C Issuer of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or the L/C Issuer hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, the Borrower will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

(b) Capital Requirements . If any Lender or the L/C Issuer determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or the L/C Issuer or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the L/C Issuer, to a level below that which such Lender or the L/C Issuer or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

(c) Certificates for Reimbursement . A certificate of a Lender or the L/C Issuer setting forth in reasonable detail the calculation of the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in subsection (a) or (b)  of this Section and delivered to the Borrower shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the

 

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case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

(d) Delay in Requests . Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the L/C Issuer to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.04 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine months prior to the date that such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

(e) Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans. The Borrower shall pay to each Lender, as long as such Lender shall be required to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency funds or deposits (currently known as “ Eurocurrency liabilities ”), additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Loan equal to the actual costs of such reserves allocated to such Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive), which shall be due and payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan, provided the Borrower shall have received at least 10 days’ prior notice (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of such additional interest from such Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice 10 days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, such additional interest shall be due and payable 10 days from receipt of such notice.

3.05 Compensation for Losses . Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of:

(a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise);

(b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower; or

(c) any assignment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 11.13 ;

including any loss of anticipated profits and any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained. The Borrower shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such Lender in connection with the foregoing.

For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under this Section 3.05 , each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Eurodollar Rate Loan made by it at the Eurodollar Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the London

 

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interbank eurodollar market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Eurodollar Rate Loan was in fact so funded.

3.06 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

(a) Designation of a Different Lending Office . If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04 , or requires the Borrower to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender, the L/C Issuer, or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 3.01 , or if any Lender gives a notice pursuant to Section 3.02 , then at the request of the Borrower such Lender or the L/C Issuer shall, as applicable, use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.01 or 3.04 , as the case may be, in the future, or eliminate the need for the notice pursuant to Section 3.02 , as applicable, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender or the L/C Issuer in connection with any such designation or assignment.

(b) Replacement of Lenders . If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04 , or if the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01 , and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different lending office in accordance with Section 3.06(a) , the Borrower may replace such Lender in accordance with Section 11.13 .

3.07 Survival . All of the Borrower’s obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, repayment of all other Obligations hereunder, and resignation of the Administrative Agent.

Article IV.

Conditions Precedent To Credit Extensions

4.01 Conditions of Initial Credit Extension . The obligation of the L/C Issuer and each Lender to make its initial Credit Extension hereunder is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent either prior to or substantially contemporaneously with such initial Credit Extension:

(a) The Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or telecopies (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party, each dated the Closing Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials, a recent date before the Closing Date) and each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders:

(i) executed counterparts of this Agreement and the Guaranty, in each case sufficient in number for distribution to the Administrative Agent, each Lender, and the Borrower;

(ii) a Note executed by the Borrower in favor of each Lender requesting a Note;

 

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(iii) a security agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit G (together with each other security agreement and supplement delivered pursuant to Section 6.12 , in each case as amended, the “ Security Agreement ”) and a pledge agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit H (together with each other pledge agreement and supplement delivered pursuant to Section 6.12 , in each case as amended, the “ Pledge Agreement ”), in each case duly executed by each Loan Party, together with:

(A) the certificates, if any, representing the Pledged Equity referred to therein that is represented by a certificate (within the meaning of Section 8-102(4) of the UCC) accompanied by undated stock powers executed in blank and the instruments, if any, evidencing the Pledged Debt that is evidenced by an instrument (within the meaning of Section 9-102(47) of the UCC) indorsed in blank,

(B) proper Financing Statements in form appropriate for filing under the Uniform Commercial Code of all jurisdictions that the Administrative Agent may deem necessary or desirable in order to perfect the Liens created under the Collateral Documents, covering the Collateral described in the Collateral Documents,

(C) completed requests for information, dated on or before the date of the initial Credit Extension, listing the financing statements referred to in clause (B) above and all other effective financing statements filed in the jurisdictions referred to in clause (B) above that name any Loan Party as debtor, together with copies of such other financing statements,

(D) evidence of the completion of all other actions, recordings and filings of or with respect to the Collateral Documents that the Administrative Agent may deem necessary or desirable in order to perfect the Liens created thereby,

(E) the Deposit Account Control Agreements and the Securities Account Control Agreement, in each case as referred to in the Security Agreement and duly executed by the appropriate parties, and

(F) evidence that all other action that the Administrative Agent may deem necessary or desirable in order to create a perfected first-priority Lien (subject to Liens permitted by Section 7.01 ) in the Collateral has been taken (including receipt of duly executed payoff letters, UCC-3 termination statements and landlords’ and bailees’ waiver and consent agreements);

(iv) to the extent requested by Administrative Agent, lien searches in the name of each Loan Party, and any other name(s) as Administrative Agent may deem appropriate in such Loan Party’s jurisdiction of formation and each state or jurisdiction where such Loan Party maintains an office or has real property, showing no financing statements or other Lien instruments of record except for Liens created or permitted by the Loan Documents or Liens being released on the Closing Date;

(v) such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party as the Administrative Agent may require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible

 

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Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or is to be a party;

(vi) such documents and certifications as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party is duly organized or formed, and that each Loan Party is validly existing, in good standing and qualified to engage in business in its jurisdiction of formation and each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(vii) certificates attesting to the Solvency of each Loan Party before and after giving effect to the Transaction, from its chief financial officer;

(viii) a favorable opinion of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties, addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, as to the matters set forth in Exhibit I and such other matters concerning the Loan Parties and the Loan Documents as the Required Lenders may reasonably request;

(ix) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party either (A) attaching copies of all consents, licenses and approvals required in connection with the consummation by such Loan Party of the Transaction and the execution, delivery and performance by such Loan Party and the validity against such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and such consents, licenses and approvals shall be in full force and effect, or (B) stating that no such consents, licenses or approvals are so required;

(x) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying (A) that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b)  have been satisfied, (B) that there has been no event or circumstance since the date of the Historical Financial Statements that has had or could be reasonably expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and (C) a pro forma calculation of the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of the Closing Date;

(xi) certified copies of each of the Related Documents, duly executed by the parties thereto, together with all agreements, instruments and other documents delivered in connection therewith as the Administrative Agent shall request;

(xii) a duly completed Compliance Certificate prepared on a pro forma basis as of the last day of the fiscal quarter of the Borrower ended September 30, 2013, signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and the Parent; and

(xiii) such other assurances, certificates, documents, consents or opinions as the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender or the Required Lenders reasonably may require.

(b) (i) All fees required to be paid to the Administrative Agent and the Arranger on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid and (ii) all fees required to be paid to the Lenders on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid.

 

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(c) The Administrative Agent and Lenders shall have received and be reasonably satisfied with the Historical Financial Statements.

(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that the Separation and Distribution Agreement, substantially in the form delivered to the Lenders prior to the Closing Date, shall have been executed and delivered by the parties thereto and the Spin-Off shall have been consummated on the terms and conditions set forth in such Separation and Distribution Agreement and in compliance with all applicable requirements of Law.

(e) The Administrative Agent and each Lender shall have received all documentation and other information that the Administrative Agent and such Lender require in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Act (as hereafter defined).

(f) Unless waived by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall have paid all fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent (directly to such counsel if requested by the Administrative Agent) to the extent invoiced prior to or on the Closing Date, plus such additional amounts of such fees, charges and disbursements as shall constitute its reasonable estimate of such fees, charges and disbursements incurred or to be incurred by it through the closing proceedings ( provided that such estimate shall not thereafter preclude a final settling of accounts between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent).

Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 9.03 , for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01 , each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.

4.02 Conditions to all Credit Extensions . The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans) is subject to the following conditions precedent:

(a) The representations and warranties of the Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in Article V or any other Loan Document, or which are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection herewith or therewith, shall be true and correct on and as of the date of such Credit Extension, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, and except for changes in factual circumstances not prohibited under the Loan Documents, and except that for purposes of this Section 4.02 , the representations and warranties contained in Sections 5.05(a) and (b)  shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to Sections 6.01(a) and (b) , respectively.

(b) No Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds thereof.

(c) The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof.

 

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Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans) submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b)  have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.

Article V.

Representations and Warranties

Each of the Parent and the Borrower represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that:

5.01 Existence, Qualification and Power . Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries (a) is duly organized or formed, validly existing and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority and all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents and Related Documents to which it is a party and consummate the Transaction, and (c) is duly qualified and is licensed and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license; except in each case referred to in clause (b)(i) or (c) , to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.02 Authorization; No Contravention . The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document and Related Document to which such Person is or is to be a party have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and do not and will not (a) contravene the terms of any of such Person’s Organization Documents; (b) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (i) any Material Contract or (ii) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; or (c) violate any Law.

5.03 Governmental Authorization; Other Consents . No approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with (a) the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or Related Document, or for the consummation of the Transaction, (b) the grant by any Loan Party of the Liens granted by it pursuant to the Collateral Documents, (c) the perfection or maintenance of the Liens created under the Collateral Documents (including the first priority nature thereof) or (d) the exercise by the Administrative Agent or any Lender of its rights under the Loan Documents or the remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to the Collateral Documents, except as may be provided in any “transfer” or “change of control” provision or other similar change in ownership provision in the organizational documents of the Subsidiaries and the JV Subsidiaries, Equity Interests in which are included in the Pledged Equity, that would apply to the exercise by Administrative Agent or any Lender of any rights or remedies with respect to such Pledged Equity. The Spin-Off has been consummated in accordance with the Separation and Distribution Agreement and applicable Law.

5.04 Binding Effect . This Agreement has been, and each other Loan Document, when delivered hereunder, will have been, duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is party thereto. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document when so delivered will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is party thereto in accordance with its terms, subject to Debtor Relief Laws and principles of equity, whether applied in a court of law or equity.

 

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5.05 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect.

(a) The Historical Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with certain historical information of AHT with adjustments as set forth in the filing of AHT with the SEC dated June 19, 2013, as amended or supplemented; (ii) fairly present the pro forma financial condition of the Consolidated Parties as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby; and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Consolidated Parties as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.

(b) The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Consolidated Parties dated September 30, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal quarter ended on that date (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, and (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Consolidated Parties as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby, subject, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) , to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments.

(c) Since the date of the Historical Financial Statements, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.06 Litigation . There are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Parent and the Borrower after due and diligent investigation, threatened or contemplated, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries or against any of their properties or revenues that (a) purport to affect or pertain to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, any Related Document or the consummation of the Transaction, or (b) except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.06 , either individually or in the aggregate, if determined adversely, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and there has been no adverse change in the status, or financial effect on any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary thereof, of the matters described in Schedule 5.06 .

5.07 No Default . Neither any Loan Party nor any Subsidiary or and JV Subsidiary thereof is in default under or with respect to, or a party to, any Material Contract. No Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction, this Agreement, or any other Loan Document.

5.08 Ownership of Property; Liens; Investments.

(a) Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries has good record and marketable title in fee simple to, or valid leasehold interests in, all real property necessary or used in the ordinary conduct of its business, except for such defects in title as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) As of the date hereof, Schedule 5.08(b) sets forth a complete and accurate list of all Liens on the property or assets of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries securing Indebtedness in excess of $1,000,000 in outstanding principal amount, showing as of the date hereof the lienholder thereof, the principal amount of the obligations secured thereby and the property or assets of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary subject thereto. The property of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries

 

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is subject to no Liens, other than Liens set forth on Schedule 5.08(b) , and as otherwise permitted by Section 7.01 .

(c) As of the date hereof, Schedule 5.08(c) sets forth a complete and accurate list of all real property owned or ground leased by each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries, showing as of the date hereof the street address, county or other relevant jurisdiction, state, and record owner. Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries has good, marketable and insurable fee simple or ground leasehold title to the real property owned by such Loan Party or such Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary, free and clear of all Liens, other than Liens created or permitted by the Loan Documents.

(d) As of the date hereof, Schedule 5.08(d) sets forth a complete and accurate list of all Investments constituting loans held by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary of a Loan Party on the date hereof, showing as of the date hereof the amount, obligor or issuer and maturity, if any, thereof.

5.09 Environmental Compliance.

(a) The Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries conducted in the ordinary course of business a review of the effect of existing Environmental Laws and claims alleging potential liability or responsibility for violation of any Environmental Law on their respective businesses, operations and properties, and as a result thereof the Parent and the Borrower have reasonably concluded that, except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.09 , such Environmental Laws and claims could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Except as otherwise set forth in Schedule 5.09 , none of the properties currently or formerly owned or operated by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries is listed or proposed for listing on the NPL or on the CERCLIS or any analogous foreign, state or local list or is adjacent to any such property; there are no underground or above-ground storage tanks or any surface impoundments, septic tanks, pits, sumps or lagoons in which Hazardous Materials are being treated, stored or disposed in violation of any Environmental Law on any property currently owned or operated by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries; there is no asbestos or asbestos-containing material on any property currently owned or operated by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries in violation of any Environmental Law; and Hazardous Materials have not been released, discharged or disposed of in violation of any Environmental Law on any property currently owned or operated by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries.

(c) Except as otherwise set forth on Schedule 5.09 , neither any Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries is undertaking, and has not completed, either individually or together with other potentially responsible parties, any investigation or assessment or remedial or response action relating to any actual or threatened release, discharge or disposal of Hazardous Materials at any site, location or operation, either voluntarily or pursuant to the order of any Governmental Authority or the requirements of any Environmental Law; and all Hazardous Materials generated, used, treated, handled or stored at, or transported to or from, any property currently or formerly owned or operated by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries have been disposed of in a manner not reasonably expected to result in material liability to any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries.

 

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5.10 Insurance . The properties of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of any Loan Party, 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 the applicable Loan Party or the applicable Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary operates.

5.11 Taxes . The Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries have filed all Federal, state and other material tax returns and reports required to be filed, and have paid all Federal, state and other material taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges levied or imposed upon them or their properties, income or assets otherwise due and payable, except those which are being disputed or contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP. There is no proposed tax assessment against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary that would, if made, have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither any Loan Party nor any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary thereof is party to any tax sharing agreement.

5.12 ERISA Compliance.

(a) Each Plan is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Federal or state Laws. Each Pension Plan that is intended to be a qualified plan under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that the form of such Plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and the trust related thereto has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(a) of the Code, or an application for such a letter is currently being processed by the Internal Revenue Service. To the best knowledge of the Parent and the Borrower, nothing has occurred that would prevent, or cause the loss of, such tax-qualified status. The Parent, the Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate have made all required contributions to each Plan subject to Section 412 of the Code, and no application for a funding waiver or an extension of any amortization period pursuant to Section 412 of the Code has been made with respect to any Plan.

(b) There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of the Parent and the Borrower, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There has been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Plan that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) (i) No ERISA Event has occurred and neither the Parent, nor the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate is aware of any fact, event, or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to constitute or result in an ERISA Event with respect to any Pension Plan; (ii) the Parent, the Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate has met all applicable requirements under the Pension Funding Rules in respect of each Pension Plan, and no waiver of the minimum funding standards under the Pension Funding Rules has been applied for or obtained; (iii) as of the most recent valuation date for any Pension Plan, the funding target attainment percentage (as defined in Section 430(d)(2) of the Code) is 60% or higher, and neither the Parent, nor the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate knows of any facts or circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause the funding target attainment percentage for any such plan to drop below 60% as of the most recent valuation date; (iv) neither the Parent, nor the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any liability to the PBGC other than for the payment of premiums, and there are no premium payments which have become due that are unpaid; (v) neither the Parent, nor the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to

 

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Section 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA; and (vi) no Pension Plan has been terminated by the plan administrator thereof nor by the PBGC, and no event or circumstance has occurred or exists that could reasonably be expected to cause the PBGC to institute proceedings under Title IV of ERISA to terminate any Pension Plan.

(d) Neither the Parent, nor the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate maintains or contributes to, or has any unsatisfied obligation to contribute to, or liability under, any active or terminated Pension Plan other than (A) on the Closing Date, those listed on Schedule 5.12(d) hereto and (B) thereafter, Pension Plans not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement.

5.13 Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries; Equity Interests; Loan Parties . As of the date hereof, no Loan Party has any Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries other than those specifically disclosed in Part (a) of Schedule 5.13 . All of the outstanding Equity Interests in such Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries have been validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and are owned by a Loan Party (or a Subsidiary or JV Subsidiaries thereof) in the amounts specified on Part (a) of Schedule 5.13 and, with respect to any Equity Interests pledged under this Agreement, free and clear of all Liens except those created under the Collateral Documents, and with respect to all other Equity Interests, free and clear of all Liens except those permitted under this Agreement. As of the date hereof, no Loan Party has any equity investments in any other corporation or entity other than those specifically disclosed in Part (b) of Schedule 5.13 . All of the outstanding Equity Interests in each Loan Party have been validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and are owned in the amounts specified on Part (c) of Schedule 5.13 and, with respect to any Equity Interests pledged under this Agreement, free and clear of all Liens except those created under the Collateral Documents, and with respect to all other Equity Interests, free and clear of all Liens except those permitted under this Agreement. Set forth on Part (d) of Schedule 5.13 is a complete and accurate list of all Loan Parties as of the date hereof, showing as of the Closing Date (as to each Loan Party) the jurisdiction of its incorporation, the address of its principal place of business and its U.S. taxpayer identification number or, in the case of any non-U.S. Loan Party that does not have a U.S. taxpayer identification number, its unique identification number issued to it by the jurisdiction of its incorporation.

5.14 Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act.

(a) The Borrower is not engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the FRB), or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock.

(b) None of the Borrower, any Person Controlling the Borrower, or any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

5.15 Disclosure . The Parent and the Borrower have disclosed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which it or any of its Subsidiaries, JV Subsidiaries, or any other Loan Party is subject, and all other matters known to it, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No report, financial statement, certificate or other information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (in each case as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected

 

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financial information, the Parent and the Borrower represent only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time.

5.16 Compliance with Laws . Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary thereof is in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its properties, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being disputed or contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted or (b) the failure to comply therewith, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.17 Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc. . Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries own, or possess the right to use, all of the trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, franchises, licenses and other intellectual property rights (collectively, “ IP Rights ”) that are reasonably necessary for the operation of their respective businesses, without conflict with the rights of any other Person except to the extent the absence of any such IP Rights could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the best knowledge of the Parent and the Borrower, 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 or any of its Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries infringes upon any rights held by any other Person. Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.17 , no claim or litigation regarding any of the foregoing is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Parent and the Borrower, threatened, which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.18 Solvency . Each Loan Party is, individually and together with its Subsidiaries and Controlled JV Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, Solvent.

5.19 Casualty, Etc . Neither the businesses nor the properties of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries are affected by any fire, explosion, accident, strike, lockout or other labor dispute, drought, storm, hail, earthquake, embargo, act of God or of the public enemy or other casualty (whether or not covered by insurance) that, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.20 Labor Matters. There are no collective bargaining agreements or Multiemployer Plans covering the employees of the Parent, the Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date and neither the Parent, nor the Borrower nor any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary has suffered any strikes, walkouts, work stoppages or other material labor difficulty within the last five years.

5.21 Collateral Documents. The provisions of the Collateral Documents are effective to create in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a legal, valid and enforceable first priority Lien on all right, title and interest of the respective Loan Parties in the Collateral described therein. Except for filings completed prior to the Closing Date and as contemplated hereby and by the Collateral Documents, no filing or other action will be necessary to perfect or protect such Liens.

5.22 OFAC . Neither the Parent, nor the Borrower, nor any of their respective Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Parent, the Borrower and their respective Subsidiaries and JV Subsidiaries, any director, officer, employee, agent, affiliate or representative thereof, is an individual or entity currently the subject of any Sanctions, nor is the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary located, organized or resident in a Designated Jurisdiction.

 

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5.23 Nature of Business . As of the Closing Date, the Consolidated Parties are engaged in the business of acquiring, financing, owning, and operating hotel properties, together with other business activities incidental thereto.

Article VI.

Affirmative Covenants

So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, each of the Parent and the Borrower shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01 , 6.02 and 6.03 ) cause each Subsidiary and Controlled JV Subsidiary to:

6.01 Financial Statements . Deliver to the Administrative Agent (who will deliver same to each Lender), in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:

(a) as soon as available, but in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Parent, (or, if earlier, 15 days from the date required to be filed with the SEC (without giving effect to any extension permitted by the SEC)) (commencing with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013), a consolidated balance sheet of the Consolidated Parties and the Controlled JV Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year, the related consolidated statements of income or operations of the Parent for such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Parent for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form, as applicable, the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant of nationally recognized standing reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit; and

(b) as soon as available, but in any event within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Parent (or, if earlier, 15 days after the date required to be filed with the SEC (without giving effect to any extension permitted by the SEC)) (commencing with the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2014), a consolidated balance sheet of the Consolidated Parties and the Controlled JV Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter, the related consolidated statements of income or operations for such quarter and for the portion of the Parent’s fiscal year then ended, and the related statements of changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Parent for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of the Parent’s fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form, as applicable, the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, certified by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Parent as fairly presenting the financial condition, results of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Consolidated Parties and the Controlled JV Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.

As to any information contained in materials furnished pursuant to Section 6.02(c) , the Parent and the Borrower shall not be separately required to furnish such information under Section 6.01(a) or (b)  above, but the foregoing shall not be in derogation of the obligation of the Parent and the Borrower to furnish the information and materials described in Sections 6.01(a) and (b)  above at the times specified therein.

 

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6.02 Certificates; Other Information . Deliver to the Administrative Agent (who will deliver same to each Lender), in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:

(a) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and (b) , a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Parent (which delivery may, unless the Administrative Agent requests executed originals, be by electronic communication including fax or email and shall be deemed to be an original authentic counterpart thereof for all purposes);

(b) promptly after any request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, copies of any detailed audit reports, management letters or recommendations submitted to the board of directors (or the audit committee of the board of directors) of any Loan Party by independent accountants in connection with the accounts or books of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries, or any audit of any of them;

(c) promptly after the same are available, copies of each annual report, proxy or financial statement or other report or communication sent to the stockholders of the Parent, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which the Parent may file or be required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or with any national securities exchange, and in any case not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto;

(d) promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any statement or report furnished to any holder of debt securities of any Loan Party or of any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any indenture, loan or credit or similar agreement and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant to Section 6.01 or any other clause of this Section 6.02 ;

(e) as soon as available, and after any request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender within 30 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Parent, a report summarizing the insurance coverage (specifying type, amount and carrier) in effect for each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries and Controlled JV Subsidiaries and containing such additional information as the Administrative Agent, or any Lender through the Administrative Agent, may reasonably specify;

(f) promptly, and in any event within five Business Days after receipt thereof by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary thereof, copies of each notice or other correspondence received from the SEC (or comparable agency in any applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction) concerning any investigation or possible investigation or other inquiry by such agency regarding financial or other operational results of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary thereof;

(g) not later than five Business Days after receipt thereof by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary thereof, copies of all notices, requests and other documents (including amendments, waivers and other modifications) so received under or pursuant to any Related Document or instrument, indenture, loan or credit or similar agreement regarding or related to any breach or default by any party thereto or any other event that could materially impair the value of the interests or the rights of any Loan Party or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect and, from time to time upon request by the Administrative Agent, such information and reports regarding the Related Documents and such instruments, indentures and loan and credit and similar agreements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request;

 

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(h) promptly after the assertion or occurrence thereof, notice of any action or proceeding against or of any noncompliance by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries with any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

(i) promptly, such additional information regarding the business, financial, legal or corporate affairs of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary thereof, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may from time to time reasonably request.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b)  or Section 6.02(c) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Parent or the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Parent’s or the Borrower’s website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 11.02 ; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Parent’s or the Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent). Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in every instance the Parent and the Borrower shall be required to provide paper or emailed copies of the Compliance Certificates required by Section 6.02(a) to the Administrative Agent. Except for such Compliance Certificate, the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain paper copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Parent and the Borrower with any such request by a Lender for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.

The Parent and the Borrower hereby acknowledge that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Arranger may, but shall not be obligated to, make available to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Parent or the Borrower hereunder (collectively, “ Borrower Materials ”) by posting the Borrower Materials on Debt Domain, IntraLinks, Syndtrak or another similar electronic system (the “ Platform ”) and (b) certain of the Lenders (each, a “ Public Lender ”) may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Parent, the Borrower or their respective Affiliates, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market-related activities with respect to such Persons’ securities. The Parent and the Borrower hereby agree that (w) all Borrower Materials that are to be made available to Public Lenders shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Parent and the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Arranger, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information with respect to the Parent, the Borrower or their respective securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws ( provided , however , that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 11.07 ); (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Side Information;” and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Arranger shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Side Information.”

 

  6.03 Notices . Promptly notify the Administrative Agent:

(a) of the occurrence of any Default;

 

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(b) of any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, including as a result of (i) any breach or non-performance of, or any default under, a Material Contract of the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary; (ii) any dispute, litigation, investigation, proceeding or suspension between the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary and any Governmental Authority; or (iii) the commencement of, or any material development in, any litigation or proceeding affecting the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary, including pursuant to any applicable Environmental Laws;

(c) of the occurrence of any ERISA Event; and

(d) of any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary thereof, including any determination by the Parent or the Borrower referred to in Section 2.10(b) .

Each notice pursuant to this Section 6.03 shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of the Parent and the Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Parent and the Borrower have taken and propose to take with respect thereto. Each notice pursuant to Section 6.03(a) shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached.

6.04 Payment of Obligations . Pay and discharge (or bond or insure against) as the same shall become due and payable, all its obligations and liabilities, including (a) all tax liabilities, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it or its properties or assets, unless the same are being disputed or contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by the Parent, the Borrower or such Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary; and (b) all lawful claims of materialmen and mechanics, for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, would by law become a Lien upon its property, unless the same are being disputed or contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by the Parent, the Borrower or such Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary.

6.05 Preservation of Existence, Etc . (a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence and good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except in a transaction permitted by Section 7.04 or 7.05 or to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges, permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) preserve or renew all of its registered patents, trademarks, trade names and service marks, the non-preservation of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.06 Maintenance of Properties . (a) Maintain, preserve and protect all of its material properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted; (b) make all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and replacements thereof except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) use the standard of care typical in the industry in the operation and maintenance of its facilities.

6.07 Maintenance of Insurance . Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of the Parent or the Borrower, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same

 

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or similar business, of such types and in such amounts (and including deductibles and exclusions) as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons.

6.08 Compliance with Laws . Comply in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being disputed or contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted; or (b) the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.09 Books and Records . (a) Maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of the Parent, the Borrower or such Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary, as the case may be; and (b) maintain such books of record and account in material conformity with all applicable requirements of any Governmental Authority having regulatory jurisdiction over the Parent, the Borrower or such Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary, as the case may be.

6.10 Inspection Rights . Permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent and each Lender to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants, all at the expense of the Parent and the Borrower and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Parent and the Borrower; provided , however , that when an Event of Default exists the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Parent and the Borrower at any time during normal business hours and without advance notice.

6.11 Use of Proceeds . Use the proceeds of the Credit Extensions for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes (including, without limitation, property acquisitions) not in contravention of any Law or of any Loan Document.

6.12 Covenant to Guarantee Obligations and Give Security.

(a) Upon the formation or acquisition of any new direct or indirect Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary to which more than 5.0% of the assets constituting the Total Asset Value is attributable on an individual basis (other than an Excluded Subsidiary, any CFC or a Subsidiary that is held directly or indirectly by a CFC) by any Loan Party, then the Borrower shall, within 30 days after such formation or acquisition, at the Borrower’s expense:

(i) cause such Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary, and cause each direct and indirect parent of such Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary (if it has not already done so), to duly execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a guaranty or guaranty supplement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, guaranteeing the other Loan Parties’ obligations under the Loan Documents,

(ii) furnish to the Administrative Agent a description of the real and personal properties of such Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary, in detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent,

(iii) cause such Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary and each direct and indirect parent of such Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary (if it has not already done so) to duly execute

 

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and deliver to the Administrative Agent supplements to the Security Agreement and Pledge Agreement and other security and pledge agreements, as specified by and in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (including delivery of all instruments specified in Section 4.01(a)(iii) ); provided , any such supplements to the Pledge Agreement or other pledge agreements shall not be required with respect to any Equity Interests in such Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary or other direct or indirect parent of such Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary that constitutes an Unpledgeable Subsidiary,

(iv) cause such Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary and each direct and indirect parent of such Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary (if it has not already done so) to take whatever action (including the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, the giving of notices and the endorsement of notices on title documents) may be necessary or advisable in the opinion of the Administrative Agent to vest in the Administrative Agent (or in any representative of the Administrative Agent designated by it) valid and subsisting Liens on the properties purported to be subject to supplements to the Security Agreement and Pledge Agreement and security and pledge agreements delivered pursuant to this Section 6.12 , enforceable against all third parties in accordance with their terms, and

(v) deliver to the Administrative Agent, upon the request of the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, a signed copy of a favorable opinion, addressed to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, of counsel for the Loan Parties acceptable to the Administrative Agent as to the matters contained in clauses (i) , (iii)  and (iv)  above, and as to such other matters as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

(b) At any time upon request of the Administrative Agent, promptly execute and deliver any and all further instruments and documents and take all such other action as the Administrative Agent may deem necessary or desirable in obtaining the full benefits of, or (as applicable) in perfecting and preserving the Liens of, such guaranties, supplements to the Security Agreement and Pledge Agreement, and other security and pledge agreements.

6.13 Compliance with Environmental Laws . Comply, and cause all lessees and other Persons operating or occupying its properties to comply, in all material respects, with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits; obtain and renew all Environmental Permits necessary for its operations and properties; and conduct any investigation, study, sampling and testing, and undertake any cleanup, removal, remedial or other action necessary to remove and clean up all Hazardous Materials from any of its properties, in accordance with the requirements of all Environmental Laws; provided , however , that neither the Parent, nor the Borrower nor any of their respective Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries shall be required to undertake any such cleanup, removal, remedial or other action to the extent that its obligation to do so is being disputed or contested in good faith and by proper proceedings and appropriate reserves are being maintained with respect to such circumstances in accordance with GAAP.

6.14 Further Assurances . Promptly upon the reasonable request by the Administrative Agent, or any Lender through the Administrative Agent, (a) correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in any Loan Document or in the execution, acknowledgment, filing or recordation thereof, and (b) do, execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register any and all such further acts, deeds, certificates, assurances and other instruments as the Administrative Agent, or any Lender through the Administrative Agent, may reasonably require from time to time in order to (i) carry out more effectively the purposes of the Loan Documents, (ii) to the fullest extent permitted by

 

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applicable law, subject any Loan Party’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ or Controlled JV Subsidiaries’ properties, assets, rights or interests to the Liens now or hereafter intended to be covered by any of the Collateral Documents, (iii) perfect and maintain the validity, effectiveness and priority of any of the Collateral Documents and any of the Liens intended to be created thereunder and (iv) assure, convey, grant, assign, transfer, preserve, protect and confirm more effectively unto the Secured Parties the rights granted or now or hereafter intended to be granted to the Secured Parties under any Loan Document or under any other instrument executed in connection with any Loan Document to which any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries is or is to be a party, and cause each of its Subsidiaries and Controlled JV Subsidiaries to do so.

6.15 Compliance with Terms of Leaseholds . Make all payments and otherwise perform all obligations in respect of all leases of real property to which the Parent, the Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries is a party, keep such leases in full force and effect and not allow such leases to lapse or be terminated or any rights to renew such leases to be forfeited or cancelled, notify the Administrative Agent of any default by any party with respect to such leases and cooperate with the Administrative Agent in all respects to cure any such default, and cause each of its Subsidiaries and Controlled JV Subsidiaries to do so, except, in any case, where the failure to do so, either individually or in the aggregate, could not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.16 Lien Searches . Promptly following receipt of the acknowledgment copy of any financing statements filed under the Uniform Commercial Code in any jurisdiction by or on behalf of the Secured Parties, deliver to the Administrative Agent completed requests for information listing such financing statement and all other effective financing statements filed in such jurisdiction that name any Loan Party as debtor, together with copies of such other financing statements.

6.17 Material Contracts . Perform and observe all the material terms and provisions of each Material Contract to be performed or observed by it and, except where either a replacement for such Material Contract has been or is being obtained or such Material Contract is being terminated in connection with a breach or reasonable uncertainty concerning ongoing performance by the counterparty thereunder, maintain each such Material Contract in full force and effect.

6.18 Cash Collateral Accounts . Maintain, and cause each of the other Loan Parties to maintain, any Cash Collateral Accounts with Bank of America or another commercial bank located in the United States, which has accepted the assignment of such accounts to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the Security Agreement.

6.19 Maintenance of Listing . Maintain at least one class of common shares of the Parent having trading privileges on the New York Stock Exchange or which is the subject of price quotations in the over-the-counter market as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System.

Article VII.

Negative Covenants

So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, Each of the Parent and the Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly:

7.01 Liens . Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or sign or file or suffer to exist under the Uniform

 

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Commercial Code of any jurisdiction a financing statement that names the Parent, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries as debtor, or assign any accounts or other right to receive income, other than the following:

(a) Liens pursuant to any Loan Document;

(b) Liens existing on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 5.08(b) and any renewals, amendments, modifications or extensions thereof;

(c) Liens for taxes not yet due or which are being disputed or contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP;

(d) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business which are not overdue for a period of more than 30 days or which are being disputed or contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person, or which are otherwise subject to a bond or insured against;

(e) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation, other than any Lien imposed by ERISA;

(f) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts and leases (other than Indebtedness), statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(g) easements, leases, rights-of-way, restrictions and other encumbrances affecting real property which could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(h) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under Section 8.01(h) ; and

(i) Liens securing Indebtedness not prohibited under Section 7.02 .

7.02 Indebtedness . Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness unless immediately prior to the assumption, incurring or becoming obligated in respect thereof, or immediately thereafter and after giving effect thereto, no Default is or would be in existence.

7.03 Investments . Make or hold any Investment, other than those which are in the lines of businesses of the Parent, the Borrower and the Guarantors as of the date hereof, or those substantially related or incidental thereto (for the sake of clarity, acquiring and owning retail and/or commercial space acquired as part of an acquisition consisting primarily of assets otherwise permitted to be acquired or held pursuant to this Section 7.03 shall be considered substantially related or incidental to the lines of businesses of the Parent, the Borrower and the Guarantors as of the date hereof), and unless immediately prior to making such Investment, and immediately thereafter and after giving effect thereto, no Default is or would be in existence, subject to the following additional restrictions:

(a) The Borrower and the Guarantors shall not make or hold Investments:

 

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(i) in real properties consisting of undeveloped or speculative land (valued at cost for purposes of this clause) with an aggregate value greater than 5% of Total Asset Value;

(ii) in development properties (valued at cost for purposes of this clause) with an aggregate value greater than 5% of Total Asset Value;

(iii) in JV Subsidiaries that are not consolidated with Parent under GAAP (valued at cost for purposes of this clause) with an aggregate value greater than 25% of Total Asset Value;

(iv) in mortgage and mezzanine loans and notes receivables (valued at cost for purposes of this clause) with an aggregate value greater than 10% of Total Asset Value; and

(v) such that the collective aggregate value of the Investments owned pursuant to items (i) through (iv)  of this clause (a)  at any time exceeds 25% of Total Asset Value.

7.04 Fundamental Changes . Merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except that, so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom:

(a) any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary may merge with (i) the Borrower, provided that the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person, or (ii) any one or more other Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries, provided that when any Subsidiary is merging with a Controlled JV Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be the continuing or surviving Person;

(b) any Loan Party may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Borrower or to another Loan Party (other than the Parent);

(c) any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may dispose of all or substantially all its assets (including any Disposition that is in the nature of a liquidation) to (i) another Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party or (ii) to a Loan Party; and

(d) any Investment, hotel property or other asset owned by a Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary, or the direct or indirect Equity Interests of any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary, may be Disposed of;

provided , however , that (x) in the case of any such merger or consolidation in which the Parent or the Borrower is a party, the Parent or Borrower, as the case may be, shall be the surviving entity, and (b) in no event shall Parent or Borrower dissolve or liquidate or Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets.

7.05 Dispositions . Make any Disposition or enter into any agreement to make any Disposition, except:

(a) Dispositions of obsolete or worn out property or property determined by Borrower to no longer be necessary in the business or operations of Borrower or its Subsidiaries

 

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or JV Subsidiaries (or its Subsidiaries), whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business;

(b) Dispositions of inventory in the ordinary course of business;

(c) Dispositions of equipment or personal property to the extent that (i) such property is replaced with similar replacement property or exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are reasonably promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property; and

(d) Dispositions not prohibited by Section 7.04 .

7.06 Restricted Payments . Declare or make any Restricted Payment if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or if an Event of Default would result from the making of any Restricted Payment, provided , that so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under Sections 8.01(a) or 8.01(f) , Restricted Payments in the minimum amount required in order for the Parent to maintain its REIT status may be made.

7.07 Change in Nature of Business . Engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and Controlled JV Subsidiaries on the date hereof or any business substantially related or incidental thereto.

7.08 Transactions with Affiliates . Enter into any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of the Borrower, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, other than on fair and reasonable terms as would be obtainable by the Borrower or such Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate; provided that the foregoing restriction shall not apply to transactions between or among the Loan Parties.

7.09 Burdensome Agreements . With respect to Borrower or any Guarantor, enter into or permit to exist any Contractual Obligation (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that (a) limits the ability (i) of such Person to make Restricted Payments to the Borrower or any Guarantor or to otherwise transfer property to or invest in the Borrower or any Guarantor, except for any agreement in effect (A) on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 7.09 or (B) at the time any such Person becomes a Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary of the Borrower, so long as such agreement was not entered into solely in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary of the Borrower, (ii) of such Person to Guarantee the Indebtedness of the Borrower or (iii) of the Borrower or any Guarantor to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person; provided , however , that this clause (iii) shall not prohibit any negative pledge incurred or provided in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted hereunder solely to the extent any such negative pledge relates to the property financed by or the subject of such Indebtedness; or (b) requires the grant of a Lien to secure an obligation of such Person if a Lien is granted to secure another obligation of such Person.

7.10 Use of Proceeds . Use the proceeds of any Credit Extension, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the FRB) or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose.

7.11 Financial Covenants.

(a) Consolidated Tangible Net Worth . Permit Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, at any time, to be less than the sum of (i) $241,431,000, and (ii) an amount equal to 75% of the

 

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net equity proceeds received by the Consolidated Parties after the Closing Date by reason of the issuance and sale of Equity Interests in Parent.

(b) Consolidated Recourse Indebtedness Limitation . Permit Consolidated Recourse Indebtedness (other than any Consolidated Recourse Indebtedness under this Agreement) to, at any time, exceed $50,000,000.

(c) Secured Indebtedness on Real Property Limitation . Permit any Secured Indebtedness that is secured by a Real Property to exceed 70% of the as-is appraised value of the Real Property securing such Secured Indebtedness as determined by the appraisal obtained by the applicable lender at the time such Secured Indebtedness is incurred; provided that, this clause (c)  shall not apply to any Secured Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date that is secured by the Initial Properties or the Marriott Crystal Gateway hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

(d) Maximum Variable Rate Indebtedness . Permit the Indebtedness of the Consolidated Parties (other than any Indebtedness under this Agreement) that accrues interest at a variable rate that is not subject to a “cap,” “collar,” “swap” or other similar arrangement to, at any time, exceed 25% of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness.

(e) Consolidated Leverage Ratio . Permit the Consolidated Leverage Ratio at any time during the following periods to be greater than the ratio set forth below opposite such period:

 

Period

   Maximum
Consolidated
Leverage Ratio

Closing Date through November 30, 2014

   7.00 to 1.0

December 1, 2014 through November 30, 2015

   6.50 to 1.0

December 1, 2015 and thereafter

   5.75 to 1.0

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7.11(e) to the contrary, following a Significant Acquisition, it shall not be a Default under this Agreement if the Consolidated Parties are not in compliance with the requirements of this Section 7.11(e) once after November 30, 2014 and prior to the Initial Maturity Date (the “ Permitted Non-Compliance Period ”); provided , however , that (i) the total amount of time that the Permitted Non-Compliance Period shall exist shall be no more than three (3) fiscal quarters following a Significant Acquisition (for clarification, if the Significant Acquisition occurs during any given fiscal quarter, such fiscal quarter shall count for purposes of the foregoing) and (ii) during the Permitted Non-Compliance Period, the Consolidated Leverage Ratio for the period from December 1, 2014 through November 30, 2015 shall not exceed 7.00 to 1.0, and at any time thereafter shall not exceed 6.25 to 1.0.

(f) Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio . Permit the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio at any time during the following periods to be less than the ratio set forth below opposite such period:

 

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Period

   Minimum
Consolidated
Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio

Closing Date through November 30, 2014

   1.15 to 1.0

December 1, 2014 through November 30, 2015

   1.25 to 1.0

December 1, 2015 and thereafter

   1.35 to 1.0

For purposes of this Section 7.11 , amounts and effects of the Pier House Acquisition shall be excluded from the calculation of the financial covenants set forth in this Section 7.11 for the first four (4) fiscal quarters following the Pier House Acquisition (for clarification, if the Pier House Acquisition occurs during any given fiscal quarter, such fiscal quarter shall count for purposes of the foregoing).

7.12 Capital Expenditures . Make or become legally obligated to make any expenditure in respect of the purchase or other acquisition of any fixed or capital asset other than normal replacements and maintenance which are properly charged to current operations and other reasonable and customary capital expenditures made in the ordinary course of the business of the Parent and its Subsidiaries and Controlled JV Subsidiaries.

7.13 Organization Documents . Amend any of its Organization Documents in any manner that would adversely affect any Loan Party’s ability to pay its Obligations hereunder or materially and adversely impairs any rights or remedies of Administrative Agent or any Lender under the Loan Documents or applicable Laws.

7.14 Accounting Changes . Make any change in (a) accounting policies or reporting practices, except as required by GAAP, or (b) fiscal year.

7.15 Related Documents . Take any action in connection with any Related Document that would impair the rights or interests of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

7.16 Sanctions . Directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of any Credit Extension, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary, Controlled JV Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other individual or entity, to fund any activities of or business with any individual or entity, or in any Designated Jurisdiction, that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of Sanctions, or in any other manner that will result in a violation by any individual or entity (including any individual or entity participating in the transaction, whether as Lender, Arranger, Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer, Swing Line Lender, or otherwise) of Sanctions.

Article VIII.

Events of Default and Remedies

8.01 Events of Default . Any of the following shall constitute an Event of Default:

(a) Non-Payment . The Borrower or any other Loan Party fails to (i) pay when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan or any L/C Borrowing or deposit any funds as Cash Collateral in respect of L/C Obligations, or (ii) pay within three Business Days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or on any L/C Obligation, or any fee due hereunder, or (iii) pay within five Business Days after the same becomes due, any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document; or

 

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(b) Specific Covenants . The Borrower fails in any material respect to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Section 6.05 , 6.10 , 6.11 , 6.16 , 6.18 or Article VII ; or

(c) Other Defaults . (i) The Borrower fails in any material respect to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Sections 6.01 , 6.02 , and 6.03 and such failure continues for 30 days, or (ii) any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in Section 8.01(a), (b) , or (c)(i) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for 30 days or such longer period, which longer period shall not exceed 60 days (and the aggregate period shall not exceed 90 days), as shall be reasonably necessary to effectuate a cure of such failure so long as Borrower acts with diligence and in good faith to cure such failure; or

(d) Representations and Warranties . Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Loan Party herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed made; or

(e) Cross-Default . (i) Any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary thereof (A) fails to make any payment when due, after giving effect to any applicable cure or grace periods, (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness or Guarantee (other than Indebtedness hereunder and Indebtedness under Swap Contracts) having an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than the Threshold Amount (or more than $200,000,000 in the case of Indebtedness that is not Consolidated Recourse Indebtedness), or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any Indebtedness or Guarantee (other than Indebtedness hereunder and Indebtedness under Swap Contracts) having an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than the Threshold Amount (or more than $200,000,000 in the case of Indebtedness that is not Consolidated Recourse Indebtedness) or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event occurs, after giving effect to any applicable cure or grace periods, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness or the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such Guarantee (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity, or such Guarantee to become payable or cash collateral in respect thereof to be demanded; or (ii) there occurs under any Swap Contract an Early Termination Date (as defined in such Swap Contract) resulting from (A) any event of default under such Swap Contract as to which a Loan Party or any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary thereof is the Defaulting Party (as defined in such Swap Contract) or (B) any Termination Event (as so defined) under such Swap Contract as to which a Loan Party or any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary thereof is an Affected Party (as so defined) and, in either event, the Swap Termination Value owed by such Loan Party, such Subsidiary, or such Controlled JV Subsidiary as a result thereof is greater than the Threshold Amount (or more than $200,000,000 if such payment obligation does not constitute Consolidated Recourse Indebtedness); or

 

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(f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc . Any Loan Party institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for 60 calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for 60 calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or

(g) Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment . (i) Any Loan Party becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of any such Person and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within 30 days after its issue or levy; or

(h) Judgments . There is entered against any Loan Party(i) one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount (as to all such judgments and orders) exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, has been notified of the potential claim and does not dispute coverage) that remains unpaid, stayed or dismissed for more than 60 days, or (ii) any one or more non-monetary final judgments that have, or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and, in either case, (A) enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order, or (B) there is a period of 10 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect; or

(i) ERISA . (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower under Title IV of ERISA to the Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount, or (ii) the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount; or

(j) Invalidity of Loan Documents . Any provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party or any other Person disputes or contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document; or any Loan Party denies that it has any or further liability or obligation under any provision of any Loan Document, or purports to revoke, terminate or rescind any provision of any Loan Document; or

(k) Change of Control . There occurs any Change of Control; or

(l) Collateral Documents . Any Collateral Document after delivery thereof pursuant to Section 4.01 or 6.12 shall for any reason (other than pursuant to the terms thereof) cease to create a valid and perfected first priority Lien (subject to Liens permitted by Section 7.01 ) on the Collateral purported to be covered thereby; or

 

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(m) REIT Status . The Parent shall, for any reason, lose or fail to maintain its status as a REIT.

8.02 Remedies Upon Event of Default . If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, at the request of, or may, with the consent of, the Required Lenders, take any or all of the following actions:

(a) declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions to be terminated, whereupon such commitments and obligation shall be terminated;

(b) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower;

(c) require that the Borrower Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to the Minimum Collateral Amount with respect thereto); and

(d) exercise on behalf of itself, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer all rights and remedies available to it, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer under the Loan Documents, at law, in equity, or otherwise;

provided , however , that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions shall automatically terminate, the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable, and the obligation of the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

8.03 Application of Funds . After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have become immediately due and payable and the L/C Obligations have been required to be Cash Collateralized as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.02 ), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall, subject to the provisions of Sections 2.16 and 2.17 be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:

First , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (other than principal, interest and Letter of Credit Fees, but including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and amounts payable under Article III ) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;

Second , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal, interest and Letter of Credit Fees) payable to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders and the L/C Issuer and fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of any Lender or the L/C Issuer) arising under the Loan Documents and amounts payable under Article III , ratably among them in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;

Third , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid Letter of Credit Fees and interest on the Loans, L/C Borrowings and other Obligations arising under the Loan

 

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Documents, ratably among the Lenders and the L/C Issuer in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;

Fourth , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans, L/C Borrowings and Obligations then owing under Secured Hedge Agreements, ratably among the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Hedge Banks in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them;

Fifth , to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer, to Cash Collateralize that portion of L/C Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit to the extent not otherwise Cash Collateralized by the Borrower pursuant to Sections 2.03 and 2.16 ; and

Last , the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law.

Subject to Sections 2.03(c) and 2.16 , amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fifth above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur. If any amount remains on deposit as Cash Collateral after all Letters of Credit have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Obligations arising under Secured Hedge Agreements shall be excluded from the application described above if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice thereof, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Hedge Bank. Each Hedge Bank not a party to the Credit Agreement that has given the notice contemplated by the preceding sentence shall, by such notice, be deemed to have acknowledged and accepted the appointment of the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms of Article IX hereof for itself and its Affiliates as if a “Lender” party hereto.

Excluded Swap Obligations with respect to any Guarantor shall not be paid with amounts received from such Guarantor or its assets, and, to the extent possible, appropriate adjustments shall be made with respect to payments from other Loan Parties to preserve the allocation to Obligations otherwise set forth above in this Section.

Article IX.

Administrative Agent

9.01 Appointment and Authority .

(a) Each of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer hereby irrevocably appoints Bank of America to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article  are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, and neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions. It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” herein or in any other Loan Documents (or any other similar term) with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law. Instead such term is used as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties.

 

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(b) The Administrative Agent shall also act as the “collateral agent” under the Loan Documents, and each of the Lenders (including in its capacities as a potential Hedge Bank) and the L/C Issuer hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to act as the agent of such Lender and the L/C Issuer for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on Collateral granted by any of the Loan Parties to secure any of the Obligations, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto. In this connection, the Administrative Agent, as “collateral agent” and any co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact appointed by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 9.05 for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents, or for exercising any rights and remedies thereunder at the direction of the Administrative Agent, shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of this Article IX and Article XI (including Section 11.04(c) , as though such co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact were the “collateral agent” under the Loan Documents) as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto.

9.02 Rights as a Lender . The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

9.03 Exculpatory Provisions . The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, and its duties hereunder shall be administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:

(a) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing;

(b) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law; and

(c) shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as

 

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shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 11.01 and 8.02 ) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice describing such Default is given in writing to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, a Lender or the L/C Issuer.

The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or the creation, perfection or priority of any Lien purported to be created by the Collateral Documents, (v) the existence, value or sufficiency of any Collateral, or (vi) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.

9.04 Reliance by Administrative Agent . The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance, extension, renewal or increase of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or the L/C Issuer unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or the L/C Issuer prior to the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

9.05 Delegation of Duties . The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article  shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agents except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and non-appealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agents.

9.06 Resignation of Administrative Agent . (a) The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower (unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States that has capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least

 

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$100,000,000 (as of the date of such bank’s most recent financial reports), or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “ Resignation Effective Date ”), then the retiring Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) on behalf of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above; whether or not a successor has been appointed, such resignation shall become effective in accordance with such notice on the Resignation Effective Date.

(b) If the Person serving as Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (d) of the definition thereof, the Required Lenders may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, by notice in writing to the Borrower and such Person remove such Person as Administrative Agent and, in consultation with the Borrower, appoint a successor. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “ Removal Effective Date ”), then such removal shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice on the Removal Effective Date.

(c) With effect from the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date (as applicable) (i) the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (except that in the case of any Collateral held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer under any of the Loan Documents, the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such Collateral until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed) and (ii) except for any indemnity payments or other amounts then owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent, all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender and the L/C Issuer directly, until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or removed) Administrative Agent (other than as provided in Section 3.01(g) and other than any rights to indemnity payments or other amounts owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent as of the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date, as applicable), and the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section ). The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor. After the retiring or removed Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article  and Section 11.04 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring or removed Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring or removed Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.

(d) Any resignation by Bank of America as Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section shall also constitute its resignation as L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender. If Bank of America resigns as an L/C Issuer, it shall retain all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the L/C Issuer hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as L/C Issuer and all L/C Obligations with respect thereto, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant to Section 2.03(c) . If Bank of America resigns as Swing Line Lender, it shall retain all the rights of the Swing Line Lender provided for hereunder with respect to Swing Line Loans made by it and outstanding as of the effective date of such resignation, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in outstanding Swing Line Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(c) . Upon the appointment by the Borrower of

 

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a successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender hereunder (which successor shall in all cases be a Lender other than a Defaulting Lender), (i) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring L/C Issuer and/or Swing Line Lender, as applicable, (ii) the retiring L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender shall be discharged from all of their respective duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, and (iii) the successor L/C Issuer shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to Bank of America to effectively assume the obligations of Bank of America with respect to such Letters of Credit.

9.07 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders . Each Lender and the L/C Issuer acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender and the L/C Issuer also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

9.08 No Other Duties, Etc . Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Bookrunners or Arrangers listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent, a Lender or the L/C Issuer hereunder.

9.09 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim . In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or L/C Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise

(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, L/C Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.03(h) , 2.03(i) , 2.09 and 11.04 ) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

(b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender and the L/C Issuer to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 11.04 .

 

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Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender or the L/C Issuer any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or the L/C Issuer to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or the L/C Issuer or in any such proceeding.

9.10 Collateral and Guaranty Matters . Without limiting the provisions of Section 9.09 , each of the Lenders (including in its capacities as a potential Hedge Bank) and the L/C Issuer irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion,

(a) to release any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document (i) upon termination of the Aggregate Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than (A) contingent indemnification obligations and (B) obligations and liabilities under Secured Hedge Agreements as to which arrangements satisfactory to the applicable Hedge Bank shall have been made to the extent not expressly provided in the Secured Hedge Agreements) and the expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit (other than Letters of Credit as to which other arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer shall have been made), (ii) pursuant to Section 9.11 , or (iii) subject to Section 11.01 , if approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Lenders;

(b) to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty, Security Agreement, and Pledge Agreement pursuant to Section 9.11 ; and

(c) to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted hereunder.

Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty and Security Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.10 . In each case as specified in this Section 9.10 , the Administrative Agent will, at the Borrower’s expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Loan Party such documents as such Loan Party may reasonably request to evidence the release of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Collateral Documents or to subordinate its interest in such item, or to release such Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty and Security Agreement, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this Section 9.10 .

The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have a duty to ascertain or inquire into any representation or warranty regarding the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Lien thereon, or any certificate prepared by any Loan Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.

9.11 Releases

(a) The Borrower may request in writing that the Administrative Agent release, and upon receipt of such request the Administrative Agent shall release, any Person from any of the Guaranty and the Security Agreement so long as: (i) such Person qualifies, or will qualify at the time of its release from the Guaranty and the Security Agreement, as an Excluded Subsidiary or

 

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has ceased to be, or at the time of its release from the Guaranty and the Security Agreement will cease to be, a Subsidiary or a JV Subsidiary with at least $10,000 in assets in the aggregate; (ii) no Default shall then be in existence or would occur as a result of such release, (iii) such Person is not a party to any Swap Contract by virtue of which any other Person is a Hedge Bank and (iv) the Administrative Agent shall have received such written request at least 7 Business Days prior to the requested date of release. Delivery by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent of any such request shall constitute a representation by the Borrower that the matters set forth in the preceding sentence (both as of the date of the giving of such request and as of the date of the effectiveness of such request) are true and correct with respect to such request.

(b) The Borrower may request in writing that the Administrative Agent release, and upon receipt of such request the Administrative Agent shall release, the Equity Interests in a Person from the Lien of a Pledge Agreement so long as: (i) such Person qualifies, or will qualify at the time of the release of its Equity Interests, as an Unpledgeable Subsidiary or has ceased to be, or at the time of the release of its Equity Interests will cease to be, a Person with at least $10,000 in assets in the aggregate; (ii) no Default shall then be in existence or would occur as a result of such release; and (iii) the Administrative Agent shall have received such written request at least 7 Business Days prior to the requested date of release. Delivery by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent of any such request shall constitute a representation by the Borrower that the matters set forth in the preceding sentence (both as of the date of the giving of such request and as of the date of the effectiveness of such request) are true and correct with respect to such request.

(c) Promptly after written request from Borrower and receipt of such supporting documentation as Administrative Agent may request, Administrative Agent will confirm (subject to the terms hereof) in writing that a specified Person is as of the date of such confirmation: (i) an Unpledgeable Subsidiary and that its Equity Interests are not subject to the Lien of the Collateral Documents and/or (b) an Excluded Subsidiary, in either case so long as such Person qualifies as an Unpledgeable Subsidiary or Excluded Subsidiary, as the case may be, but subject to such Person thereafter being subject to the lien of the Collateral Documents if it is no longer an Excluded Subsidiary or an Unpledgeable Subsidiary. Delivery by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent of any such request shall constitute a representation by the Borrower that the matters set forth in the preceding sentence (both as of the date of the giving of such request and as of the date of the effectiveness of such request) are true and correct with respect to such request. Administrative Agent may rely solely on the representations of Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such representations of Borrower are not true and correct, then to the full extent possible under applicable law, such confirmation by Administrative Agent shall not release, diminish or impair any Lien pursuant to the Collateral Documents or other rights under the Loan Documents.

9.12 Secured Hedge Agreements . Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein or in any Guaranty or any Collateral Document, no Hedge Bank that obtains the benefits of Section 8.03 , any Guaranty or any Collateral by virtue of the provisions hereof or of any Guaranty or any Collateral Document shall have any right to notice of any action or to consent to, direct or object to any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document or otherwise in respect of the Collateral (including the release or impairment of any Collateral) other than in its capacity as a Lender and, in such case, only to the extent expressly provided in the Loan Documents. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article IX to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to verify the payment of, or that other satisfactory arrangements have been made with respect to, Obligations arising under Secured Hedge Agreements unless the Administrative Agent has received written notice of such Obligations, together

 

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with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Hedge Bank.

Article X.

Continuing Guaranty

10.01 Guaranty . The Parent hereby absolutely and unconditionally guarantees, as a guaranty of payment and performance and not merely as a guaranty of collection, prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, upon acceleration, demand or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of any and all of the Obligations, whether for principal, interest, premiums, fees, indemnities, damages, costs, expenses or otherwise, of the Borrower to the Secured Parties, and whether arising hereunder or under any other Loan Document, or any Secured Hedge Agreement (including all renewals, extensions, amendments, refinancings and other modifications thereof and all costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Secured Parties in connection with the collection or enforcement thereof) and hereby consents to any extension of the Maturity Date pursuant to Section 2.14 hereof or otherwise. The Administrative Agent’s books and records showing the amount of the Obligations shall be admissible in evidence in any action or proceeding, and shall be binding upon the Parent, and conclusive for the purpose of establishing the amount of the Obligations. This Guaranty shall not be affected by the genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the Obligations or any instrument or agreement evidencing any Obligations, or by the existence, validity, enforceability, perfection, non-perfection or extent of any collateral therefor, or by any fact or circumstance relating to the Obligations which might otherwise constitute a defense to the obligations of the Parent under this Guaranty, and the Parent hereby irrevocably waives any defenses it may now have or hereafter acquire in any way relating to any or all of the foregoing.

10.02 Rights of Lenders . The Parent consents and agrees that the Secured Parties may, at any time and from time to time, without notice or demand, and without affecting the enforceability or continuing effectiveness hereof: (a) amend, extend, renew, compromise, discharge, accelerate or otherwise change the time for payment or the terms of the Obligations or any part thereof; (b) take, hold, exchange, enforce, waive, release, fail to perfect, sell, or otherwise dispose of any security for the payment of this Guaranty or any Obligations; (c) apply such security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders in their sole discretion may determine; and (d) release or substitute one or more of any endorsers or other guarantors of any of the Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Parent consents to the taking of, or failure to take, any action which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risks of the Parent under this Guaranty or which, but for this provision, might operate as a discharge of the Parent.

10.03 Certain Waivers . The Parent waives (a) any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of the Borrower or any other guarantor, or the cessation from any cause whatsoever (including any act or omission of any Secured Party) of the liability of the Borrower; (b) any defense based on any claim that the Parent’s obligations exceed or are more burdensome than those of the Borrower; (c) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting the Parent’s liability hereunder; (d) any right to proceed against the Borrower, proceed against or exhaust any security for the Obligations, or pursue any other remedy in the power of any Secured Party whatsoever; (e) any benefit of and any right to participate in any security now or hereafter held by any Secured Party; and (f) to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all other defenses or benefits that may be derived from or afforded by applicable law limiting the liability of or exonerating guarantors or sureties. The Parent expressly waives all setoffs and counterclaims and all presentments, demands for payment or performance, notices of nonpayment or nonperformance, protests, notices of protest, notices of dishonor and all other notices or demands of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the Obligations, and all notices of acceptance of this Guaranty or of the existence, creation or incurrence of new or additional Obligations.

 

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10.04 Obligations Independent . The obligations of the Parent hereunder are those of primary obligor, and not merely as surety, and are independent of the Obligations and the obligations of any other guarantor, and a separate action may be brought against the Parent to enforce this Guaranty whether or not the Borrower or any other person or entity is joined as a party.

10.05 Subrogation . The Parent shall not exercise any right of subrogation, contribution, indemnity, reimbursement or similar rights with respect to any payments it makes under this Guaranty until all of the Obligations and any amounts payable under this Guaranty have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full and the Commitments are terminated. If any amounts are paid to the Parent in violation of the foregoing limitation, then such amounts shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Secured Parties and shall forthwith be paid to the Secured Parties to reduce the amount of the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured.

10.06 Termination; Reinstatement . This Guaranty is a continuing and irrevocable guaranty of all Obligations now or hereafter existing and shall remain in full force and effect until all Obligations and any other amounts payable under this Guaranty are indefeasibly paid in full in cash and the Commitments with respect to the Obligations are terminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Guaranty shall continue in full force and effect or be revived, as the case may be, if any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower or the Parent is made, or any of the Secured Parties exercises its right of setoff, in respect of the Obligations and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by any of the Secured Parties in their discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws or otherwise, all as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred and whether or not the Secured Parties are in possession of or have released this Guaranty and regardless of any prior revocation, rescission, termination or reduction. The obligations of the Parent under this paragraph shall survive termination of this Guaranty.

10.07 Subordination . The Parent hereby subordinates the payment of all obligations and indebtedness of the Borrower owing to the Parent, whether now existing or hereafter arising, including but not limited to any obligation of the Borrower to the Parent as subrogee of the Secured Parties or resulting from the Parent’s performance under this Guaranty, to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all Obligations. If the Secured Parties so request, any such obligation or indebtedness of the Borrower to the Parent shall be enforced and performance received by the Parent as trustee for the Secured Parties and the proceeds thereof shall be paid over to the Secured Parties on account of the Obligations, but without reducing or affecting in any manner the liability of the Parent under this Guaranty.

10.08 Stay of Acceleration . If acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Obligations is stayed, in connection with any case commenced by or against the Parent or the Borrower under any Debtor Relief Laws, or otherwise, all such amounts shall nonetheless be payable by the Parent immediately upon demand by the Secured Parties.

10.09 Condition of Borrower . The Parent acknowledges and agrees that it has the sole responsibility for, and has adequate means of, obtaining from the Borrower and any other guarantor such information concerning the financial condition, business and operations of the Borrower and any such other guarantor as the Parent requires, and that none of the Secured Parties has any duty, and the Parent is not relying on the Secured Parties at any time, to disclose to the Parent any information relating to the business, operations or financial condition of the Borrower or any other guarantor (the Parent waiving any duty on the part of the Secured Parties to disclose such information and any defense relating to the failure to provide the same).

 

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Article XI.

Miscellaneous

11.01 Amendments, Etc . No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by the Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the Borrower or the applicable Loan Party, as the case may be, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided , however , that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:

(a) waive any condition set forth in Section 4.01 (other than Section 4.01(b)(i) or (c) ), or, in the case of the initial Credit Extension, Section 4.02 , without the written consent of each Lender;

(b) extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 ) without the written consent of such Lender;

(c) postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due to the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

(d) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan or L/C Borrowing, or (subject to clause (iv) of the second proviso to this Section 11.01 ) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document, or change the manner of computation of any financial ratio (including any change in any applicable defined term) used in determining the Applicable Margin that would result in a reduction of any interest rate on any Loan or any fee payable hereunder without the written consent of each Lender entitled to such amount; provided , however , that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of “ Default Rate ” or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest or Letter of Credit Fees at the Default Rate;

(e) change the definition of “ Applicable Percentage ” or Sections 8.03 , 2.12(a) , or 2.13 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of each Lender;

(f) change any provision of this Section 11.01 or the definition of “ Required Lenders ” or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender;

(g) release all or substantially all of the Collateral in any transaction or series of related transactions other than releases as permitted by Section 9.11 hereof, without the written consent of each Lender; or

(h) release all or substantially all of the value of the Guaranty, without the written consent of each Lender, except to the extent the release of any Subsidiary or Controlled JV Subsidiary from the Guaranty is permitted pursuant to Section 9.10 (in which case such release may be made by the Administrative Agent acting alone);

 

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and provided , further , that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the L/C Issuer in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the L/C Issuer under this Agreement or any Issuer Document relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Swing Line Lender in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Swing Line Lender under this Agreement; (iii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; and (iv) the Fee Letter may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x) the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms affects any Defaulting Lender disproportionately adversely relative to other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.

Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, this Agreement may be amended with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (i) to add one or more additional revolving credit or term loan facilities to this Agreement, in each case subject to the limitations in Section 2.15, and to permit the extensions of credit and all related obligations and liabilities arising in connection therewith from time to time outstanding to share ratably (or on a basis subordinated to the existing facilities hereunder) in the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the obligations and liabilities from time to time outstanding in respect of the existing facilities hereunder, and (ii) in connection with the foregoing, to permit, as deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent and approved by the Required Lenders, the Lenders providing such additional credit facilities to participate in any required vote or action required to be approved by the Required Lenders or by any other number, percentage or class of Lenders hereunder.

If any Lender does not consent to a proposed amendment, waiver, consent or release with respect to any Loan Document that requires the consent of each Lender and that has been approved by the Required Lenders, the Borrower may replace such non-consenting Lender in accordance with Section 11.13 ; provided that such amendment, waiver, consent or release can be effected as a result of the assignment contemplated by such Section (together with all other such assignments required by the Borrower to be made pursuant to this paragraph).

11.02 Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communications.

(a) Notices Generally . Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in subsection (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:

(i) if to the Parent, the Borrower or any other Loan Party, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 11.02 ; and

 

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(ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire (including, as appropriate, notices delivered solely to the Person designated by a Lender on its Administrative Questionnaire then in effect for the delivery of notices that may contain material non-public information relating to the Borrower).

Notices and other communications sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices and other communications sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient). Notices and other communications delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in subsection (b) below shall be effective as provided in such subsection (b) .

(b) Electronic Communications . Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to Article II if such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent, the Swing Line Lender, the L/C Issuer or the Borrower may each, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i)  and (ii) , if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice, email or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient.

(c) The Platform . THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWER MATERIALS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM. In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “ Agent Parties ”) have any liability to the Parent, the Borrower, any other Loan Party, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrower’s, any Loan Party’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of Borrower Materials through the Internet.

 

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(d) Change of Address, Etc . Each of the Parent, the Borrower, any other Loan Party, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender may change its address, facsimile or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. Each other Lender may change its address, facsimile or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender. In addition, each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent from time to time to ensure that the Administrative Agent has on record (i) an effective address, contact name, telephone number, facsimile number and electronic mail address to which notices and other communications may be sent and (ii) accurate wire instructions for such Lender. Furthermore, each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the “Private Side Information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender’s compliance procedures and applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws, to make reference to Borrower Materials that are not made available through the “Public Side Information” portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal or state securities laws.

(e) Reliance by Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Lenders . The Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic or electronic Committed Loan Notices, Letter of Credit Applications and Swing Line Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, each Lender and the Related Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower. All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.

11.03 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement . No failure by any Lender, the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided, and provided under each other Loan Document, are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, the authority to enforce rights and remedies hereunder and under the other Loan Documents against the Loan Parties or any of them shall be vested exclusively in, and all actions and proceedings at law in connection with such enforcement shall be instituted and maintained exclusively by, the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 8.02 for the benefit of all the Lenders and the L/C Issuer; provided , however , that the foregoing shall not prohibit (a) the Administrative Agent from exercising on its own behalf the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as Administrative Agent) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (b) the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender from exercising the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as the case may be) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (c) any Lender from exercising setoff

 

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rights in accordance with Section 11.08 (subject to the terms of Section 2.13 ), or (d) any Lender from filing proofs of claim or appearing and filing pleadings on its own behalf during the pendency of a proceeding relative to any Loan Party under any Debtor Relief Law; and provided , further , that if at any time there is no Person acting as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, then (i) the Required Lenders shall have the rights otherwise ascribed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.02 and (ii) in addition to the matters set forth in clauses (b) , (c)  and (d)  of the preceding proviso and subject to Section 2.13 , any Lender may, with the consent of the Required Lenders, enforce any rights and remedies available to it and as authorized by the Required Lenders.

11.04 Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

(a) Costs and Expenses . The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the L/C Issuer in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer), and shall pay all reasonable fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section , or (B) in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit.

(b) Indemnification by the Borrower . The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Lender and the L/C Issuer, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “ Indemnitee ”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee), and shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee from all reasonable fees and time charges and disbursements for attorneys who may be employees of any Indemnitee, incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any Person (including the Borrower or any other Loan Party) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or, in the case of the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof) and its Related Parties only, the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including in respect of any matters addressed in Section 3.01 ), (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the L/C Issuer to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding

 

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relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by the Borrower or any other Loan Party, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto, IN ALL CASES, WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED BY OR ARISING, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OUT OF THE COMPARATIVE, CONTRIBUTORY OR SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE INDEMNITEE ; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) result from a claim brought by the Borrower or any other Loan Party against an Indemnitee for breach in bad faith of such Indemnitee’s obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if the Borrower or such Loan Party has obtained a final and nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. Without limiting the provisions of Section 3.01(c) , this Section 11.04(b) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim.

(c) Reimbursement by Lenders . To the extent that the Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b)  of this Section to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender or any Related Party of any of the foregoing (and without limiting its obligation to do so), each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s pro rata share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought based on each Lender’s share of the Total Credit Exposure at such time) of such unpaid amount (including any such unpaid amount in respect of a claim asserted by such Lender), provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender in connection with such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.12(d) .

(d) Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Parent and the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waive, and acknowledge that no other Person shall have, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed to such unintended recipients by such Indemnitee through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby other than for direct or actual damages resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee as determined by a final and nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(e) Payments . All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than ten Business Days after demand therefor accompanied by an invoice setting forth in reasonable detail the calculation of the amount of such demand.

 

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(f) Survival . The agreements in this Section and the indemnity provisions of Section 11.02(e) shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations.

11.05 Payments Set Aside . To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender, or the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender and the L/C Issuer severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

11.06 Successors and Assigns.

(a) Successors and Assigns Generally . The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b)  of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d)  of this Section, or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (f)  of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

(b) Assignments by Lenders . Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment(s) and the Loans (including for purposes of this Section 11.06(b) , participations in L/C Obligations and in Swing Line Loans) at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:

(i) Minimum Amounts .

(A) in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it or contemporaneous assignments to related Approved Funds that equal at least the amount specified in paragraph (b)(i)(B) of this Section in the aggregate or in the

 

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case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and

(B) in any case not described in subsection (b)(i)(A) of this Section , the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $5,000,000, unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided , however , that concurrent assignments to members of an Assignee Group and concurrent assignments from members of an Assignee Group to a single Eligible Assignee (or to an Eligible Assignee and members of its Assignee Group) will be treated as a single assignment for purposes of determining whether such minimum amount has been met.

(ii) Proportionate Amounts . Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loans or the Commitment assigned, except that this clause (ii) shall not (A) apply to the Swing Line Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of Swing Line Loans or (B) prohibit any Lender from assigning all or a portion of its rights and obligations among any separate revolving credit or term loan facilities provided pursuant to the second to last paragraph of Section 11.01 on a non-pro rata basis;

(iii) Required Consents . No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by subsection (b)(i)(B) of this Section and, in addition:

(A) the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided that it is understood that it shall be reasonable for the Borrower to withhold consent to a new assignee Lender if such new assignee Lender is a hedge fund, private equity fund or any entity that is a direct competitor of the Borrower and is in the hotel business) shall be required unless (1) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (2) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days after having received notice thereof;

(B) the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender; and

(C) the consent of the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender shall be required for any assignment.

 

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(iv) Assignment and Assumption . The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee in the amount of $3,500; provided , however , that the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment. The assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.

(v) No Assignment to Certain Persons . No such assignment shall be made (A) to the Parent, the Borrower or any of their respective Affiliates or Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries or (B) to any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries or Controlled JV Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (B) , or (C) to a natural Person.

(vi) Certain Additional Payments . In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon) and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans and participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section , from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01 , 3.04 , 3.05 and 11.04 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment; provided , that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties no assignment by a Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender. Upon request, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 11.06(d) .

 

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(c) Register . The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower (and such agency being solely for tax purposes), shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it (or the equivalent thereof in electronic form) and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the Loans and L/C Obligations owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(d) Participations . Any Lender may at any time, with the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided that it is understood that it shall be reasonable for the Borrower to withhold consent to a new participant if such new participant is a hedge fund, private equity fund or any entity that is a direct competitor of the Borrower and is in the hotel business) and the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), sell participations to any Person (other than a natural Person, a Defaulting Lender, or the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries) (each, a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans (including such Lender’s participations in L/C Obligations and/or Swing Line Loans) owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, (iv) the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall not be required if such participation is sold to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, (v) the consent of the Borrower shall not be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such sale of a participation, and (vi) the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such sale of a participation unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days after having received notice thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, each Lender shall be responsible for the indemnity under Sections 11.04(c) without regard to the existence of any participation.

Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to Section 11.01 that affects such Participant. The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to subsection (b)  of this Section (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 3.01(e) shall be delivered to the Lender who sells the participation) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Sections 3.06 and 11.13 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b)  of this Section and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 3.01 or 3.04 , with respect to any participation, than the Lender from whom it acquired the applicable participation would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation. Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrower’s request, to use

 

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reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 3.06 with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 11.08 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13 as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “ Participant Register ”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

(e) Certain Pledges . Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

(f) Resignation as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender after Assignment . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time Bank of America assigns all of its Commitment and Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to Section 11.06(b) , Bank of America may, (i) upon 30 days’ notice to the Borrower and the Lenders, resign as L/C Issuer and/or (ii) upon 30 days’ notice to the Borrower, resign as Swing Line Lender. In the event of any such resignation as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, the Borrower shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders a successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender hereunder; provided , however , that no failure by the Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of Bank of America as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as the case may be. If Bank of America resigns as L/C Issuer, it shall retain all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the L/C Issuer hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as L/C Issuer and all L/C Obligations with respect thereto (including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Revolving Loans or fund risk participations in Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant to Section 2.03(c) ). If Bank of America resigns as Swing Line Lender, it shall retain all the rights of the Swing Line Lender provided for hereunder with respect to Swing Line Loans made by it and outstanding as of the effective date of such resignation, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Revolving Loans or fund risk participations in outstanding Swing Line Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(c) . Upon the appointment of a successor L/C Issuer and/or Swing Line Lender, (a) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as the case may be, and (b) the successor L/C Issuer shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to Bank of America to effectively assume the obligations of Bank of America with respect to such Letters of Credit.

 

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11.07 Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality . Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its Related Parties (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent required or requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over such Person or its Related Parties (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section , to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement or any Eligible Assignee invited to be a Lender pursuant to Section 2.15(c) or Section 11.01 or (ii) any actual or prospective party (or its Related Parties) to any swap, derivative or other transaction under which payments are to be made by reference to the Borrower and its obligations, this Agreement or payments hereunder, (g) on a confidential basis to (i) any rating agency in connection with rating the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or JV Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided hereunder or (ii) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers or other market identifiers with respect to the credit facilities provided hereunder, (h) with the consent of the Borrower or (i) to the extent such Information (A) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (B) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower.

For purposes of this Section , “ Information ” means all information received from any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary thereof relating to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary thereof or their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary thereof, provided that, in the case of information received from a Loan Party or any such Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer acknowledges that (a) the Information may include material non-public information concerning the Borrower or a Subsidiary or JV Subsidiary, as the case may be, (b) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public information and (c) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws.

11.08 Right of Setoff . If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, the L/C Issuer and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender, the L/C Issuer or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower or any other Loan Party against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower or such Loan Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or the L/C Issuer or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender, L/C Issuer or Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or

 

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any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Borrower or such Loan Party may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch, office or Affiliate of such Lender or the L/C Issuer different from the branch, office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided, that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.17 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The rights of each Lender, the L/C Issuer and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, the L/C Issuer or their respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender and the L/C Issuer agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.

11.09 Interest Rate Limitation . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “ Maximum Rate ”). If the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

11.10 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01 , this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic imaging means ( e.g. , “pdf” or “tif”) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

11.11 Survival of Representations and Warranties . All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by the Administrative Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding.

 

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11.12 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 11.12 , if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, as applicable, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited.

11.13 Replacement of Lenders . If the Borrower is entitled to replace a Lender pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.06 , if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or a Non-Consenting Lender or if any other circumstance exists hereunder that gives the Borrower the right to replace a Lender as a party hereto, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 11.06 ), all of its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Sections 3.01 and 3.04 ) and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:

(a) the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee (if any) specified in Section 11.06(b) ;

(b) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and L/C Advances, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.05 ) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);

(c) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01 , such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter;

(d) such assignment does not conflict with applicable Laws; and

(e) in the case of an assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable assignee shall have consented to the applicable amendment, waiver or consent.

A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

11.14 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.

(a) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSE OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT

 

107


(EXCEPT, AS TO ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH THEREIN) AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. THE BORROWER AND EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT COMMENCE ANY ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND OR DESCRIPTION, WHETHER IN LAW OR EQUITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT OR OTHERWISE, AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER, THE L/C ISSUER, OR ANY RELATED PARTY OF THE FOREGOING IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATING HERETO OR THERETO, IN ANY FORUM OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER OR THE L/C ISSUER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST THE BORROWER OR ANY OTHER LOAN PARTY OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

(c) WAIVER OF VENUE . THE BORROWER AND EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (b) OF THIS SECTION . EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

(d) SERVICE OF PROCESS . EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 11.02 . NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

11.15 Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY

 

108


ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION .

11.16 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility . In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document), each of the Borrower and the Parent and each other Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that: (i)(A) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Administrative Agent and the Arranger, and the Lenders are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Borrower, the Parent, each other Loan Party and their respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and the Arranger, and the Lenders, on the other hand, (B) each of the Borrower and the Parent has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (C) each of the Borrower the Parent and each other Loan Party is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; (ii)(A) the Administrative Agent and the Arranger and each Lender is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for the Borrower, the Parent, any other Loan Party, or any of their respective Affiliates, or any other Person and (B) neither the Administrative Agent nor the Arranger nor any Lender has any obligation to the Borrower, the Parent, any other Loan Party, or any of their respective Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; and (iii) the Administrative Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower, the Parent, the other Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates, and neither the Administrative Agent nor the Arranger nor any Lender has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Borrower, the Parent, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each of the Borrower and the Parent, and the other Loan Parties hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent and the Arranger or any Lender with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.

11.17 Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents . The words “execute,” “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption or in any amendment or other modification hereof (including waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Administrative Agent, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

11.18 USA PATRIOT Act . Each Lender that is subject to the Act (as hereinafter defined) and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law

 

109


October 26, 2001)) (the “ Act ”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of each Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify each Loan Party in accordance with the Act. The Borrower shall, promptly following a request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, provide all documentation and other information that the Administrative Agent or such Lender requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Act.

11.19 Time of the Essence . Time is of the essence of the Loan Documents.

11.20 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

110


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
By:  

/s/ David Brooks

  Name:   David Brooks
  Title:   Vice President
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.
By:  

/s/ David Brooks

  Name:   David Brooks
  Title:   Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. , as Administrative Agent
By:  

/s/ Will T. Bowers, Jr.

  Name:   Will T. Bowers, Jr.
  Title:   Senior Vice President

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. , as a Lender, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender
By:  

/s/ Will T. Bowers, Jr.

  Name:   Will T. Bowers, Jr.
  Title:   Senior Vice President

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


CREDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANK , as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Joseph A. Asciolla

  Name:   Joseph A. Asciolla
  Title:   Managing Director
By:  

/s/ David Bowers

  Name:   David Bowers
  Title:   Managing Director

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH , as a Lender
By:  

/s/ KEVIN BUDDHDEW

  Name:   KEVIN BUDDHDEW
  Title:   AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY
By:  

/s/ Tyler R. Smith

  Name:   Tyler R. Smith
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH , as a Lender
By:  

/s/ JAMES ROLISON

  Name:   JAMES ROLISON
  Title:   MANAGING DIRECTOR
By:  

/s/ Perry Forman

  Name:   Perry Forman
  Title:   Director

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Michael P. Szuba

  Name:   Michael P. Szuba
  Title:   Vice President

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


MORGAN STANLEY BANK, N.A. , as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Michael King

  Name:   Michael King
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


SCHEDULE 2.01

COMMITMENTS

AND APPLICABLE PERCENTAGES

 

Lender

   Commitment      Applicable Percentage  

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

   $ 35,000,000         23.333333333

DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH

   $ 30,000,000         20.000000000

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

   $ 30,000,000         20.000000000

MORGAN STANLEY BANK, N.A.

   $ 22,000,000         14.666666667

CREDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANK

   $ 21,000,000         14.000000000

CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH

   $ 12,000,000         8.000000000
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 150,000,000         100.000000000
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Schedule 2.01


SCHEDULE 5.06

LITIGATION

Pending audit of 2008 US Federal tax returns of CHH III Tenant Parent Corp. and its Subsidiaries, which audit is to ensure compliance of operating lease rents with REIT rules.

 

Schedule 5.06


SCHEDULE 5.08(b)

EXISTING LIENS

 

Liens on the following Properties securing Indebtedness in
excess of $1MM and Lien holder

   Date   

Borrower

   Original
Principal
Amount
 

Lien holders :

Aareal Capital Corporation

Westdeutsche Immobilienbank AG

 

Real Properties :

Hilton Torrey Pines

Capital Hilton

   February 26,
2013
  

CHH Torrey Pines Hotel Partners LP

CHH Capital Hotel Partners LP

   $ 199,875,000   

Lien holders :

U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association, as Trustee for the Registered Holders of Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-C33

 

Real Properties :

Marriott Plano

Marriott Seattle

Renaissance Tampa

   April 11,
2007
  

Ashford Plano-M LP

Ashford Seattle Waterfront LP

Ashford Tampa International Hotel LP

   $ 260,980,000   

Lien holders :

US Bank National Associatoin, as trustee for the registered holders of Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-C31

 

Real Properties :

Courtyard Seattle

Courtyard San Francisco

   April 11,
2007
  

Ashford Seattle Downtown LP

Ashford San Francisco II LP

   $ 128,408,000   

Lien holders :

U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, Successor-in-Interest to Bank of America, NA, as Trustee, Successor to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee for the registered holders of Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-C32

 

Real Properties :

Courtyard Philadelphia

   April 11,
2007
  

Ashford Philadelphia Annex LP

   $ 35,000,000   

Lien holders :

Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development

   March 1,
2000
  

Ashford Philadelphia Annex LP

   $ 10,000,000   

 

Schedule 5.08(b)


Liens on the following Properties securing Indebtedness in
excess of $1MM and Lien holder

   Date   

Borrower

   Original
Principal
Amount

Real Properties :

Courtyard Philadelphia

        

 

Schedule 5.08(b)


SCHEDULE 5.08(c)

OWNED OR GROUND LEASED REAL PROPERTY

 

    

Hotel Name

  

Owner

  

Fee Simple or Ground Leasehold

1.   

Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown

21 N. Juniper Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107-2532

   Ashford Philadelphia Annex LP    Fee Simple
2.   

Courtyard San Francisco Downtown

299 2 nd Street

San Francisco, CA 94105-3123

   Ashford San Francisco II LP    Fee Simple
3.   

Courtyard Seattle Downtown – Lake Union

925 Westlake Avenue N.

Seattle, WA 98109-3524

   Ashford Seattle Downtown LP    Fee Simple
4.   

Hilton Capital

1001 16 th & K St. NW

Washington, D.C. 20036

   CHH Capital Hotel Partners LP    Fee Simple
5.   

Hilton LaJolla Torrey Pines

10950 N. Torrey Pines Road

LaJolla, CA 93027-1006

   CHH Torrey Pines Hotel Partners LP    Ground Leasehold
6.   

Marriott Dallas/Plano @ Legacy Town Center

7121 Bishop Road

Plano, TX 75024-4921

   Ashford Plano-M LP    Fee Simple
7.   

Marriott Seattle Waterfront

2100 Alaskan Way

Seattle, WA 98121-3139

   Ashford Seattle Waterfront LP    Fee Simple
8.   

Renaissance Tampa at International Plaza

4200 Jim Walter Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33607-5778

   Ashford Tampa International Hotel, LP    Ground Leasehold

 

Schedule 5.08(c)


SCHEDULE 5.08(d)

EXISTING INVESTMENTS

 

Loan Party/Subsidiary/JV Subsidiary Holder

   Original Principal
Amount
    

Obligor

   Maturity Date

Ashford Philadelphia Annex LP

   $ 10,000,000       Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development    June 30, 2018

 

Schedule 5.08(d)


SCHEDULE 5.09

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

None.

 

Schedule 5.09


SCHEDULE 5.12(d)

ERISA MATTERS

Ashford Hospitality 401(k) Savings Plan.

 

Schedule 5.12(d)


SCHEDULE 5.13

SUBSIDIARIES AND OTHER EQUITY INVESTMENTS;

LOAN PARTIES

Part A:

 

Loan Party / Subsidiary / JV Subsidiary

   State    Tax ID #    Entity
Designation
  

Equity Interests Owned By

   Equity
% of
Owner
    Equity
Interest
Type

Ashford HHC III LLC

   DE:    20-8532088    Loan Party    Ashford Prime OP      100   Member

Ashford HHC Partners III LP

   DE:    20-0442954    JV Subsidiary    Ashford HHC III LLC      0.1   GP
           

 

Ashford Prime OP

     74.9   LP

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

   MD:    46-2488594    Loan Party    Publicly traded      N/A      Stock

Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership (“Ashford Prime OP”)

   DE:    46-2473800    Loan Party    Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC      0   GP
           

 

Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC

     64.5 %*    LP
           

 

Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership

     20 %*    LP
           

 

Other holders of convertible units

     15.5 %*    LP

Ashford Philadelphia Annex GP LLC

   DE:    45-3844692    Subsidiary    Ashford Prime OP      100   Member

Ashford Philadelphia Annex LP

   DE:    52-2064094    Subsidiary    Ashford Philadelphia Annex GP LLC      0.5   GP
           

 

Ashford Prime OP

     99.5   LP

Ashford Plano-M LP

   DE:    20-8544326    Subsidiary    Ashford Sapphire VII GP LLC      0.5   GP
           

 

Ashford Prime OP

     99.5   LP

Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC

   DE:    46-2483337    Loan Party    Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.      100   Member

Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC

   DE:    46-2496819    Loan Party    Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.      100   Member

Ashford Prime TRS Corporation

   DE:    46-2476437    Loan Party    Ashford Prime OP      100   Stock

Ashford San Francisco II LP

   DE:    20-8544548    Subsidiary    Ashford Sapphire III GP LLC      0.5   GP
           

 

Ashford Prime OP

     99.5   LP

Ashford Sapphire III GP LLC

   DE:    20-8526698    Subsidiary    Ashford Prime OP      100   Member

Ashford Sapphire VII GP LLC

   DE:    20-8529589    Subsidiary    Ashford Prime OP      100   Member

Ashford Seattle Downtown LP

   DE:    20-8544710    Subsidiary    Ashford Sapphire III GP LLC      0.5   GP
           

 

Ashford Prime OP

     99.5   LP

Ashford Seattle Waterfront LP

   DE:    20-8544360    Subsidiary    Ashford Sapphire VII GP LLC      0.5   GP
           

 

Ashford Prime OP

     99.5   LP

Ashford Tampa International Hotel, LP

   DE:    61-1437966    Subsidiary    Ashford Sapphire VII GP LLC      0.5   GP
           

 

Ashford Prime OP

     99.5   LP

Ashford TRS Philadelphia Annex LLC

   DE:    45-3844647    Subsidiary    Ashford Prime TRS Corporation      100   Member

Ashford TRS Sapphire III LLC

   DE:    20-8530480    Subsidiary    Ashford Prime TRS Corporation      100   Member

Ashford TRS Sapphire VII LLC

   DE:    20-8530511    Subsidiary    Ashford Prime TRS Corporation      100   Member

CHH III Tenant Parent Corp.

   DE:    20-0454789    JV Subsidiary    Ashford HHC Partners III LP      100   Stock

CHH Capital Hotel GP LLC

   DE:    20-0442565    JV Subsidiary    Ashford HHC Partners III LP      100   Member

 

Schedule 5.13


Loan Party / Subsidiary / JV Subsidiary

   State    Tax ID #    Entity
Designation
  

Equity Interests Owned By

   Equity
% of
Owner
    Equity
Interest
Type

CHH Capital Hotel Partners LP

   DE:    20-0442871    JV Subsidiary   

CHH Capital Hotel GP LLC

 

Ashford HHC Partners III LP

    

 

 

0.5

 

99.5

 

  GP

 

LP

CHH Capital Tenant Corp.

   DE:    20-0454830    JV Subsidiary    CHH III Tenant Parent Corp.      100   Stock

CHH Torrey Pines Hotel GP LLC

   DE:    57-1194162    JV Subsidiary    Ashford HHC Partners III LP      100   Member

CHH Torrey Pines Hotel Partners LP

   DE:    20-0448951    JV Subsidiary   

CHH Torrey Pines Hotel GP LLC

 

Ashford HHC Partners III LP

    

 

 

0.5

 

99.5

 

  GP

 

LP

CHH Torrey Pines Tenant Corp.

   DE:    20-0454862    JV Subsidiary    CHH III Tenant Parent Corp.      100   Stock

 

* represents approximate percentage as of the closing date.

Part B:

None.

Part C:

 

Loan Party

  

Equity Interests Owned By

   Equity % of
Owner
    Equity
Interest
Type

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

   Publicly traded      N/A      Stock

Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership

  

Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC

Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC

Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership

Other holders of convertible units

    

 

 

 

0

64.5

20

15.5


%* 

%* 

%* 

  GP

LP

LP

LP

Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC

   Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.      100   Member

Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC

   Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.      100   Member

Ashford Prime TRS Corporation

   Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership      100   Stock

Ashford HHC III LLC

   Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership      100   Member

 

Schedule 5.13


Part D:

 

Loan Party

  

State

  

Tax ID #.

  

Chief Executive Office/
Sole Place of Business

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.    MD    46-2488594    14185 Dallas Parkway, STE 1100 Dallas, TX 75254
Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership    DE    46-2473800    14185 Dallas Parkway, STE 1100 Dallas, TX 75254
Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC    DE    46-2483337    14185 Dallas Parkway, STE 1100 Dallas, TX 75254
Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC    DE    46-2496819    14185 Dallas Parkway, STE 1100 Dallas, TX 75254
Ashford Prime TRS Corporation    DE    46-2476437    14185 Dallas Parkway, STE 1100 Dallas, TX 75254
Ashford HHC III LLC    DE    20-8532088    14185 Dallas Parkway, STE 1100 Dallas, TX 75254

 

Schedule 5.13


SCHEDULE 5.17

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MATTERS

None.

 

Schedule 5.17


SCHEDULE 7.09

BURDENSOME AGREEMENTS

None.

 

Schedule 7.09


SCHEDULE 11.02

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S OFFICE,

CERTAIN ADDRESSES FOR NOTICES

BORROWER:

Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Attention: David Brooks

Telephone: 972.778.9207

Telecopier: 972-490-9605

Electronic Mail: dbrooks@ahtreit.com

Website Address: www.ahpreit.com

U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number: 46-2473800

PARENT:

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Attention: David Brooks

Telephone: 972.778.9207

Telecopier: 972-490-9605

Electronic Mail: dbrooks@ahtreit.com

Website Address: www.ahpreit.com

U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number: 46-2488594

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:

Administrative Agent’s Office

(for payments and Requests for Credit Extensions):

Bank of America, N.A.

101 North Tryon St.

Mail Code: NC1-001-05-46

Charlotte, NC 28255

Attention: Markel Richardson

Telephone: 980-386-0944

Telecopier: 704-719-8128

Electronic Mail: markel.richardson@baml.com

Account No.: 1366212250600

Ref: Ashford Hospitality Prime LP

ABA# 026009593

Other Notices as Administrative Agent:

Bank of America, N.A.

Agency Management

101 S Tryon Street

Mail Code: NC1-002-15-36

Charlotte, NC 28255

 

Schedule 11.02 – Page 1


Attention: Mollie S Canup

Telephone: 980-387-5449

Telecopier: 704-409-0011

Electronic Mail: mollie.s.canup@baml.com

L/C ISSUER:

Bank of America, N.A.

Trade Operations

1000 W Temple Street

Mail Code: CA9-705-07-05

Los Angeles, CA 90012-1514

Attention: Stella Rosales

Telephone: 213-417-9484

Telecopier: 888-277-5577

Electronic Mail: stella.rosales@baml.com

SWING LINE LENDER:

Bank of America, N.A.

101 North Tryon St.

Mail Code: NC1-001-05-46

Charlotte, NC 28255

Attention: Markel Richardson

Telephone: 980-386-0944

Telecopier: 704-719-8128

Electronic Mail: markel.richardson@baml.com

Account No.: 1366212250600

Ref: Ashford Hospitality Prime LP

ABA# 026009593

 

Schedule 11.02 – Page 2


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF COMMITTED LOAN NOTICE

Date:             ,         

 

To: Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “ Agreement ;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ”), Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Parent ”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.

The undersigned hereby requests (select one):

 

¨    A Borrowing of Revolving Credit Loans
¨    A conversion or continuation of Revolving Credit Loans
1.    On                                                                   (a Business Day).
2.    In the amount of $                     
3.    Comprised of                                                                              
  

[Type of Loan requested]

4.    For Eurodollar Rate Loans: with an Interest Period of              months.

The Revolving Credit Borrowing requested herein complies with the proviso to the first sentence of Section 2.01 of the Agreement.

 

Exhibit A – Page 1


The Borrower hereby represents and warrants that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) shall be satisfied on and as of the date of the Borrowing.

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
By:  

 

  Name:  
  Title:  

 

Exhibit A – Page 2


EXHIBIT B

FORM OF SWING LINE LOAN NOTICE

Date:             ,         

 

To: Bank of America, N.A., as Swing Line Lender

Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “ Agreement ;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ”), Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Parent ”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.

The undersigned hereby requests a Swing Line Loan:

 

  1. On                                          (a Business Day).

 

  2. In the amount of $         .

The Swing Line Borrowing requested herein complies with the requirements of the provisos to the first sentence of Section 2.04(a) of the Agreement.

The Borrower hereby represents and warrants that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b)  shall be satisfied on and as of the date of the Swing Line Loan.

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
By:  

 

  Name:  
  Title:  

 

Exhibit B – Page 1


EXHIBIT C

FORM OF NOTE

            ,         

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to                      or registered assigns (the “ Lender ”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of each Loan from time to time made by the Lender to the Borrower under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “ Agreement ;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the Borrower, Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Parent ”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.

The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.04(f) of the Agreement with respect to Swing Line Loans, all payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. This Note is also entitled to the benefits of the Guaranty and is secured by the Collateral. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

The Borrower, for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

Exhibit C – Page 1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
By:  

 

  Name:  
  Title:  

 

Signature Page to

Form of Note


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest Paid
This Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance This
Date
  Notation
Made By
           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


EXHIBIT D

FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

Financial Statement Date:             ,         

 

To: Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “ Agreement ;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ”), Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Parent ”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.

The undersigned Responsible Officer hereby certifies as of the date hereof that he/she is the             of the Parent, and that, as such, he/she is authorized to execute and deliver this Certificate to the Administrative Agent on the behalf of the Parent, for itself and on behalf of Borrower, and that:

[Use following paragraph 1 for fiscal year-end financial statements]

1. The Parent has delivered the year-end audited financial statements required by Section 6.01(a) of the Agreement for the fiscal year of the Parent ended as of the above date, together with the report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant required by such section.

[Use following paragraph 1 for fiscal quarter-end financial statements]

1. The Parent has delivered the unaudited financial statements required by Section 6.01(b) of the Agreement for the fiscal quarter of the Parent ended as of the above date. Such consolidated financial statements fairly present the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Consolidated Parties and Controlled JV Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP as at such date and for such period, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.

2. The undersigned has reviewed and is familiar with the terms of the Agreement and has made, or has caused to be made under his/her supervision, a detailed review of the transactions and condition (financial or otherwise) of the Consolidated Parties and Controlled JV Subsidiaries during the accounting period covered by such financial statements.

3. A review of the activities of the Consolidated Parties and Controlled JV Subsidiaries during such fiscal period has been made under the supervision of the undersigned with a view to determining whether during such fiscal period the Consolidated Parties and Controlled JV Subsidiaries performed and observed all its Obligations under the Loan Documents, and

[select one:]

[to the best knowledge of the undersigned, during such fiscal period the Consolidated Parties and Controlled JV Subsidiaries performed and observed each covenant and condition of the Loan Documents applicable to it, and no Default has occurred and is continuing.]

 

Exhibit D – Page 1


—or—

[to the best knowledge of the undersigned, the following covenants or conditions have not been performed or observed and the following is a list of each such Default and its nature and status:]

4. The representations and warranties of the [Borrower and the Parent] contained in Article V of the Agreement and all representations and warranties of any Loan Party that are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection with the Loan Documents, are true and correct on and as of the date hereof, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Compliance Certificate, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b)  of Section 5.05 of the Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) , respectively, of Section 6.01 of the Agreement, including the statements in connection with which this Compliance Certificate is delivered.

5. The financial covenant analyses and information set forth on Schedules 1 attached hereto are true and accurate on and as of the date of this Certificate.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate as of                      ,         .

 

PARENT:
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.
By:  

 

  Name:  
  Title:  
BORROWER:
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
By:  

 

  Name:  
  Title:  

 

Exhibit D – Page 2


For the Quarter/Year ended             ,          (“ Statement Date ”)

SCHEDULE 1

to the Compliance Certificate

($ in 000’s)

 

I.    Section 7.11(a) – Consolidated Tangible Net Worth.   
   A.    Actual Consolidated Tangible Net Worth at Statement Date:   
      1.      Shareholders’ Equity:      $                
      2.      Intangible Assets:      $                
      3.      Accumulated depreciation      $                
      4.      Reversal of any effects of the application of FASB ASC No. 715: Compensation—Retirement Benefits      $                
      5.      Reversal of impact from (i) straight line rent leveling adjustments required under GAAP and (ii) amortization of intangibles pursuant to FASB Statement No. 141      $                
      6.      Consolidated Tangible Net Worth (Line I.A1 minus Line I.A.2 plus Line I.A.3, plus or minus, as applicable , Line I.A.4, plus or minus, as applicable , Line I.A.5):      $                
   B.    $241,431,000   
   C.    75% of increases in Shareholders’ Equity after date of Agreement from issuance and sale of Equity Interests of the Parent:      $                
   D.    Minimum required Consolidated Tangible Net Worth (Lines I.B plus I.C):      $                
   E.    [Excess][Deficiency] for covenant compliance (Line I.A.6 minus I.D):      $                
II.    Section 7.11 (b) – Consolidated Recourse Indebtedness.   
   A.    Consolidated Recourse Indebtedness other than Consolidated Recourse Indebtedness under the Agreement at Statement Date:      $                
      Maximum permitted:      $50,000   
III.    Section 7.11 (c) – Secured Indebtedness on Real Property.   
   A.    As-is appraised value of Real Property securing Secured Indebtedness at Statement Date:      $                
   B.    Maximum Secured Indebtedness on Real Property (Line III.A multiplied by 70%):      $                

 

Schedule 1 to

Compliance Certificate


   C.    Secured Indebtedness secured by Real Property at Statement Date:    $                
   D.    [Excess][Deficiency] for covenant compliance (Line III.C minus III.B):    $                

IV.

   Section 7.11 (d) – Variable Rate Indebtedness.   
   A.    Consolidated Funded Indebtedness at Statement Date:    $                
   B.    Maximum Variable Rate Indebtedness (Line IV.A multiplied by 25%):    $                
   C.    Indebtedness of the Consolidated Parties that accrues interest at a variable rate at Statement Date:    $                
   D.    [Excess][Deficiency] for covenant compliance (Line IV.C minus IV.B):    $                

V.

   Section 7.11 (e) – Consolidated Leverage Ratio.   
   A.    Consolidated Funded Indebtedness at Statement Date:    $                
   B.    Unrestricted Cash:    $                
   C.    EBITDA for the four (4) fiscal quarters ending on the Statement Date (the “ Calculation Period ”):    $                
   D.    Consolidated Leverage Ratio ((Line V.A minus Line V.B) divided by Line V.C):              to 1   
      Maximum permitted Consolidated Leverage Ratio :   

 

     Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio

Period

   At Any Time    During Permitted Non-
Compliance Period
1

Closing Date through November 30, 2014

   7.00 to 1.0    N/A

December 1, 2014 through November 30, 2015

   6.50 to 1.0    7.00 to 1.0

December 1, 2015 and thereafter

   5.75 to 1.0    6.25 to 1.0

 

1   During a Permitted Non-Compliance Period, the Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio (i) shall not exceed 7.00 to 1.0 for the period from December 1, 2014 through November 30, 2015 and (ii) shall not exceed 6.25 to 1.0 at any time thereafter.

 

Schedule 1 to

Compliance Certificate


VI.

   Section 7.11(f) - Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.   
   A.    Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for Calculation Period:    $                
   B.    Consolidated Interest Charges for Calculation Period:    $                
   C.    Scheduled principal payments, etc. for Calculation Period:    $                
   D.    Dividends and distributions, etc. for Calculation Period:    $                
   E.    Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Line VI.A divided by (Line VI.B plus Line VI.C plus Line VI.D)):              to 1   
      Minimum required Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio :   

 

Period

   Minimum Consolidated
Fixed Charge Coverage
Ratio
 

Closing Date through November 30, 2014

     1.15 to 1.0   

December 1, 2014 through November 30, 2015

     1.25 to 1.0   

December 1, 2015 and thereafter

     1.35 to 1.0   

 

Schedule 1 to

Compliance Certificate


EXHIBIT E-1

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

This Assignment and Assumption (this “ Assignment and Assumption ”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [the][each] 2 Assignor identified in item 1 below ([the][each, an] “ Assignor ”) and [the][each] 3 Assignee identified in item 2 below ([the][each, an] “ Assignee ”). [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors][the Assignees] 4 hereunder are several and not joint.] 5 Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (the “ Credit Agreement ”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

For an agreed consideration, [the][each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee][the respective Assignees], and [the][each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor][the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignor’s][the respective Assignors’] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender][their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor][the respective Assignors] under the respective facilities identified below (including, without limitation, the Letters of Credit and the Swing Line Loans included in such facilities 6 ) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)][the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the][any] Assignor to [the][any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii)  above being referred to herein collectively as [the][an] “ Assigned Interest ”). Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the][any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by [the][any] Assignor.

 

1.   Assignor [s]:   

 

  
    

 

  

 

2   For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignor(s), if the assignment is from a single Assignor, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is from multiple Assignors, choose the second bracketed language.
3   For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is to a single Assignee, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language.
4   Select as appropriate.
5   Include bracketed language if there are either multiple Assignors or multiple Assignees.
6   Include all applicable subfacilities.

 

Exhibit E-1 – Page 1


2.   Assignee[s]:   

 

  
    

 

  
[for each Assignee, indicate [Affiliate][Approved Fund] of [ identify Lender ]]
3.   Borrower :    Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership
4.   Administrative Agent : Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement
5.   Credit Agreement : Credit Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2013, among the Borrower, Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Parent ”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer, and Swing Line Lender
6.   Assigned Interest:

 

Assignor[s] 7

   Assignee[s] 8    Aggregate
Amount of
Commitment/Loans
for all Lenders 9
     Amount of
Commitment/Loans
Assigned
     Percentage
Assigned of
Commitment/
Loans 10
    CUSIP
Number
      $                    $                            
      $                    $                            
      $                    $                            

 

[7.   Trade Date:                        ] 11

Effective Date:             , 20         [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]

 

7   List each Assignor, as appropriate.
8   List each Assignee, as appropriate.
9   Amounts in this column and in the column immediately to the right to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.
10   Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.
11   To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignee intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.

 

Exhibit E-1 – Page 2


The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

ASSIGNOR
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]
By:  

 

  Title:  
ASSIGNEE
[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]
By:  

 

  Title:  

 

Signature Page to

Form of Assignment and Assumption


[Consented to and] 12 Accepted:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. , as
Administrative Agent
By:  

 

  Title:  
[Consented to:] 13
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
By:  

 

  Title:  

 

12   To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.
13 To be added only if the consent of the Borrower and/or other parties (e.g., Swing Line Lender, L/C Issuer) is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

Signature Page to

Form of Assignment and Assumption


ANNEX 1 TO ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

1. Representations and Warranties .

1.1. Assignor . [The][Each] Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, (ii) [the][such] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

1.2. Assignee . [The][Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an assignee under Sections 11.06(b)(iii) , (v)  and (vi)  of the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 11.06(b)(iii) of the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by [the][such] Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire [the][such] Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, and (vii) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached hereto is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the][such] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, [the][any] 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 Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

2. Payments . From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [the][each] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [the][the relevant] Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the][the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

 

Annex 1 to

Assignment and Assumption


3. General Provisions . This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

Annex 1 to

Assignment and Assumption


EXHIBIT E-2

FORM OF ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE

(see attached)

 

Exhibit E-2 – Page 1


ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS REPLY FORM
CONFIDENTIAL                            

 

 

FAX ALONG WITH COMMITMENT LETTER TO:

 

I.         Borrower Name:

   Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership
   Credit Agreement   

II.       Legal Name of Lender for Signature Page:

  

 

III.     Name of Lender for any eventual tombstone:

  

 

IV.     Domestic Address:

  

V.       Eurodollar Address:

 

  

 

 

  

 

VI.     Contact Information:

    

Credit Contact

  

Operations Contact

  

Legal Counsel

Name:   

 

  

 

  

 

Title:   

 

  

 

  

 

Address:   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Telephone:   

 

  

 

  

 

Facsimile:   

 

  

 

  

 

E Mail Address   

 

  

 

  

 

    

Bid Contact

  

L/C Contact

  

Draft Documentation Contact

Name:   

 

  

 

  

 

Title:   

 

  

 

  

 

Address:   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Telephone:   

 

  

 

  

 

Facsimile:   

 

  

 

  

 

E Mail Address   

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

LOGO


ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS REPLY FORM

CONFIDENTIAL                             

 

 

 

VII.    Lender’s Fed Wire Payment Instructions:

Pay to:   

 

   (Name of Lender)
  

 

   (ABA#)    (City/State)        
  

 

   (Account #)    (Account Name)
  

 

   (Attention)   
Borrower Name:   

 

  
   $                      Revolving Credit Facility

VIII.  Lender’s Standby L/C Fed Wire Payment Instructions (if applicable):

Pay to:   

 

   (Name of Lender)
  

 

   (ABA#)    (City/State)        
  

 

   (Account #)    (Account Name)
  

 

   (Attention)

IX.     Organizational Structure:

Foreign Br., organized under which laws, etc.   

 

Lender’s Tax ID:   

 

Tax withholding Form Attached (For Foreign Buyers)
[    ]    Form W-9
[    ]    Form W-8
[    ]    Form 4224 effective:                     
[    ]    Form 1001
[    ]    W/Hold      % Effective                     
[    ]    Form 4224 on file with Bank of America from previous current years transaction                     

 

 

 

LOGO


ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS REPLY FORM

CONFIDENTIAL                             

 

 

 

X.       Bank of America Payment Instructions:

Servicing Site:    Charlotte, NC
Pay to:   

Bank of America, N.A.

ABA #026009593

New York, NY

Acct. #1366212250600

F/A: Credit Services, Charlotte

Ref: Ashford Hospitality Prime LP

 

XI.     Name of Authorized Officer:

    

 

Name:     

 

Signature:     

 

Date:     

 

 

 

 

LOGO


EXHIBIT F-1

FORM OF GUARANTY

THIS GUARANTY AGREEMENT (this “ Guaranty ”) is executed as of [            ], 2013, by EACH OF THE ENTITIES LISTED ON SCHEDULE 1 ATTACHED HERETO or who becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 22 below (each a “ Guarantor ” and collectively, the “ Guarantors ”), in favor of Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns, “ Administrative Agent ”), for the benefit of the Credit Parties (hereinafter defined).

RECITALS:

A. Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Borrower ”) may, from time to time, be indebted to the Credit Parties pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, modified, supplemented, or restated from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Borrower, Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“ Parent ”), the Lenders now or hereafter party to the Credit Agreement (the “ Lenders ”), Administrative Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as Swing Line Lender (“ Swing Line Lender ”) and L/C Issuer (“ L/C Issuer ”) (Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender, L/C Issuer, the Lenders, and each Hedge Bank, together with their respective successors and assigns are each a “ Credit Party ,” and collectively the “ Credit Parties ”). Capitalized terms used herein shall, unless otherwise indicated, have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

B. Each Guarantor is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of Parent and will, directly or indirectly, benefit from (i) the Credit Parties’ extensions of credit to Borrower and the other applicable Loan Parties pursuant to the Loan Documents and (ii) the Hedge Banks’ extensions of credit to the applicable Loan Parties pursuant to any Secured Hedge Agreement.

C. This Guaranty is integral to the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, and the execution and delivery hereof is a condition precedent to the Credit Parties’ obligations to extend credit under the Loan Documents.

NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement to (i) the Credit Parties to enter into the Credit Agreement and to make Loans and issue Letters of Credit thereunder and (ii) the Hedge Bank party to any Secured Hedge Agreement to enter into such Secured Hedge Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and legal sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Guarantors hereby jointly and severally guarantee payment of the Guaranteed Obligations (hereinafter defined) and hereby agree as follows:

Section 1. NATURE OF GUARANTY. Each Guarantor hereby absolutely and unconditionally guarantees, jointly and severally, as a guarantee of payment and not merely as a guarantee of collection, prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of any and all existing and future Obligations including, without limitation, all indebtedness and liabilities of every kind, nature and character, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, voluntary or involuntary, of Borrower to the Credit Parties arising under the Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and the Secured Hedge Agreements (including all renewals, extensions, modifications, amendments, and restatements thereof and all costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by any Credit Party in connection with the collection or enforcement thereof) (collectively, the “ Guaranteed Obligations ”) and hereby consents to any extension of the Maturity Date pursuant to Section 2.14 of the Credit Agreement or otherwise. Administrative Agent’s books and records showing the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations under the Loan Documents shall, absent

 

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manifest error, be admissible in evidence in any action or proceeding, and shall be binding upon each Guarantor and conclusive for the purpose of establishing the amount of such Guaranteed Obligations. The amount of any Guaranteed Obligations under any Secured Hedge Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the terms of such Secured Hedge Agreement. This Guaranty shall not be affected by the genuineness, validity, regularity, or enforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or any instrument or agreement evidencing any Guaranteed Obligations, or by the existence, validity, enforceability, perfection, or extent of any collateral therefor, or by any fact or circumstance relating to the Guaranteed Obligations which might otherwise constitute a defense to the obligations of any Guarantor under this Guaranty. The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall be limited to an aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would not render its obligations hereunder subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code (Title 11, United States Code) or any comparable provisions of any applicable state law.

Section 2. REPRESENTATIONS; PAYMENTS . Each Guarantor represents and warrants that it is a limited liability company or limited partnership duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and that it is located in the State of Delaware within the meaning of such term under Section 9-307 of the UCC. All payments by the Guarantor hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Credit Party to whom such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds and in accordance with (a)  Section 2.12(a) of the Credit Agreement, in all circumstances, (b) and Section 3.01 of the Credit Agreement, in the case of payments under the Loan Documents, and (c)  Section 2(d) of any applicable Secured Hedge Agreement on the form of the 1992 ISDA Master Agreement or the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement (or the corresponding provision of any successor master agreement), in the case of payments under any Secured Hedge Agreement.

Section 3. RIGHTS OF CREDIT PARTIES. Each Guarantor consents and agrees that the Credit Parties may, at any time and from time to time, without notice or demand, and without affecting the enforceability or continuing effectiveness hereof: (a) amend, extend, renew, compromise, discharge, accelerate or otherwise change the time for payment or the terms of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof; (b) take, hold, exchange, enforce, waive, release, fail to perfect, sell, or otherwise dispose of any security for the payment of this Guaranty or any Guaranteed Obligations; (c) as between the Guarantors and the Credit Parties, apply such security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as any Credit Party in its sole discretion may determine; and (d) release or substitute one or more of any endorsers or other guarantors of any of the Guaranteed Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor consents to the taking of, or failure to take, any action which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risks of such Guarantor under this Guaranty or which, but for this provision, might operate as a discharge of such Guarantor.

Section 4. CERTAIN WAIVERS. Each Guarantor waives (a) any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of the Borrower, Parent, or any other guarantor, or the cessation from any cause whatsoever (including any act or omission of any Credit Party) of the liability of the Borrower (other than the defense that the Guaranteed Obligations have been performed and indefeasibly paid in cash, to the extent of any such payment); (b) any defense based on any claim that any Guarantor’s obligations exceed or are more burdensome than those of the Borrower; (c) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting any Guarantor’s liability hereunder; (d) any right to require the Credit Parties to proceed against the Borrower, proceed against or exhaust any security for the Indebtedness, or pursue any other remedy in the Credit Parties’ power whatsoever; (e) any benefit of and any right to participate in any security now or hereafter held by the Credit Parties; and (f) to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all other defenses or benefits that may be derived from or afforded by applicable law limiting the liability of or exonerating guarantors or sureties. Each Guarantor expressly waives all setoffs and counterclaims and all presentments, demands for payment or performance, notices of nonpayment or

 

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nonperformance, protests, notices of protest, notices of dishonor or default, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration, and all other notices or demands of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations, and all notices of acceptance of this Guaranty or of the existence, creation or incurrence of new or additional Guaranteed Obligations.

Section 5. OBLIGATIONS INDEPENDENT. The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder are those of primary obligor, and not merely as surety, and are independent of the Guaranteed Obligations and the obligations of any other guarantor, and a separate action may be brought against each Guarantor to enforce this Guaranty whether or not the Borrower or any other person or entity is joined as a party.

Section 6. TERMINATION; REINSTATEMENT. This Guaranty is a continuing and irrevocable guaranty of all Guaranteed Obligations now or hereafter existing and shall remain in full force and effect until all Guaranteed Obligations and any other amounts payable under this Guaranty are indefeasibly paid in full in cash (other than contingent liabilities that survive termination of the Loan Documents and the Secured Hedge Agreements) and any commitments of the Credit Parties or facilities provided by the Credit Parties with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations are terminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Guaranty shall continue in full force and effect or be revived, as the case may be, if any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Guarantor is made, or the Credit Parties exercise their right of setoff, in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Credit Parties in their discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws or otherwise, all as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred and whether or not the Credit Parties are in possession of or have released this Guaranty and regardless of any prior revocation, rescission, termination or reduction. The obligations of each Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive termination of this Guaranty.

Section 7. NO SUBROGRATION. No Guarantor shall exercise any right of subrogation, contribution, or similar rights with respect to any payments it makes under this Guaranty until all of the Guaranteed Obligations and any amounts payable under this Guaranty are indefeasibly paid and performed in full (other than contingent liabilities that survive termination of the Loan Documents and the Secured Hedge Agreements) and any commitments of the Credit Parties or facilities provided by the Credit Parties with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations are terminated. If any amounts are paid to any Guarantor in violation of the foregoing limitation, then such amounts shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Credit Parties and shall forthwith be paid to Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Credit Parties, to reduce the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether matured or unmatured.

Section 8. WAIVER OF SURETYSHIP DEFENSES. Each Guarantor agrees that the Credit Parties may, at any time and from time to time, and without notice to Guarantors under this Guaranty, make any agreement with Borrower or with any other person or entity liable on any of the Guaranteed Obligations or providing collateral as security for the Guaranteed Obligations, for the extension, renewal, payment, compromise, discharge, or release of the Guaranteed Obligations or any collateral (in whole or in part), or for any modification or amendment of the terms thereof or of any instrument or agreement evidencing the Guaranteed Obligations or the provision of collateral, all without in any way impairing, releasing, discharging, or otherwise affecting the obligations of any Guarantor under this Guaranty. Each Guarantor waives any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of Borrower or any other guarantor, or the cessation from any cause whatsoever of the liability of Borrower, or any claim that any Guarantor’s obligations exceed or are more burdensome than those of Borrower and waives the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting the liability of any Guarantor hereunder. Each Guarantor waives any right to enforce any remedy which such Guarantor now has or may hereafter have against Borrower and waives any benefit of and any right to participate in any security now or hereafter held by

 

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Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Credit Parties. Further, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Guarantor consents to the taking of, or failure to take, any action which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risks of such Guarantor under this Guaranty or which, but for this provision, might operate as a discharge of such Guarantor.

Section 9. EXHAUSTION OF OTHER REMEDIES NOT REQUIRED. Each Guarantor waives diligence by any of the Credit Parties and action on delinquency in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof, including, without limitation any provisions of law requiring any Credit Party to exhaust any right or remedy or to take any action against Borrower, any other guarantor, or any other person, entity, or property before enforcing this Guaranty against any Guarantor.

Section 10. SUBORDINATION. Each Guarantor hereby expressly subordinates the payment of all obligations and indebtedness of Borrower owing to such Guarantor, whether now existing or hereafter arising and whether those obligations are (a) direct, indirect, fixed, contingent, liquidated, unliquidated, joint, several, or joint and several, (b) due or to become due to such Guarantor, (c) held by or are to be held by such Guarantor, (d) created directly or acquired by assignment or otherwise, or (e) evidenced in writing (the “ Subordinated Debt ”) to the indefeasible payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations (other than contingent obligation that survive termination of the Loan Documents and the Secured Hedge Agreements). If any Guarantor receives any payment of any Subordinated Debt in violation of the foregoing, then such Guarantor shall hold that payment in trust for the Credit Parties and promptly turn it over to Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Credit Parties, in the form received (with any necessary endorsements), to be applied in accordance with the Credit Agreement, but without reducing or affecting in any manner the liability of any Guarantor under this Guaranty.

Section 11. STAY OF ACCELERATION. In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed, upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, or reorganization of Borrower or any other person or entity, or otherwise, all such amounts shall nonetheless be payable by Guarantors immediately upon demand by Administrative Agent.

Section 12. EXPENSES. Each Guarantor shall pay to Administrative Agent upon demand the amount of any and all costs and expenses, including the reasonable fees and expenses of its counsel and of any experts and agents, that Administrative Agent may incur in connection with the preservation, protection, or enforcement of any rights of any Credit Party under this Guaranty including in any case commenced by or against any Guarantor under the Bankruptcy Code (Title 11, United States Code) or any similar or successor statute. The obligations of Guarantors under the preceding sentence shall survive termination of this Guaranty.

Section 13. AMENDMENTS. No amendment, modification, termination, or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty, and no consent to any departure by any Guarantor from the terms and conditions hereof, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the party or parties against whom enforcement of such amendment, modification, termination, or waiver is sought. Any such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given.

Section 14. NOTICES . Any notice or other communication herein required or permitted to be given shall be sent in writing to the addresses set forth on the signature pages hereof or such other address, if any, as to which the relevant Guarantor may have given notice to the Administrative Agent in accordance with this Section 14 and shall be given and deemed effective in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.02 of the Credit Agreement.

 

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Section 15. NO WAIVER; ENFORCEABILITY. No failure by any Credit Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, remedy or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy or power hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law or in equity. The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision of this Guaranty shall not affect the enforceability or validity of any other provision herein.

Section 16. ASSIGNMENT. This Guaranty shall: (a) bind each Guarantor and its successors and assigns, provided that no Guarantor may assign its rights or obligations under this Guaranty without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent (and any attempted assignment without such consent shall be void); and (b) inure to the benefit of each of the Credit Parties and their respective successors and assigns and the Credit Parties may, without notice to any Guarantor and without affecting any Guarantor’s obligations hereunder, assign or sell participations in the Guaranteed Obligations and this Guaranty, in whole or in part in accordance with the Credit Agreement or the relevant Secured Hedge Agreement, as applicable. Each Guarantor agrees that the Credit Parties may disclose to any prospective purchaser and any purchaser of all or part of the Guaranteed Obligations any and all information in the Credit Parties’ possession concerning any Guarantor, this Guaranty, and any security for this Guaranty.

Section 17. CONDITION OF BORROWER. Each Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that it has the sole responsibility for, and has adequate means of, obtaining from Borrower such information concerning the financial condition, business, and operations of Borrower as Guarantors require, and that no Credit Party shall have any duty, and Guarantors are not relying on any Credit Party at any time, to disclose to Guarantors any information relating to the business, operations, or financial condition of Borrower.

Section 18. RIGHTS OF SETOFF. If and to the extent any payment is not made when due hereunder, then Administrative Agent and each other Credit Party (with the prior consent of Administrative Agent) may setoff and charge from time to time any amount so due against any or all of Guarantors’ accounts or deposits with Administrative Agent or such other Credit Party.

Section 19. OTHER GUARANTIES. Unless otherwise agreed by Administrative Agent and Guarantors in writing, this Guaranty is not intended to supersede or otherwise affect any other guaranty now or hereafter given by Guarantors for the benefit of the Credit Parties or any term or provision thereof.

Section 20. BENEFIT OF GUARANTORS . Each Guarantor represents and warrants that, by virtue of its relationship with Borrower, the execution, delivery and performance of this Guaranty is for the direct benefit of Guarantor and it has received adequate consideration for this Guaranty.

Section 21. LOAN DOCUMENTS . By execution hereof, each Guarantor covenants and agrees that certain representations, warranties, terms, covenants, and conditions set forth in the Loan Documents, including Section 9.11 of the Credit Agreement, are applicable to such Guarantor and shall be imposed upon such Guarantor, and each Guarantor reaffirms that each such representation and warranty relating to such Guarantor is true and correct in all material respects and covenants and agrees to promptly and properly perform, observe, and comply with each such term, covenant, or condition relating to such Guarantor. Moreover, each Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that this Guaranty is subject to the offset provisions of the Loan Documents in favor of the Credit Parties. In the event the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document shall cease to remain in effect for any reason whatsoever during any period when any part of the Guaranteed Obligations remains unpaid, the terms, covenants, and agreements of the Credit Agreement or such other Loan Document incorporated herein by reference shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect as obligations of each Guarantor under this Guaranty. For the sake of

 

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clarity, the agreements of a Guarantor in this Section 21 shall, subject to Section 9.10 of the Credit Agreement, terminate upon the release of such Guarantor in accordance with Section 23 hereof.

Section 22. ADDITIONAL GUARANTORS. The initial Guarantors hereunder shall be the signatories hereto and that are listed on Schedule 1 attached hereto. From time to time subsequent to the time hereof, in accordance with Section 6.12(a)(i) of the Credit Agreement, additional Persons may become parties hereto as additional Guarantors (each an “ Additional Guarantor ”) by executing a counterpart of this Guaranty in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto. Upon delivery of any such counterpart to Administrative Agent, as well as delivery of all other documents set forth in Section 6.12 of the Credit Agreement, notice of which is hereby waived by Guarantors, each such Additional Guarantor shall be a Guarantor and shall be a party hereto as if such Additional Guarantor were an original signatory hereof. Each Guarantor expressly agrees that its obligations arising hereunder shall not be affected or diminished by the addition or release of any other Guarantor hereunder, or by any election by Administrative Agent not to cause any Subsidiary of Parent to become an Additional Guarantor hereunder. This Guaranty shall be fully effective as to any Guarantor that is or becomes a party hereto regardless of whether any such person becomes or fails to become or ceases to be a Guarantor hereunder.

Section 23. RELEASE OF GUARANTORS. Subject to Section 9.10 of the Credit Agreement, a Guarantor may be released from its obligations under this Guaranty by Administrative Agent’s execution of a Release of Guaranty in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto. Each Guarantor expressly agrees that its obligations arising hereunder shall not be affected or diminished by the release of any other Guarantor hereunder.

Section 24. KEEPWELL. Each Guarantor that is a Qualified ECP Guarantor at the time the Guaranty or the grant of the security interest or lien under any Loan Document, in each case, by any Specified Loan Party, becomes effective with respect to any Swap Obligation, hereby jointly and severally, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support to each Specified Loan Party with respect to such Swap Obligation as may be needed by such Specified Loan Party from time to time to honor all of its obligations under this Guaranty and the other Loan Documents in respect of such Swap Obligation (but, in each case, only up to the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering such Qualified ECP Guarantor’s obligations and undertakings under this Section 24 voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). The obligations and undertakings of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section shall remain in full force and effect until the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends this Section to constitute, and this Section shall be deemed to constitute, a guarantee of the obligations of, and a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of, each Specified Loan Party for all purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act. For purposes of this Section 24 , (a) “ Qualified ECP Guarantor ” shall mean, at any time, each Loan Party that qualifies at such time as an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time under §1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act and (b) “ Specified Loan Party ” means any Loan Party that is not an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act (determined prior to giving effect to this Section 24 ).

Section 25. GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; ETC.

(a) GOVERNING LAW. THIS GUARANTY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

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(b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION . EACH GUARANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS GUARANTY OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT ANY CREDIT PARTY MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST ANY GUARANTOR OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

(c) WAIVER OF VENUE . EACH GUARANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN SECTION 25(b) . EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

(d) SERVICE OF PROCESS . EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 11.02 OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT. NOTHING IN THIS GUARANTY WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

(e) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER; AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS GUARANTY AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 25 .

Section 26. COUNTERPARTS . This Guaranty may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.

 

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SECTION 27. FINAL AGREEMENT . THIS GUARANTY AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS CONSTITUTE THE ENTIRE CONTRACT AMONG THE PARTIES RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND SUPERSEDE ANY AND ALL PREVIOUS AGREEMENTS AND UNDERSTANDINGS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Guaranty Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

 

GUARANTORS :
ASHFORD PRIME OP LIMITED PARTNER LLC
ASHFORD PRIME OP GENERAL PARTNER LLC
ASHFORD HHC III LLC
By:  

 

  Name:   David Brooks
  Title:   Vice President
ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION
By:  

 

  Name:   David Kimichik
  Title:   President

Address for each of the foregoing Guarantors:

C/O Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Attention: David Brooks

Telephone: 972.778.9207

Electronic Mail: dbrooks@ahtreit.com

 

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SCHEDULE 1

INITIAL GUARANTORS

Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC

Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC

Ashford HHC III LLC

Ashford Prime TRS Corporation

 

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EXHIBIT A

JOINDER TO GUARANTY AGREEMENT

THIS JOINDER TO GUARANTY AGREEMENT dated as of             , 20     (this “ Joinder ”), executed and delivered by                                         , a                                         (the “ Additional Guarantor ”), in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as Administrative Agent (the “ Administrative Agent ”) for the Credit Parties under that certain Guaranty Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Guaranty ”), relating to, among other things, that certain Credit Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Borrower ”), ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC., a Maryland corporation (“ Parent ”), each lender from time to time party thereto, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and the other parties thereto.

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Administrative Agent and the other Credit Parties have agreed to make available to the Borrower certain financial accommodations on the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement;

WHEREAS, pursuant to any Secured Hedge Agreement the Hedge Bank party to such Secured Hedge Agreement will have agreed to make certain financial accommodations to the Loan Party a party thereto on the terms and conditions set forth in such Secured Hedge Agreement

WHEREAS, the Additional Guarantor is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of Parent and will, directly or indirectly, benefit from (i) the Credit Parties’ extensions of credit to Borrower and the other applicable Loan Parties pursuant to the Loan Documents and (ii) the Hedge Banks’ extensions of credit to the applicable Loan Parties pursuant to any Secured Hedge Agreement and, accordingly, the Additional Guarantor is willing to guarantee the Borrower’s obligations to the Administrative Agent and the other Credit Parties on the terms and conditions contained herein; and

WHEREAS, the Additional Guarantor’s execution and delivery of this Joinder is a condition to the Administrative Agent and the other Credit Parties continuing to make such financial accommodations to the Borrower.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Additional Guarantor, the Additional Guarantor agrees as follows:

Section 1. Accession to Guaranty . The Additional Guarantor hereby (i) agrees that it is a “Guarantor” under the Guaranty and (ii) assumes all obligations of a “Guarantor” thereunder and agrees to be bound thereby, all as if the Additional Guarantor had been an original signatory to the Guaranty. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Additional Guarantor hereby:

(a) irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees the due and punctual payment and performance when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all the Guarantied Obligations (as defined in the Guaranty);

(b) makes to the Administrative Agent and the other Credit Parties as of the date hereof each of the representations and warranties contained in the Guaranty and agrees to be bound by each of the covenants contained in the Guaranty; and

 

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(c) consents and agrees to each provision set forth in the Guaranty.

Section 2. Definitions . Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have their respective defined meanings given them in the Guaranty.

[Signatures on Next Page]

 

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In witness whereof, the undersigned Additional Guarantor has caused this Joinder to be executed and delivered by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.

 

 

[NAME OF ADDITIONAL GUARANTOR]

   By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

[Address of Additional Guarantor:

 

 

 

Attention:  

 

Telephone:  

 

Facsimile:  

 

Electronic Mail:  

]

 

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EXHIBIT B

FORM OF RELEASE OF GUARANTOR

Reference is made to that certain that certain Guaranty Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Guaranty ”) in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as Administrative Agent (the “ Administrative Agent ”) for the Credit Parties, as defined in the Guaranty, relating to, among other things, that certain Credit Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), by and among ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership, as “ Borrower ”, ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC., a Maryland corporation, as “ Parent ”, each lender from time to time party thereto, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and the other parties thereto.

In witness whereof, the undersigned Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Credit Parties, hereby releases and discharges                                          from any and all obligations and liabilities of                                          to the Credit Parties under the Guaranty.

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent

 

By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

 

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EXHIBIT F-2

FORM OF BORROWER GUARANTY

THIS BORROWER GUARANTY AGREEMENT (this “ Guaranty ”) is executed as of [            ], 2013, by ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Guarantor ”), in favor of Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns, “ Administrative Agent ”), for the benefit of the Credit Parties (hereinafter defined).

RECITALS:

A. The Guarantor, as borrower, may, from time to time, be indebted to the Credit Parties pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, modified, supplemented, or restated from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Guarantor, Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“ Parent ”), the Lenders now or hereafter party to the Credit Agreement (the “ Lenders ”), Administrative Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as Swing Line Lender (“ Swing Line Lender ”) and L/C Issuer (“ L/C Issuer ”) (Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender, L/C Issuer, the Lenders, and each Hedge Bank, together with their respective successors and assigns are each a “ Credit Party ,” and collectively the “ Credit Parties ”). Capitalized terms used herein shall, unless otherwise indicated, have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

B. This Guaranty is integral to the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, and the execution and delivery hereof (i) is a condition precedent to the Credit Parties’ obligations to extend credit under the Loan Documents and (ii) will be a condition precedent to the effectiveness of any Secured Hedge Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement to (i) the Credit Parties to enter into the Credit Agreement and to make Loans and issue Letters of Credit to Guarantor thereunder and to extend such credit as the Credit Parties may from time to time agree to extend and (ii) the Hedge Bank party to any Secured Hedge Agreement to enter into such Secured Hedge Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and legal sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Guarantor hereby guarantees payment of the Guaranteed Obligations (hereinafter defined) and hereby agrees as follows:

Section 1. NATURE OF GUARANTY. The Guarantor hereby absolutely and unconditionally guarantees as a guarantee of payment and not merely as a guarantee of collection, prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of any and all existing and future indebtedness and liabilities of every kind, nature and character, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, voluntary or involuntary, of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party (other than the Guarantor) to the Credit Parties arising under the Secured Hedge Agreements (including all renewals, extensions, modifications, amendments, and restatements thereof and all costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by any Credit Party in connection with the collection or enforcement thereof) (collectively, the “ Guaranteed Obligations ”). This Guaranty shall not be affected by the genuineness, validity, regularity, or enforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or any instrument or agreement evidencing any Guaranteed Obligations, or by the existence, validity, enforceability, perfection, or extent of any collateral therefor, or by any fact or circumstance (other than indefeasible performance) relating to the Guaranteed Obligations which might otherwise constitute a defense to the obligations of the Guarantor under this Guaranty.

Section 2. REPRESENTATIONS; PAYMENTS. The Guarantor represents and warrants that it is a limited partnership duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of

 

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Delaware and that it is located in the State of Delaware within the meaning of such term under Section 9-307 of the UCC. All payments by the Guarantor hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Credit Party to whom such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds and in accordance with (a)  Section 2.12(a) of the Credit Agreement, in all circumstances, (b)  Section 3.01 of the Credit Agreement, in the case of payments under the Loan Documents, and (c)  Section 2(d) of any applicable Secured Hedge Agreement on the form of the 1992 ISDA Master Agreement or the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement (or the corresponding provision of any successor master agreement), in the case of payments under any Secured Hedge Agreement.

Section 3. RIGHTS OF CREDIT PARTIES. The Guarantor consents and agrees that the Credit Parties may, at any time and from time to time, without notice or demand, and without affecting the enforceability or continuing effectiveness hereof: (a) amend, extend, renew, compromise, discharge, accelerate or otherwise change the time for payment or the terms of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof; (b) take, hold, exchange, enforce, waive, release, fail to perfect, sell, or otherwise dispose of any security for the payment of this Guaranty or any Guaranteed Obligations; (c) as between the Guarantor and the Credit Parties, apply such security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as any Credit Party in its sole discretion may determine; and (d) release or substitute one or more of any endorsers or other guarantors of any of the Guaranteed Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Guarantor consents to the taking of, or failure to take, any action which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risks of the Guarantor under this Guaranty or which, but for this provision, might operate as a discharge of the Guarantor.

Section 4. CERTAIN WAIVERS. The Guarantor waives (a) any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of the Parent or any other guarantor, or the cessation from any cause whatsoever (including any act or omission of any Credit Party) of the liability of the Guarantor (other than the defense that the Guaranteed Obligations have been performed and indefeasibly paid in cash, to the extent of any such payment); (b) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting the Guarantor’s liability hereunder; (c) any right to require the Credit Parties to proceed against or exhaust any security for the Indebtedness or pursue any other remedy in the Credit Parties’ power whatsoever; (d) any benefit of and any right to participate in any security now or hereafter held by the Credit Parties; and (e) to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all other defenses or benefits that may be derived from or afforded by applicable law limiting the liability of or exonerating guarantors or sureties. The Guarantor expressly waives all setoffs and counterclaims and all presentments, demands for payment or performance, notices of nonpayment or nonperformance, protests, notices of protest, notices of dishonor or default, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration, and all other notices or demands of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations, and all notices of acceptance of this Guaranty or of the existence, creation or incurrence of new or additional Guaranteed Obligations.

Section 5. OBLIGATIONS INDEPENDENT. The obligations of the Guarantor hereunder are those of primary obligor, and not merely as surety, and are independent of the Guaranteed Obligations and the obligations of any other guarantor, and a separate action may be brought against the Guarantor to enforce this Guaranty whether or not any other person or entity is joined as a party.

Section 6. TERMINATION; REINSTATEMENT. This Guaranty is a continuing and irrevocable guaranty of all Guaranteed Obligations now or hereafter existing and shall remain in full force and effect until all Guaranteed Obligations and any other amounts payable under this Guaranty are indefeasibly paid in full in cash (other than contingent liabilities that survive termination of the Loan Documents and the Secured Hedge Agreements) and any commitments of the Credit Parties or facilities provided by the Credit Parties with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations are terminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Guaranty shall continue in full force and effect or be revived, as the case may be, if any payment by or on behalf of the Guarantor is made, or the Credit Parties exercise their right of setoff, in respect of the

 

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Guaranteed Obligations and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Credit Parties in their discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws or otherwise, all as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred and whether or not the Credit Parties are in possession of or have released this Guaranty and regardless of any prior revocation, rescission, termination or reduction. The obligations of the Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive termination of this Guaranty.

Section 7. NO SUBROGRATION. The Guarantor shall not exercise any right of subrogation, contribution, or similar rights with respect to any payments it makes under this Guaranty until all of the Guaranteed Obligations and any amounts payable under this Guaranty are indefeasibly paid and performed in full (other than contingent liabilities that survive termination of the Loan Documents and the Secured Hedge Agreements) and any commitments of the Credit Parties or facilities provided by the Credit Parties with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations are terminated. If any amounts are paid to the Guarantor in violation of the foregoing limitation, then such amounts shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Credit Parties and shall forthwith be paid to Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Credit Parties, to reduce the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether matured or unmatured.

Section 8. WAIVER OF SURETYSHIP DEFENSES. The Guarantor agrees that the Credit Parties may, at any time and from time to time, and without notice to the Guarantor under this Guaranty, make any agreement with any person or entity liable on any of the Guaranteed Obligations or providing collateral as security for the Guaranteed Obligations, for the extension, renewal, payment, compromise, discharge, or release of the Guaranteed Obligations or any collateral (in whole or in part), or for any modification or amendment of the terms thereof or of any instrument or agreement evidencing the Guaranteed Obligations or the provision of collateral, all without in any way impairing, releasing, discharging, or otherwise affecting the obligations of the Guarantor under this Guaranty. The Guarantor waives any right to enforce any remedy which the Guarantor now has or may hereafter have against any other guarantor and waives any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of any other guarantor or the cessation from any cause whatsoever of the liability of the Guarantor and waives the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting the liability of the Guarantor hereunder. The Guarantor waives any benefit of and any right to participate in any security now or hereafter held by Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Credit Parties. Further, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Guarantor consents to the taking of, or failure to take, any action which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risks of the Guarantor under this Guaranty or which, but for this provision, might operate as a discharge of the Guarantor.

Section 9. EXHAUSTION OF OTHER REMEDIES NOT REQUIRED. The Guarantor waives diligence by any of the Credit Parties and action on delinquency in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof, including, without limitation any provisions of law requiring any Credit Party to exhaust any right or remedy or to take any other guarantor, or any other person, entity, or property before enforcing this Guaranty against the Guarantor.

Section 10. SUBORDINATION. The Guarantor hereby expressly subordinates the payment of all obligations and indebtedness of any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations owing to the Guarantor, whether now existing or hereafter arising and whether those obligations are (a) direct, indirect, fixed, contingent, liquidated, unliquidated, joint, several, or joint and several, (b) due or to become due to the Guarantor, (c) held by or are to be held by the Guarantor, (d) created directly or acquired by assignment or otherwise, or (e) evidenced in writing (the “ Subordinated Debt ”) to the indefeasible payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations (other than contingent obligation that survive termination of the Loan Documents and the Secured Hedge Agreements). If the Guarantor receives any payment of any

 

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Subordinated Debt in violation of the foregoing, then the Guarantor shall hold that payment in trust for the Credit Parties and promptly turn it over to Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Credit Parties, in the form received (with any necessary endorsements), to be applied in accordance with the Credit Agreement, but without reducing or affecting in any manner the liability of the Guarantor under this Guaranty.

Section 11. STAY OF ACCELERATION. In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed, upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, or reorganization of any other person or entity, or otherwise, all such amounts shall nonetheless be payable by the Guarantor immediately upon demand by Administrative Agent.

Section 12. EXPENSES. The Guarantor shall pay to Administrative Agent upon demand the amount of any and all costs and expenses, including the reasonable fees and expenses of its counsel and of any experts and agents, that Administrative Agent may incur in connection with the preservation, protection, or enforcement of any rights of any Credit Party under this Guaranty including in any case commenced by or against the Guarantor under the Bankruptcy Code (Title 11, United States Code) or any similar or successor statute. The obligations of the Guarantor under the preceding sentence shall survive termination of this Guaranty.

Section 13. AMENDMENTS. No amendment, modification, termination, or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty, and no consent to any departure by the Guarantor from the terms and conditions hereof, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Administrative Agent and the Guarantor. Any such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given.

Section 14. NOTICES . Any notice or other communication herein required or permitted to be given shall be sent in writing to the address of the Guarantor or Administrative Agent, as applicable, set forth in the Credit Agreement and shall be given and deemed effective in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.02 of the Credit Agreement.

Section 15. NO WAIVER; ENFORCEABILITY. No failure by any Credit Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, remedy or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy or power hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law or in equity. The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision of this Guaranty shall not affect the enforceability or validity of any other provision herein.

Section 16. ASSIGNMENT. This Guaranty shall: (a) bind the Guarantor and its successors and assigns, provided that the Guarantor may not assign its rights or obligations under this Guaranty without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent (and any attempted assignment without such consent shall be void); and (b) inure to the benefit of each of the Credit Parties and their respective successors and assigns under any Secured Hedge Agreement and the Credit Parties may, in accordance with the terms of the Secured Hedge Agreement giving rise to such Guaranteed Obligations, assign or sell participations in the Guaranteed Obligations and this Guaranty, in whole or in part. The Guarantor agrees that the Credit Parties may, in accordance with the terms of the Secured Hedge Agreement giving rise to such Guaranteed Obligations, disclose to any prospective purchaser and any purchaser of all or part of the Guaranteed Obligations any and all information in the Credit Parties’ possession concerning the Guarantor, this Guaranty, and any security for this Guaranty.

Section 17. CONDITION OF OTHER GUARANTORS. The Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that it has the sole responsibility for, and has adequate means of, obtaining from the other guarantors of

 

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the Guaranteed Obligations such information concerning the financial condition, business, and operations of such other guarantors as the Guarantor requires, and that no Credit Party shall have any duty, and the Guarantor is not relying on any Credit Party at any time, to disclose to the Guarantor any information relating to the business, operations, or financial condition of such other guarantors.

Section 18. RIGHTS OF SETOFF. If and to the extent any payment is not made when due hereunder, then Administrative Agent and each other Credit Party (with the prior consent of Administrative Agent) may setoff and charge from time to time any amount so due against any or all of the Guarantor’s accounts or deposits with Administrative Agent or such other Credit Party.

Section 19. OTHER GUARANTIES. Unless otherwise agreed by Administrative Agent and the Guarantor in writing, this Guaranty is not intended to supersede or otherwise affect any other guaranty now or hereafter given by the Guarantor for the benefit of the Credit Parties or any term or provision thereof.

Section 20. BENEFIT OF GUARANTOR . The Guarantor represents and warrants that, by virtue of its relationship with the other Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, the execution, delivery and performance of this Guaranty is for the direct benefit of the Guarantor and it has received adequate consideration for this Guaranty.

Section 21. LOAN DOCUMENTS . By execution hereof, the Guarantor covenants and agrees that certain representations, warranties, terms, covenants, and conditions set forth in the Loan Documents, including Section 9.11 of the Credit Agreement, are applicable to the Guarantor and shall be imposed upon the Guarantor, and the Guarantor reaffirms that each such representation and warranty is true and correct in all material respects and covenants and agrees to promptly and properly perform, observe, and comply with each such term, covenant, or condition. Moreover, the Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that this Guaranty is subject to the offset provisions of the Loan Documents in favor of the Credit Parties. In the event the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document shall cease to remain in effect for any reason whatsoever during any period when any part of the Guaranteed Obligations remains unpaid, the terms, covenants, and agreements of the Credit Agreement or such other Loan Document incorporated herein by reference shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect as obligations of the Guarantor under this Guaranty.

Section 22. KEEPWELL. The Guarantor hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support to each Specified Loan Party with respect to any Swap Obligation as may be needed by such Specified Loan Party from time to time to honor all of its obligations under any Guaranty and the other Loan Documents in respect of such Swap Obligation. The obligations and undertakings of the Guarantor under this Section shall remain in full force and effect until the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full. The Guarantor intends this Section to constitute, and this Section shall be deemed to constitute, a guarantee of the obligations of, and a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of, each Specified Loan Party for all purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act. For purposes of this Section 22 , “ Specified Loan Party ” means any Loan Party that is not an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act (determined prior to giving effect to this Section 22 ).

Section 23. GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; ETC.

(a) GOVERNING LAW. THIS GUARANTY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

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(b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION . THE GUARANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS GUARANTY OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT ANY CREDIT PARTY MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST THE GUARANTOR OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

(c) WAIVER OF VENUE . THE GUARANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN SECTION 23(b) . EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

(d) SERVICE OF PROCESS . EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 11.02 OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT. NOTHING IN THIS GUARANTY WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

(e) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER; AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS GUARANTY AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 23 .

SECTION 24. FINAL AGREEMENT . THIS GUARANTY AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS CONSTITUTE THE ENTIRE CONTRACT AMONG THE PARTIES RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND SUPERSEDE ANY AND ALL PREVIOUS AGREEMENTS

 

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AND UNDERSTANDINGS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned has caused this Borrower Guaranty Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

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EXHIBIT G

FORM OF SECURITY AGREEMENT

THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is dated as of [            ], 2013, and entered into by and between each of the undersigned parties identified as “ Grantors ” on the signature pages hereto and the other Persons who may become Grantors hereunder pursuant to the execution and delivery of a Security Agreement Supplement substantially in the form of Annex 1 hereto (each a “ Grantor ” and collectively, the “ Grantors ”) in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association, as administrative agent for and representative of (in such capacity herein called “ Secured Party ”) the Credit Parties (hereinafter defined).

R E C I T A L S

1. Pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof (as amended, modified, supplemented, renewed or extended, and all restatements thereof and any agreement that refinances the indebtedness thereunder, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Borrower ”), Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation, the Lenders now or hereafter party to the Credit Agreement (the “ Lenders ”), and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender (“ Swing Line Lender ”) and L/C Issuer (“ L/C Issuer ”) (Secured Party, Swing Line Lender, L/C Issuer, the Lenders, and each Hedge Bank, together with their respective successors and assigns are each a “ Credit Party ,” and collectively the “ Credit Parties ”), Secured Party and the other parties thereto have agreed to make available to Borrower certain financial accommodations on the terms and conditions contained in the Credit Agreement.

2. Capitalized terms used herein shall, unless otherwise indicated, have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement as in effect on the date hereof.

3. Each Grantor will, directly or indirectly, benefit from the Credit Parties’ extension of credit to Borrower or an Affiliate of Borrower.

4. The Credit Agreement requires that each Grantor shall grant to Secured Party, for the benefit of the Credit Parties, the Liens contemplated by this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE , for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Grantors and Secured Party agree as follows:

1. Definitions.

(a) As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

Additional Pledged Collateral ” means any Pledged Collateral acquired by any Grantor after the date hereof and in which a security interest is granted pursuant to Section 2 , including, to the extent a security interest is granted therein pursuant to such Section, (i) all additional Indebtedness from time to time owed to any Grantor by any obligor on the Pledged Debt Instruments and the Instruments evidencing such Indebtedness and (ii) all interest, cash, Instruments and other property or Proceeds from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any of the foregoing.

Bankruptcy Code ” means United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq.), as in

 

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effect from time to time, and any successor statute thereto.

Collateral ” means, subject to the last sentence of this definition, with respect to a Grantor, all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest to and under all of the following property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor or in which a Grantor now has or at any time in the future may acquire any right, title or interest, and whether now existing or hereafter arising:

(a) all Deposit Accounts;

(b) all Instruments;

(c) all Securities Accounts;

(d) all books and records pertaining to any property described in this definition;

(e) all Supporting Obligations pertaining to any property described in this definition;

(f) all property of the types described in clauses (a)  through (e)  of this definition of any Grantor held by Secured Party, including all such property, in the possession or custody of or in transit to Secured Party for any purpose, including safekeeping, collection or pledge, for the account of such Grantor or as to which such Grantor may have any right or power; and

(g) to the extent not otherwise included, all Proceeds.

When the term “ Collateral ” is used without reference to a Grantor, then it shall be deemed to be a collective reference to the “ Collateral ” of all Grantors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Collateral shall not include any Equity Interest in any Person that is an Unpledgeable Subsidiary; provided that any “ Collateral ” under and as defined in the Pledge Agreement, which has not been otherwise released pursuant to the provisions thereof, shall constitute Collateral hereunder.

Credit Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.

Deposit Account ” means a deposit account of a Grantor in which such Grantor maintains any reserves for furniture, Fixtures and/or Equipment.

Deposit Account Control Agreement ” means an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Secured Party, entered into by a Grantor, Secured Party and the bank at which such Grantor maintains a Deposit Account giving Secured Party control over such Deposit Account.

Pledged Collateral ” means, collectively, Pledged Debt Instruments, any other Investment Property of any Grantor, all chattel paper, certificates or other Instruments representing any of the foregoing and all Security Entitlements of any Grantor in respect of any of the foregoing in each case, to the extent not excluded from the definition of Collateral pursuant to the last sentence thereof. Pledged Collateral may be General Intangibles, Instruments or Investment Property. Pledged Collateral shall not include any property that constitutes “ Collateral ” under and as defined in the Pledge Agreement.

Pledged Debt Instruments ” means all right, title and interest of any Grantor in Instruments evidencing any Indebtedness owed to such Grantor, including all Indebtedness described on Schedule 1 , issued by the obligors named therein.

 

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Proceeds ” means all proceeds (including proceeds of proceeds) of any of the Collateral including all: (i) rights, benefits, distributions, premiums, profits, dividends, interest, cash, Instruments, Documents, Accounts, contract rights, Inventory, Equipment, General Intangibles, Payment Intangibles, Deposit Accounts, Chattel Paper, and other property from time to time received, receivable, or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for, or as a replacement of or a substitution for, any of the Collateral, or proceeds thereof; (ii) “ proceeds, ” as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(64) of the UCC; (iii) proceeds of any insurance, indemnity, warranty, or guaranty (including guaranties of delivery) payable from time to time with respect to any of the Collateral, or proceeds thereof; and (iv) payments (in any form whatsoever) made or due and payable to a Grantor from time to time in connection with any requisition, confiscation, condemnation, seizure or forfeiture of all or any part of the Collateral, or proceeds thereof.

Secured Obligations ” means any and all existing and future Obligations including, without limitation, all indebtedness and liabilities of every kind, nature and character, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, voluntary or involuntary, of Borrower and any Grantor to the Credit Parties arising under the Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and the Secured Hedge Agreements (including all renewals, extensions, modifications, amendments, and restatements thereof and all costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by any Credit Party in connection with the collection or enforcement thereof).

Securities Account ” means a securities account of a Grantor in which such Grantor maintains any reserves for furniture, Fixtures and/or Equipment.

Securities Account Control Agreement ” means an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Secured Party, entered into by a Grantor, Secured Party and the Securities Intermediary at which such Grantor maintains a Securities Account giving Secured Party control over such Securities Account.

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York; provided , however , to the extent that, by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any of the attachment, perfection, or priority of, or remedies with respect to, Secured Party’s security interest in any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, the term “ UCC ” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such attachment, perfection, priority or remedies and for purposes of definitions related to such provisions.

(b) Terms used herein without definition that are defined in the UCC have the respective meanings given them in the UCC and if defined in more than one article of the UCC, such terms shall have the meaning defined in Article 9 of the UCC, including the following terms (which are capitalized herein):

“Account”

“Certificated Security”

“Chattel Paper”

“Documents”

“Entitlement Holder”

“Entitlement Order”

“Equipment”

“Financial Asset”

“Fixtures”

“General Intangible”

 

Exhibit G – Page 3


“Goods”

“Instrument”

“Inventory”

“Investment Property”

“Securities Intermediary”

“Security”

“Security Entitlement”

“Supporting Obligation”

“Uncertificated Security”

“Payment Intangible”

(c) This Agreement is a Loan Document and is subject to the provisions of Section 1.02 of the Credit Agreement, which provisions are incorporated into this Agreement by reference the same as if set forth in this Agreement verbatim.

2. Grant of Security Interests in Collateral . Each Grantor, as security for the full, prompt and complete payment and performance when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Secured Obligations, hereby mortgages, pledges and hypothecates to Secured Party for the benefit of the Credit Parties, and grants to Secured Party for the benefit of the Credit Parties a lien on and security interest in, all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral of such Grantor.

3. Grantors Remain Obligated . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, (a) each Grantor shall remain liable to observe and perform all the conditions and obligations to be observed and performed by it under each and every contract or other agreement included as part of the Collateral, all in accordance with the terms of each such contract and agreement, (b) no Credit Party shall have any obligation or liability under any contract or other agreement included as part of the Collateral by reason of or arising out of this Agreement or the receipt by any Credit Party of any payment relating thereto, (c) the exercise by Secured Party of any rights under this Agreement or otherwise in respect of the Collateral shall not release any Grantor from its obligations under any contract or other agreement included as part of the Collateral and (d) no Credit Party shall be obligated to take any of the following actions with respect to any contract or other agreement included as part of the Collateral: (i) perform any obligation of any Grantor, (ii) make any payment, (iii) make any inquiry as to the nature or the sufficiency of any payment received by it or as to the sufficiency of any performance by any party, (iv) present or file any claim or (v) take any action to enforce any performance or to collect the payment of any amounts that may have been assigned to it or to which it may be entitled at any time or times.

4. Representations and Warranties . Each Grantor represents and warrants to Secured Party and each other Credit Party as follows:

(a) Title and Liens . Such Grantor is, and will at all times continue to be, the legal and beneficial owner of the Collateral of such Grantor except for Collateral disposed of by such Grantor as expressly permitted by any Loan Document. Not in limitation of the preceding sentence, such Grantor is the Entitlement Holder of all Investment Property held in a Securities Account of such Grantor. None of the Collateral is subject to any adverse claim or other Lien except as expressly permitted by the Credit Agreement.

(b) Authorization . Such Grantor has the right and power, and has taken all necessary action to authorize it, to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement in accordance with its terms. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, including the granting of the security interest hereunder, do not and will not, by the passage of time, the giving of

 

Exhibit G – Page 4


notice, or both: (i) require any authorization, approval, or other action by, or notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or other Person or violate any applicable Law (including any Environmental Law) relating to such Grantor; (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute a default under the organizational documents of such Grantor, or any indenture, agreement or other instrument to which such Grantor is a party or by which it or any of the Collateral of such Grantor or its other property may be bound; or (iii) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any of the Collateral of such Grantor or such Grantor’s other property whether now owned or hereafter acquired.

(c) Validity and Perfection of Security Interest . This Agreement is effective to create in favor of Secured Party, for the benefit of the Credit Parties, a legal, valid and enforceable first-priority security interest in the Collateral. Such security interest will be perfected upon (i) in the case of all Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the UCC, the completion of the filings and other actions specified on Schedule 2 and the recording of the financing statements in the appropriate office, (ii) the delivery to Secured Party of all Collateral consisting of Instruments and Certificated Securities, in each case properly endorsed for transfer in blank, (iii) the execution of Securities Account Control Agreements with respect to Investment Property not in certificated form, and (iv) the execution of Deposit Account Control Agreements with respect to all Deposit Accounts of a Grantor. Except as set forth in this subsection, no action is necessary to perfect the security interest granted by any Grantor under this Agreement. Each such security interest shall be prior to all other Liens on the Collateral.

(d) Jurisdiction of Formation, Locations, Etc. Such Grantor’s jurisdiction of organization, exact legal name, organizational identification number, if any, and the location of such Grantor’s chief executive office or sole place of business, in each case as of the date hereof, is specified on Schedule 3 and such Schedule also lists all jurisdictions of incorporation, legal names and locations of such Grantor’s chief executive office or sole place of business for the five years preceding the date hereof.

(e) Pledged Collateral . All Pledged Collateral and, if applicable, any Additional Pledged Collateral, consisting of Certificated Securities or Instruments has been delivered to Secured Party in accordance with Section 5(f) or (g) .

(f) Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts . Schedule 4 sets forth all Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts maintained by any Grantor on the date hereof or on the date of the delivery of any update to such Schedule pursuant to the terms hereof, which sets forth such information separately for each Grantor.

5. Covenants . Each Grantor hereby unconditionally covenants and agrees as follows:

(a) No Liens, Sale, Etc. Such Grantor shall (i) except for the security interests created by this Agreement or as otherwise expressly permitted by the Credit Agreement, not create or suffer to exist any Lien upon or with respect to any Collateral, (ii) not sell, transfer or assign (by operation of law or otherwise) any Collateral except as expressly permitted under the Loan Documents, and (iii) not enter into any agreement or undertaking restricting the right or ability of such Grantor or Secured Party to sell, assign or transfer, or grant any Lien in, any Collateral except as expressly permitted under the Loan Documents.

(b) Maintenance of Perfection . Such Grantor shall maintain the security interests created by this Agreement as perfected first priority security interests and shall defend such security interests and the priorities of such security interests against the claims and demands of all Persons.

 

Exhibit G – Page 5


(c) Statements of Collateral . Such Grantor shall furnish to Secured Party from time to time statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Collateral and such other reports in connection with the Collateral as Secured Party may reasonably request, all in reasonable detail and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Secured Party.

(d) Changes in Locations, Name, Etc. Unless a Grantor shall have given Secured Party at least 30 days’ prior written notice (or such shorter time as shall be acceptable to Secured Party) and shall have delivered to Secured Party all additional financing statements and other documents reasonably requested by Secured Party to maintain the validity, perfection and priority of the security interests provided for herein, such Grantor shall not do any of the following:

(i) change its jurisdiction of organization or its location, in each case from that referred to in Section 4(d) ; or

(ii) change its legal name or organizational identification number, if any, or corporation, limited liability company or other organizational structure to such an extent that any financing statement filed in connection with this Agreement would become misleading.

(e) Control Agreements . Each Grantor shall obtain and deliver to Secured Party an authenticated Deposit Account Control Agreement, from each bank holding a Deposit Account for such Grantor. Each Grantor shall obtain an authenticated Securities Account Control Agreement from each Securities Intermediary issuing or holding any Securities Account to or for any Grantor.

(f) Pledged Collateral . Within 15 days of any Grantor acquiring possession of any certificates and Instruments representing or evidencing Pledged Collateral (including Additional Pledged Collateral but excluding Pledged Collateral comprised of Equity Interests of any Grantor in any Person which was, but has ceased to be an Excluded Subsidiary), such Grantor shall deliver to Secured Party, all such certificates and Instruments representing or evidencing any Pledged Collateral (including Additional Pledged Collateral), whether now existing or hereafter acquired, in suitable form for transfer by delivery or, as applicable, accompanied by such Grantor’s endorsement, where necessary, or duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Secured Party. While an Event of Default exists, Secured Party shall have the right, at any time in its discretion and without notice to any Grantor, (i) to transfer to or to register in its name or in the name of its nominees any Pledged Collateral and (ii) to exchange any certificate or instrument representing or evidencing any Pledged Collateral for certificates or instruments of smaller or larger denominations. Except as permitted by the Credit Agreement, such Grantor shall not grant control over any Investment Property that is Collateral to any Person other than Secured Party.

(g) Delivery of Instruments . Within 15 days of any Grantor acquiring possession of any Instrument payable to such Grantor, such Grantor shall deliver to Secured Party each such Instrument, duly indorsed in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Secured Party.

(h) Further Assurances . At any time and from time to time, at the request of Secured Party, and at the sole expense of such Grantor, such Grantor shall promptly and duly execute and deliver, and have recorded, such further instruments and documents and take such further action as Secured Party may reasonably request for the purpose of obtaining or preserving the full benefits of this Agreement and of the rights and powers herein granted, including the filing of any financing or continuation statement under the UCC (or other similar laws) in effect in any jurisdiction with respect to the security interests created hereby and the execution and delivery of Securities Account Control Agreements and Deposit Account Control Agreements.

 

Exhibit G – Page 6


6. Remedial Provisions .

(a) General Remedies . While an Event of Default exists, Secured Party may exercise, in addition to all other rights and remedies granted to it in this Agreement and in any other instrument or agreement securing, evidencing or relating to the Secured Obligations, all rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC or any other applicable Law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Secured Party, without demand of performance or other demand, presentment, protest, advertisement or notice of any kind (except any notice required by applicable Law referred to below) to or upon any Grantor or any other Person (all and each of which demands, defenses, advertisements and notices are hereby waived by each Grantor), may in such circumstances forthwith collect, receive, appropriate and realize upon any Collateral, and may forthwith sell, lease, assign, give option or options to purchase, or otherwise dispose of and deliver any Collateral (or contract to do any of the foregoing), in one or more parcels at public or private sale or sales, at any exchange, broker’s board or office of any Credit Party or elsewhere upon such terms and conditions as it may deem advisable and at such prices as it may deem best, for cash or on credit or for future delivery without assumption of any credit risk. Secured Party shall have the right upon any such public sale or sales, and, to the extent permitted by the UCC and other applicable Law, upon any such private sale or sales, to purchase the whole or any part of the Collateral so sold, free of any right or equity of redemption of any Grantor, which right or equity is hereby waived and released by each Grantor. To the extent permitted by applicable Law, each Grantor waives all claims, damages and demands it may acquire against any Credit Party arising out of the exercise by Secured Party of any rights hereunder. If any notice of a proposed sale or other disposition of Collateral shall be required by applicable Law, such notice shall be deemed reasonable and proper if given at least 10 days before such sale or other disposition.

(b) Pledged Collateral . While an Event of Default exists, upon notice by Secured Party to the relevant Grantor or Grantors, (i) Secured Party shall have the right to receive any Proceeds of the Pledged Collateral and make application thereof to the Secured Obligations in the order provided in Section 8.03 of the Credit Agreement and (ii) Secured Party or its nominee may exercise any voting, consent, corporate and other right pertaining to the Pledged Collateral as if Secured Party were the absolute owner thereof, all without liability except to account for property actually received by it; provided , however , that Secured Party shall have no duty to any Grantor to exercise any such right, privilege or option and shall not be responsible for any failure to do so or delay in so doing. In order to permit Secured Party to exercise the voting and other consensual rights that it is entitled to exercise pursuant hereto and to receive all distributions that it is entitled to receive hereunder, (i) each Grantor shall promptly execute and deliver (or cause to be executed and delivered) to Secured Party all such orders and instruments as Secured Party may from time to time request and (ii) without limiting the immediately preceding clause (i) , such Grantor hereby grants to Secured Party an irrevocable proxy to exercise all rights, powers, privileges and remedies to which a holder of the Pledged Collateral would be entitled, which proxy shall be effective, automatically and without the necessity of any action (including any transfer of any Pledged Collateral on the record books of the issuer thereof) by any other Person (including the issuer of such Pledged Collateral or any officer or agent thereof) while an Event of Default exists. Each Grantor hereby expressly authorizes and irrevocably instructs each issuer of any Pledged Collateral pledged hereunder by such Grantor to (x) comply with any instruction received by it from Secured Party in writing that states that an Event of Default exists and is otherwise in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, without any other or further instructions from such Grantor, and each Grantor agrees that such issuer shall be fully protected in so complying and (y) upon receipt of written notice stating that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under and as defined in the Credit Agreement and directing such payment directly to Secured Party, pay any payment with respect to the Pledged Collateral directly to Secured Party.

 

Exhibit G – Page 7


(c) Writ of Possession; Receiver . Each Grantor hereby acknowledges that Secured Obligations arose out of a commercial transaction, and agrees that while an Event of Default exists Secured Party shall have the right to an immediate writ of possession with respect to the Collateral without notice of a hearing or the requirement of posting a bond. Secured Party shall have the right to the appointment of a receiver for the properties and assets of each Grantor, and each Grantor hereby consents to such rights and such appointment and hereby waives any objection such Grantor may have thereto or the right to have a bond or other security posted by Secured Party.

(d) Remedies Cumulative . Each right, power, and remedy of Secured Party as provided for in this Agreement or in the other Loan Documents or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise shall be cumulative and concurrent and shall be in addition to every other right, power, or remedy provided for in this Agreement or in the other Loan Documents or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise, and the exercise or beginning of the exercise by Secured Party, of any one or more of such rights, powers, or remedies shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise by Secured Party of any or all such other rights, powers, or remedies.

(e) Marshaling . Secured Party shall not be required to marshal any present or future collateral security (including but not limited to the Collateral) for, or other assurances of payment of, the Secured Obligations or any of them or to resort to such collateral security or other assurances of payment in any particular order. To the fullest extent that it lawfully may, each Grantor hereby agrees that it will not invoke any applicable Law relating to the marshaling of collateral which might cause delay in or impede the enforcement of Secured Party’s rights and remedies under this Agreement or under any other instrument creating or evidencing any of the Secured Obligations or under which any of the Secured Obligations is outstanding or by which any of the Secured Obligations is secured or payment thereof is otherwise assured, and, to the fullest extent that it lawfully may, each Grantor hereby irrevocably waives the benefits of all such laws.

(f) Application of Proceeds . The proceeds of any sale of the whole or any part of the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement, together with any other moneys held by Secured Party under the provisions of this Agreement, shall be applied in accordance with Section 8.03 of the Credit Agreement. Each Grantor shall remain liable and will pay, on demand, any deficiency remaining in respect of the Secured Obligations.

(g) Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts . Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and for so long as such Event of Default is continuing, Secured Party may (i) instruct the bank at which any Deposit Account is maintained to comply with instructions originated by Secured Party directing disposition of the funds in such Deposit Account without further consent of any Grantor and (ii) instruct the Securities Intermediary at which any Securities Account is maintained to comply with the Entitlement Order originated by Secured Party without further consent of any Grantor.

7. Secured Party Appointed Attorney-in-Fact . Each Grantor hereby constitutes and appoints Secured Party as the attorney-in-fact of such Grantor with full power of substitution either in Secured Party’s name or in the name of such Grantor to do any of the following: (a) to perform any obligation of such Grantor hereunder in such Grantor’s name or otherwise; (b) to ask for, demand, sue for, collect, receive, receipt and give acquittance for any and all moneys due or to become due under and by virtue of any Collateral; (c) to prepare, execute, file, record or deliver notices, assignments, financing statements, continuation statements, applications for registration or like papers to perfect, preserve or release Secured Party’s security interest in the Collateral; (d) to issue Entitlement Orders, instructions and other orders to any bank or Securities Intermediary in connection with any of the Collateral held by or maintained with such bank or Securities Intermediary; (e) to verify facts concerning the Collateral in such Grantor’s name, its own name or a fictitious name; (f) to endorse checks, drafts, orders and other

 

Exhibit G – Page 8


instruments for the payment of money payable to such Grantor, representing any payment in respect of the Collateral or any part thereof or on account thereof and to give full discharge for the same; (g) to exercise all rights, powers and remedies which such Grantor would have, but for this Agreement, with respect to any of the Collateral; and (h) to carry out the provisions of this Agreement and to take any action and execute any instrument which Secured Party may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes hereof, and to do all acts and things and execute all documents in the name of such Grantor or otherwise, deemed by Secured Party as necessary, proper and convenient in connection with the preservation, perfection or enforcement of its rights hereunder; provided , however , Secured Party may only exercise its rights described in the immediately preceding clauses (a) , (b) , (d), (f)  and (g)  if an Event of Default exists; provided , further , that Secured Party will give notice to Borrower as soon as reasonably possible upon its exercise of its rights under the immediately preceding clauses (a)  through (h) , except (1) any such notice regarding the exercise of rights under the immediately preceding clauses (a) , (b) , (d), (f)  or (g)  shall be given if and to the extent required by applicable Law and (2) in no event will the failure to give such have any effect on the validity of the exercise of any such right or give rise to liability on the part of any Credit Party. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as requiring or obligating any Credit Party to make any commitment or to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment received by it, or to present or file any claim or notice, or to take any action with respect to the Collateral or any part thereof or the moneys due or to become due in respect thereof or any property covered thereby, and no action taken by Secured Party or omitted to be taken with respect to the Collateral or any part thereof shall give rise to any defense, counterclaim or offset in favor of any Grantor or to any claim or action against Secured Party. The power of attorney granted herein is irrevocable and coupled with an interest.

8. Secured Party Duties . The powers conferred on Secured Party hereunder are solely to protect Secured Party’s interest in the Collateral, for the benefit of the Credit Parties, and shall not impose any duty upon Secured Party to exercise any such powers. Except for the safe custody of any Collateral in its actual possession and the accounting for moneys actually received by it hereunder, Secured Party shall have no duty as to any Collateral or as to the taking of any necessary steps to preserve rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining to any Collateral. Secured Party shall be deemed to have exercise reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any Collateral in its actual possession if Secured Party accords such Collateral treatment substantially equal to that which Secured Party accords its own property.

9. Authorization of Financing Statements . Each Grantor authorizes Secured Party, and its counsel and other representatives, at any time and from time to time, to file or record financing statements, amendments to financing statements, and other filing or recording documents or instruments with respect to the Collateral in such form and in such offices as Secured Party reasonably determines appropriate to perfect the security interests of Secured Party under this Agreement. Each Grantor hereby also authorizes Secured Party, and its counsel and other representatives, at any time and from time to time, to file continuation statements with respect to previously filed financing statements. A photographic or other reproduction of this Agreement shall be sufficient as a financing statement or other filing or recording document or instrument for filing or recording in any jurisdiction. Each Grantor acknowledges that it is not authorized to file any financing statement or amendment or termination statement with respect to any financing statement filed in connection with this Agreement without the prior written consent of Secured Party, subject to such Grantor’s rights under Section 9-509(d)(2) of the UCC.

10. Amendments . No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement nor consent to any departure by any Grantor herefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the party or parties against whom enforcement of such amendment, modification, termination, or waiver is sought, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided , however , that Schedules to this

 

Exhibit G – Page 9


Agreement may be supplemented through Security Agreement Supplements executed by a Grantor and accepted by Secured Party.

11. Notices . Any notice or other communication herein required or permitted to be given shall be in writing to the addresses set forth on the signature pages hereof and shall be given and deemed effective in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.02 of the Credit Agreement.

12. No Waiver . Neither the failure on the part of any Credit Party to exercise, nor the delay on the part of any Credit Party in exercising any right, power or remedy hereunder, nor any course of dealing between any Credit Party, on the one hand, and any Grantor, on the other hand, shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or remedy hereunder preclude any other or the further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.

13. Binding Agreement; Assignment . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns under the Credit Agreement, except that no Grantor shall be permitted to assign this Agreement or any interest herein or in the Collateral or any part thereof and any such assignment by a Grantor shall be null and void absent the prior written consent of Secured Party.

14. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one and the same instrument; signature pages may be detached from multiple separate counterparts and attached to a single counterpart so that all signature pages are physically attached to the same document.

15. Severability . In case any provision in or obligation under this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

16. Headings . Section and subsection headings in this Agreement are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement for any other purpose or be given any substantive effect.

17. GOVERNING LAW . THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS EXECUTED, AND TO BE FULLY PERFORMED, IN SUCH STATE.

18. LITIGATION; JURISDICTION; OTHER MATTERS; WAIVERS .

(a) EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER; AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED

 

Exhibit G – Page 10


TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 18 .

(b) EACH GRANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT ANY CREDIT PARTY MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST ANY GRANTOR OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

(c) EACH GRANTOR EXPRESSLY WAIVES TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW: (i) ANY CONSTITUTIONAL OR OTHER RIGHT TO A JUDICIAL HEARING PRIOR TO THE TIME SECURED PARTY DISPOSES OF ALL OR ANY PART OF THE COLLATERAL AS PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT; (ii) ALL RIGHTS OF REDEMPTION, STAY, OR APPRAISAL THAT SUCH GRANTOR NOW HAS OR MAY AT ANY TIME IN THE FUTURE HAVE UNDER ANY APPLICABLE LAW NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ENACTED; AND (iii) EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY REQUIRED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR APPLICABLE LAW, ANY REQUIREMENT OF NOTICE, DEMAND, OR ADVERTISEMENT FOR SALE.

(d) THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED BY EACH PARTY WITH THE ADVICE OF COUNSEL AND WITH A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES THEREOF, AND SHALL SURVIVE THE PAYMENT OF THE SECURED OBLIGATIONS AND THE TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.

19. Additional Grantors . If, pursuant to Section 6.12 of the Credit Agreement, Borrower shall be required to cause any Subsidiary that is not a Grantor to become a Grantor hereunder, such Subsidiary shall execute and deliver to Secured Party a Security Agreement Supplement substantially in the form of Annex 1 hereto and shall thereafter for all purposes be party hereto as a “ Grantor ” and have the same rights, benefits and obligations as a Grantor initially party hereto.

20. Termination . Upon indefeasible payment in full of all of the Secured Obligations (other than contingent obligations that survive termination of the Loan Documents) and termination of the Credit Agreement in accordance with its terms, this Agreement shall terminate. Upon termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, Secured Party agrees to take such actions as any Grantor may reasonably request, and at the sole cost and expense of such Grantor, to evidence the termination of this Agreement.

 

Exhibit G – Page 11


21. Continuing Security Interest . This Agreement shall create a continuing security interest in the Collateral and shall remain in full force and effect until it terminates in accordance with its terms.

22. Reinstatement . Each Grantor agrees that, if any payment made by any Loan Party or other Person and applied to the Secured Obligations is at any time annulled, avoided, set aside, rescinded, invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential or otherwise required to be refunded or repaid, or the proceeds of Collateral are required to be returned by Secured Party to such Loan Party, its estate, trustee, receiver or any other party, including any Grantor, under any bankruptcy law or other applicable Law, then, to the extent of such payment or repayment, any Lien or other Collateral securing such liability shall be and remain in full force and effect, as fully as if such payment had never been made or, if prior thereto the Lien granted hereby or other Collateral securing such liability hereunder shall have been released or terminated by virtue of such cancellation or surrender, such Lien or other Collateral shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior cancellation or surrender shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect any Lien or other Collateral securing the obligations of any Grantor in respect of the amount of such payment.

23. Security Interest Absolute . All rights of Secured Party hereunder, the grant of a security interest in the Collateral and all obligations of each Grantor hereunder, shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Loan Document, any agreement with respect to any of the Secured Obligations or any other agreement or instrument relating to any of the foregoing, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of the payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Secured Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from any Loan Document, or any other agreement or instrument relating to any of the foregoing, (c) any exchange, release or nonperfection of any other collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to or departure from any guaranty, for all or any of the Secured Obligations or (d) any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Grantor in respect of the Secured Obligations or in respect of this Agreement (other than the indefeasible payment in full of all the Secured Obligations).

24. Joint and Several Obligations of Grantors . THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE GRANTORS HEREUNDER SHALL BE JOINT AND SEVERAL.

25. Miscellaneous . By acceptance of the benefits hereof, each Credit Party acknowledges and agrees that its rights hereunder are subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement, that the rights, obligations, and liabilities of Secured Party are subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement, and that the Collateral can be released as provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

Exhibit G – Page 12


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , each Grantor has caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.

 

GRANTORS :
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.
By:  

 

  Name:   David Brooks
  Title:   Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
  By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
ASHFORD PRIME OP LIMITED PARTNER LLC
ASHFORD PRIME OP GENERAL PARTNER LLC
ASHFORD HHC III LLC
By:  

 

  Name:   David Brooks
  Title:   Vice President
ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION
By:  

 

  Name:   David Kimichik
  Title:   President

Address for each of the foregoing Grantors:

C/O Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Attention: David Brooks

Telephone: 972.778.9207

Electronic Mail: dbrooks@ahtreit.com

 

Exhibit G – Page 13


Agreed to, accepted and acknowledged as of the date first written above.

 

SECURED PARTY :
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. , a national banking association
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

Notice Address:

Bank of America, N.A.

101 S Tryon Street

Mail Code: NC1-002-15-36

Charlotte, NC 28255

Attention: Mollie S Canup

Telephone: 980-387-5449

Facsimile: 704-409-0011

Electronic Mail: mollie.s.canup@baml.com

 

Exhibit G – Page 14


SCHEDULE 1

Pledged Debt Instruments

None.

 

Exhibit G – Page 15


SCHEDULE 2

Necessary Filings

UCC Financing Statement Filings:

 

Grantor

  

Jurisdiction Where to be

Filed

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

   MD

Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership

   DE

Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC

   DE

Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC

   DE

Ashford Prime TRS Corporation

   DE

Ashford HHC III LLC

   DE

 

Exhibit G – Page 16


SCHEDULE 3

Jurisdictions of Organization, Names, Organizational ID Numbers, Locations, Etc.

 

Grantor (Exact Legal Name)

  

Jurisdiction of

Formation

  

Org ID No.

  

Chief Executive Office/Sole

Place of Business

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.    MD    D15174170   

14185 Dallas Parkway, STE 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership    DE    5314751   

14185 Dallas Parkway, STE 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC    DE    5314745   

14185 Dallas Parkway, STE 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC    DE    5314749   

14185 Dallas Parkway, STE 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Ashford Prime TRS Corporation    DE    5314759   

14185 Dallas Parkway, STE 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Ashford HHC III LLC    DE    4305154   

14185 Dallas Parkway, STE 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

 

Exhibit G – Page 17


SCHEDULE 4

Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts

None.

 

Exhibit G – Page 18


ANNEX 1 TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

FORM OF SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT

THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT dated as of [            ], 20[    ] (this “ Supplement ”) is executed and delivered by [                     ] , a [                    ] (the “ New Grantor ”) in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association (the “ Secured Party ”).

WHEREAS, to secure obligations owing by certain parties under the Credit Agreement (defined below), the other Loan Documents, and any Secured Hedge Agreement, Borrower and the other “ Grantors ” thereunder have executed and delivered that certain Security Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Security Agreement ”) in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent for and representative of (in such capacity the “ Secured Party ”) for the Credit Parties under the Security Agreement, relating to, among other things, that certain Credit Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Borrower ”), ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC., a Maryland corporation, each lender from time to time party thereto, the Secured Party, as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and the other parties thereto;

WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the continued extension by the Credit Parties and the Secured Party of such financial accommodations that the New Grantor execute this Supplement to become a party to the Security Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the New Grantor, the New Grantor hereby agrees as follows:

Section 1. Accession to Security Agreement; Grant of Security Interest . The New Grantor agrees that it is a “ Grantor ” under the Security Agreement and assumes all obligations of a “ Grantor ” thereunder, all as if the New Grantor had been an original signatory to the Security Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the New Grantor hereby:

(a) mortgages, pledges and hypothecates to the Secured Party for the benefit of the Credit Parties, and grants to the Secured Party for the benefit of the Credit Parties a lien on and security interest in, all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral of such Grantor, all as collateral security for the full, prompt and complete payment and performance when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Secured Obligations;

(b) makes to the Secured Party and the other Credit Parties as of the date hereof each of the representations and warranties contained in Section 4 of the Security Agreement and agrees to be bound by each of the covenants contained in the Security Agreement, including without limitation, those contained in Section 5 thereof; and

(c) consents and agrees to each other provision set forth in the Security Agreement.

Section 2. Supplement to Schedules . The information set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto is hereby added to the information set forth in Schedules 1 through 4 of the Security Agreement.

 

Exhibit G – Page 19


Section 3. GOVERNING LAW . THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS EXECUTED, AND TO BE FULLY PERFORMED, IN SUCH STATE.

Section 4. Definitions . Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have their respective defined meanings given them in the Security Agreement.

[Signatures on Next Page]

 

Exhibit G – Page 20


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Grantor has caused this Security Agreement Supplement to be duly executed and delivered under seal by its duly authorized officers as of the date first written above.

 

[NEW GRANTOR]
By:  

 

Name: Title:  

 

Address for Notices:

 

Attention:  

 

Telecopy Number:  

 

Telephone Number:  

 

Accepted:

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. , a national banking association
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

Exhibit G – Page 21


ANNEX 1

[Set forth information to be disclosed on Schedules 1 through 4

with respect to the New Grantor]

This Annex shall be deemed to be a supplement to Schedules 1 through 4 attached to the Security Agreement.

 

Exhibit G – Page 22


EXHIBIT H

FORM OF PLEDGE AGREEMENT

THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is dated as of [            ], 2013, and entered into by and between ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Borrower ”), ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC., a Maryland corporation (“ Parent ”), and those subsidiaries of Parent listed on the signature pages hereof or which may hereafter become a party hereto pursuant to Section 16 (each of which is a “ Pledgor Subsidiary ;” and Borrower, Parent, and each Pledgor Subsidiary are each a “ Pledgor ” and collectively, “ Pledgors ”), the Issuers (as hereinafter defined) party hereto, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association, as administrative agent for and representative of (in such capacity herein called “ Secured Party ”) the Credit Parties (hereinafter defined).

R E C I T A L S

1. Reference is hereby made to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, modified, supplemented, renewed or extended, and all restatements thereof and any agreement that refinances the indebtedness thereunder, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Borrower, Parent, the Lenders now or hereafter party to the Credit Agreement (the “ Lenders ”), and Secured Party, as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender (“ Swing Line Lender ”) and L/C Issuer (“ L/C Issuer ”) (Secured Party, Swing Line Lender, L/C Issuer, the Lenders, and each Hedge Bank, together with their respective successors and assigns are each a “ Credit Party ,” and collectively the “ Credit Parties ”).

2. Capitalized terms used herein shall, unless otherwise indicated, have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement as in effect on the date hereof.

3. Each Pledgor is the legal and beneficial owner of (a) the Pledged Shares (as defined herein), and (b) the Pledged Interests (as defined herein), in each case, described as owned by such Pledgor on Schedule 1 hereto.

4. Each Pledgor will, directly or indirectly, benefit from the Credit Parties’ extension of credit to Borrower or an Affiliate of Borrower.

5. The Credit Agreement requires that each Pledgor shall grant to Secured Party, for the benefit of the Credit Parties, the Liens contemplated by this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE , for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Pledgors and Issuers party hereto hereby agree with Secured Party, for the benefit of the Credit Parties, as follows:

1. Definitions . As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

Article 8 Opt-In Provisions ” means the provisions, if any, in the applicable Formation Agreements of an Issuer stating that the equity interests of such Issuer are securities governed by Article 8 of the applicable UCC.

Credit Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.

 

Exhibit H – Page 1


Issuer ” means a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company that has issued or will issue any Equity Interest included in the Collateral, including, without limitation, each of the entities listed as an “ issuer ” on Schedule 1 hereto.

Pledged Interests ” means all of each Pledgor’s partnership interests in limited partnerships or general partnerships, as the case may be, and membership interests in limited liability companies, if any, described as owned by such Pledgor in Part B of Schedule 1 attached hereto, including, without limitation (i) all of each Pledgor’s right, title, and interest now or hereafter accruing under any limited liability company agreement, operating agreement, or partnership agreement (any such agreement being a “ Pledged Interest Formation Agreement ”) with respect to any interest now owned or hereafter acquired or owned by such Pledgor in the issuer of such Pledged Interests, and (ii) all distributions, proceeds, fees, preferences, payments, or other benefits, which each Pledgor now is or may hereafter become entitled to receive with respect to such interests in the issuer of such Pledged Interests and with respect to the repayment of all loans now or hereafter made by such Pledgor to the issuer of such Pledged Interests, and such Pledgor’s undivided percentage interest in the assets of the issuer of such Pledged Interests.

Pledged Shares ” means the shares of stock described as owned by such Pledgor in Part A of Schedule 1 attached hereto and issued by the corporations named therein, including, without limitation, (i) all of each Pledgor’s right, title, and interest now or hereafter accruing under any bylaws (any such agreement being a “ Pledged Share Formation Agreement ”, and together with the Pledged Interest Formation Agreement, the “Formation Agreements ”), shareholders’ agreement, or other material agreement with respect to any interest now owned or hereafter acquired or owned by such Pledgor in the issuer of such Pledged Shares, and (ii) all distributions, proceeds, fees, preferences, payments, or other benefits, which each Pledgor now is or may hereafter become entitled to receive with respect to such interests in the issuer of such Pledged Shares and with respect to the repayment of all loans now or hereafter made by such Pledgor to the issuer of such Pledged Shares, and such Pledgor’s undivided percentage interest in the assets of the issuer of such Pledged Shares.

2. Pledge of Security . Each Pledgor hereby pledges and assigns to Secured Party, for the benefit of the Credit Parties, and hereby grants to Secured Party, for the benefit of the Credit Parties, a security interest in, all of such Pledgor’s right, title, and interest in and to the following (the “ Collateral ”):

(a) the Pledged Shares and the certificates representing the Pledged Shares and any interest or securities entitlement of such Pledgor in the entries on the books of any financial or securities intermediary pertaining to the Pledged Shares;

(b) the Pledged Interests, including without limitation all of such Pledgor’s right, title, and interest as a partner in the issuer of such Pledged Interests (if it is a partnership) or as a member of the issuer of such Pledged Interests (if it is a limited liability company);

(c) all additional shares of, and all securities convertible into and warrants, options, and other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire, stock of any issuer of the Pledged Shares from time to time acquired by such Pledgor in any manner (which shares shall be deemed to be part of the Pledged Shares), the certificates or other instruments representing such additional shares, securities, warrants, options, or other rights and any interest of such Pledgor in the entries on the books of any financial intermediary pertaining to such additional shares;

(d) all distribution rights, income rights, liquidation interests, accounts, contract rights, general intangibles, notes, instruments, drafts, and documents relating to the Pledged Shares or the Pledged Interests, including, without limitation, all dividends, cash, warrants, rights, instruments, and

 

Exhibit H – Page 2


other property or proceeds from time to time received or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of the Collateral;

(e) to the extent attributable to the Pledged Shares or the Pledged Interests, all promissory notes, notes receivable, accounts, accounts receivable, and instruments owned or held by any Pledgor or, in which any Pledgor owns or holds an interest, evidencing obligations of the issuer of the Equity Interests included in such Pledged Shares or Pledged Interests;

(f) all Liens, security interests, collateral, property, and assets securing any of the promissory notes, notes receivable, instruments, accounts receivable, and other claims and interests described in clause (e)  above;

(g) all books, files, computer records, computer software, electronic information, and other files, records, or information relating to any or all of the foregoing, including, without limitation, all of such Pledgor’s right, title and interest in and to all stock or other ownership record books relating to any of the Collateral; and

(h) all substitutions, replacements, products, proceeds, income, and profits arising from any of the foregoing, including, without limitation, insurance proceeds. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ proceeds ” includes whatever is receivable or received when Collateral or proceeds are sold, exchanged, collected, or otherwise disposed of, whether such disposition is voluntary or involuntary, and includes, without limitation, proceeds of any indemnity or guaranty payable to such Pledgor or Secured Party from time to time with respect to any of the Collateral.

3. Security for Obligations . This Agreement secures, and the Collateral is collateral security for, the prompt payment or performance in full when due, whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, declaration, acceleration, demand, or otherwise (including the payment of amounts that would become due but for the operation of the automatic stay under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. §362(a)), of all of the Obligations and all renewals or extensions thereof, whether for principal, interest (including without limitation interest that, but for the filing of a petition in bankruptcy with respect to any Pledgor, would accrue on such obligations), fees, expenses, indemnities, or otherwise, whether voluntary or involuntary, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, whether or not jointly owed with others, and whether or not from time to time decreased or extinguished and later increased, created, or incurred, and all or any portion of such obligations or liabilities that are paid, to the extent all or any part of such payment is avoided or recovered directly or indirectly from Secured Party or any other Credit Party as a preference, fraudulent transfer, or otherwise (all such obligations and liabilities being the “ Underlying Debt ”), and all payment obligations of each Pledgor now or hereafter existing under Section 14 of this Agreement (all such obligations of Pledgors, together with the Underlying Debt, being the “ Secured Obligations ”).

4. Delivery of Collateral . All certificates or instruments representing or evidencing the Collateral shall be delivered to and held by or on behalf of Secured Party pursuant hereto and shall be in suitable form for transfer by delivery or, as applicable, shall be accompanied by the applicable Pledgor’s endorsement, where necessary, or duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank, all in form and substance satisfactory to Secured Party. Secured Party shall have the right, at any time after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, and without notice to any Pledgor, to transfer to or to register in the name of Secured Party or any of its nominees any or all of the Collateral, subject only to the revocable rights specified in Section 8(a) . In addition, Secured Party shall have the right at any time after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default to exchange certificates or instruments representing or evidencing Collateral for certificates or instruments of smaller

 

Exhibit H – Page 3


or larger denominations.

5. Consent . To the extent the consent of a Pledgor or Issuer party hereto, whether in its capacity as a partner, member, general partner, managing member, shareholder, issuer, or otherwise, is required for the transfer, conveyance, or encumbrance of all or any portion of the Pledged Interests in any partnership or limited liability company, such Pledgor or Issuer hereby irrevocably (a) consents to the grant of the security interests by all applicable Pledgors described in this Pledge Agreement, (b) consents to the transfer or conveyance of the Collateral pursuant to Secured Party’s exercise of its rights and remedies under this Pledge Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, at law or in equity, (c) consents to the admission of Secured Party or any Persons designated by Secured Party, their nominees, or any other transferee of any Collateral as a partner (including as the general partner) or member (including as the managing member) of such partnership or limited liability company, and (d) agrees that all terms and conditions in the Organization Documents of such Issuer applicable to the pledge of any Collateral, the enforcement thereof, the transfer of any Collateral or the admission of Secured Party or any Persons designated by Secured Party, their nominees, or any other transferee of any Collateral as a partner (including as the general partner) or member (including as the managing member) of such partnership or limited liability company have been satisfied or waived in connection with Secured Party’s exercise of its rights and remedies under this Pledge Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Prime GP ”) hereby consents to the pledge by Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Prime LP ”) of equity interests in Borrower. In the event of a foreclosure or conveyance in lieu thereof or other transfer to a third party purchaser by Secured Party, Prime GP hereby acknowledges and agrees that Secured Party or any other such transferee will become a Substitute Limited Partner (as such term is defined in the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Borrower (the “ Borrower Partnership Agreement ”)) for all purposes under the Borrower Partnership Agreement; provided that, in the case of any third party purchaser, such transferee becoming a Substitute Limited Partner shall be subject to Section 9.5(b) and 9.11 of the Borrower Partnership Agreement.

6. Representations and Warranties . Each Pledgor represents and warrants, as of the date hereof, that:

(a) Due Authorization, etc. of Collateral . All stock, limited liability company membership interests, and partnership interests included in the Pledged Shares and Pledged Interests have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable.

(b) Description of Collateral .

(i) The Pledged Shares and Pledged Interests constitute all of the issued and outstanding stock, limited liability company membership interests, and partnership interests in the Issuers (other than the Borrower and any Issuer that is a JV Subsidiary).

(ii) There are no outstanding warrants, options or other rights to purchase, or other agreements outstanding with respect to, or property that is now or hereafter convertible into, or that requires the issuance or sale of, any stock, limited liability company membership interests, or partnership interests in the Issuers.

(c) Ownership of Collateral . Each Pledgor is the legal, record, and beneficial owner of the Collateral listed next to its name on Schedule 1 , free and clear of any Lien except for the Lien created by the Loan Documents.

(d) Governmental Authorizations . No authorization, approval, or other action by, and no

 

Exhibit H – Page 4


notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority is required for either (i) the pledge by any Pledgor of the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement and the grant by any Pledgor of the Lien granted hereby, (ii) the execution, delivery, or performance of this Agreement by any Pledgor, or (iii) the exercise by Secured Party of the voting or other rights, or the remedies in respect of the Collateral, provided for in this Agreement (except as may be required in connection with a disposition of Collateral by laws affecting the offering and sale of securities generally).

(e) Perfection . Upon execution of this Agreement and (i) an appropriate financing statement by each Pledgor and the recording of the financing statement in the appropriate office, or (ii) the establishment of “control” (within the meaning of Article 8 or Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code , as adopted in the State of New York (the “ UCC ”)) over any portion of the Collateral constituting Certificated Securities or Uncertificated Securities (each as defined in the UCC), as applicable, Secured Party will have a valid and perfected first priority Lien in the Collateral, securing the payment of the Secured Obligations.

(f) Margin Regulations . The pledge of the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement does not violate Regulation T, U , or X of the FRB.

(g) Organization Documents . Each Pledgor acknowledges and represents that no default or event which, with the giving of notice or the passage of time, could become a default has occurred as to such Pledgor under each applicable Organization Document of the issuer of any Equity Interest included in the Collateral, and all capital contributions required of such Pledgor pursuant to the such Organization Documents as of the date hereof have been made, and such Pledgor has no further obligation to contribute capital to any of Parent, Borrower, or Prime GP.

7. Assurances and Covenants of each Pledgor and each Issuer party hereto .

(a) Transfers and Other Liens . No Pledgor shall:

(i) sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise), pledge, or hypothecate or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option with respect to, any of the Collateral except for the Lien created under the Loan Documents; provided that each Pledgor may sell or dispose of any Collateral so long as such sale or disposition is not otherwise prohibited pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and upon such permitted sale or disposition any assets so sold or disposed as permitted by this Section 7(a) shall be released from the Lien of this Agreement as provided in Section 17 provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to limit such Pledgor’s rights under Section 8(a)(ii) hereof; or

(ii) create or suffer to exist any Lien upon or with respect to any of the Collateral, except for the Liens created under the Loan Documents and, to the extent that the allocation provisions in the Organization Documents of any JV Subsidiary constitute a Lien, except for any such Lien.

(b) Additional Collateral . (i) Parent shall cause each of Prime GP and Prime LP not to issue any stock or other securities in addition to or in substitution for the Pledged Shares or Pledged Interests issued by such Issuer, except to Parent, (ii) Borrower shall cause Ashford Prime TRS Corporation, a Delaware corporation, not to issue any stock or other securities in addition to or in substitution for the Pledged Shares or Pledged Interests issued by such Issuer, except to Borrower, and (iii) each Pledgor shall pledge hereunder pursuant to Section 7(d) , (A) promptly upon its acquisition (directly or indirectly) thereof, any and all additional shares of stock or other securities or interests of each

 

Exhibit H – Page 5


issuer of Pledged Shares or Pledged Interests and (B) promptly upon the issuer of any Equity Interests that it owns in any Person who was an Unpledgeable Subsidiary ceasing to be an Unpledgeable Subsidiary, any and all of its shares of stock or other securities or interests of such issuer.

(c) Pledge Amendments . Each Pledgor shall, upon obtaining any additional shares of stock or other securities or interests required to be pledged hereunder as provided in Sections 7(b) and upon determining that any Person in which it holds any shares of stock or other securities or interests is no longer an Unpledgeable Subsidiary, promptly (and in any event on or before thirty (30) days after obtaining such securities) deliver to Secured Party a Pledge Amendment, duly executed by such Pledgor and Issuer, as applicable, in substantially the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (a “ Pledge Amendment ”), as well as all certificates and instruments representing shares of stock or other equity interests, if any, in accordance with Section 6.12(a)(iii) of the Credit Agreement, in respect of the additional Pledged Shares or Pledged Interests to be pledged pursuant to this Agreement. Each Pledgor hereby authorizes Secured Party to attach each Pledge Amendment to this Agreement and agrees that all Pledged Shares listed on any Pledge Amendment delivered to Secured Party shall for all purposes hereunder be considered Collateral; provided that, the failure of any Pledgor to execute a Pledge Amendment with respect to any additional Pledged Shares pledged pursuant to this Agreement shall not impair the Lien of Secured Party therein or otherwise adversely affect the rights and remedies of Secured Party hereunder with respect thereto.

(d) Further Assurances Perfection . Each Pledgor shall from time to time, at the expense of Pledgors, promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and documents, and take all further action, that may be necessary or desirable, or that Secured Party may reasonably request, in order to perfect and protect any Lien granted or purported to be granted hereby or to enable Secured Party to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder with respect to any Collateral. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Pledgor will:

(i) authenticate and file, or authorize Secured Party to file, such financing or continuation statements, or amendments thereto, and such other instruments or notices, as may be necessary or desirable, or as Secured Party may reasonably request, in order to perfect and preserve the Liens granted or purported to be granted hereby; and

(ii) at Secured Party’s request, appear in and defend any action or proceeding that may affect any Pledgor’s title to or Secured Party’s Lien in all or any part of the Collateral.

(e) Authorization to File Financing Statements .

(i) Each Pledgor hereby authorizes Secured Party to file one or more financing or continuation statements, and amendments thereto, relative to and limited to all or any part of the Collateral, in such filing offices as Secured Party shall deem appropriate, and shall pay Secured Party’s reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith.

(ii) Each Pledgor hereby further authorizes Secured Party to file one or more financing or continuation statements, and amendments thereto, relative to and limited to all or any part of the Collateral without the signature of such Pledgor, and each Pledgor agrees that a carbon, photographic, or other reproduction of this Agreement or of a financing statement authenticated by such Pledgor shall be sufficient as a financing statement and may be filed as a financing statement in any and all jurisdictions.

(f) Organization Documents . Subject to Section 5 of this Agreement, each Pledgor shall, at its expense, maintain each applicable Organization Document of the issuer of any Equity Interest

 

Exhibit H – Page 6


included in the Collateral in full force and effect, without any cancellation, termination, amendment, supplement, or other modification of such Organization Document, except as explicitly required by its terms (as in effect on the date hereof), except for amendments, supplements or other modifications that do not materially adversely affect the interests of the Credit Parties in any material respect and except for Organization Documents in respect of Pledged Shares or Pledged Interests of partnerships or limited liability companies that have been released from this Agreement under Section 17.

8. Voting Rights; Dividends; Etc.

(a) So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing:

(i) each Pledgor shall be entitled to exercise any and all voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the Collateral or any part thereof for any purpose not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or the Loan Documents;

(ii) each Pledgor shall be entitled to receive and retain, and to utilize free and clear of the Lien of this Agreement, any and all dividends, cash, warrants, rights, instruments, and other property or proceeds from time to time received or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any Collateral; provided, however , that any and all such dividends, distributions, property or proceeds paid or payable on the Collateral in the form of additional securities of an Issuer shall be, and shall forthwith be delivered to Secured Party to hold as Collateral and shall, if received by any Pledgor, be received in trust for the benefit of Secured Party, be segregated from the other property or funds of such Pledgor and be forthwith delivered to Secured Party as Collateral in the same form as so received (with all necessary endorsements); and

(iii) Secured Party shall promptly execute and deliver (or cause to be executed and delivered) to Pledgors all such proxies, dividend payment orders, and other instruments as any Pledgor may from time to time reasonably request for the purpose of enabling such Pledgor to exercise the voting and other consensual rights which it is entitled to exercise pursuant to paragraph (i) above and to receive the dividend payments which it is authorized to receive and retain pursuant to paragraph (ii) above.

(b) Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default:

(i) upon written notice from Secured Party to Pledgors, all rights of any Pledgor to exercise the voting and other consensual rights which it would otherwise be entitled to exercise pursuant to Section 8(a)(i) in respect of any Issuer party hereto shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in Secured Party who shall thereupon have the sole right to exercise such voting and other consensual rights;

(ii) all rights of any Pledgor to receive the dividends, cash, warrants, rights, instruments, and other property or proceeds in respect of or in exchange for any Collateral which it would otherwise be authorized to receive and retain pursuant to Section 8(a)(ii) shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in Secured Party who shall thereupon have the sole right to receive and hold as Collateral such dividend payments; and

(iii) all dividends, cash, warrants, rights, instruments, and other property or proceeds in respect of or in exchange for any Collateral which are received by any Pledgor contrary to the provisions of paragraph (ii)  of this Section 8(b) shall be received in trust for the benefit of Secured Party, shall be segregated from other funds of such Pledgor and shall forthwith be paid

 

Exhibit H – Page 7


over to Secured Party as Collateral in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsements).

(c) In order to permit Secured Party to exercise the voting and other consensual rights in respect of Pledged Shares which it may be entitled to exercise pursuant to Section 8(b)(i) in respect of any Issuer party hereto and to receive all dividends and other distributions which it may be entitled to receive under Section 8(a)(ii) or Section 8(b)(ii) , (i) each Pledgor shall promptly execute and deliver (or cause to be executed and delivered) to Secured Party all such proxies, dividend payment orders, and other instruments as Secured Party may from time to time reasonably request, and (ii) without limiting the effect of the immediately preceding clause (i) , each Pledgor hereby grants to Secured Party an irrevocable proxy to vote the Pledged Shares in respect of any Issuer party hereto and to exercise all other rights, powers, privileges, and remedies to which a holder of the Pledged Shares in respect of any Issuer party hereto would be entitled (including, without limitation, giving or withholding written consents of shareholders, calling special meetings of shareholders, and voting at such meetings), which proxy shall be effective, automatically and without the necessity of any action (including any transfer of any Pledged Shares on the record books of the issuer thereof) by any other Person (including the issuer of the Pledged Shares or any officer or agent thereof), upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and which proxy shall only terminate upon the payment in full of the Secured Obligations (except for contingent obligations that survive termination of the Loan Documents) or waiver or cure of such Default.

(d) Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, each Pledgor agrees that this Agreement shall not in any way be deemed to obligate Secured Party or any other Credit Party to assume any of such Pledgor’s obligations, duties, expenses, or liabilities arising out of this Agreement (including, without limitation, such Pledgor’s obligations as the holder of the Pledged Shares and as holder of the Pledged Interests) or under any and all other agreements now existing or hereafter drafted or executed (collectively, the “ Pledgor Obligations ”) unless Secured Party otherwise expressly agrees to assume any or all of said Pledgor Obligations in writing. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the grant of the Lien in the Collateral in favor of Secured Party as provided herein nor the exercise by Secured Party of any of its rights hereunder nor any action by Secured Party in connection with a foreclosure on the Collateral shall be deemed to constitute Secured Party as a partner of any partnership or a member of any limited liability company; provided, however, that in the event Secured Party elects to become a substituted partner of any partnership or a member of any limited liability company in place of any Pledgor while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Secured Party shall be entitled to and shall become such a substitute partner or member.

9. Secured Party Appointed Attorney-in-Fact . Each Pledgor hereby irrevocably appoints Secured Party as such Pledgor’s attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of such Pledgor and in the name of such Pledgor, Secured Party or otherwise, from time to time in Secured Party’s discretion:

(a) to file one or more financing or continuation statements, or amendments thereto, relative to and limited to all or any part of the Collateral without the signature of such Pledgor;

(b) subsequent to the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to ask, demand, collect, sue for, recover, compound, receive, and give acquittance and receipts for moneys due and to become due under or in respect of any of the Collateral;

(c) subsequent to the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to receive, endorse, and collect any instruments made payable to any Pledgor representing any dividend payment or other distribution in respect of the Collateral or any part thereof and to give full discharge for

 

Exhibit H – Page 8


the same; and

(d) subsequent to the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to file any claims or take any action or institute any proceedings that Secured Party may deem necessary or desirable for the collection of any of the Collateral or otherwise to enforce the rights of Secured Party with respect to any of the Collateral.

10. Secured Party May Perform . If any Pledgor fails to perform any agreement contained herein, then Secured Party may itself perform, or cause performance of, such agreement, and the expenses of Secured Party incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by such Pledgor under Section 14(b) .

11. Standard of Care . The powers conferred on Secured Party hereunder are solely to protect its interest in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon it to exercise any such powers. Except for the exercise of reasonable care in the custody of any Collateral in its possession or under its control and the accounting for moneys actually received by it hereunder, Secured Party shall have no duty as to any Collateral, it being understood that Secured Party shall have no responsibility for (a) ascertaining or taking action with respect to calls, conversions, exchanges, maturities, tenders, or other matters relating to any Collateral, whether or not Secured Party has or is deemed to have knowledge of such matters, (b) taking any necessary steps (other than steps taken in accordance with the standard of care set forth above to maintain possession or control of the Collateral) to preserve rights against any parties with respect to any Collateral, (c) taking any necessary steps to collect or realize upon the Secured Obligations or any guarantee therefor, or any part thereof, or any of the Collateral, or (d) initiating any action to protect the Collateral against the possibility of a decline in market value. Secured Party shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of Collateral in its possession or control if such Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to that which Secured Party accords its own property consisting of negotiable securities.

12. Remedies .

(a) If any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, then Secured Party may exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to all other rights and remedies provided for herein or otherwise available to it, all the rights and remedies of a secured party on default under the UCC (whether or not the UCC applies to the affected Collateral), and Secured Party may also in its sole discretion, without notice except as specified below, sell the Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale, at any exchange or broker’s board or at any of Secured Party’s offices or elsewhere, for cash, on credit, or for future delivery, at such time or times and at such price or prices and upon such other terms as Secured Party may deem commercially reasonable, irrespective of the impact of any such sales on the market price of the Collateral. Secured Party or any other Credit Party may be the purchaser of any or all of the Collateral at any such public sale and Secured Party, as agent for and representative of the Credit Parties, shall be entitled, for the purpose of bidding and making settlement or payment of the purchase price for all or any portion of the Collateral sold at any such public sale, to use and apply any of the Secured Obligations as a credit on account of the purchase price for any Collateral payable by Secured Party at such sale. Each purchaser at any such sale shall hold the property sold absolutely free from any claim or right on the part of any Pledgor, and each Pledgor hereby waives (to the extent permitted by applicable law) all rights of redemption, stay, and/or appraisal which it now has or may at any time in the future have under any rule of law or statute now existing or hereafter enacted. Each Pledgor agrees that, to the extent notice of sale shall be required by law, at least ten (10) days’ prior notice to the applicable Pledgor of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale is to be made shall constitute reasonable notification. Secured Party shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless of notice of sale having been given. Secured Party may adjourn any public or private sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and such sale may,

 

Exhibit H – Page 9


without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned. Each Pledgor hereby waives any claims against Secured Party arising by reason of the fact that the price at which any Collateral may have been sold at such a private sale was less than the price which might have been obtained at a public sale, even if Secured Party accepts the first offer received and does not offer such Collateral to more than one offeree; provided however , that Pledgors do not waive the requirements of Section 9-610 of the UCC with respect to any sale or other disposition of the Collateral that is conducted under such Section .

(b) Each Pledgor recognizes that, by reason of certain prohibitions contained in the Securities Act of 1933, as from time to time amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and applicable state securities laws, Secured Party may be compelled, with respect to any sale of all or any part of the Collateral conducted without prior registration or qualification of such Collateral under the Securities Act and/or such state securities laws, to limit purchasers to those who will agree, among other things, to acquire the Collateral for their own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof. Each Pledgor acknowledges that any such private sales may be at prices and on terms less favorable than those obtainable through a public sale without such restrictions (including, without limitation, a public offering made pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act) and, notwithstanding such circumstances, each Pledgor agrees that any such private sale shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner and that Secured Party shall have no obligation to engage in public sales and no obligation to delay the sale of any Collateral for the period of time necessary to permit the issuer thereof to register it for a form of public sale requiring registration under the Securities Act or under applicable state securities laws, even if such issuer would, or should, agree to so register it.

(c) If Secured Party determines to exercise its right to sell any or all of the Collateral, then upon Secured Party’s written request, each Pledgor shall and shall cause each issuer of any Pledged Shares to be sold hereunder from time to time to furnish to Secured Party all such information as Secured Party may request in order to determine the number of shares and other instruments included in the Collateral which may be sold by Secured Party in exempt transactions under the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, as the same are from time to time in effect.

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in no event shall any Pledgor be required to cause the registration of any securities included in the Collateral, whether pursuant to the Securities Act, any applicable state securities law, or any other Law.

13. Application of Proceeds . All proceeds received by Secured Party in respect of any sale of, collection from, or other realization upon all or any part of the Collateral shall be held and applied in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

14. Indemnity and Expenses .

(a) EACH PLEDGOR AGREES TO INDEMNIFY SECURED PARTY AND EACH OTHER CREDIT PARTY FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES, AND LIABILITIES IN ANY WAY RELATING TO, GROWING OUT OF, OR RESULTING FROM THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ENFORCEMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT), EXCEPT (I) IN THE CASE OF ANY CLAIMS, LOSSES AND LIABILITIES ARISING OTHER THAN UNDER A SECURED HEDGE AGREEMENT, TO THE EXTENT SUCH CLAIMS, LOSSES, OR LIABILITIES RESULT FROM SECURED PARTY’S OR SUCH OTHER CREDIT PARTY’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT AS FINALLY DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION AND (II) IN THE CASE OF ANY CLAIMS,

 

Exhibit H – Page 10


LOSSES AND LIABILITIES ARISING UNDER A SECURED HEDGE AGREEMENT, TO THE EXTENT (A) ARISING UNDER THE TERMS OF ANY “TRANSACTION” (AS DEFINED THEREIN) OR (B) TO THE EXTENT SUCH CLAIMS, LOSSES, OR LIABILITIES RESULT FROM SECURED PARTY’S OR SUCH OTHER CREDIT PARTY’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT AS FINALLY DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION.

(b) Pledgors shall pay to Secured Party upon demand the amount of any and all costs and expenses, including the reasonable fees and expenses of its counsel and of any experts and agents, that Secured Party may incur in connection with (i) the administration of this Agreement, (ii) the custody or preservation of, or the sale of, collection from, or other realization upon, any of the Collateral, (iii) the exercise or enforcement of any of the rights of Secured Party hereunder, or (iv) the failure by any Pledgor to perform or observe any of the provisions hereof.

15. Continuing Security Interest; Transfer of Loans . This Agreement shall create a continuing Lien in the Collateral and shall (a) remain in full force and effect until the payment in full of all Obligations (except for contingent obligations that survive termination of the Loan Documents), the termination of the obligations of the Credit Parties to advance Borrowings or issue Letters of Credit under the Loan Documents, and the expiration of all Letters of Credit, and all Secured Hedge Agreements, (b) be binding upon each Pledgor, its successors and assigns, and (c) inure, together with the rights and remedies of Secured Party hereunder, to the benefit of Secured Party and each other Credit Party, and their respective successors, transferees, and assigns. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing clause (c) , but subject to the relevant provisions of the Loan Documents and the Secured Hedge Agreements, any Credit Party may assign or otherwise transfer any Secured Obligations held by it to any other Person to the extent permitted by the Credit Agreement or the relevant Secured Hedge Agreement, as applicable, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all the benefits in respect thereof granted to such Credit Party herein or otherwise. Upon the indefeasible payment in full of all Obligations (except for contingent obligations that survive termination of the Loan Documents), the termination of the obligations of the Credit Parties to advance Borrowings or issue Letters of Credit under the Loan Documents, and the expiration of all Letters of Credit, and all Secured Hedge Agreements, the Lien granted hereby shall terminate and all rights to the Collateral shall revert to Pledgors. Upon any such termination Secured Party will, at Pledgors’ expense, execute and deliver to Pledgors such documents as Pledgors shall reasonably request to evidence such termination and Pledgors shall be entitled to the return, upon their request and at their expense, against receipt and without recourse to Secured Party, of such Collateral as shall not have been sold or otherwise applied pursuant to the terms hereof.

16. Additional Pledgor Subsidiaries . In accordance with Section 6.12(a)(iii) of the Credit Agreement, certain additional Subsidiaries of Parent may from time to time become parties hereto as additional Pledgor Subsidiaries (an “ Additional Pledgor Subsidiary ”), and such Additional Pledgor Subsidiary and any applicable Issuer not already a party to this Agreement, shall enter into a joinder hereto, substantially in the form of Exhibit B , together with all certificates and instruments representing shares of stock or other equity interests, and listing the Collateral to be pledged by such Additional Pledgor Subsidiary.

17. Release of Collateral . Collateral shall be released from the Lien of this Agreement upon any of the following events: (i) any sale or disposition of such Collateral as permitted by Section 7(a) of this Agreement; (ii) any release of the Lien in such Collateral by the Secured Party in accordance with Section 9.10 of the Credit Agreement; or (iii) upon termination of the Lien pursuant to Section 15 . Upon any release of Collateral pursuant to the terms of this Section 17 , (i) Secured Party shall thereupon return to the respective Pledgor or to its order any and all certificates and other instruments evidencing or relating to such released Collateral and (ii) Secured Party will, at Pledgors’ expense, file, or will authorize

 

Exhibit H – Page 11


the respective Pledgor to file, an amendment or termination to any financing statement releasing such Collateral.

18. Amendments; Etc. No amendment, modification, termination, or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, and no consent to any departure by any Pledgor from the terms and conditions hereof, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the party or parties against whom enforcement of such amendment, modification, termination, or waiver is sought. Any such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given.

19. Notices . Any notice or other communication herein required or permitted to be given shall be in writing to the addresses set forth on the signature pages hereof and shall be given and deemed effective in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.02 of the Credit Agreement.

20. Control Agreement; Acknowledgement by Issuers party hereto .

(a) Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, Pledgors hereby authorize and instruct each Issuer a party hereto to comply, and each such Issuer hereby agrees to so comply, with any instruction received thereby from Secured Party with respect to the Collateral, without any consent or further instructions from Pledgors (or other registered owner), and Pledgors agree that each such Issuer shall be fully protected in so complying.

(b) Each Issuer a party hereto acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Agreement, agrees to be bound thereby and to comply with the terms thereof insofar as such terms are applicable to it, and acknowledges and agrees that it has reflected any pledge hereunder to the Secured Party in its books and records. Each Issuer a party hereto further agrees that upon request by Secured Party after the occurrence of an Event of Default, upon receipt of notice from Secured Party, such Issuer shall pay any dividends, distributions or other payments with respect to any shares of stock included in the Pledged Shares or any partnership or limited liability company interests included in the Pledged Interests directly to Secured Party. Each Pledgor hereby irrevocably agrees not to vote to amend, and each Issuer a party hereto (other than any Issuer that is a JV Subsidiary) hereby irrevocably agrees not to amend (i) the applicable Issuer’s Organization Documents to provide that its Equity Interests are securities governed by Article 8 of the UCC or (ii) the applicable Issuer’s Article 8 Opt-In Provisions of the applicable Issuer’s Organization Documents, and each Pledgor and each Issuer a party hereto hereby agrees and acknowledges that any such vote shall be invalid and any such amendment shall be void ab initio.

21. Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative . No failure or delay on the part of Secured Party in the exercise of any power, right, or privilege hereunder shall impair such power, right, or privilege or be construed to be a waiver of any default or acquiescence therein, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power, right, or privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof or of any other power, right, or privilege. All rights and remedies existing under this Agreement are cumulative to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies otherwise available.

22. Severability . In case any provision in or obligation under this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

23. Headings . Section and subsection headings in this Agreement are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement for any other purpose or be given any substantive effect.

 

Exhibit H – Page 12


24. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.

(a) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION . EACH PLEDGOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT ANY CREDIT PARTY MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST ANY PLEDGOR OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

(c) WAIVER OF VENUE . EACH PLEDGOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN SECTION 24(b) . EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

(d) SERVICE OF PROCESS . EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 11.02 OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

(e) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER; AND

 

Exhibit H – Page 13


(B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 24 .

25. Actions Not Release . The security interest and Pledgors’ obligations and Secured Party’s rights hereunder shall not be released, diminished, impaired, or adversely affected by the occurrence of any one or more of the following events: (i) the taking or accepting of any other security or assurance for any or all of the Obligations; (ii) any release, surrender, exchange, subordination, or loss of any security or assurance at any time existing in connection with any or all of the Obligations; (iii) the modification of, amendment to, or waiver of compliance with any terms of any of the other Loan Documents without the notification or consent of Pledgors, except as required therein (the right to such notification or consent being herein specifically waived by Pledgors); (iv) the insolvency, bankruptcy, or lack of corporate or trust power of any party at any time liable for the payment of any or all of the Obligations, whether now existing or hereafter occurring; (v) any renewal, extension, or rearrangement of the payment of any or all of the Obligations, either with or without notice to or consent of Pledgors, or any adjustment, indulgence, forbearance, or compromise that may be granted or given by Secured Party or any other Credit Party to Pledgors; (vi) any neglect, delay, omission, failure, or refusal of Secured Party or any other Credit Party to take or prosecute any action in connection with any other agreement, document, guaranty, or instrument evidencing, securing, or assuring the payment of all or any of the Obligations; (vii) any failure of Secured Party or any other Credit Party to notify Pledgors of any renewal, extension, or assignment of the Obligations or any part thereof, or the release of any security, or of any other action taken or refrained from being taken by Secured Party or any other Credit Party against Pledgors or any new agreement between or among Secured Party or one or more Credit Parties and Pledgors, it being understood that neither Secured Party nor any other Credit Party shall be required to give Pledgors any notice of any kind under any circumstances whatsoever with respect to or in connection with the Obligations, including, without limitation, notice of acceptance of this Agreement or any Collateral ever delivered to or for the account of Secured Party hereunder; (viii) the illegality, invalidity, or unenforceability of all or any part of the Obligations against any party obligated with respect thereto by reason of the fact that the Obligations, or the interest paid or payable with respect thereto, exceeds the amount permitted by Law, the act of creating the Obligations, or any part thereof, is ultra vires , or the officers, partners, or trustees creating same acted in excess of their authority, or for any other reason; (ix) if any payment by any party obligated with respect thereto is held to constitute a preference under applicable Laws or for any other reason Secured Party or any other Credit Party is required to refund such payment or pay the amount thereof to someone else; or (x) by any fact or circumstance relating to the Obligations, other than indefeasible payment, which might otherwise constitute a defense to the obligations of any Pledgor under this Agreement.

26. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one and the same instrument; signature pages may be detached from multiple separate counterparts and attached to a single counterpart so that all signature pages are physically attached to the same document.

27. Limitation . The obligations of each Pledgor hereunder shall be limited to an aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would not render its obligations hereunder subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code (Title 11, United States Code) or any comparable provisions of any applicable state law.

28. Release Provisions . The provisions of Section 9.11 of the Credit Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference into this Pledge Agreement to the same extent and with the same force as if fully set forth herein.

 

Exhibit H – Page 14


[Signature Pages to Follow]

 

Exhibit H – Page 15


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , each Pledgor, each Issuer a party hereto and Secured Party have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.

 

BORROWER :
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
By:  

 

  Name:   David Brooks
  Title:   Vice President
PARENT :
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.
By:  

 

  Name:   David Brooks
  Title:   Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel

 

PLEDGOR SUBSIDIARIES :
ASHFORD PRIME OP LIMITED PARTNER LLC
ASHFORD PRIME OP GENERAL PARTNER LLC
ASHFORD HHC III LLC
By:  

 

  Name:   David Brooks
  Title:   Vice President

Address for each of the foregoing Pledgors:

C/O Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Attention: David Brooks

Telephone: 972.778.9207

Electronic Mail: dbrooks@ahtreit.com

 

Exhibit H – Page 16


ISSUERS :
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
  By:   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC, its general partner
ASHFORD PRIME OP LIMITED PARTNER LLC
ASHFORD PRIME OP GENERAL PARTNER LLC
ASHFORD HHC III LLC

 

By:  

 

  Name:   David Brooks
  Title:   Vice President

 

ASHFORD PRIME TRS CORPORATION
By:  

 

  Name:   David Kimichik
  Title:   President

Address for each of the foregoing Issuers:

C/O Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Attention: David Brooks

Telephone: 972.778.9207

Electronic Mail: dbrooks@ahtreit.com

 

Exhibit H – Page 17


THE UNDERSIGNED ASHFORD HHC PARTNERS III LP HAS EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT, NOT AS A PARTY, BUT SOLELY FOR PURPOSES OF ACKNOWLEDGING ITS CONSENT TO THE GRANT BY ASHFORD HHC III LLC OF A SECURITY INTEREST OVER ITS GENERAL PARTNERSHIP INTEREST IN ASHFORD HHC PARTNERS III LP AND THE GRANT BY ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF A SECURITY INTEREST OVER ITS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTEREST IN ASHFORD HHC PARTNERS III LP.

 

ASHFORD HHC PARTNERS III LP
  By:   Ashford HHC III LLC, its general partner
By:  

 

  Name:   David Brooks
  Title:   Vice President

 

Exhibit H – Page 18


SECURED PARTY :

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. , a national

banking association

 

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

Notice Address:

Bank of America, N.A.

101 S Tryon Street

Mail Code: NC1-002-15-36

Charlotte, NC 28255

Attention: Mollie S Canup

Telephone: 980-387-5449

Facsimile: 704-409-0011

Electronic Mail: mollie.s.canup@baml.com

 

Exhibit H – Page 19


SCHEDULE 1

Pledged Shares and Pledged Interests

PART A

Corporations

 

Pledgor

   Stock
Issuer
   Certificated
(Y/N)
   Class of
Stock
   Stock
Certificate
Nos.
   Par
Value
     Number
of Shares
     Percentage
of
Outstanding
Stock of the
Stock Issuer
 

Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership

   Ashford
Prime TRS
Corporation
   No    Common    N/A    $ 0.01         1,000         100

PART B

General Partnerships

 

Pledgor

  

General

Partnership

Interests

Issuer/Limited

Partnership

Interests Issuer

   Certificated
(Y/N)
   Certificate
No. (if any)
   No. of
Pledged
Units
   Percentage of
Outstanding
Interests of the
General
Partnership

N/A

              

Limited Partnerships

 

Pledgor

  

Limited

Partnership Issuer

   Certificated
(Y/N)
   Certificate
No. (if any)
   No. of
Pledged
Units
  

Percentage of

Outstanding

Interests of the Limited

Partnership

Ashford HHC III LLC

   Ashford HHC Partners III LP    No    No    N/A    0.1% LP Interest

Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership

   Ashford HHC Partners III LP    No    No    N/A    74.9% LP Interest

Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC

   Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership    No    No    N/A    64.5%* LP Interest

Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC

   Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership    No    No    N/A    0% GP interest

 

* approximate percentage interest as of the closing date representing 100% of Pledgor’s interest in the issuer.

 

Exhibit H – Page 20


Limited Liability Companies

 

Pledgor

  

Limited Liability

Company Issuer

   Certificated
(Y/N)
   Certificate
No. (if any)
   No. of
Pledged
Units
   Percentage of
Outstanding
Interests of the
Limited
Liability
Company
 

Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership

   Ashford HHC III LLC    No    No    N/A      100

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

   Ashford Prime OP Limited Partner LLC    No    No    N/A      100

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

   Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC    No    No    N/A      100

 

Exhibit H – Page 21


EXHIBIT A

PLEDGE AMENDMENT

This Pledge Amendment, dated             , 20     (this “ Pledge Amendment ”), is delivered pursuant to Section 7(c) of the Pledge Agreement referred to below. The undersigned hereby agrees as follows:

1. This Pledge Amendment may be attached to the Pledge Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013, between the undersigned, each other Pledgor party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Secured Party (the “ Pledge Agreement ;” capitalized terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined).

2. The [Pledged Shares / Pledged Interests] listed on this Pledge Amendment shall be deemed to be part of the [Pledged Shares] [Pledged Interests] and shall become part of the Collateral and shall secure all Secured Obligations.

3. The undersigned Pledgor hereby confirms and reaffirms the security interest in the Collateral granted to the Secured Party for the benefit of the Credit Parties under the Pledge Agreement, and, as additional collateral security for the prompt and complete payment when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Obligations and in order to induce the Credit Parties to make their loans and other extensions of credit under the Credit Agreement and/or Secured Hedge Agreements, as applicable, Pledgor hereby delivers to the Secured Party, for the benefit of the Credit Parties, all of Pledgor’s interest in [Name of New LLC/New LP/New Company], a                      (“ New Issuer ”) listed in Schedule I hereto, together with all certificates, options, or rights of any nature whatsoever which may be issued or granted by New Issuer to Pledgor in respect of such interest while the Pledge Agreement, as supplemented hereby, is in force (the “ Additional Pledged [Interests/Shares] ”) and hereby grants to the Secured Party a first priority security interest in the Additional Pledged [Interests/Shares] and all proceeds thereof.

4. The undersigned hereby certifies that the representations and warranties in Section 6 of the Pledge Agreement are true and correct as of the date hereof and hereafter, as to the Pledged Shares, Pledged Interests, instruments and any other property pledged pursuant to this Pledge Amendment.

5. This Pledge Amendment is supplemental to the Pledge Agreement, forms a part thereof and is subject to the terms thereof. Schedule 1 to the Pledge Agreement shall hereby be deemed to include each item listed on Schedule I of this Pledge Amendment.

6. The undersigned New Issuer hereby agrees to all of the terms and agreements applicable to such Issuer in the Pledge Agreement.

[Signature Page to Follow]

 

Exhibit H – Page 22


PLEDGOR:

 

By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

ISSUER:

 

By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

 

Exhibit H – Page 23


Schedule I

Pledged Shares and Pledged Interests

PART A

Corporations

 

Pledgor

   Stock
Issuer
   Certificated
(Y/N)
   Class of
Stock
   Stock
Certificate
Nos.
   Par
Value
   Number
of Shares
   Percentage
of
Outstanding
Stock of the
Stock Issuer
                    

PART B

General Partnerships

 

Pledgor

   General
Partnership
Interests
Issuer/Limited
Partnership
Interests Issuer
   Certificated
(Y/N)
   Certificate
No. (if any)
   No. of
Pledged
Units
   Percentage of
Outstanding
Interests of the
General
Partnership
              

Limited Partnerships

 

Pledgor

   Limited
Partnership Issuer
   Certificated
(Y/N)
   Certificate
No. (if any)
   No. of
Pledged
Units
   Percentage of
Outstanding
Interests of the
Limited
Partnership
              

Limited Liability Companies

 

Pledgor

   Limited Liability
Company Issuer
   Certificated
(Y/N)
   Certificate
No. (if any)
   No. of
Pledged
Units
   Percentage of
Outstanding
Interests of the
Limited
Liability
Company
              

 

Exhibit H – Page 24


EXHIBIT B

JOINDER TO PLEDGE AGREEMENT

THIS JOINDER TO PLEDGE AGREEMENT dated as of             , 20     (this “ Joinder ”) executed and delivered by             , a                                          (the “ Additional Pledgor Subsidiary ”) and         , a              (“ Issuer ”) in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent for and representative of (in such capacity the “ Secured Party ”) for the Credit Parties under that certain Pledge Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Pledge Agreement ”), relating to, among other things, that certain Credit Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Borrower ”), ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC., a Maryland corporation, each lender from time to time party thereto, the Secured Party, as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and the other parties thereto.

WHEREAS, to secure obligations owing by certain parties under the Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and any Secured Hedge Agreement, Borrower and the other “Pledgor Subsidiaries” thereunder have executed and delivered the Pledge Agreement; and

WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the continued extension by the Credit Parties and the Secured Party of such financial accommodations that the Additional Pledgor Subsidiary and Issuer execute this Joinder to become a party to the Pledge Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Additional Pledgor Subsidiary and the Issuer, the undersigned hereby agree as follows:

Section 1. Accession to Pledge Agreement; Grant of Security Interest . The Additional Pledgor Subsidiary agrees that it is a “Pledgor” under the Pledge Agreement and assumes all obligations of a “Pledgor” thereunder, all as if the Additional Pledgor Subsidiary had been an original signatory to the Pledge Agreement. The Issuer agrees that it is an “Issuer” under the Pledge Agreement and assumes all obligations of an “Issuer” thereunder, all as if the Issuer had been an original signatory to the Pledge Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Additional Pledgor Subsidiary hereby:

(a) pledges to the Secured Party for the benefit of the Credit Parties, and grants to the Secured Party for the benefit of the Credit Parties a security interest in, all of the Additional Pledgor Subsidiary’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral, including the Pledged Shares and Pledged Interests described on Schedule I attached hereto, together with all of the other Collateral described in Section 2 of the Pledge Agreement relating to the Pledged Shares and the Pledged Interests, as security for the Secured Obligations;

(b) makes to the Secured Party and the other Credit Parties as of the date hereof each of the representations and warranties contained in Section 6 of the Pledge Agreement and agrees to be bound by each of the covenants contained in the Pledge Agreement, including without limitation, those contained in Section 7 thereof; and

(c) consents and agrees to each other provision set forth in the Pledge Agreement.

 

Exhibit H – Page 25


Section 2. Definitions . Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have their respective defined meanings given them in the Pledge Agreement.

 

Exhibit H – Page 26


In witness whereof, the undersigned Additional Pledgor Subsidiary and Issuer have caused this Pledge Agreement to be executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above, and have delivered herewith, all items required by Section 16 of the Pledge Agreement.

 

[ NAME OF ADDITIONAL PLEDGOR SUBSIDIARY ]
By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

Address for Notice:

 

 

 

 

 

To the extent applicable:

[THE UNDERSIGNED [ISSUER] HAS EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT, NOT AS A PARTY, BUT SOLELY FOR PURPOSES OF ACKNOWLEDGING ITS CONSENT TO THE GRANT BY [NAME OF HOLDER] OF A SECURITY INTEREST OVER ITS [GENERAL PARTNERSHIP][EQUITY] INTEREST IN [ISSUER] AND THE GRANT BY [NAME OF HOLDER] OF A SECURITY INTEREST OVER ITS [LIMITED PARTNERSHIP][EQUITY] INTEREST IN [ISSUER].]

 

  [ISSUER]
By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

Address for Notice:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit H – Page 27


Schedule I

Pledged Shares and Pledged Interests

PART A

Corporations

 

Pledgor

   Stock
Issuer
   Certificated
(Y/N)
   Class of
Stock
   Stock
Certificate
Nos.
   Par
Value
   Number
of Shares
   Percentage
of
Outstanding
Stock of the
Stock Issuer
                    

PART B

General Partnerships

 

Pledgor

   General
Partnership
Interests
Issuer/Limited
Partnership
Interests Issuer
   Certificated
(Y/N)
   Certificate
No. (if any)
   No. of
Pledged
Units
   Percentage of
Outstanding
Interests of the
General
Partnership
              

Limited Partnerships

 

Pledgor

   Limited
Partnership Issuer
   Certificated
(Y/N)
   Certificate
No. (if any)
   No. of
Pledged
Units
   Percentage of
Outstanding
Interests of the
Limited
Partnership
              

Limited Liability Companies

 

Pledgor

   Limited Liability
Company Issuer
   Certificated
(Y/N)
   Certificate
No. (if any)
   No. of
Pledged
Units
   Percentage of
Outstanding
Interests of the
Limited
Liability
Company
              

 

Exhibit H – Page 28


EXHIBIT I

OPINION MATTERS

COUNSEL TO LOAN PARTIES

The matters contained in the following Sections of the Credit Agreement should be covered by the legal opinion:

Sections 5.01(a) , (b)(ii) and (c)  (as to identified jurisdictions only)

Section 5.02 (in the case of § 5.02(b), as to identified Material Contracts and orders only)

Section 5.03

Section 5.04

Section 5.14(b)

 

Exhibit I – Page 1


EXHIBIT J-1

FORM OF

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ”), Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Parent ”), Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01(e) of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]
By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

Date:             , 20[    ]

 

Exhibit J-1


EXHIBIT J-2

FORM OF

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ”), Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Parent ”), Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01(e) of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]
By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

Date:             , 20[    ]

 

Exhibit J-2


EXHIBIT J-3

FORM OF

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ”), Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Parent ”), Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01(e) of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such participation, (iii) with respect to such participation, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]
By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

Date:             , 20[    ]

 

Exhibit J-3


EXHIBIT J-4

FORM OF

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 19, 2013 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ”), Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Parent ”), Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, and each lender from time to time party thereto.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01(e) of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)), (iii) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]
By:  

 

  Name:  

 

  Title:  

 

Date:             , 20[    ]

 

Exhibit J-4

Exhibit 10.12

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of November 19, 2013, by and between Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Company ” or the “ Indemnitor ”) and                      (the “ Indemnitee ”).

WHEREAS , the Indemnitee is an officer [and/or] a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and in such [capacity/capacities] is performing a valuable service for the Company;

WHEREAS , Maryland law permits the Company to enter into contracts with its officers or members of its Board of Directors with respect to indemnification of, and advancement of expenses to, such persons;

WHEREAS , the Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company (the “ Charter ”) provide that the Company shall indemnify and advance expenses to its directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time;

WHEREAS , the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the “ Bylaws ”) provide that each director and officer of the Company shall be indemnified by the Company to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time and shall be entitled to advancement of expenses consistent with Maryland law; and

WHEREAS , to induce the Indemnitee to provide services to the Company as an officer [and/or] a member of the Board of Directors, and to provide the Indemnitee with specific contractual assurance that indemnification will be available to the Indemnitee regardless of, among other things, any amendment to or revocation of the Charter or the Bylaws, or any acquisition transaction relating to the Company, the Indemnitor desires to provide the Indemnitee with protection against personal liability as set forth herein.

NOW , THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Indemnitor and the Indemnitee hereby agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Agreement:

 

  (A) Change of Control ” is when the following have occurred and are continuing:

 

   

the acquisition by any person, including any syndicate or group deemed to be a “person” under Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, through a purchase, merger or other acquisition transaction or series of purchases, mergers or other acquisition transactions of shares of the Company entitling that person to exercise more than 50% of the total voting power of all shares of the Company entitled to vote generally in elections of directors (except that such person will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is


 

currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition); and

 

    following the closing of any transaction referred to in the bullet point above, neither the Company nor the acquiring or surviving entity has a class of common securities (or ADRs representing such securities) listed on the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or NASDAQ or listed or quoted on an exchange or quotation system that is a successor to the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or NASDAQ.

 

  (B) Corporate Status ” describes the status of a person who is or was a director or officer of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner (limited or general), member, employee or agent of any other foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, other enterprise (whether conducted for profit or not for profit) or employee benefit plan. The Company shall be deemed to have requested the Indemnitee to serve an employee benefit plan where the performance of the Indemnitee’s duties to the Company also imposes or imposed duties on, or otherwise involves or involved services by, the Indemnitee to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan.

 

  (C) Determination ” means a determination that either (x) there is a reasonable basis for the conclusion that indemnification of Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the Indemnitee had met the applicable standard of conduct (a “Favorable Determination”) or (y) there is no reasonable basis for the conclusion that indemnification of Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances (an “Adverse Determination”).

 

  (D) Disinterested Director ” means a director who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee and does not otherwise have an interest materially adverse to any interest of the Indemnitee.

 

  (E) Expenses ” shall include all attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, or being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding.

 

  (F) Proceeding ” includes any action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation (including any formal or informal internal investigation to which the Indemnitee is made a party by reason of the Corporate Status of the Indemnitee), administrative hearing, or any other proceeding, including appeals therefrom, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative.

 

2


  (G) Special Legal Counsel ” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporate law and neither presently is, or in the past two years has been, retained to represent (i) the Indemnitor or the Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party, or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder.

 

2. INDEMNIFICATION

The Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this paragraph 2 and under applicable law, the Charter, the Bylaws, any other agreement, a vote of stockholders or resolution of the Board of Directors or otherwise if, by reason of such Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, such Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to any threatened, pending, or contemplated Proceeding, including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company. Unless prohibited by paragraph 13 hereof and subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Indemnitee shall be indemnified hereunder, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, against judgments, penalties, fines and settlements and reasonable Expenses actually incurred by or on behalf of such Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein; provided, however, that if such Proceeding was initiated by or in the right of the Company, indemnification may not be made in respect of such Proceeding if the Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged to be liable to the Company. For purposes of this paragraph 2, excise taxes assessed on the Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law shall be deemed fines.

 

3. INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES

 

  (A) Without limiting the effect of any other provision of this Agreement (including the Indemnitee’s rights to indemnification under paragraph 2 and advancement of expenses under paragraph 4), without regard to whether the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under paragraph 2 and without regard to the provisions of paragraph 6 hereof, to the extent that the Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding to which the Indemnitee is a party by reason of such Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, such Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all reasonable Expenses actually incurred by or on behalf of such Indemnitee in connection therewith.

 

  (B) If the 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 Indemnitor shall indemnify the Indemnitee against all reasonable Expenses actually incurred by or on behalf of such Indemnitee in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter.

 

  (C) For purposes of this paragraph 3 and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

 

4. ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES

 

3


Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, but subject to paragraph 13 hereof, if the Indemnitee is or was or becomes a party to or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding (including as a witness), or is or was threatened to be made a party to or a participant (including as a witness) in any such Proceeding, by reason of the Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, or by reason of (or arising in part out of) any actual or alleged event or occurrence related to the Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, or by reason of any actual or alleged act or omission on the part of the Indemnitee taken or omitted in or relating to the Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, then the Indemnitor shall advance all reasonable Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with any such Proceeding within twenty (20) days after the receipt by the Indemnitor of a statement from the Indemnitee requesting such advance from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding; provided that, such statement shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred or to be incurred by the Indemnitee and shall include or be preceded or accompanied by (i) a written affirmation by the Indemnitee of the Indemnitee’s good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Indemnitor as authorized by this Agreement has been met and (ii) a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay the amounts advanced if it should ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met. The undertaking required by clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be an unlimited general obligation of the Indemnitee but need not be secured and may be accepted without reference to financial ability to make the repayment.

 

5. WITNESS EXPENSES

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that the Indemnitee is, by reason of such Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a witness (or is forced or asked to respond to discovery requests) for any reason in any Proceeding to which such Indemnitee is not a named defendant or respondent, the Indemnitor shall advance all Expenses actually incurred by or on behalf of such Indemnitee, on an as-incurred basis in accordance with paragraph 4 of this Agreement, in connection therewith and indemnify the Indemnitee therefor.

 

6. DETERMINATION OF ENTITLEMENT TO AND AUTHORIZATION OF INDEMNIFICATION

 

  (A) To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, the Indemnitee shall submit to the Indemnitor a written request, including therewith such documentation and information reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification.

 

  (B)

The Indemnitor agrees that the Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by law. Indemnification under this Agreement may not be made unless authorized for a specific Proceeding after a Determination has been made in accordance with this paragraph 6(B) that indemnification of the Indemnitee is permissible in the circumstances because the Indemnitee has met the following standard of conduct: the Indemnitor shall indemnify the Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2 hereof, unless it is established that: (a) the act or omission of the Indemnitee was material to the matter giving rise to the Proceeding and (x) was committed in bad faith or (y) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; (b) the Indemnitee actually received an improper personal

 

4


  benefit in money, property or services; or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. Any Determination shall be made within thirty (30) days after receipt of Indemnitee’s written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 6(A) and such Determination shall be made either (i) by the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum, so long as Indemnitee does not request that such Determination be made by Special Legal Counsel, or (ii) if so requested by Indemnitee, in Indemnitee’s sole discretion, by Special Legal Counsel in a written opinion to the Indemnitor and Indemnitee. If a Determination is made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to the Indemnitee shall be made within fifteen (15) business days after such Determination. Indemnitee shall reasonably 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 Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the Disinterested Directors or Special Legal Counsel, as the case may be, making such determination shall be advanced and borne by the Indemnitor in accordance with paragraph 4 of this Agreement (irrespective of the Determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification). If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 6(B) of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a Favorable Determination within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Indemnitor 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 indemnification under applicable law; provided, however, that such thirty (30) day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional fifteen (15) 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 6(B) shall not apply if the Determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Special Legal Counsel pursuant to Section 6(E).

 

  (C)

The Indemnitor shall be bound by and shall have no right to challenge a Favorable Determination. If an Adverse Determination is made, or if for any other reason the Indemnitor does not make timely indemnification payments or advancement of Expenses required by this Agreement, the Indemnitee shall have the right to commence a Proceeding before a court of competent jurisdiction to challenge such Adverse Determination and/or to require the Indemnitor to make such payments or advancement of expenses (and the Indemnitor shall have the right to

 

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  defend their position in such Proceeding and to appeal any adverse judgment in such Proceeding). The Indemnitee shall be entitled to have such Expenses advanced by the Indemnitor in accordance with paragraph 4 of this Agreement and applicable law. If the Indemnitee fails to challenge an Adverse Determination within ninety (90) business days, or if Indemnitee challenges an Adverse Determination and such Adverse Determination has been upheld by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction from which no appeal can be taken, then, to the extent and only to the extent required by such Adverse Determination or final judgment, the Indemnitor shall not be obligated to indemnify the Indemnitee under this Agreement.

 

  (D) The Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person or entity making such Determination with respect to the Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to the Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any reasonable costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by the Indemnitee in so cooperating shall be borne by the Indemnitor (irrespective of the determination as to the Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Indemnitor hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold the Indemnitee harmless therefrom.

 

  (E)

In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Special Legal Counsel pursuant to Section 6(B) hereof, the Indemnitee, or the Indemnitor, as the case may be, may, within seven days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Indemnitor or to the Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection. Such objection may be asserted only on the grounds that the Special Legal Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Special Legal Counsel” as defined in paragraph 1 of this Agreement. If such written objection is made, the Special Legal Counsel so selected may not serve as Special Legal Counsel until a court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after submission by the Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 6(A) hereof, no Special Legal Counsel shall have been selected or, if selected, shall have been objected to, either the Indemnitor or the Indemnitee may petition a court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Indemnitor or the Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Special Legal Counsel and/or for the appointment as Special Legal Counsel of a person selected by the court or by such other person as the court shall designate, and the person with respect to whom an objection is so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Special Legal Counsel under Section 6(B) hereof. The Indemnitor shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses of Special Legal Counsel incurred in connection with acting pursuant to Section 6(B) hereof, and all reasonable fees and expenses incident to the selection of such Special Legal Counsel pursuant to this Section 6(D). In the event that a determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Special Legal Counsel and such determination shall not have been made and delivered in a written opinion within ninety (90) days after the receipt by the

 

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  Indemnitor of the Indemnitee’s request in accordance with Section 6(A), upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding in accordance with Section 8(A) of this Agreement, Special Legal Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity.

 

7. PRESUMPTIONS

 

  (A) It shall be presumed that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement (notwithstanding any Adverse Determination), and the Indemnitor or any other person or entity challenging such right shall 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.

 

  (B) The termination of any Proceeding by conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, or an entry of an order of probation prior to judgment, creates a rebuttable presumption that the Indemnitee did not meet the requisite standard of conduct described herein for indemnification.

 

8. REMEDIES

 

  (A) In the event that: (i) an Adverse Determination is made, or (ii) advancement of reasonable Expenses is not timely made pursuant to this Agreement, or (iii) payment of indemnification due the Indemnitee under this Agreement is not timely made, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in an appropriate court of competent jurisdiction of such Indemnitee’s entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses.

 

  (B) In the event that an Adverse Determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(B) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this paragraph 8 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits. The fact that an Adverse Determination has been made earlier pursuant to paragraph 6 of this Agreement that the Indemnitee was not entitled to indemnification shall not be taken into account in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this paragraph 8 and the (i) Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced in any way by reason of that Adverse Determination and (ii) the Indemnitor shall have the burden of proving that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be.

 

  (C) If a Favorable Determination shall have been made or deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 6(B) of this Agreement that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Indemnitor shall be bound by such Determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this paragraph 8, absent: (i) a misstatement by the Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make the Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

 

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  (D) The Indemnitor shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this paragraph 8 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court that the Indemnitor is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

 

  (E) In the event that the Indemnitee, pursuant to this paragraph 8, seeks a judicial adjudication of such Indemnitee’s rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement, if successful on the merits or otherwise as to all or less than all claims, issues or matters in such judicial adjudication, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to recover from the Indemnitor, and shall be indemnified by the Indemnitor against, any and all reasonable Expenses actually incurred by such Indemnitee in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter.

 

  (F) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no Determination as to entitlement of the Indemnitee to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding.

 

9. NOTIFICATION AND DEFENSE OF CLAIMS

The Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Indemnitor 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, but the failure so to notify the Indemnitor will not relieve the Indemnitor from any liability that the Indemnitor may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement unless the Indemnitor can establish that such omission to notify resulted in actual and material prejudice to which it cannot be reversed or otherwise eliminated without any material negative effect on the Indemnitor. With respect to any such Proceeding as to which Indemnitee notifies the Indemnitor of the commencement thereof:

 

  (A) The Indemnitor will be entitled to participate therein at its own expense.

 

  (B)

Except as otherwise provided below, the Indemnitor will be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to Indemnitee. After notice from the Indemnitor to Indemnitee of the Indemnitor’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnitor will not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation or as otherwise provided below. Indemnitee shall have the right to employ Indemnitee’s own counsel in such Proceeding, but the fees and disbursements of such counsel incurred after notice from the Indemnitor of the Indemnitor’s assumption of the defense thereof shall be at the expense of Indemnitee unless (a) the employment of counsel by the Indemnitee has been authorized by the Indemnitor, (b) the Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Indemnitor and the Indemnitee in the conduct of the defense of such action, (c) such Proceeding seeks penalties or other relief against the Indemnitee with respect to which the Indemnitor could not provide monetary indemnification to the Indemnitee (such as injunctive relief or

 

8


  incarceration) or (d) the Indemnitor shall not in fact have employed counsel to assume the defense of such action, in each of which cases the fees and disbursements of counsel shall be at the expense of the Indemnitor. The Indemnitor shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Indemnitor, or as to which the Indemnitee shall have reached the conclusion specified in clause (b) above, or which involves penalties or other relief against the Indemnitee of the type referred to in clause (c) above.

 

  (C) The Indemnitor shall not be liable to indemnify the Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any action or claim effected without the Indemnitor’s written consent. The Indemnitor shall not settle any action or claim in any manner that would impose any penalty or limitation on the Indemnitee without the Indemnitee’s written consent. Neither the Indemnitor nor Indemnitee will unreasonably withhold or delay consent to any proposed settlement.

 

10. NON-EXCLUSIVITY; SURVIVAL OF RIGHTS; INSURANCE SUBROGATION

 

  (A) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of reasonable Expenses as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Charter, the Bylaws, any other agreement, a vote of stockholders, a resolution of the Board of Directors or otherwise, except that any payments otherwise required to be made by the Indemnitor hereunder shall be offset by any and all amounts received by the Indemnitee from any other indemnitor or under one or more liability insurance policies maintained by an indemnitor or otherwise and shall not be duplicative of any other payments received by an Indemnitee from the Indemnitor in respect of the matter giving rise to the indemnity hereunder; provided, however, that if indemnification rights are provided by an Additional Indemnitor as defined in Section 18(B) hereof, such Section shall govern. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or any provision hereof shall be effective as to the Indemnitee with respect to any action taken or omitted by the Indemnitee prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal.

 

  (B) To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors and officers of the Company, the Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available and upon any Change of Control the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain or arrange for continuation and/or “tail” coverage for the Indemnitee to the maximum extent obtainable at such time.

 

  (C)

Except as otherwise provided in Section 18(B) hereof, in the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Indemnitor shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all actions necessary to secure such rights,

 

9


  including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Indemnitor to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

  (D) Except as otherwise provided in Section 18(B) hereof, the Indemnitor shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder if and to the extent that the Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under any insurance policy, contract, agreement, or otherwise.

 

  (E) If Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (“ Ashford Trust ”) (or any member or other affiliate thereof other than the Indemnitor) pays or causes to be paid, for any reason, any amounts with respect to any Proceeding in which the Indemnitee may be indemnified or entitled to indemnification hereunder or under any other indemnification agreement with the Indemnitee (whether pursuant to contract, by-laws, charter or other organizational documents) or otherwise in its capacity as a stockholder of the Company, then (x) Ashford Trust (or such affiliate, as the case may be) shall be fully subrogated to all rights of the Indemnitee with respect to such payment and (y) the Indemnitor shall fully indemnify, reimburse and hold harmless Ashford Trust (or such other affiliates) for all such payments actually made by Ashford Trust (or such other affiliates).

 

11. CONTINUATION OF INDEMNITY

 

  (A) All agreements and obligations of the Indemnitor contained herein shall continue during the period the Indemnitee is an officer or a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and shall continue thereafter so long as the Indemnitee shall be subject to any threatened, pending or completed Proceeding by reason of such Indemnitee’s Corporate Status and during the period of statute of limitations for any act or omission occurring during the Indemnitee’s term of Corporate Status. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Indemnitor and its respective successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Indemnitee and such Indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators.

 

  (B) The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitee, expressly to 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.

 

12. SEVERABILITY

If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, (i) the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or

 

10


unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph 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 by the provisions held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

 

13. EXCEPTIONS TO RIGHT OF INDEMNIFICATION OR ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, the Indemnitee shall not be entitled to indemnification or advancement of reasonable Expenses under this Agreement with respect to (i) any Proceeding initiated by such Indemnitee against the Indemnitor other than a proceeding commenced pursuant to paragraph 8 hereof, or (ii) any Proceeding for an accounting of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities of the Company in violation of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or any similar provisions of any federal, state or local statute.

 

14. NOTICE TO THE COMPANY STOCKHOLDERS

Any indemnification of, or advancement of reasonable Expenses, to an Indemnitee in accordance with this Agreement, if arising out of a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company, shall be reported in writing to the stockholders of the Company with the notice of the next Company stockholders’ meeting or prior to the meeting.

 

15. HEADINGS

The headings of the paragraphs 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.

 

16. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER

No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by each of 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 hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

 

17. NOTICES

All notices, requests, demands, and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (i) delivered by hand or by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service and received by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, or (ii) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, if so delivered or mailed, as the case may be, to the following addresses:

If to the Indemnitee, to the address set forth in the records of the Company.

 

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If to the Indemnitor, to:

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

14185 Dallas Parkway

Suite 1100

Dallas, TX 75254

Attention: General Counsel

or to such other address as may have been furnished to the Indemnitee by the Indemnitor or to the Indemnitor by the Indemnitee, as the case may be.

 

18. CONTRIBUTION

 

  (A) 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 Indemnitee, whether for judgments, penalties, fines and settlements and Expenses actually incurred by or on behalf of an Indemnitee, 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, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).

 

  (B)

The Company acknowledges and agrees that as between the Company and any other entity that has provided indemnification rights in respect of Indemnitee’s service as a director of the Company at the request of such entity (an “ Additional Indemnitor ”), the Company shall be primarily liable to Indemnitee as set forth in this Agreement for any indemnification claim (including, without limitation, any claim for advancement of Expenses) by Indemnitee in respect of any Proceeding for which Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder. In the event the Additional Indemnitor is liable to any extent to Indemnitee by virtue of indemnification rights provided by the Additional Indemnitor to Indemnitee in respect of Indemnitee’s service on the Board of Directors at the request of the Additional Indemnitor and Indemnitee is also entitled to indemnification under this Agreement (including, without limitation, for advancement of Expenses) as a result of any Proceeding, the Company shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount of any indemnification claim (including, without limitation, any claim for advancement of Expenses) brought by the Indemnitee against the Company under this Agreement (including, without limitation, any claim for advancement of Expenses) without requiring the Additional Indemnitor to contribute to such payment, and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution, subrogation or any other right of recovery of any kind it may have against the Additional Indemnitor in respect thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Additional Indemnitor on behalf of

 

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  Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Additional Indemnitor shall be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Indemnitee against the Company. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company hereby acknowledges that certain of its Directors, including the Directors affiliated with Ashford Trust (the “ Specified Directors ”), may have certain rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by Ashford Trust and certain of its affiliates (collectively, the “ Ashford Trust Indemnitors ”), which shall constitute Additional Indemnitors for purposes of this paragraph. To the extent the Indemnitee is a Specified Director, the Company hereby agrees and acknowledges that with respect to matters for which it is required to provide indemnity pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, (i) it shall be the indemnitor of first resort with respect to the Indemnitee ( i.e. , its obligations to the Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Ashford Trust Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for expenses or liabilities incurred by the Indemnitee are secondary), (ii) it shall advance the full amount of expenses incurred and shall be liable for the full amount of all expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement by the Indemnitee to the extent required by the terms of this Agreement (or any other agreement between the Company and the Indemnitee), without regard to any rights the Specified Directors may have against the Ashford Trust Indemnitors and (iii) it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Ashford Trust Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Ashford Trust Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof related to the Company’s obligations set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) in this sentence. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Ashford Trust Indemnitors on behalf of the Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which the Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Ashford Trust 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 the Indemnitee against the Company.

 

19. GOVERNING LAW

The parties agree that this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Maryland, without application of the conflict of laws principles thereof.

 

20. NO ASSIGNMENTS

The Indemnitee may not assign its rights or delegate obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Indemnitor. Any assignment or delegation in violation of this paragraph 20 shall be null and void.

 

21. NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

 

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Except for the rights of an Additional Indemnitor under paragraph 18(B) hereof and except for Ashford Trust, who is expressly made a third party beneficiary of paragraph 10(E) hereof: (a), nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any person other than the parties to this Agreement any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement; and (b) this Agreement and all of its provisions are for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns.

 

22. COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together constitute an agreement binding on all of the parties hereto.

[Signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY PRIME, INC.
By:  

 

  David A. Brooks, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel
INDEMNITEE:
By: