UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 6, 2014 (February 5, 2014)

 

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   1-36290   46-4024640

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

5075 Kimberly Way

Loudon, Tennessee

  37774
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (865) 458-5478

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2 below):

 

¨ 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.

In connection with the initial public offering (the “IPO”) by Malibu Boats, Inc. (the “Company”) of its Class A Common Stock covered by the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-192862) (the “Registration Statement”), effective as of immediately prior to the closing of the IPO on February 5, 2014, the First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC (the “LLC”) was entered into by and among the Company, as the managing member of the LLC, and other members of the LLC.

In addition, effective as of immediately prior to the closing of the IPO on February 5, 2014, the Company entered into (i) the Exchange Agreement, by and among the Company and affiliates of Black Canyon Capital LLC (“Black Canyon”) and Horizon Holdings, LLC, (ii) the Exchange Agreement, by and among the Company and other members of the LLC, (iii) the Tax Receivable Agreement, by and among the Company, the LLC and the members of the LLC, (iv) the Registration Rights Agreement, by and among the Company, Black Canyon Management LLC (“BC Management”) and certain affiliates of Black Canyon, and (v) the Voting Agreement, by and among the Company, BC Management, Jack D. Springer, Wayne R. Wilson and Ritchie L. Anderson.

The terms of the above-referenced agreements are substantially the same as the terms set forth in the forms of such agreements filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement and as described therein, which descriptions are incorporated herein by reference. Such descriptions do not purport to be complete and are subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the full texts of the agreements, which are filed herewith and incorporated herein by reference.

Affiliates of Black Canyon have various relationships with the Company. For further information concerning the other material relationships between the Company and affiliates of Black Canyon, see the section entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” in the Company’s Prospectus, dated January 30, 2014, filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), on January 31, 2014.

Item 3.02. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

In connection with the IPO, on February 5, 2014, the Company issued 34 shares of its Class B Common Stock to the members of the LLC for nominal consideration. These shares of Class B Common Stock were issued in reliance on the exemption under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act as a transaction by an issuer not involving any public offering.

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

Effective as of immediately prior to the closing of the IPO on February 5, 2014, the Company entered employment agreements with each of Messrs. Springer, Wilson and Anderson. The terms of the employment agreements are substantially the same as the terms set forth in the forms of such agreements filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement and as described therein, which descriptions are incorporated herein by reference. Such descriptions do not purport to be complete and are subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the full texts of the agreements, which are filed herewith and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.01. Other Events

On February 5, 2014, the Company completed its IPO by issuing 7,642,996 shares of its Class A Common Stock at a price to the public of $14.00 per share, which included 899,252 shares issued upon the exercise by the underwriters of the option to purchase additional shares to cover over-allotments. The net proceeds to the Company, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, were approximately $99.5 million.


Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

10.1    First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Malibu Boats, LLC, dated as of February 5, 2014.
10.2    Exchange Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and among Malibu Boats, Inc. and Affiliates of Black Canyon Capital LLC and Horizon Holdings LLC.
10.3    Exchange Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and among Malibu Boats, Inc. and the Other Members of Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC.
10.4    Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and among Malibu Boats, Inc., Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC and the Other Members of Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC.
10.5    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and among Malibu Boats, Inc., Black Canyon Management LLC and Affiliates of Black Canyon Capital LLC.
10.6    Voting Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and among Malibu Boats, Inc., Black Canyon Management LLC, Jack D. Springer, Wayne R. Wilson and Ritchie L. Anderson.
10.7    Employment Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and between Malibu Boats, Inc. and Ritchie Anderson.
10.8    Employment Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and between Malibu Boats, Inc. and Jack Springer.
10.9    Employment Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and between Malibu Boats, Inc. and Wayne Wilson.


SIGNATURES

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

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Wayne R. Wilson

  Wayne R. Wilson
  Chief Financial Officer

Date: February 6, 2014


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

10.1    First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Malibu Boats, LLC, dated as of February 5, 2014.
10.2    Exchange Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and among Malibu Boats, Inc. and Affiliates of Black Canyon Capital LLC and Horizon Holdings LLC.
10.3    Exchange Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and among Malibu Boats, Inc. and the Other Members of Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC.
10.4    Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and among Malibu Boats, Inc., Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC and the Other Members of Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC.
10.5    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and among Malibu Boats, Inc., Black Canyon Management LLC and Affiliates of Black Canyon Capital LLC.
10.6    Voting Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and among Malibu Boats, Inc., Black Canyon Management LLC, Jack D. Springer, Wayne R. Wilson and Ritchie L. Anderson.
10.7    Employment Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and between Malibu Boats, Inc. and Ritchie Anderson.
10.8    Employment Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and between Malibu Boats, Inc. and Jack Springer.
10.9    Employment Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and between Malibu Boats, Inc. and Wayne Wilson.

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

MALIBU BOATS HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

Dated as of February 5, 2014

THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS IN MALIBU BOATS HOLDINGS, LLC HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS AND ARE BEING SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH INTERESTS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT; AND (III) ANY OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS AGREED TO IN WRITING BETWEEN THE MANAGING MEMBER AND THE APPLICABLE MEMBER. THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS, THIS FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT, AND ANY OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS AGREED TO IN WRITING BY THE MANAGING MEMBER AND THE APPLICABLE MEMBER. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS AND OTHER TRANSFEREES OF SUCH LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT OR ACQUISITION FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.

 

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

ARTICLE I ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

     2   

1.1

 

Formation of the Company

     2   

1.2

 

First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement

     2   

1.3

 

Name

     2   

1.4

 

Purpose; Powers

     2   

1.5

 

Principal Office; Registered Office

     2   

1.6

 

Term

     3   

1.7

 

Existence and Good Standing; Foreign Qualification

     3   

1.8

 

No State Law Partnership

     3   

1.9

 

Admission

     3   

ARTICLE II CAPITALIZATION; ADMISSION OF MEMBERS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS

     4   

2.1

 

Capitalization

     4   

2.2

 

Admission of Members; Additional Members

     6   

2.3

 

Capital Accounts

     7   

2.4

 

Negative Capital Accounts

     7   

2.5

 

No Withdrawal

     7   

2.6

 

Loans From Members

     7   

2.7

 

No Right of Partition

     8   

2.8

 

Non-Certification of Units; Legend; Units Are Securities

     8   

ARTICLE III DISTRIBUTIONS

     8   

3.1

 

Distributions

     8   

3.2

 

Successors

     8   

3.3

 

Distributions In-Kind

     8   

3.4

 

Tax-Related Distributions

     8   

3.5

 

Unvested Units

     9   

ARTICLE IV ALLOCATIONS

     10   

4.1

 

Allocations

     10   

4.2

 

Special Allocations

     10   

4.3

 

Tax Allocations

     11   

4.4

 

Members’ Tax Reporting

     12   

4.5

 

Indemnification and Reimbursement for Payments on Behalf of a Member

     12   

ARTICLE V MANAGEMENT; RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS

     12   

5.1.

 

Managing Member: Delegation of Authority and Duties

     12   

5.2.

 

Officers

     13   

5.3.

 

Devotion of Time; Fiduciary Duties; Company Opportunities; Other Activities

     14   

5.4.

 

No Liability of Members and Officers

     15   

5.5.

 

Exculpation and Indemnification

     15   

5.6.

 

Insurance

     16   

5.7.

 

Investment Representations of Members

     16   

 

i


ARTICLE VI TAX MATTERS

     16   

6.1

 

Preparation of Tax Returns

     16   

6.2

 

Tax Elections

     17   

6.3

 

Tax Controversies

     17   

6.4

 

Tax Allocations

     17   

6.5

 

Fiscal Year

     17   

6.6

 

Books and Records; Fiscal Year

     17   

6.7

 

Reports

     17   

ARTICLE VII TRANSFER OF UNITS; SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS; REGISTRATION RIGHTS

     18   

7.1

 

Restrictions on Transfers

     18   

7.2

 

Recognition of Transfer; Substituted and Additional Members

     18   

7.3

 

Expense of Transfer; Indemnification

     19   

7.4

 

Additional Requirements

     20   

7.5

 

Mandatory Exchange

     20   

7.6

 

Registration Rights

     20   

ARTICLE VIII DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION; WITHDRAWAL

     24   

8.1

 

Dissolution

     24   

8.2

 

Liquidation and Termination

     24   

8.3

 

Complete Distribution

     25   

8.4

 

Cancellation of Certificate

     25   

8.5

 

Reasonable Time for Winding Up

     25   

8.6

 

Return of Capital

     25   

8.7

 

HSR Act

     25   

8.8

 

Member Withdrawal

     25   

ARTICLE IX GENERAL PROVISIONS

     25   

9.1

 

Power of Attorney

     25   

9.2

 

Amendments

     26   

9.3

 

Remedies

     27   

9.4

 

Successors and Assigns

     28   

9.5

 

Severability

     28   

9.6

 

Counterparts

     28   

9.7

 

Applicable Law

     28   

9.8

 

Addresses and Notices

     28   

9.9

 

Creditors

     28   

9.10

 

Waiver

     29   

9.11

 

Further Action

     29   

9.12

 

Entire Agreement

     29   

9.13

 

Delivery by Facsimile or Email

     29   

9.14

 

Spousal Consent

     29   

ARTICLE X DEFINITIONS

     29   

10.1

 

Definitions

     29   

10.2

 

Interpretative Matters

     38   

 

ii


SCHEDULE A    Schedule of Members
SCHEDULE B    Consent of Spouse and Proxy

 

iii


FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

OF

MALIBU BOATS HOLDINGS, LLC,

A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

This FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) of Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), dated and effective as of February 5, 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), is adopted, executed and agreed to, for good and valuable consideration, by and among the Company and each other Person who is or at any time becomes a Member in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Act. Any reference in this Agreement to any Member shall include such Member’s Successors in Interest to the extent such Successors in Interest have become Substituted Members in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

RECITALS:

WHEREAS, the Company was formed as a limited liability company under the Act by filing a Certificate of Formation (the “ Certificate ”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on July 6, 2006;

WHEREAS, the Company’s members entered into the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company, dated August 7, 2006, as amended from time to time, including as amended by that certain Consent and Amendment, dated November 6, 2013 (the “ Original Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Malibu Boats ”) has entered into an underwriting agreement (i) to issue and sell to the several Underwriters named therein (the “ Underwriters ”) shares of Class A Common Stock and (ii) to make a public offering of such shares of Class A Common Stock (collectively, the “ IPO ”);

WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO, it is contemplated that pursuant to this Agreement (i) immediately prior to consummation of the IPO (the “ Effective Time ”), all of the outstanding limited liability company interests in the Company will be converted into the number of Units set forth opposite each Member’s name in Schedule A attached hereto and (ii) immediately after the IPO, Malibu Boats will purchase newly-issued Units from the Company and a number of outstanding Units from the Members using the net proceeds from the IPO (collectively, the “ IPO Transactions ”); and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Members set forth on Schedule A attached hereto now wish to amend and restate the Original Agreement as set forth herein to give effect to the IPO Transactions and to reflect the admission of Malibu Boats as a Member and as sole managing member of the Company.


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto, each intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

1.1 Formation of the Company . The Company was formed on July 6, 2006 as a Delaware limited liability company pursuant to the provisions of the Act.

1.2 First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement . The Members agree to continue the Company as a limited liability company under the Act, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement. The rights, powers, duties, obligations and liabilities of the Members shall be determined pursuant to the Act and this Agreement. To the extent that the rights, powers, duties, obligations and liabilities of any Members are different by reason of any provision of this Agreement than they would be in the absence of such provision, this Agreement shall, to the extent permitted by the Act, control.

1.3 Name . The name of the Company shall be “Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC.” The Managing Member may change the name of the Company at any time and from time to time. Prompt notification of any such change shall be given to all Members. The Company’s business may be conducted under its name or any other name or names deemed advisable by the Managing Member.

1.4 Purpose; Powers .

(a) General Powers . The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted by the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the Act. The Company may engage in any and all activities necessary, desirable or incidental to the accomplishment of the foregoing. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing set forth herein shall be construed as authorizing the Company to possess any purpose or power, or to do any act or thing, forbidden by law to a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware.

(b) Company Action . Subject to the provisions of this Agreement and except as prohibited by applicable law, (i) the Company may, with the approval of the Managing Member, enter into and perform any and all documents, agreements and instruments, all without any further act, vote or approval of any Member, and (ii) the Managing Member may authorize any Person (including any Member or Officer) to enter into and perform any document, agreement or instrument on behalf of the Company.

1.5 Principal Office; Registered Office . The registered office of the Company required by the Act to be maintained in the State of Delaware shall be the office of the initial registered agent named in the Certificate or such other office (which need not be a place of business of the Company) as the Managing Member may designate from time to time in the manner provided by law. The principal office of the Company shall be at such place as the Managing Member may from time to time designate, which need not be in the State of Delaware, and the Company shall maintain records at such place. The Company may maintain offices at such other place or places as the Managing Member deems advisable. Prompt notice of any change in the principal office shall be given to all Members.

 

2


1.6 Term . The term of the Company commenced on the date the Certificate of Formation was filed with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and shall continue in existence perpetually until termination or dissolution in accordance with the provisions of Article VIII .

1.7 Existence and Good Standing; Foreign Qualification . The Managing Member may take all action which may be necessary or appropriate (i) for the continuation of the Company’s valid existence as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware (and of each other jurisdiction in which such existence is necessary to enable the Company to conduct the business in which it is engaged) and (ii) for the maintenance, preservation and operation of the business of the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and applicable laws and regulations. The Managing Member may file or cause to be filed for recordation in the office of the appropriate authorities of the State of Delaware, and in the proper office or offices in each other jurisdiction in which the Company is formed or qualified, such certificates (including certificates of limited liability companies and fictitious name certificates) and other documents as are required by the applicable statutes, rules or regulations of any such jurisdiction or as are required to reflect the identity of the Members and the amounts of their respective capital contributions. The Managing Member may cause Company to comply, to the extent procedures are available and those matters are reasonably within the control of the Officers, with all requirements necessary to qualify the Company as a foreign limited liability company in each jurisdiction where its assets or operations require it to be so qualified.

1.8 No State Law Partnership .

(a) No Partnership . The Members intend that the Company shall not be a partnership (including a limited partnership) or joint venture, and that no Member or Officer shall be a partner or joint venturer of any other Member or Officer by virtue of this Agreement, for any purposes other than as is set forth in the last sentence of this Section 1.8 , and this Agreement shall not be construed to the contrary.

(b) Tax Partnership . The Members intend that the Company shall be treated as a partnership for federal and, if applicable, state or local income tax purposes, and each Member and the Company shall file all tax returns and shall otherwise take all tax and financial reporting positions in a manner consistent with such treatment. So long as the Company is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, to ensure that Units are not traded on an established securities market within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(b) or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.7704-1(c), notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (i) the Company shall not participate in the establishment of any such market or the inclusion of its Units thereon, and (ii) the Company shall not recognize any Transfer made on any such market by: (A) redeeming the Transferor Member (in the case of a redemption or repurchase by the Company); or (B) admitting the Transferee as a Member or otherwise recognizing any rights of the Transferee, such as a right of the Transferee to receive Company distributions (directly or indirectly) or to acquire an interest in the capital or profits of the Company.

1.9 Admission . The Managing Member is hereby admitted as a Member of the Company upon its execution of a counterpart signature page to this Agreement and each member of the Company immediately prior to the effectiveness of this Agreement shall continue as a Member hereunder.

 

3


ARTICLE II

CAPITALIZATION; ADMISSION OF MEMBERS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS

2.1 Capitalization .

(a) Units; Capitalization . Each Member’s interest in the Company, including such Member’s interest, if any, in the capital, income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses of the Company shall be represented by units of limited liability company interest (each a “ Unit ”). As of the Effective Time, the Company shall have one authorized class of Units. All Units shall have identical rights and privileges in all respects. The Company shall have the authority to issue an unlimited number of Units.

(b) Schedule of Units and Members . At the Effective Time, all of the Class A Units, Class B Units and Class M Units (each as defined in the Original Agreement) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time are hereby automatically converted into the number of Units of the Company set forth opposite each Member’s name in Schedule A attached hereto. Immediately after the IPO, Malibu Boats will contribute the net proceeds thereof to the Company in exchange for 5,357,143 Units of the Company.

(c) Issuance of Additional Units . The Managing Member shall have the right to cause the Company to issue and/or create and issue at any time after the date hereof, and for such amount and form of consideration as the Managing Member may determine, additional Units or other Equity Securities of the Company (including creating classes or series thereof having such powers, designations, preferences and rights as may be determined by the Managing Member), subject to Section 9.2 . The Managing Member shall have the power to make such amendments to this Agreement in order to provide for such powers, designations, preferences and rights as the Managing Member in its discretion deems necessary or appropriate to give effect to such additional authorization or issuance in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.1(c) and Section 9.2 .

(i) If, following the IPO, Malibu Boats issues shares of Class A Common Stock (other than an issuance of the type covered by Section 2.1(c)(ii) or in connection with an exchange of any Units pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement), Malibu Boats shall promptly contribute to the Company all the net proceeds and property (if any) received by Malibu Boats with respect to such Class A Common Stock. Upon the contribution by Malibu Boats to the Company of all of such net proceeds and property (if any) so received by Malibu Boats, the Managing Member shall cause the Company to issue a number of Units equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issued, registered in the name of Malibu Boats, such that, at all times, the number of Units held by Malibu Boats equals the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

4


(ii) At any time Malibu Boats issues one or more shares of Class A Common Stock in connection with an equity incentive program, whether such share or shares are issued upon exercise (including cashless exercise) of an option, settlement of a restricted stock unit, as restricted stock or otherwise, the Managing Member shall cause the Company to issue an equal number of Units, registered in the name of Malibu Boats; provided that Malibu Boats shall be required to contribute all (but not less than all) the net proceeds and property (if any) received by Malibu Boats from or otherwise in connection with such issuance of one or more shares of Class A Common Stock, including the exercise price of any option exercised, to the Company. If any such shares of Class A Common Stock so issued by Malibu Boats in connection with an equity incentive program are subject to vesting or forfeiture provisions, then the Units that are issued by the Company to Malibu Boats in connection therewith in accordance with the preceding provisions of this Section 2.1(c)(ii) shall be subject to vesting or forfeiture on the same basis; if any of such shares of Class A Common Stock vest or are forfeited, then an equal number of Units issued by the Company in accordance with the preceding provisions of this Section 2.1(c)(ii) shall automatically vest or be forfeited. Any cash or property held by either Malibu Boats or the Company or on either’s behalf in respect of dividends paid on restricted Class A Common Stock that fail to vest shall be returned to the Company upon the forfeiture of such restricted Class A Common Stock.

(iii) For purposes of this Section 2.1(c) , “net proceeds” means gross proceeds to Malibu Boats from the issuance of Class A Common Stock or other securities less all bona fide out-of-pocket expenses of Malibu Boats, the Company and their respective Subsidiaries in connection with such issuance.

(d) Repurchase or Redemption of Class A Common Stock . If, at any time, any shares of Class A Common Stock are repurchased or redeemed (whether by exercise of a put or call, pursuant to an open market purchase, automatically or by means of another arrangement) by Malibu Boats for cash and subsequently cancelled, then the Managing Member shall cause the Company, immediately prior to such repurchase or redemption of Class A Common Stock, to redeem an equal number of Units held by Malibu Boats, at an aggregate redemption price equal to the aggregate purchase or redemption price of the Class A Common Stock being repurchased or redeemed by Malibu Boats (plus any expenses related thereto) and upon such other terms as are the same for the Class A Common Stock being repurchased or redeemed by Malibu Boats.

(e) Changes in Class A Common Stock . Any subdivision (by stock split, stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse stock split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of Class A Common Stock shall be accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination, as applicable, of Units.

(f) Safe Harbor Election .

(i) By executing this Agreement, each Member authorizes and directs the Company to elect to have the “safe harbor” described in the proposed Revenue Procedure set forth in Internal Revenue Service Notice 2005-43 (the “ Notice ”) apply to any interest in the Company transferred to a service provider by the Company on or after

 

5


the effective date of such Revenue Procedure in connection with services provided to the Company. For purposes of making such safe harbor election, the Tax Matters Member is hereby designated as the “partner who has responsibility for federal income tax reporting” by the Company and, accordingly, for execution of a “safe harbor election” in accordance with Section 3.03(1) of the Notice. The Company and each Member hereby agree to comply with all requirements of the safe harbor described in the Notice, including the requirement that each Member shall prepare and file all federal income tax returns reporting the income tax effects of each safe harbor partnership interest issued by the Company in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Notice.

(ii) Each Member authorizes the Tax Matters Member to amend Section 2.1(f) of this Agreement to the extent necessary to achieve substantially the same tax treatment with respect to any interest in the Company transferred to a service provider by the Company in connection with services provided to the Company as set forth in Section 4 of the Notice ( e.g. , to reflect changes from the rules set forth in the Notice in subsequent Internal Revenue Service or Treasury Department guidance); provided that such amendment is not materially adverse to any Member (as compared with the after-tax consequences that would result if the provisions of the Notice applied to all interests in the Company transferred to a service provider by the Company in connection with services provided to the Company).

2.2 Admission of Members; Additional Members .

(a) Schedule of Members . The Company shall maintain and keep at its principal executive office a schedule of Members (attached hereto as Schedule A ) on which it shall set forth the names and address of each Member, the aggregate number of Units of each class and the aggregate amount of cash Capital Contributions that have been made by such Member at any time, as applicable, and the Fair Market Value of any property other than cash contributed by such Member with respect to the Units (including, if applicable, a description and the amount of any liability assumed by the Company or to which contributed property is subject).

(b) Addition or Withdrawal of Members . The Managing Member shall cause Schedule A to be amended from time to time to reflect the admission of any Additional Member, the withdrawal or termination of any Member, receipt by the Company of notice of any change of address of a Member or the occurrence of any other event requiring amendment of Schedule A .

(c) Continuation of Vesting . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary: (i) the Units held by any Member as a result of the conversion of Class M Units (as defined in the Original Agreement) which as of the date hereof are subject to any vesting, forfeiture, repurchase or similar provisions pursuant to the Original Agreement or in any applicable management unit subscription agreement or other agreement pursuant to which such unvested Units were issued (in each case, “ Unvested Units ”) shall continue to be subject to such vesting, forfeiture, repurchase or similar provisions; and (ii) no Member may Transfer any Unvested Units, provided that a Member may Transfer Unvested Units pursuant to and in accordance with the Exchange

 

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Agreement if the Member acknowledges and agrees in writing, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Managing Member, that any securities received in exchange therefor shall continue to be subject to the vesting, forfeiture, repurchase or similar provisions to which such Unvested Units are then subject. A Unit shall cease to be an Unvested Unit at such time as such Unit ceases to be subject to such vesting, forfeiture, repurchase or similar provisions. For the avoidance of doubt, the IPO shall not be considered to be any type of “Change in Control” event of the Company with respect to the vesting provisions of the Class M Units or otherwise.

2.3 Capital Accounts .

(a) The Company shall maintain a separate capital account for each Member according to the rules of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) (each a “ Capital Account ”). The Capital Account of each Member shall be credited initially with an amount equal to such Member’s cash contributions and the initial Gross Asset Value of property contributed to the Company by the Member (net of any liabilities securing such contributed property that the Company is considered to assume or take subject to).

(b) The Capital Account of each Member shall (i) be credited with all Income and Net Income allocated to such Member pursuant to Section 4.1 and Section 4.2 , and with the amount of cash and the initial Gross Asset Value of property subsequently contributed to the Company by the Member (net of any liabilities securing such contributed property that the Company is considered to assume or take subject to) following the Effective Date, and (ii) be debited with all Loss and Net Loss allocated to such Member pursuant to Section 4.1 and Section 4.2 , and with the amount of cash and the Gross Asset Value of any property (net of liabilities assumed by such Member and liabilities to which such property is subject) distributed by the Company to such Member.

(c) The Company may, upon the occurrence of the events specified in Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), increase or decrease the Capital Accounts of the Members in accordance with the rules of such Regulations and Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g) to reflect a revaluation of Company property.

2.4 Negative Capital Accounts . No Member shall be required to pay to any other Member or the Company any deficit or negative balance that may exist from time to time in such Member’s Capital Account (including upon and after dissolution of the Company).

2.5 No Withdrawal . No Person shall be entitled to withdraw any part of such Person’s Capital Contributions or Capital Account or to receive any Distribution from the Company, except as expressly provided herein.

2.6 Loans From Members . Loans by Members to the Company shall not be considered Capital Contributions. If any Member shall loan funds to the Company, then the making of such loans shall not result in any increase in the Capital Account balance of such Member. The amount of any such loans shall be a debt of the Company to such Member and shall be payable or collectible in accordance with the terms and conditions upon which such loans are made.

 

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2.7 No Right of Partition . No Member shall have the right to seek or obtain partition by court decree or operation of law of any property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the right to own or use particular or individual assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, be entitled to Distributions of specific assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

2.8 Non-Certification of Units; Legend; Units Are Securities .

(a) Units shall be issued in non-certificated form; provided that the Managing Member may cause the Company to issue certificates to a Member representing the Units held by such Member. If any Unit certificate is issued, then such certificate shall bear a legend substantially in the following form:

This certificate evidences Units representing an interest in Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC and shall be a security within the meaning of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code.

The interest in Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC represented by this certificate is subject to restrictions on transfer set forth in that certain First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and among Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC and each of the members from time to time party thereto, as the same may be amended from time to time.

(b) All Units will be “securities” within the meaning of Section 8-102(a)(15) and as provided by Section 8-103(c) of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of Delaware or analogous provisions in the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in any other jurisdiction.

ARTICLE III

DISTRIBUTIONS

3.1 Distributions . Distributions shall be made to the Members, after Tax Distributions are made pursuant to Section 3.4 hereof, as and when determined by the Managing Member, in accordance with their respective Units.

3.2 Successors . For purposes of determining the amount of Distributions, each Member shall be treated as having made the Capital Contributions and as having received the Distributions made to or received by its predecessors in respect of any of such Member’s Units.

3.3 Distributions In-Kind . To the extent that the Company distributes property in-kind to the Members, the Company shall be treated as making a Distribution equal to the Fair Market Value of such property for purposes of Section 3.1 and such property shall be treated as if it were sold for an amount equal to its Fair Market Value. Any resulting gain or loss shall be allocated to the Members’ Capital Accounts in accordance with Section 4.1 and Section 4.2 .

3.4 Tax-Related Distributions .

(a) Subject to the Act and to any restrictions contained in any agreement to which the Company is bound and notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.1 , no later

 

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than the tenth day following the end of each Quarterly Estimated Tax Period of each calendar year, the Company shall, to the extent that the Company has cash available therefor, make a Distribution in cash (each, a “ Tax Distribution ”) among the Members, on a pro rata basis in accordance with the number of Units owned by each Member, in an amount equal to the excess of (a) the product of (i) the taxable income of the Company attributable to such Quarterly Estimated Tax Period and all prior Quarterly Estimated Tax Periods in such calendar year, based upon information available to the Company and adjusted to take into account good faith projections by the Company of taxable income or loss for the remainder of the calendar year, multiplied by (ii) the Assumed Tax Rate, over (b) distributions made by the Company pursuant to this Section 3.4(a) with respect to such calendar year; provided , however , that if the Tax Distributions made during a calendar year are less than the product of (x) the actual taxable income of the Company for the calendar year (calculated as described in the last sentence of this Section 3.4(a) ) multiplied by (y) the Assumed Tax Rate, the Company shall, to the extent of available cash and borrowings of the Company, make a “true up” Tax Distribution with respect to such calendar year equal to such difference no later than March 15 of the following year. For purposes of clauses (a)(i) and (x) above, the taxable income of the Company shall be determined by disregarding any adjustment to the taxable income of any Member that arises under Section 743(b) of the Code and is attributable to the acquisition by such Member of an interest in the Company in a transaction described in Section 743(a) of the Code.

(b) If the cumulative amount of actual federal, state and local income tax liabilities payable by Malibu Boats, plus the cumulative amount of payments made by Malibu Boats under the Tax Receivable Agreement, through the end of any particular Quarterly Estimated Tax Period or calendar year exceeds the sum of the cumulative amount of Tax Distributions, distributions under Section 3.1 and Malibu Boats Excess Tax Distributions (as defined below) made to Malibu Boats through the end of such Quarterly Estimated Tax Period or calendar year, the Managing Member shall, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, but subject to the Act and any restrictions contained in any agreement to which the Company is bound, make additional tax distributions to Malibu Boats in an amount equal to such excess (a “ Malibu Boats Excess Tax Distribution ”). Any such Malibu Boats Excess Tax Distribution shall be treated as an advance against and, thus, shall reduce (without duplication), any future distributions that would otherwise be made to Malibu Boats pursuant to Sections 3.1 and 3.4(a) .

(c) The Managing Member shall, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, but subject to the Act and any restrictions contained in any agreement to which the Company is bound, make distributions to the Members, pro rata in proportion to the number of Units owned by each Member, in such amounts as shall (when combined with the distributions made to Malibu Boats pursuant to Sections 3.1 and 3.4(a) ) enable Malibu Boats to meet its obligations pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement.

3.5 Unvested Units . To the extent that any distribution, other than a Tax Distribution, is to be made to a Member in respect of any Unvested Unit, such distribution shall be set aside for such Member to be distributed to such Member at the time that such Unit ceases to be an Unvested Unit. To the extent that such Unvested Unit shall be forfeited by or repurchased from such Member without having ceased to be an Unvested Unit, such distribution shall revert to the Company.

 

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ARTICLE IV

ALLOCATIONS

4.1 Allocations . After giving effect to the special allocations in Section 4.2 , Net Income and Net Loss (and, if necessary, individual items of Income and Loss) shall be allocated annually (and at such other times as the Managing Member determines) to the Members in such manner that the Capital Account balance of each Member shall, to the greatest extent possible, be equal (proportionately) to the (i) amount that would be distributed to such Member if (a) the Company were to sell the assets of the Company for their Gross Asset Values, (b) all Company liabilities were satisfied (limited with respect to each nonrecourse liability to the Gross Asset Values of the assets securing such liability), (c) the Company were to distribute the net proceeds of sale pursuant to Section 3.1 , minus (ii) such Member’s share of Company Minimum Gain or Member Minimum Gain, computed immediately prior to the hypothetical sale of assets.

4.2 Special Allocations .

(a) Loss attributable to Member Nonrecourse Debt shall be allocated in the manner required by Regulations Section 1.704-2(i). If there is a net decrease during a taxable year in Member Minimum Gain, Income for such taxable year (and, if necessary, for subsequent taxable years) shall be allocated to the Members in the amounts and of such character as is determined according to Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4). This Section 4.2(a) is intended to be a “partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain chargeback” provision that complies with the requirements of Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4), and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in Section 4.2(a) , if there is a net decrease in Company Minimum Gain during any taxable year, each Member shall be allocated Income for such taxable year (and, if necessary, for subsequent taxable years) in the amounts and of such character as is determined according to Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). This Section 4.2(b) is intended to be a “minimum gain chargeback” provision that complies with the requirements of Regulations Section 1.704-2(f), and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.

(c) If any Member that unexpectedly receives an adjustment, allocation or distribution described in Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii) (d)(4) , (5)  or (6)  has an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit as of the end of any taxable year, computed after the application of Section 4.2(a) and Section 4.2(b) but before the application of any other provision of Section 4.1 , Section 4.2 and Section 4.3 , then Income for such taxable year shall be allocated to such Member in proportion to, and to the extent of, such Adjusted Capital Account Deficit. This Section 4.2(c) is intended to be a “qualified income offset” provision as described in Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii) (d) and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.

 

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(d) “ Nonrecourse deductions ” (as defined in Treasury Regulations §§ 1.704-2(b)(l) and (c)) shall be allocated among the Members pro rata in accordance with the number of Units owned by each of them.

(e) No Loss or Net Loss shall be allocated to a Member to the extent such allocation would cause or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit for such Member. Instead, such Loss or Net Loss shall be allocated among the other Members in the same ratios that such other Members are allocated Net Loss for such year under Section 4.1 .

(f) Income and Loss described in clause (d) of the definition of Gross Asset Value shall be allocated in a manner consistent with the manner that the adjustments to the Capital Accounts are required to be made pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) (m) .

(g) The allocations set forth in Section 4.2(a) through Section 4.2(f) inclusive (the “ Regulatory Allocations ”) are intended to comply with certain requirements of Section 1.704-1(b) and 1.704-2 of the Regulations. The Regulatory Allocations may not be consistent with the manner in which the Members intend to allocate Income and Loss of the Company or to make Distributions. Accordingly, notwithstanding the other provisions of Section 4.1 , Section 4.2 and Section 4.3 , but subject to the Regulatory Allocations, items of Income and Loss of the Company shall be allocated among the Members so as to eliminate the effect of the Regulatory Allocations and thereby cause the respective Capital Account balances of the Members to be in the amounts (or as close thereto as possible) they would have been if Income and Loss had been allocated without reference to the Regulatory Allocations. In general, the Members anticipate that this shall be accomplished by specially allocating other Income and Loss among the Members so that the net amount of Regulatory Allocations and such special allocations to each such Member is zero.

4.3 Tax Allocations .

(a) The income, gains, losses and deductions of the Company shall be allocated for federal, state and local income tax purposes among the Members in accordance with the allocation of such income, gains, losses and deductions among the Members for purposes of computing their Capital Accounts; except that if any such allocation is not permitted by the Code or other applicable law, then the Company’s subsequent income, gains, losses and deductions for tax purposes shall be allocated among the Members so as to reflect as nearly as possible the allocation set forth herein in computing their Capital Accounts.

(b) Items of Company taxable income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to any property contributed to the capital of the Company shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with Code Section 704(c) so as to take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the Company for federal income tax purposes and its Gross Asset Value using such method or methods described in Regulations Section 1.704-3 as are selected by the Managing Member.

 

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(c) If the Gross Asset Value of any Company asset is adjusted pursuant to the requirements of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) (e) or (f) , subsequent allocations of items of taxable 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 Gross Asset Value in the same manner as under Code Section 704(c).

(d) Tax credits, tax credit recapture and any items related thereto shall be allocated to the Members according to their interests in such items as reasonably determined by the Managing Member taking into account the principles of Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(4)(ii) and 1.704-1T(b)(4)(xi).

(e) Allocations pursuant to this Section 4.3 are solely for the purposes of federal, state and local taxes and shall not affect, or in any way be taken into account in computing, any Member’s Capital Account or share of Income, Loss, Distributions or other Company items pursuant to any provision of this Agreement.

4.4 Members’ Tax Reporting . The Members acknowledge and are aware of the income tax consequences of the allocations made pursuant to this Article IV and, except as may otherwise be required by applicable law or regulatory requirements, hereby agree to be bound by the provisions of this Article IV in reporting their shares of Company income, gain, loss, deduction and credit for federal, state and local income tax purposes.

4.5 Indemnification and Reimbursement for Payments on Behalf of a Member . If the Company is required by applicable law to make any payment to a Governmental Entity that is specifically attributable to a Member or a Member’s status as such (including withholding taxes), then such Member shall indemnify the Company in full for the entire amount paid (including interest, penalties and related expenses). The Managing Member may offset Distributions to which a Person is otherwise entitled under this Agreement against such Person’s obligation to indemnify the Company under this Section 4.5 . A Member’s obligation to indemnify the Company under this Section 4.5 shall survive termination, dissolution, liquidation and winding up of the Company, and for purposes of this Section 4.5 , the Company shall be treated as continuing in existence. The Company may pursue and enforce all rights and remedies it may have against each Member under this Section 4.5 , including instituting a lawsuit to collect such indemnification, with interest calculated at a rate equal to 10 percentage points per annum (but not in excess of the highest rate per annum permitted by applicable law).

ARTICLE V

MANAGEMENT; RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS

5.1. Managing Member: Delegation of Authority and Duties .

(a) Authority of Managing Member . The business, property and affairs of the Company shall be managed under the sole, absolute and exclusive direction of the Managing Member, which may from time to time delegate authority to officers (“ Officers ”) or to others to act on behalf of the Company. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.1(a) , the Managing Member shall have the sole power to manage or cause the management of the Company, including, without limitation, the

 

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power and authority to effectuate the sale, lease, transfer, exchange or other disposition of any, all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (including, but not limited to, the exercise or grant of any conversion, option, privilege or subscription right or any other right available in connection with any assets at any time held by the Company) or the merger, consolidation, reorganization or other combination of the Company with or into another entity.

(b) Other Members . No Member who is not also a Managing Member, in his or her or its capacity as such, shall participate in or have any control over the business of the Company. Except as expressly provided herein, the Units, other Equity Securities in the Company, or the fact of a Member’s admission as a member of the Company do not confer any rights upon the Members to participate in the management of the affairs of the Company. Except as expressly provided herein, no Member who is not also a Managing Member shall have any right to vote on any matter involving the Company, including with respect to any merger, consolidation, combination or conversion of the Company, or any other matter that a Member might otherwise have the ability to vote or consent with respect to under the Act, at law, in equity or otherwise. The conduct, control and management of the Company shall be vested exclusively in the Managing Member. In all matters relating to or arising out of the conduct of the operation of the Company, the decision of the Managing Member shall be the decision of the Company. Except as required by law, or expressly provided in Section 5.1(c) or by separate agreement with the Company, no Member who is not also a Managing Member (and acting in such capacity) shall take any part in the management or control of the operation or business of the Company in its capacity as a Member, nor shall any Member who is not also a Managing Member (and acting in such capacity) have any right, authority or power to act for or on behalf of or bind the Company in his or her or its capacity as a Member in any respect or assume any obligation or responsibility of the Company or of any other Member.

(c) Delegation by Managing Member . The Company may employ one or more Members from time to time, and such Members, in their capacity as employees or agents of the Company (and not, for clarity, in their capacity as Members of the Company), may take part in the control and management of the business of the Company to the extent such authority and power to act for or on behalf of the Company has been delegated to them by the Managing Member. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Managing Member shall have the power and authority to delegate to one or more other Persons the Managing Member’s rights and powers to manage and control the business and affairs of the Company, including to delegate to agents and employees of a Member or the Company (including Officers), and to delegate by a management agreement or another agreement with, or otherwise to, other Persons. The Managing Member may authorize any Person (including any Member or Officer) to enter into and perform any document on behalf of the Company.

5.2. Officers .

(a) Designation and Appointment . The Managing Member may, from time to time, employ and retain Persons as may be necessary or appropriate for the conduct of the

 

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Company’s business, including employees, agents and other Persons (any of whom may be a Member) who may be designated as Officers of the Company, with such titles as and to the extent authorized by the Managing Member. Any number of offices may be held by the same Person. In its discretion, the Managing Member may choose not to fill any office for any period as it may deem advisable. Officers need not be residents of the State of Delaware or Members. Any Officers so designated shall have such authority and perform such duties as the Managing Member may from time to time delegate to them. The Managing Member may assign titles to particular Officers. Each Officer shall hold office until his successor shall be duly designated and shall qualify or until his death or until he shall resign or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided. The salaries or other compensation, if any, of the Officers of the Company shall be fixed from time to time by the Managing Member. Designation of an Officer shall not of itself create any employment rights.

(b) Resignation and Removal . Any Officer may resign as such at any time. Such resignation shall be made in writing and shall take effect at the time specified therein, or if no time is specified, at the time of its receipt by the Managing Member. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective, unless expressly so provided in the resignation. All employees, agents and Officers shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the Managing Member and may be removed, with or without cause, from such office by the Managing Member and the authority, duties or responsibilities of any employee, agent or Officer of the Company may be suspended by or altered the Managing Member from time to time, in each case in the sole discretion of the Managing Member.

(c) Duties of Officers . The Officers, in the performance of their duties as such, shall owe to the Company duties of loyalty and due care of the type owed by officers of a Delaware corporation pursuant to the laws of the state of Delaware.

5.3. Devotion of Time; Fiduciary Duties; Company Opportunities; Other Activities . Except only as specifically set forth in this Agreement or in a separate written agreement with the Company, (a) the Members and the Officers are not obligated to devote any or all of their time or business efforts to the affairs of the Company, (b) the Members and the Officers shall devote only whatever time, effort and skill as they deem appropriate for the management and operation of the Company, (c) the Members and the Officers are free to own interests in other businesses and undertakings and to pursue and engage in other investments, activities and opportunities (collectively, “ Other Interests ”), (d) the Members are fully aware that the other Members are, and in the future may be, engaged in and conduct Other Interests that are directly or indirectly in competition with the Company or with each other, (e) none of the Officers, Members, or any Affiliate of any Member will have any obligation to offer the Company or any other Member any Other Interests or the right to participate therein, (f) none of the Company, the Officers, or the Members will have any rights in any Other Interests in which any Officer, other Member, or any of their Affiliates engages outside of the Company by virtue of the relationship contemplated by this Agreement, (g) none of the Officers, Members, or any Affiliate of any Member shall be required to disclose to the other Members or the Company the existence or nature of any such Other Interests, (h) no Member shall owe any fiduciary duties to the Company or any Member or any of their respective Affiliates in connection with the Company, (i) each

 

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Member (including the Managing Member) shall be entitled to consider only the interests of such Member in connection with any decision or action brought before such Member in his, her or its capacity as a Member and shall have no duty or obligation to consider any other interests or factors affecting the Company or any other Member or any of their respective Affiliates, (j) the Company and the Members each agree that each shall have no claim under fiduciary duty or similar principles to such Other Interests or otherwise with respect to the Company in any respect (including but not limited to the operation and management of the Company), and (k) each Member and the Company waives any conflict of interest related to such Other Interests and the other matters described in this Section 5.3 .

5.4. No Liability of Members and Officers . Except as provided in this Agreement, in the Certificate, in a separate written agreement with the Company or as required under the Act, no Member, Officer, employee or other agent of the Company will be personally liable for the debts, obligations or liabilities of the Company, whether that liability arises in contract, tort, or otherwise. No Member, Officer, employee or other agent of the Company will be liable in damages or otherwise to the Company or any other Member for any loss or damage incurred by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such Member or Officer in good faith either on behalf of the Company or in furtherance of the interests of the Company, and performed or omitted in a manner reasonably believed by such Person to be within the scope of the authority granted by this Agreement, by law or by the consent of the Managing Member, provided such Person was not guilty of gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such act or omission.

5.5. Exculpation and Indemnification . To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless each of the Members, Officers, employees or other agents who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, by reason of any act or omission or alleged act or omission arising out of such Person’s activities as a Member, Officer, employee or other agent or otherwise on behalf of the Company if such activities were performed or omitted in good faith either on behalf of the Company or in furtherance of the interests of the Company, and were performed or omitted in a manner reasonably believed by such Person to be within the scope of the authority conferred by this Agreement, by law or by the Managing Member, against losses, damages, or expenses for which such Person has not otherwise been reimbursed (including, without limitation, attorneys and accountant fees and expenses, judgment fines and amounts paid in settlement), actually and reasonably incurred by such Person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, so long as such Person was not guilty of gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such act or omission. Expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by any such indemnified Person in defending a proceeding as to which it is entitled to indemnification hereunder (as reasonably determined by the Managing Member) shall be paid by the Company periodically in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding, including any appeal therefrom, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, any indemnity by the Company relating to the matters covered in this Section 5.5 shall be provided and satisfied out of and to the extent of Company assets only. The right to indemnification and the advancement of expenses conferred in this Section 5.5 shall not be exclusive of any other right which any such

 

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Person may have or hereafter acquire under any agreement, law or otherwise. If this Section 5.5 or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify and hold harmless each such indemnified Person pursuant to this Section 5.5 to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Section 5.5 that shall not have been invalidated.

5.6. Insurance . The Company shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any Member, Officer, employee or other agent of the Company against any liability asserted against such Person and incurred by such Person in any such capacity, or arising out of such Person’s status as a Member, Officer, employee or other agent of the Company, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such Person against such liability under the provisions of Section 5.5 or under applicable law.

5.7. Investment Representations of Members . Each Member hereby represents, warrants and acknowledges to the Company that: (a) such Member has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Company and is making an informed investment decision with respect thereto; (b) such Member is acquiring interests in the Company for investment only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any distribution to the public or public offering thereof; and (c) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by such Member.

5.8 Certain Costs and Expenses . The Company shall (i) pay, or cause to be paid, all costs, fees, operating expenses and other expenses of the Company (including the costs, fees and expenses of attorneys, accountants or other professionals and the compensation of all personnel providing services to the Company) incurred in pursuing and conducting, or otherwise related to, the activities of the Company, and (ii) in the sole discretion of the Managing Member, bear and/or reimburse the Managing Member for any costs, fees or expenses incurred by it in connection with serving as the Managing Member. To the extent that the Managing Member determines in its sole discretion that such expenses are related to the business and affairs of the Managing Member that are conducted through the Company and/or its subsidiaries (including expenses that relate to the business and affairs of the Company and/or its subsidiaries and that also relate to other activities of the Managing Member), the Managing Member may cause the Company to pay or bear all expenses of the Managing Member, including, without suggesting any limitation of any kind, costs of securities offerings not borne directly by Members, board of directors compensation and meeting costs, cost of periodic reports to its stockholders, litigation costs and damages arising from litigation, accounting and legal costs and franchise taxes, provided that the Company shall not pay or bear any income tax obligations of the Managing Member.

ARTICLE VI

TAX MATTERS

6.1 Preparation of Tax Returns . The Tax Matters Member shall arrange for the preparation and timely filing of all returns required to be filed by the Company.

 

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6.2 Tax Elections . The taxable year shall be the Fiscal Year unless the Managing Member shall determine otherwise in compliance with applicable laws. The Tax Matters Member shall determine whether to make or revoke any available election pursuant to the Code; provided that the Tax Matters Member shall cause the Company to make and to maintain and keep in effect at all times, in accordance with Sections 734, 743 and 754 of the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations and comparable state law provisions, an election to adjust tax basis in the event (i) any Unit is Transferred in accordance with this Agreement or the Exchange Agreement or (ii) any Company property is distributed to any Member. Each Member will upon request supply any information necessary to give proper effect to any tax elections. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no election shall be made to treat the Company as a corporation for tax purposes and the Managing Member agrees not to take any action to treat the Company as a corporation for tax purposes.

6.3 Tax Controversies . The Managing Member is hereby designated as the Tax Matters Member and is authorized and required to represent the Company (at the Company’s expense) in connection with all examinations of the Company’s affairs by tax authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial proceedings, and to expend Company funds for professional services reasonably incurred in connection therewith. Each Member agrees to cooperate reasonably with the Company and to do or refrain from doing any or all things reasonably requested by the Company with respect to the conduct of such proceedings. The Tax Matters Member shall keep the Members reasonably informed of the progress of any examinations, audits or other proceedings, and shall provide the Members with information on a full and timely basis.

6.4 Tax Allocations . All matters concerning allocations for United States federal, state, and local and non-United States income tax purposes, including accounting procedures, not expressly provided for by the term of this Agreement shall be determined in good faith by the Managing Member.

6.5 Fiscal Year . The Fiscal Year of the Company shall end on or as close to June 30 unless otherwise determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion in accordance with Section 706 of the Code.

6.6 Books and Records; Fiscal Year . The Company shall maintain the Company’s books and records at its principal office. Such books will be kept on such method of accounting as the Managing Member will select. The Company’s accounting period will be the Fiscal Year, unless and until changed by the Managing Member. The books and records of the Company shall reflect all the Company transactions and shall be appropriate and adequate for the Company’s business, including without limitation (a) a current list in alphabetical order of the full name and last known business street address of each Member, (b) a copy of the certified Certificate and all certificates of amendment to it, together with executed copies of any powers of attorney pursuant to which any certificates of amendment have been executed, (c) copies of the Company’s federal, state and local income tax returns and reports, if any, for the 3 most recent years, (d) a copy of this Agreement, as amended, and (e) any other documents or records required under the Act.

6.7 Reports . The Company will close the books of account promptly after the close of each Fiscal Year and will prepare and send to each Member a statement of such Member’s distributive share of income and expense for federal income tax reporting purposes.

 

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ARTICLE VII

TRANSFER OF UNITS; SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS; REGISTRATION RIGHTS

7.1 Restrictions on Transfers . Other than as provided for below in this Section 7.1 , no Member may sell, assign, transfer, grant a participation in, pledge, hypothecate, encumber or otherwise dispose of (such transaction being herein collectively called a “ Transfer ”) all or any portion of its Membership Interest except with the written consent of the Managing Member, which may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion. Without the consent of the Managing Member (but otherwise in compliance with Section 7.1 ), a Member may, at any time, (a) Transfer any portion of such Member’s Membership Interest pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, or (b) Transfer any portion of such Member’s Membership Interest to a Permitted Transferee of such Member. Any purported Transfer of all or a portion of a Member’s Membership Interest not complying with this Section 7.1 shall be void ab initio and shall not create any obligation on the part of the Company or the other Members to recognize that purported Transfer or to recognize the Person to which the Transfer purportedly was made as a Member. A Person acquiring a Member’s Membership Interest pursuant to this Section 7.1 shall not be admitted as a Substituted Member or Additional Member except in accordance with the requirements of Section 7.2 , but such Person shall, to the extent of the Membership Interest transferred to it, be entitled to such Member’s (i) share of Distributions, (ii) share of profits and losses, including Net Income and Net Loss, and (iii) Capital Account in accordance with Section 2.3 . Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7.1 or elsewhere in this Agreement to the contrary, if a Member Transfers all or any portion of its Membership Interest after the designation of a record date and declaration of a distribution pursuant to Section 3.1 and before the payment date of such distribution, the transferring Member (and not the Person acquiring all or any portion of its Membership Interest) shall be entitled to receive such distribution in respect of such transferred Membership Interest.

7.2 Recognition of Transfer; Substituted and Additional Members .

(a) No direct or indirect Transfer of all or any portion of a Member’s Membership Interest may be made, and no purchaser, assignee, transferee or other recipient of all or any part of such Membership Interest shall be admitted to the Company as a Substituted Member or Additional Member hereunder, if:

(i) such Transfer is made to any Person who lacks the legal right, power or capacity to own such Membership Interest;

(ii) such Transfer would cause a material risk that the Company would be a “publicly traded partnership” as defined in Section 7704 of the Code;

(iii) such Transfer would require the registration of such Transferred Membership Interest pursuant to any applicable United States federal or state securities laws (including, without limitation, the Securities Act or the Exchange Act);

 

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(iv) such Transfer would cause any portion of the assets of the Company to become “plan assets” of any “benefit plan investor” within the meaning of regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor at Section 2510.3-101 of Part 2510 of Chapter XXV, Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations as modified by Section 3(42) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time; or

(v) to the extent requested by the Managing Member, the Managing Member shall not have received the opinion of counsel, if any, required by Section 7.2(c) in connection with such Transfer.

(b) Each Substituted Member and Additional Member shall be bound by all of the provisions of this Agreement. Each Substituted Member and Additional Member, as a condition to its admission as a Member, shall execute and acknowledge such instruments (including a counterpart of this Agreement or a joinder agreement in customary form), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Managing Member, as the Managing Member reasonably deems necessary or desirable to effectuate such admission and to confirm the agreement of such substituted or Additional Member to be bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement with respect to the Membership Interest acquired by such substituted or Additional Member. The admission of a Substituted or Additional Member shall not require the consent of any Member other than the Managing Member (if and to the extent such consent of the Managing Member is expressly required by this Article VII ). As promptly as practicable after the admission of a Substituted or Additional Member, the books and records of the Company and Schedule A shall be changed to reflect such admission.

(c) As a further condition to any Transfer of all or any part of a Member’s Membership Interest, other than Transfers pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, the Managing Member may, in its discretion, require a written opinion of counsel to the transferring Member reasonably satisfactory to the Managing Member, obtained at the sole expense of the transferring Member, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Managing Member, as to such matters as are customary and appropriate in transactions of this type, including, without limitation (or, in the case of any Transfer made to a Permitted Transferee, limited to an opinion) to the effect that such Transfer will not result in a violation of the registration or other requirements of the Securities Act or any other federal or state securities laws. No such opinion, however, shall be required in connection with a Transfer made pursuant to the Exchange Agreement.

7.3 Expense of Transfer; Indemnification . All reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Managing Member and the Company in connection with any Transfer of a Member’s Membership Interest, including any filing and recording costs and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, shall be paid by the transferring Member. In addition, the transferring Member hereby indemnifies the Managing Member and the Company against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Managing Member, the Company, or any of their Affiliates may become subject arising out of or based upon any false representation or warranty made by, or breach or failure to comply with any covenant or agreement of, such transferring Member or such transferee in connection with such Transfer.

 

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7.4 Additional Requirements . Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement, for the avoidance of doubt, the Managing Member may impose such vesting requirements, forfeiture provisions, Transfer restrictions, minimum retained ownership requirements or other similar provisions with respect to any interests in the Company that are outstanding as of the date of this Agreement or are created hereafter, with the written consent of the holder of such interests in the Company. Such requirements, provisions and restrictions need not be uniform among holders of interests in the Company and may be waived or released by the Managing Member in its sole discretion with respect to all or a portion of the interests in the Company owned by any one or more Members or Assignees at any time and from time to time, and such actions or omissions by the Managing Member shall not constitute the breach of this Agreement or of any duty hereunder or otherwise existing at law, in equity or otherwise.

7.5 Mandatory Exchange . The Managing Member may, with the consent of Black Canyon Management LLC (provided that a Black Canyon Entity is a Member) and those Members (other than the Managing Member) holding not less than 50% of the Units (excluding any Units held by the Managing Member), require all Members holding Units to exchange all such Units held by them pursuant to the Exchange Agreement.

7.6 Registration Rights .

(a) At any time that Malibu Boats proposes or is obligated to register any shares of Class A Common Stock under the Securities Act (other than registrations on such form(s) solely for registration of shares of Class A Common Stock in connection with any employee benefit plan or dividend reinvestment plan or a merger or consolidation), including registrations pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, whether or not for sale for its own account, Malibu Boats will give written notice to each holder of Registrable Securities at least 30 days prior to the initial filing of such registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the intent of Malibu Boats to file such registration statement and of such holder’s rights under this Section 7.6. Upon the written request of any holder of Registrable Securities made within 20 days after any such notice is given (which request shall specify the Registrable Securities intended to be disposed of by such holder), Malibu Boats will use its best efforts to effect the registration (an “ Incidental Registration ”) under the Securities Act of all Registrable Securities which Malibu Boats, as the case may be, has been so requested to register by the holders thereof; provided, however, that if, at any time after giving written notice of its intention to register any securities and prior to the effective date of the registration statement filed in connection with such Incidental Registration, Malibu Boats shall determine for any reason not to register or to delay registration of such securities, Malibu Boats may, at its election, give written notice of such determination to each holder of Registrable Securities and, thereupon, (i) in the case of a determination not to register, Malibu Boats shall be relieved of its obligation to register any Registrable Securities under this Section 7.6 in connection with such registration, and (ii) in the case of a determination to delay registration, Malibu Boats shall be permitted to delay registering any Registrable Securities under this Section 7.6 during the period that the registration of such other securities is delayed.

 

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(b) If the sole or managing underwriter of a registration advises Malibu Boats in writing that in its opinion the number of Registrable Securities and other securities requested to be included exceeds the number of Registrable Securities and other securities which can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the distribution of the securities being offered, the price that will be paid in such offering or the marketability thereof, Malibu Boats will include in such registration the Registrable Securities and other securities of Malibu Boats in the following order of priority:

(i) first, the greatest number of securities of Malibu Boats proposed or is obligated to include in such registration by Malibu Boats for its own account and by holders of Other Registration Rights that have priority over the Incidental Registration rights granted to holders of Registrable Securities under this Section 7.6, which in the opinion of such underwriters can be so sold; and

(ii) second, after all securities that Malibu Boats proposes or is obligated to register for its own account or for the accounts of holders of Other Registration Rights that have priority over the Incidental Registration rights under this Section 7.6 have been included, the greatest amount of Registrable Securities and securities having Other Registration Rights that are pari passu with Registrable Securities (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any securities proposed to be included pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement), in each case requested to be registered by the holders thereof which in the opinion of such underwriters can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the distribution of the securities being offered, the price that will be paid in such offering or the marketability thereof, ratably among the holders of Registrable Securities and securities subject to such Other Registration Rights based on the respective amounts of Registrable Securities and securities subject to such Other Registration Rights held by each such holder.

(c) Upon delivering a request under this Section 7.6, a Member will, if requested by Malibu Boats, execute and deliver a custody agreement and power of attorney in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Malibu Boats with respect to such Member’s securities to be registered pursuant to this Section 7.6 (a “ Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney ”). The Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney will provide, among other things, that the Member will deliver to and deposit in custody with the custodian and attorney-in-fact named therein a certificate or certificates representing such securities (duly endorsed in blank by the registered owner or owners thereof or accompanied by duly executed stock powers in blank) and irrevocably appoint said custodian and attorney-in-fact with full power and authority to act under the Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney on such Member’s behalf with respect to the matters specified therein. Such Member also agrees to execute such other agreements as Malibu Boats may reasonably request to further evidence the provisions of this Section 7.6.

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, after the time any Exchange Registration has become effective and continuing for so long as such Exchange Registration remains effective and available for use, any Member who is not an “affiliate” of Malibu Boats for purposes of Rule 144 under the Securities Act or the holder of at least 3% of the then-outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock on a fully-diluted

 

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basis (including giving effect to the exchange of all Units held by Persons other than Malibu Boats for shares of Class A Common Stock) shall not have the right to participate in any Incidental Registration rights pursuant to this Section 7.6, except to the extent the shares to be registered and offered pursuant to such Incidental Registration will be an underwritten offering.

(e) Each Member agrees that, if requested in writing in connection with an underwritten offering subsequent to Malibu Boats’ initial public offering made pursuant to a registration statement for which such Member has registration rights pursuant to this Section 7.6 by the managing underwriter or underwriters of such underwritten offering, such Member will not effect any public sale or distribution of any of the securities being registered or any securities convertible or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities (except as part of such underwritten offering), during the period beginning seven days prior to, and ending up to 180 days after, the effective date of any such subsequent underwritten registration (the “ Follow-On Holdback Period ”), except as part of any such underwritten registration (or for such shorter period as to which the managing underwriter or underwriters may agree, provided that such shorter period applies equally to all Members). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Follow-On Holdback Period shall apply to any Person who (a) is not an executive officer or director of Malibu Boats, a selling stockholder in such offering or a Person selling Units to Malibu Boats, the Company or any of their respective subsidiaries if such purchase is funded by the sale of Class A Common Stock by Malibu Boats, the Company or any of their respective subsidiaries in such offering and (b) holds, together with its affiliates, less than 1% of the then-outstanding Class A Common Stock.

(f) It shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of Malibu Boats to take any action pursuant to this Section 7.6 with respect to the Registrable Securities of any selling Member that such Member shall furnish to Malibu Boats such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it, and the intended method of disposition of such securities as shall reasonably be required to effect the registration of such Member’s Registrable Securities.

(g) Each Member registering securities under this Section 7.6 shall promptly furnish in writing to Malibu Boats such information regarding itself, the distribution of the Registrable Securities as Malibu Boats may from time to time reasonably request and such other information as may be legally required or advisable in connection with such registration.

(h) No Member may participate in any Public Offering hereunder unless such Member (i) agrees to sell such Member’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Members entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements and the provisions of this Section 7.6 in respect of registration rights.

 

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(i) In the event of any registration of any Registrable Securities of Malibu Boats under the Securities Act pursuant to this Section 7.6, Malibu Boats will, and it hereby does, indemnify and hold harmless, to the extent permitted by law, a Member that includes Registrable Securities in any such registration statement, each affiliate of such Member and their respective directors and officers or general and limited partners or members and managing members (including any director, officer, affiliate, employee, agent and controlling Person of any of the foregoing) and each other Person, if any, who controls such seller within the meaning of the Securities Act (collectively, the “ Indemnified Parties ”), from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted, as such fees and expenses are incurred), joint or several, that arise out of, or are based upon, (a) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement or amendment or supplement thereto under which such Registrable Securities were registered or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or (b) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any prospectus, any free writing prospectus or any “issuer information” filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act in respect of the Registrable Securities, or amendment or supplement thereto, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, that Malibu Boats shall not be liable to any Indemnified Party in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability (or action or proceeding in respect thereof) or expense arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such registration statement, prospectus, any free writing prospectus or any “issuer information” filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act in respect of the Registrable Securities, or amendment or supplement thereto, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to Malibu Boats with respect to such seller or any underwriter specifically for use in the preparation thereof.

(j) Each Member that includes Registrable Securities in any registration statement under the Securities Act pursuant to this Section 7.6 hereby severally and not jointly indemnifies and holds harmless, and Malibu Boats may require, as a condition to including any Registrable Securities in any registration statement filed in accordance with this Section 7.6, that Malibu Boats shall have received an undertaking reasonably satisfactory to it from any underwriter to indemnify and hold harmless, Malibu Boats and all other prospective sellers of Registrable Securities, each officer of Malibu Boats who signed the registration statement and each Person, if any, who controls Malibu Boats and all other prospective sellers of Registrable Securities within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the indemnity set forth in Section 7.6(i) above, but only with respect to any losses, claims, damages or liabilities that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to Malibu Boats with respect to such seller or any underwriter specifically for use in the preparation of such registration statement, prospectus, any free

 

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writing prospectus or any “issuer information” filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act in respect of the Registrable Securities, or amendment or supplement thereto. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Malibu Boats, any of the Members or any underwriter, or any of their respective affiliates, directors, officers or controlling Persons and shall survive the transfer of such securities by such Person. In no event shall any such indemnification liability of any Member be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds received by such Member upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation.

ARTICLE VIII

DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION; WITHDRAWAL

8.1 Dissolution . The Company shall not be dissolved by the admission of Additional Members or Substituted Members. The Company shall be dissolved and its affairs shall be wound up upon the first to occur of any of the following events:

(a) an election by the Managing Member to dissolve, wind up or liquidate the Company;

(b) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Company under Section 18-802 of the Act; or

(c) at any time there are no members of the Company, unless the Company is continued in accordance with the Act.

Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 8.1 , the Company is intended to have perpetual existence.

8.2 Liquidation and Termination .

(a) On the dissolution of the Company, the Managing Member shall act as liquidator or (in its sole discretion) may appoint one (1) or more representatives, Members or other Persons as liquidator(s). The liquidators shall proceed diligently to wind up the affairs of the Company and make final distributions as provided herein and in the Act. The costs of liquidation shall be borne as a Company expense. Until final distribution, the liquidators shall continue to operate the Company with all of the power and authority of the Managing Member. The steps to be accomplished by the liquidators are as follows:

(i) the liquidators shall pay, satisfy or discharge from Company funds all of the debts, liabilities and obligations of the Company (including all expenses incurred in liquidation) or otherwise make adequate provision for payment and discharge thereof (including the establishment of a cash fund for contingent liabilities in such amount and for such term as the liquidators may reasonably determine); and

(ii) after payment or provision for payment of all of the Company’s liabilities has been made in accordance with Section 8.1 , all remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed in accordance with Section 3.1 .

 

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8.3 Complete Distribution . The distribution to a Member in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.1 constitutes a complete return to the Member of its Capital Contributions and a complete distribution to the Member of its interest in the Company and all the Company’s property and constitutes a compromise to which all Members have consented within the meaning of the Act.

8.4 Cancellation of Certificate . On completion of the distribution of Company assets as provided herein, the Managing Member (or such other Person or Persons as the Act may require or permit) shall file a certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, cancel any other filings made pursuant to this Agreement that are or should be canceled and take such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Company. The Company shall be deemed to continue in existence for all purposes of this Agreement until it is terminated pursuant to this Section 8.4 .

8.5 Reasonable Time for Winding Up . A reasonable time shall be allowed for the orderly winding up of the business and affairs of the Company and the liquidation of its assets pursuant to Section 8.2 to minimize any losses otherwise attendant upon such winding up.

8.6 Return of Capital . The liquidators shall not be personally liable for the return of Capital Contributions or any portion thereof to the Members (it being understood that any such return shall be made solely from Company assets).

8.7 HSR Act . Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, in the event that the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the “ HSR Act ”) is applicable to any Member by reason of the fact that any assets of the Company shall be distributed to such Member in connection with the dissolution of the Company, the dissolution of the Company shall not be consummated until such time as the applicable waiting periods (and extensions thereof) under the HSR Act have expired or otherwise been terminated with respect to each such Member.

8.8 Member Withdrawal . No Member shall have the power or right to withdraw or otherwise resign from the Company prior to the dissolution and winding up of the Company, except pursuant to a Transfer permitted under this Agreement.

ARTICLE IX

GENERAL PROVISIONS

9.1 Power of Attorney . Each Member hereby constitutes and appoints the Managing Member and the liquidators, with full power of substitution, as his, her or its true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority in his, her or its name, place and stead, to execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record in the appropriate public offices (a) this Agreement, all certificates and other instruments and all amendments thereof in accordance with the terms hereof that the Managing Member deems appropriate or necessary to form, qualify, or continue the qualification of, the Company as a limited liability company in the

 

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State of Delaware and in all other jurisdictions in which the Company may conduct business or own property; (b) all instruments that the Managing Member deems appropriate or necessary to reflect any amendment, change, modification or restatement of this Agreement in accordance with its terms; (c) all conveyances and other instruments or documents that the Managing Member or the liquidators deem appropriate or necessary to reflect the dissolution and liquidation of the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including a certificate of cancellation; and (d) all instruments relating to the admission, withdrawal or substitution of any Member. The foregoing power of attorney is irrevocable and coupled with an interest, and shall survive the death, disability, incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or termination of any Member and the Transfer of all or any portion of his, her or its Units and shall extend to such Member’s heirs, successors, assigns and personal representatives.

9.2 Amendments .

(a) This Agreement may be amended, supplemented, waived or modified by the written consent of the Managing Member in its sole discretion without the approval of any other Member or other Person; provided that except as otherwise provided herein, no amendment may materially and adversely affect the rights of a holder of Units, as such, other than on a pro rata basis with other holders of Units of the same class without the consent of such holder (or, if there is more than one such holder that is so affected, without the consent of a majority of such affected holders in accordance with their holdings of Units), provided further, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Managing Member may, without the written consent of any other Member or any other Person, amend, supplement, waive or modify any provision of this Agreement and execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be required in connection therewith, to reflect: (1) any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification that the Managing Member determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with the creation, authorization or issuance of any class of Units or other Equity Securities in the Company or other Company securities in accordance with this Agreement; (2) the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of Members in accordance with this Agreement; (3) a change in the name of the Company, the location of the principal place of business of the Company, the registered agent of the Company or the registered office of the Company; (4) any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification that the Managing Member determines in its sole discretion to be necessary or appropriate to address changes in U.S. federal income tax regulations, legislation or interpretation; or (5) a change in the Fiscal Year or taxable year of the Company and any other changes that the Managing Member determines to be necessary or appropriate as a result of a change in the Fiscal Year or taxable year of the Company, including a change in the dates on which distributions are to be made by the Company; provided further, that the books and records of the Company shall be deemed amended from time to time to reflect the admission of a new Member, the withdrawal or resignation of a Member, the adjustment of the Units or other interests in the Company resulting from any issuance, Transfer or other disposition of Units or other interests in the Company, in each case that is made in accordance with the provisions hereof. If an amendment has been approved in accordance with this agreement, such amendment shall be adopted and effective with respect to all Members. Upon obtaining such approvals as may be required by this Agreement, and without further action or execution on the part of any other Member or

 

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other Person, any amendment to this Agreement may be implemented and reflected in a writing executed solely by the Managing Member and the other Members shall be deemed a party to and bound by such amendment.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in addition to any other consent that may be required, the consent of Black Canyon Management LLC shall also be required (the “ Special Consent Right ”) for so long as the Black Canyon Entities collectively hold a number of Units that is equal to or greater than 5% of the number of Units outstanding immediately following the closing of the IPO and the related purchase of Units by the Managing Member with the net proceeds therefrom (such number to be adjusted for any subdivision or combination of the Units effected after the closing of the IPO) for any amendment of this Agreement (or the rights of the Units in connection with the authorization or issuance of any other Units or Equity Securities of the Company) that (i) reduces the right of any Member to receive Tax Distributions other than on a pro rata basis with a reduction in taxable income allocable to such Member and other holders of Units of the same class, (ii) precludes or limits the rights of any Member to exercise its respective rights under the Exchange Agreement, (iii) requires any Member to make a Capital Contribution (including as a condition to maintaining any rights necessary to permit such Member to exercise its respective rights under the Exchange Agreement), (iv) materially increases the obligations of any Member under this Agreement, or (v) results in the Company being treated as a corporation for tax purposes; provided, however, that if the Black Canyon Entities collectively hold a number of Units that is less than 5% of the number of Units outstanding immediately following the closing of the IPO and the related purchase of Units by the Managing Member with the net proceeds therefrom (such number to be adjusted for any subdivision or combination of the Units effected after the closing of the IPO), then Black Canyon Management LLC shall have the right to assign or transfer the Special Consent Right to Horizon Holdings, LLC, provided that Horizon Holdings, LLC, together with its successors and Permitted Transferees, collectively hold a number of Units that is equal to or greater than 5% of the number of Units outstanding immediately following the closing of the IPO and the related purchase of Units by the Managing Member with the net proceeds therefrom (such number to be adjusted for any subdivision or combination of the Units effected after the closing of the IPO).

(c) No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder (other than a failure or delay beyond a period of time specified herein) 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 law.

9.3 Remedies . Each Member shall have all rights and remedies set forth in this Agreement and all rights and remedies that such Person has been granted at any time under any other agreement or contract and all of the rights that such Person has under any applicable law. Any Person having any rights under any provision of this Agreement or any other agreements contemplated hereby shall be entitled to enforce such rights specifically (without posting a bond or other security) to recover damages by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights granted by applicable law.

 

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9.4 Successors and Assigns . All covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective Successors in Interest; provided that no Person claiming by, through or under a Member (whether as such Member’s Successor in Interest or otherwise), as distinct from such Member itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Member (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof).

9.5 Severability . Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

9.6 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more separate counterparts, any one of which need not contain the signatures of more than one party, but each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement binding on all the parties hereto.

9.7 Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. Any dispute relating hereto shall be heard in the state or federal courts of Delaware, and the parties agree to jurisdiction and venue therein.

9.8 Addresses and Notices . All notices, demands or other communications to be given or delivered under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given or made when (a) delivered personally to the recipient, (b) sent by facsimile to the recipient (with hard copy sent to the recipient by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) that same day) if sent by facsimile before 5:00 p.m. New York time on a Business Day, and otherwise on the next Business Day, or (c) one Business Day after being sent to the recipient by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid). Such notices, demands and other communications shall be sent to the address for such recipient set forth on Schedule A attached hereto, or in the Company’s books and records, or to such other address or to the attention of such other Person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice to the Managing Member or the Company shall be deemed given if received by the Managing Member at the principal office of the Company designated pursuant to Section 1.5 .

9.9 Creditors . None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of or enforceable by any creditors of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and no creditor who makes a loan to the Company or any of its Affiliates may have or acquire (except pursuant to the terms

 

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of a separate agreement executed by the Company in favor of such creditor) at any time as a result of making the loan any direct or indirect interest in Company profits, losses, Distributions, capital or property other than as a secured creditor.

9.10 Waiver . No failure 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 a breach thereof shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.

9.11 Further Action . The parties agree to execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.

9.12 Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the other Transaction Documents, those documents expressly referred to herein and other documents dated as of the Effective Date related to the subject matter hereof embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties hereto and supersede and preempt any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties hereto, written or oral, that may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

9.13 Delivery by Facsimile or Email . This Agreement, the agreements referred to herein, and each other agreement or instrument entered into in connection herewith or therewith or contemplated hereby or thereby, and any amendments hereto or thereto, to the extent signed and delivered by means of a facsimile machine or email with scan or facsimile attachment, shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. At the request of any party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument, each other party hereto or thereto shall re-execute original forms thereof and deliver them to all other parties. No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise the use of a facsimile machine or email to deliver a signature or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of a facsimile machine or email as a defense to the formation or enforceability of a contract, and each such party forever waives any such defense.

9.14 Spousal Consent . Each Member who is an individual and is married has caused such Person’s spouse to execute and deliver a Spousal Consent and Proxy in substantially the form of Exhibit B .

ARTICLE X

DEFINITIONS

10.1 Definitions . Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:

Act ” means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. L. Sections 18-101, et seq .

 

29


Additional Member ” means any Person that has been admitted to the Company as a Member after the Effective Date pursuant to Section 2.2(b) by virtue of having received its Membership Interest from the Company and not from any other Member or Assignee.

Adjusted Capital Account Deficit ” means, with respect to any Person’s Capital Account as of the end of any taxable year, the amount by which the balance in such Capital Account is less than zero. For this purpose, such Capital Account balance shall be (i) reduced for any items described in Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii) (d)(4) , (5)  and (6) , and (ii) increased for any amount such Person is obligated to contribute or is treated as being obligated to contribute to the Company pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) (relating to partner liabilities to a partnership) or 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i) (relating to minimum gain).

Affiliate ” when used with reference to another Person means any Person (other than the Company), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other Person. In addition, Affiliates of a Member shall include all its directors, managers, officers and employees in their capacities as such.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Assignee ” means any Transferee to which a Member or another Assignee has Transferred all or a portion of its interest in the Company in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, but that is not a Member.

Assumed Tax Rate ” means, for any taxable year, the highest marginal effective rate of federal, state and local income tax applicable to an individual resident in Los Angeles, California (or, if higher, a corporation doing business in Los Angeles, California) determined by applying the rates applicable to ordinary income (in cases where taxes are being determined on ordinary income allocated to a Member) and capital gains (in cases where taxes are being determined on capital gains allocated to a Member), and by assuming that state and local income taxes are not deductible in computing a Member’s liability for federal income tax.

Bankruptcy ” means, with respect to any Person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (a) the filing of an application by such Person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of such Person’s assets; (b) the filing by such Person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing such Person’s inability to pay its debts as they become due; (c) the failure of such Person to pay its debts as such debts become due; (d) the making by such Person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (e) the filing by such Person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or such Person’s consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (f) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such Person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such Person or appointing a trustee or custodian of such Person’s assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive calendar days.

 

30


Black Canyon Entities ” means Black Canyon Direct Investment Fund L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Black Canyon Investments L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Canyon Value Realization Fund, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, The Canyon Value Realization Master Fund, L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership, and Loudon Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and their respective successors and Permitted Transferees.

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

Capital Account ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a) .

Capital Contributions ” means any cash, cash equivalents or, at the consent of the Managing Member, the Fair Market Value of other property that a Member contributes to the Company with respect to any Unit or other Equity Securities issued pursuant to Article II (net of liabilities assumed by the Company or to which such property is subject).

Certificate ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Class A Common Stock ” means the shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Malibu Boats.

Code ” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Company Minimum Gain ” has the meaning set forth for the term “partnership minimum gain” in Regulations Section 1.704-2(d).

Control ” means, when used with reference to any Person, the power to direct the management or policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or other understanding (written or oral); and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(c) .

Depreciation ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Net Income” or “Net Loss” under paragraph (e) therein.

Distribution ” means each distribution after the Effective Date made by the Company to a Member, whether in cash, property or securities of the Company, pursuant to, or in respect of, Article III or Article VIII .

Economic Interest ” means the right to allocations of items of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or similar items and the right to Distributions of cash and other property as provided in Article III , Article IV, Article VIII and Article IX of this Agreement and the Act, but shall not include any right to participate in the management or affairs of the Company or any right to receive information concerning the business and affairs of the Company, in each case, except as expressly otherwise provided in this Agreement or required by the Act.

 

31


Effective Date ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Effective Time ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Equity Securities ” means, as applicable, (a) any capital stock, membership interests or other share capital, (b) any securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable for any capital stock, membership interests or other share capital or containing any profit participation features, (c) any rights or options directly or indirectly to subscribe for or to purchase any capital stock, membership interests, other share capital or securities containing any profit participation features or to subscribe for or to purchase any securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable for any capital stock, membership interests, other share capital or securities containing any profit participation features, (d) any share appreciation rights, phantom share rights or other similar rights, or (e) any Equity Securities issued or issuable with respect to the securities referred to in clauses (a) through (d) above in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization.

Exchange Agreement ” means the Exchange Agreement dated on or about the date hereof between the Company, the Members and Malibu Boats.

Exchange Registration ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Fair Market Value ” means, with respect to any asset or securities, the fair market value for such assets or securities as between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s length transaction occurring on the date of valuation, taking into account all relevant factors determinative of value, as determined in good faith by the Managing Member.

Family Group ” means for any individual, such individual’s current or former spouse, their respective parents, descendants of such parents (whether natural or adopted) and the spouses of such descendants, and any trust, limited partnership, corporation or limited liability company established solely for the benefit of such individual or such individual’s current or former spouse, their respective parents, descendants of such parents (whether natural or adopted) or the spouses of such descendants.

Fiscal Year ” means the fiscal year of the Company, which unless otherwise determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion shall be each period ending on June 30.

Follow-On Holdback Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(e) .

Governmental Entity ” means the United States of America or any other nation, any state or other political subdivision thereof, or any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of government, including any court, in each case, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of the property or other assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

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Gross Asset Value ” means, with respect to any asset, the asset’s adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes, except as follows:

(a) the initial Gross Asset Value of any asset contributed by a Member to the Company shall be the gross Fair Market Value of such asset on the date of the contribution;

(b) the Gross Asset Values of all Company assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective gross Fair Market Values as of the following times:

(i) the acquisition of an additional interest in the Company after the Effective Date by a new or existing Member in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution, if the Managing Member reasonably determines that such adjustment is necessary or appropriate to reflect the relative Economic Interests of the Members in the Company;

(ii) the grant of an interest in the Company (other than a de minimis interest) as consideration for the provision of services to or for the benefit of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by an existing or a new Member acting in a “partner capacity,” or in anticipation of becoming a “partner” (in each case within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) (d) ).

(iii) the Distribution by the Company to a Member of more than a de minimis amount of Company property as consideration for an interest in the Company, if the Managing Member reasonably determines that such adjustment is necessary or appropriate to reflect the relative Economic Interests of the Members in the Company; and

(iv) the liquidation of the Company within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g);

(c) the Gross Asset Value of any Company asset distributed to a Member shall be the gross Fair Market Value of such asset on the date of Distribution;

(d) the Gross Asset Values of Company assets shall be increased (or decreased) to reflect any adjustments to the adjusted basis of such assets pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Code Section 743(b), but only to the extent that such adjustments are taken into account in determining Capital Accounts pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) (m) ; provided , however , that Gross Asset Values shall not be adjusted pursuant to this subparagraph (d) to the extent that the Managing Member determines that an adjustment pursuant to subparagraph (b) of this definition of Gross Asset Value is necessary or appropriate in connection with a transaction that would otherwise result in an adjustment pursuant to this subparagraph (d); and

(e) with respect to any asset that has a Gross Asset Value that differs from its adjusted tax basis, Gross Asset Value shall be adjusted by the amount of Depreciation rather than any other depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery method.

 

33


HSR Act ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.7 .

Incidental Registration ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(a) .

Income ” means individual items of Company income and gain determined in accordance with the definitions of Net Income and Net Loss.

Indemnified Parties ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(e) .

IPO Transactions ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Loss ” means individual items of Company loss and deduction determined in accordance with the definitions of Net Income and Net Loss.

Malibu Boats ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Malibu Boats Excess Tax Distribution ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(b).

Managing Member ” means Malibu Boats and its successors and assigns and any substitute Managing Member appointed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

Member ” means each Person listed on Schedule A attached hereto and each other Person who is hereafter admitted as a Member in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Act. The Members shall constitute the “members” (as such term is defined in the Act) of the Company. Any reference in this Agreement to any Member shall include such Member’s Successors in Interest to the extent such Successors in Interest have become Substituted Members in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Except as otherwise set forth herein or in the Act, the Members shall constitute a single class or group of members of the Company for all purposes of the Act and this Agreement.

Member Minimum Gain ” means minimum gain attributable to Member Nonrecourse Debt determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(i).

Member Nonrecourse Debt ” has the meaning set forth for the term “partner nonrecourse debt” in Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4).

Membership Interest ” means, with respect to each Member, such Member’s Economic Interest and rights as a Member.

Net Income ” or “ Net Loss ” means, for each Fiscal Year or other period, an amount equal to the Company’s taxable income or loss for such Fiscal Year or other period, determined in accordance with Code Section 703(a) (for this purpose, all items of income, gain, loss or deduction required to be stated separately pursuant to Code Section 703(a)(1) shall be included in such taxable income or loss), with the following adjustments:

(a) any income of the Company that is exempt from federal income tax and not otherwise taken into account in computing Net Income or Net Loss pursuant to this definition of Net Income or Net Loss shall be added to such taxable income or loss;

 

34


(b) any expenditures of the Company described in Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) or treated as Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditures pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) (i) , and not otherwise taken into account in computing Net Income or Net Loss pursuant to this definition of Net Income or Net Loss shall be subtracted from such taxable income or loss;

(c) in the event the Gross Asset Value of any Company asset is adjusted pursuant to subparagraph (b) or (c) of the definition of Gross Asset Value, the amount of such adjustment shall be taken into account as gain (if the adjustment increases the Gross Asset Value of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases the Gross Asset Value of the asset) from the disposition of such asset for purposes of computing Net Income or Net Loss;

(d) gain or loss resulting from any disposition of property with respect to which gain or loss is recognized for federal income tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the Gross Asset Value of the property disposed of, notwithstanding that the adjusted tax basis of such property differs from its Gross Asset Value;

(e) in lieu of the depreciation, amortization, and other cost recovery deductions taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss, with respect to a Company asset having a Gross Asset Value that differs from its adjusted basis for tax purposes, “Depreciation” with respect to such asset shall be computed by reference to the asset’s Gross Asset Value in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g);

(f) to the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or 743(b) is required pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) (m) to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as a result of a Distribution other than in liquidation of a Member’s interest in the Company, the amount of such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases the basis of the asset) from the disposition of the asset and shall be taken into account for purposes of computing Net Income or Net Loss;

(g) Any Income or Loss that is allocated under Section 4.2 shall be excluded for purposes of computing Net Income or Net Loss.

Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(f)(i) .

Officers ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 .

Original Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Other Registration Rights ” means the registration rights of any holder of securities of Malibu Boats granted other than pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights granted pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

35


Percentage Interest ” of each Member is set forth on Schedule A hereto, which may be amended from time to time and which shall be equal to a fraction (expressed as a percentage), the numerator of which is the number of Units held by such Member and the denominator of which is the number of Units held by all the Members (it being understood that if the Company hereafter issues any Equity Securities other than the Units, then this definition shall be changed pursuant to an amendment of this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof).

Permitted Transferee ” means, with respect to any Member, (a) its Affiliates (including, in the case of any Member that is an entity, any distribution by such Member to its members, partners or shareholders (the “ Member’s Owners ”), and any related distributions by the Member’s Owners to their respective members, partners or shareholders), (b) in the case of an individual, any member of its Family Group.

Person ” means an individual, a partnership (including a limited partnership), a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, association or other entity or a Governmental Entity.

Quarterly Estimated Tax Periods ” means the two, three, and four calendar month periods with respect to which Federal quarterly estimated tax payments are made. The first such period begins on January 1 and ends on March 31. The second such period begins on April 1 and ends on May 31. The third such period begins on June 1 and ends on August 31. The fourth such period begins on September 1 and ends on December 31.

Registration Rights Agreement ” means the Registration Rights Agreement dated on or about the date hereof among Malibu Boats and certain of the Members.

Registrable Securities ” means shares of Class A Common Stock that may be delivered in exchange for Units and other shares of Class A Common Stock otherwise held by a Member from time to time. For purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to be a holder of Registrable Securities and such Registrable Securities shall be deemed to be in existence whenever such Person has the right to acquire such Registrable Securities (upon conversion, exchange or exercise in connection with a transfer of securities or otherwise, but disregarding any restrictions or limitations upon the exercise of such right other than vesting), whether or not such acquisition has actually been effected, and such Person shall be entitled to exercise the rights of a holder of Registrable Securities hereunder. For purposes of this Agreement, as to any particular Member, Registrable Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when and to the extent that (i) such Registrable Securities (A) have been sold in a transaction registered under the Securities Act, (B) have been sold pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor provision then in effect) or (C) in the case of any Registrable Securities that are not “restricted securities” for purposes of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, have been sold by a Person who is not an “affiliate” of Malibu Boats for purposes of Rule 144 in reliance upon Section 4(a)(1) of the Securities Act, (ii) the holder of such Registrable Securities is not an “affiliate” of Malibu Boats for purposes of Rule 144 and is eligible to sell all Registrable Securities held by such Person pursuant to Rule 144(b)(1) under the Securities Act in any three-month period without limitation under any of the other requirements of Rule 144, (iii) in the case of any Registrable Securities that are not “restricted securities” for purposes of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, the Member is not an “affiliate” of Malibu Boats for purposes of Rule 144 and

 

36


is eligible to publicly sell such securities in reliance upon Section 4(a)(1) of the Securities Act (or any successor provision then in effect); or (iv) such Registrable Securities cease to be outstanding (or issuable upon exchange).

Regulations ” means the regulations, including temporary regulations, promulgated by the United States Treasury Department under the Code, as such regulations may be amended from time to time (including corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).

Regulatory Allocations ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(g) .

Securities Act ” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations thereunder. Any reference herein to a specific section, rule or regulation of the Securities Act shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future law.

Special Consent Right ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(b) .

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or business entity of which (a) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (b) if a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of partnership or other similar ownership interest thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity (other than a corporation) if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or control any managing member, general partner or analogous controlling Person of such limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity. For purposes hereof, references to a “Subsidiary” of any Person shall be given effect only at such times that such Person has one or more Subsidiaries and, unless otherwise indicated, the term “Subsidiary” refers to a Subsidiary of the Company.

Substituted Member ” means any Person that has been admitted to the Company as a Member pursuant to Section 7.2 by virtue of such Person receiving all or a portion of a Membership Interest from a Member or its Assignee and not from the Company.

Successor in Interest ” means any (a) trustee, custodian, receiver or other Person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to, (b) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of, (c) trustee or receiver, or current or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of, or (d) other Transferee, executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Member, whether by operation of law or otherwise (including any Person acquiring (whether by merger, consolidation, sale, exchange or otherwise) all or substantially all of the assets or Equity Securities of the Company and its Subsidiaries).

 

37


Tax Distribution ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a) .

Tax Matters Member ” has the same meaning as “tax matters partner” set forth in Section 6231 of the Code.

Tax Receivable Agreement ” means the Tax Receivable Agreement dated on or about the date hereof between Malibu Boats, the Company and the current Members.

Transaction Documents ” means, collectively, this Agreement, the Exchange Agreement and the Tax Receivable Agreement.

Transfer ” means any sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, mortgage, exchange, hypothecation, grant of a security interest or other direct or indirect disposition or encumbrance of an interest (whether with or without consideration, whether voluntarily or involuntarily or by operation of law). The terms “ Transferee, ” “ Transferor, ” “ Transferred, ” and other forms of the word “ Transfer ” shall have the correlative meanings.

Underwriters ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Unit ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a) .

Unvested Units ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(c) .

10.2 Interpretative Matters . In this Agreement, unless otherwise specified or where the context otherwise requires:

(a) the headings of particular provisions of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and will not be construed as a part of this Agreement or serve as a limitation or expansion on the scope of any term or provision of this Agreement;

(b) words importing any gender shall include other genders;

(c) words importing the singular only shall include the plural and vice versa;

(d) the words “include,” “includes” or “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;

(e) the words “hereof,” “herein” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement;

(f) references to “Articles,” “Exhibits,” “Sections” or “Schedules” shall be to Articles, Exhibits, Sections or Schedules of or to this Agreement;

(g) references to any Person include the successors and permitted assigns of such Person;

 

38


(h) the use of the words “or,” “either” and “any” shall not be exclusive;

(i) wherever a conflict exists between this Agreement and any other agreement, this Agreement shall control but solely to the extent of such conflict;

(j) references to “$” or “dollars” means the lawful currency of the United States of America;

(k) references to any agreement, contract or schedule, unless otherwise stated, are to such agreement, contract or schedule as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and

(l) the parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement; accordingly, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party hereto by virtue of the authorship of any provisions of this Agreement.

[END OF PAGE]

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

39


SIGNATURE PAGES TO

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

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

 

MALIBU BOATS HOLDINGS, LLC
By: Malibu Boats, Inc., its Managing Member
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBER:
MALIBU BOATS INVESTOR, LLC
By:  

/s/ Michael Hooks

Name:   Michael Hooks
Title:   Authorized Signatory

[SIGNATURE PAGES CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE]

Signature Page to

First Amended and Restated LLC Agreement of

Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC


JOINDER

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is acknowledged and confessed, Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Malibu Boats ”), does hereby join this Agreement solely with respect to its rights and obligations set forth under Sections 2.1, 3.4 and 7.6 of the Agreement. This Joinder will apply to, be binding in all respects upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of Malibu Boats.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

JOINDER

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is acknowledged and confessed, Black Canyon Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Black Canyon Management ”), does hereby join this Agreement solely with respect to its rights and obligations set forth under Sections 7.5 and 9.2 of the Agreement. This Joinder will apply to, be binding in all respects upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of Black Canyon Management.

 

BLACK CANYON MANAGEMENT LLC
By:  

/s/ Michael Hooks

Name:  

Michael Hooks

Title:  

Managing Member

JOINDER

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is acknowledged and confessed, Horizon Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Horizon ”), does hereby join this Agreement solely with respect to its rights and obligations set forth under Section 9.2 of the Agreement. This Joinder will apply to, be binding in all respects upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of Horizon.

 

HORIZON HOLDINGS LLC
By:  

/s/ Phillip S. Estes

Name:  

Phillip S. Estes

Title:  

Managing Member

 

Signature Page to

First Amended and Restated LLC Agreement of

Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC


SCHEDULE A

SCHEDULE OF MEMBERS

 

Name and Address of Member

   Number of
Units
     Percentage
Interest
    Capital
Contributions
 

Malibu Boats, Inc.

     —           —        $ —     

Black Canyon Direct Investment Fund L.P.

     4,351,580         25.490     13,422,718.63   

Canyon Value Realization Fund, L.P.

     539,425         3.160     1,663,891.36   

Black Canyon Investments, L.P.

     752,817         4.410     2,322,111.85   

Malibu Holdings, LP

     934,706         5.475     2,184,864.51   

Horizon Holdings LLC

     2,983,250         17.475     229,119.88   

Loudon Partners LLC

     432,667         2.534     1,114,633.61   

Malibu Holdco A, LLC

     3,011,270         17.639     9,288,447.42   

Malibu Holdco B, LLC

     400,564         2.346     1,235,564.36   

Springer, Jack

     568,500         3.330     15,482.94   

Wilson, Wayne

     269,900         1.581     15,482.94   

Gasper, Dan

     139,945         0.820     276,112.50   

Gaines, Paul

     95,454         0.559     220,890.00   

Anderson, Ritchie

     185,901         1.089     —     

Mccall, Adam

     80,346         0.471     —     

Bennett, Barry

     79,545         0.466     184,075.00   

Farmer, Dan

     47,727         0.280     110,445.00   

Clothier, Steven

     42,871         0.251     110,445.00   

Bryant, David

     31,818         0.186     73,630.00   

Farmer, Lani

     31,818         0.186     73,630.00   

Kelley, Dennis

     31,818         0.186     73,630.00   

Livesay, Stephen

     31,818         0.186     73,630.00   

Smith, Mitch

     31,818         0.186     73,630.00   

Davenport, Scott

     32,211         0.189     —     

Little, Lynn

     32,211         0.189     —     

Kent, Debbie

     16,106         0.094     —     

Ward, Greg

     16,106         0.094     —     

Dugger, Corey

     16,106         0.094     —     

True, Peggy

     16,106         0.094     —     

Ditchfield, Brad

     8,065         0.047     —     

Merced OKR, LLC

     1,372,599         8.040     3,251,908.76   

Singer, Paul

     226,038         1.324     582,318.75   

Woods, Randy

     38,817         0.227     100,000.00   

Childres, Douglas

     107,178         0.628     276,112.50   

Banks, Robin

     42,871         0.251     110,445.00   

Verna, Heidi

     42,871         0.251     110,445.00   

Evans, Chris

     28,581         0.167     73,630.00   

 

B-1


SCHEDULE B

Consent of Spouse and Proxy

I acknowledge that I have read the foregoing Limited Liability Company Agreement and that I know its contents. I am aware that by its provisions the Membership Interest of the Company held by me, my spouse, or either or both of us, including my community property interest in such Membership Interest, if any, is subject to transfer restrictions and other restrictions pursuant to the Limited Liability Company Agreement. I hereby agree and consent that such Membership Interest and my interest in it, if any, are subject to all of the provisions of the foregoing Limited Liability Company Agreement and that I will take no action at any time to hinder operation of, or violate, the foregoing Limited Liability Company Agreement. I hereby grant to my spouse an irrevocable proxy, coupled with an interest, with power of substitution, with respect to all matters relating to such Membership Interest, including the voting and transfer thereof.

 

By:  

 

Name:  

 

Spouse:  

 

Address:  

 

 

 

 

 

Tel:  

 

Fax:  

 

 

B-1

Exhibit 10.2

EXCHANGE AGREEMENT

This EXCHANGE AGREEMENT (as amended from time to time, this “ Agreement ”), dated as of February 5, 2014, is hereby entered into by and between Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and each of the Members (as defined herein).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the parties hereto are party to the First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “ LLC Agreement ”) of Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”); and

WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to provide for the exchange from time to time of Units (as defined herein) for shares of Class A Common Stock (as defined herein), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

1.1 Definitions .

The following definitions shall be for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary, applied to the terms used in this Agreement.

Board ” means the board of directors of the Corporation.

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

A “ Change in Control ” shall be deemed to have occurred if or upon:

(i) the stockholders of the Corporation approve the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets (determined on a consolidated basis) to any person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than to any, directly or indirectly, wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation;

(ii) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other person, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the Voting Securities of the Corporation outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into Voting Securities of the surviving entity) at least 50.1% of the total voting power represented by the Voting Securities of the Corporation or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;

 

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(iii) the stockholders of the Corporation approve the adoption of a plan the consummation of which would result in the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation;

(iv) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) (other than (a) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Corporation; or (b) a corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Corporation in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Corporation ((a) and (b) collectively are referred to herein as “Exempt Persons”)) of beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of more than 50.01% of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Securities of the Corporation;

(v) during any 12-month period, individuals who at the beginning of such period composed the Board of Directors of the Corporation (together with any new directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the stockholders of the Corporation was approved by a vote of 66 2/3% of the directors of the Corporation then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Corporation then in office; or

(vi) the Corporation (or a directly or indirectly wholly owned subsidiary thereof) ceases to be the sole Managing Member of Holdings.

Change in Control Event ” means any of the following (i) the commencement of, or the first public announcement of the intent to commence, any transaction, including, without limitation, a tender or exchange offer by any person or entity (other than any Exempt Person), the consummation of which would result in a Change in Control; (ii) the commencement of, or the first public announcement of the intent to commence, any proxy solicitation by any person or entity subject to Rule 14a-12(c) under the Exchange Act, the consummation of which would result in a Change in Control; (iii) the Corporation, Holdings or any affiliate thereof entering into an agreement with any person or entity which, if consummated, would result in a Change in Control; or (iv) the adoption by the Board of Directors of the Corporation of resolutions authorizing any transaction or event which, if consummated, would result in a Change in Control.

Class A Common Stock ” means the Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation.

Code ” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Corporation ” means Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.

 

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Exchange ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a) of this Agreement. The terms “ Exchanging ” and “ Exchanged ” shall have correlative meanings.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exchange Rate ” means the number of shares of Class A Common Stock for which a Unit is entitled to be Exchanged. On the date of this Agreement, the Exchange Rate shall be 1 for 1, subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 2.2 of this Agreement.

Holdings ” means Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and any successor thereto.

Holdings LLC Agreement ” means the First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Holdings, dated on or about the date hereof, as such agreement may be amended from time to time.

IPO ” means the initial public offering and sale of Class A Common Stock (as contemplated by the Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-192862)).

Member ” means the parties who are signatories hereto, other than the Corporation, and each other Person who from time to time executes a Joinder Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.

Permitted Transferee ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 4.1 of this Agreement.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity.

Takeover Law ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.1 of this Agreement.

Unit ” means (i) each Unit (as such term is defined in the Holdings LLC Agreement) issued as of the date hereof and (ii) each Unit or other interest in Holdings that may be issued by Holdings in the future that is designated by the Corporation as a “Unit”.

Voting Securities ” shall mean any securities of the Corporation which are entitled to vote generally in matters submitted for a vote of the Corporation’s stockholders or generally in the election of the Corporation’s board of directors.

 

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ARTICLE II

EXCHANGES

2.1 Exchange of Units for Class A Common Stock .

(a) (i) Subject to Section 2.1(a)(ii), Section 2.1(f) and Section 2.1(g) hereof, from and after the date of the closing of the IPO, each Member shall be entitled, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, to surrender Units (other than unvested Units) to the Corporation in exchange (an “ Exchange ”) for the delivery to such Member of (x) a number of shares of Class A Common Stock that is equal to the number of Units surrendered multiplied by the Exchange Rate; provided that any such Exchange is for a minimum of the lesser of 1,000 Units or all of the Units held by such Member, or such lesser amount as the Corporation determines to be acceptable, in its sole discretion; or (y) if the Corporation so elects, an amount of cash calculated in accordance with Section 2.1(f) hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall not have the election to pay cash upon a Change in Control Event described in Section 2.1(a)(ii) hereof.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, upon the occurrence of any Change in Control Event, each Member shall be entitled, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, to elect to Exchange Units for shares of Class A Common Stock; provided, that any such Exchange pursuant to this sentence shall be effective immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control (and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be effective if such Change in Control is not consummated); and provided further, that any such election pursuant to this Section 2.1(a)(ii) may be withdrawn by the Member who submitted such election by providing written notice to the Corporation not less than four business days prior to the consummation of the Change in Control.

(b) A Member shall exercise its right to Exchange Units as set forth in Section 2.1(a) above by delivering to the Corporation a written election of exchange in respect of the Units to be Exchanged substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto (an “ Exchange Notice ”), duly executed by such Member or such Member’s authorized attorney, in each case delivered during normal business hours at the principal executive offices of the Corporation and of Holdings. As promptly as practicable following the delivery of an Exchange Notice, Holdings shall deliver or cause to be delivered at the offices of the then-acting registrar and transfer agent of the Class A Common Stock or, if there is no then-acting registrar and transfer agent of the Class A Common Stock, at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock deliverable upon such Exchange, registered in the name of the relevant Member. To the extent the Class A Common Stock is settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, the Corporation will, subject to Section 2.1(c) below, upon the written instruction of a Member, use its reasonable best efforts to deliver the shares of Class A Common Stock deliverable to such Member, through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, to the account of the participant of The Depository Trust Company designated by such Member.

(c) The Corporation and each Member shall bear their own expenses in connection with the consummation of any Exchange, whether or not any such Exchange is ultimately consummated, except that the Corporation shall bear any transfer taxes, stamp taxes or duties, or other similar taxes in connection with, or arising by reason of, any Exchange; provided, however, that if any shares of Class A Common Stock are to be delivered in a name other than that of the Member that requested the Exchange then such Member and/or the person in whose name such shares are to be delivered shall pay to the Corporation amount of any transfer taxes, stamp taxes or duties, or other similar taxes in connection with, or arising by reason of, such Exchange or shall establish to the reasonable satisfaction of the Corporation that such tax has been paid or is not payable.

 

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(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the extent the Corporation or Holdings shall determine that interests in Holdings do not meet the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.7704-1(h), the Corporation or Holdings may impose such restrictions on any Exchange as the Corporation or Holdings may determine to be necessary or advisable so that Holdings is not treated as a “publicly traded partnership - under Section 7704 of the Code. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Exchange shall be permitted (and, if attempted, shall be void ab initio) if, in the good faith determination of the Corporation or of Holdings, such an Exchange would pose a material risk that Holdings would be a “publicly traded partnership” under Section 7704 of the Code.

(e) For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Member shall not be entitled to Exchange Units to the extent the Corporation determines that such Exchange (i) would be prohibited by law or regulation (including, without limitation, the unavailability of any requisite registration statement filed under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended) or (ii) would not be permitted under any other agreements with the Corporation or its subsidiaries to which such Member may be party or any written policies of the Corporation related to unlawful or improper trading (including, without limitation, the policies of the Corporation relating to insider trading).

(f) If the Corporation elects to satisfy an Exchange in cash pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(i), then a Member may receive cash in lieu of shares of Class A Common Stock in exchange for Units surrendered in accordance with Section 2.1(a), in an amount equal to the Market Value of the shares of Class A Common Stock that such Member would have received absent such an election by the Corporation. For the purposes of this Section 2.1(f), the “Market Value” as of a particular date shall be determined as follows: (i) if, at the time of the Exchange, the Units are convertible for shares of Class A Common Stock (or the securities of any successor company to the Corporation) that trade on a national securities exchange, the Market Value shall be the closing sale price ending one (1) day prior to the date of the Exchange Notice; (ii) if, at the time of the Exchange, the Units are convertible for Class A Common Stock (or the securities of any successor company to the Corporation) that trade over-the-counter, the Market Value shall be the average of the closing bid or sale prices over the five (5) day trading period ending prior to the date of the Exchange; and (iii) if the Units are not convertible for securities of the Corporation, or any other entity the securities of which are listed or traded on an established securities market, then the Market Value shall be the fair market value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. If the Member does not receive notice of the Corporation’s cash election substantially in the form of Exhibit B within five (5) business days of the Corporation’s receipt of such Member’s election of exchange, the Corporation shall forfeit the right to satisfy such Exchange in cash.

(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Member may Exchange Units pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(i) during the 180 day period following the date of the closing of the IPO, unless such Member has executed the Lock-Up Agreement dated January 30, 2014.

 

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2.2 Adjustment . The Exchange Rate shall be adjusted accordingly if there is: (a) any subdivision (by any unit split, unit distribution, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse unit split, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) of the Units that is not accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination of the Class A Common Stock; or (b) any subdivision (by any stock split, stock dividend or distribution, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse stock split, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) of the Class A Common Stock that is not accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination of the Units. If there is any reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction in which the Class A Common Stock are converted or changed into another security, securities or other property, then upon any subsequent Exchange, each Member shall be entitled to receive the amount of such security, securities or other property that such Member would have received if such Exchange had occurred immediately prior to the effective date of such reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction, taking into account any adjustment as a result of any subdivision (by any split, distribution or dividend, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of such security, securities or other property that occurs after the effective time of such reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, if there is any reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction in which the Class A Common Stock are converted or changed into another security, securities or other property, this Section 2.2 shall continue to be applicable, mutatis mutandis, with respect to such security or other property. This Agreement shall apply to the Units held by the Members and their Permitted Transferees as of the date hereof, as well as any Units hereafter acquired by a Member and his or her or its Permitted Transferees. This Agreement shall apply to, mutatis mutandis, and all references to “Units” shall be deemed to include, any security, securities or other property of Holdings which may be issued in respect of, in exchange for or in substitution of Units by reason of any distribution or dividend, split, reverse split, combination, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, exchange (other than an Exchange) or other transaction.

2.3. Class A Common Stock to be Issued .

(a) The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon an Exchange, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as shall be deliverable upon any such Exchange; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of the Exchange of the Units by delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock which are held in the treasury of the Corporation or any of their subsidiaries or by delivery of purchased shares of Class A Common Stock (which may or may not be held in the treasury of the Corporation or any subsidiary thereof). The Corporation and Holdings covenant that all Class A Common Stock issued upon an Exchange will, upon issuance, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

(b) If the Corporation does not elect to satisfy an Exchange in cash pursuant to Section 2.1(f), the Corporation covenants and agrees that, to the extent that a registration statement under the Securities Act is effective and available for shares of Class A Common Stock to be delivered with respect to any Exchange, shares that have been registered under the Securities Act shall be delivered in respect of such Exchange. In the event that any Exchange in accordance with this Agreement is to be effected at a time when any required registration has not become effective or otherwise is unavailable, upon the request and with the reasonable

 

6


cooperation of the Member requesting such Exchange, the Corporation and Holdings shall use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly facilitate such Exchange pursuant to any reasonably available exemption from such registration requirements. The Corporation and Holdings shall use commercially reasonable efforts to list the Class A Common Stock required to be delivered upon Exchange prior to such delivery upon each national securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system upon which the outstanding Class A Common Stock may be listed or traded at the time of such delivery.

(c) Prior to the date of this Agreement, the Corporation has taken all such steps as may be required to cause to qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3(d) or (e), as applicable, under the Exchange Act, and be exempt for purposes of Section 16(b) under the Exchange Act, any acquisitions or dispositions of equity securities of the Corporation (including derivative securities with respect thereto) and any securities which may be deemed to be equity securities or derivative securities of the Corporation for such purposes that result from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, by each director or officer of the Corporation who may reasonably be expected to be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act with respect to the Corporation upon the registration of any class of equity security of the Corporation pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act (with the authorizing resolutions specifying the name of each such officer or director whose acquisition or disposition of securities is to be exempted and the number of securities that may be acquired and disposed of by each such person pursuant to this Agreement).

(d) If any Takeover Law or other similar law or regulation becomes or is deemed to become applicable to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, the Corporation shall use its reasonable best efforts to render such law or regulation inapplicable to all of the foregoing.

(e) The Corporation covenants that all Class A Common Stock issued upon an Exchange will, upon issuance, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not subject to any preemptive right of stockholders of the Corporation or to any right of first refusal or other right in favor of any person or entity.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

3.1. Representations and Warranties of the Corporation . The Corporation represents and warrants that (i) it is a corporation duly incorporated and is existing in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (ii) it has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to issue the Class A Common Stock in accordance with the terms hereof, (iii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Corporation and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby (including without limitation, the issuance of the Class A Common Stock) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Corporation, including but not limited to all actions necessary to ensure that the acquisition of shares Class A Common Stock pursuant to the transactions contemplated hereby, to the fullest extent of the Corporation’s Board of Directors’ power and authority and to the extent permitted by law, shall not be subject to any “moratorium,” “control share acquisition,” “business combination,” “fair

 

7


price” or other form of anti-takeover laws and regulations” of any jurisdiction that may purport to be applicable to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby (collectively, “ Takeover Laws ”), (iv) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Corporation enforceable against the Corporation in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by equitable principles or by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally, and (v) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Corporation and the consummation by the Corporation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not (A) result in a violation of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation or (B) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any agreement, indenture or instrument to which the Corporation is a party, or (C) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable to the Corporation or by which any property or asset of the Corporation is bound or affected, except with respect to clauses (B) or (C) for any conflicts, defaults, accelerations, terminations, cancellations or violations, that would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation or its business, financial condition or results of operations.

3.2. Representations and Warranties of the Members . Each Member, severally and not jointly, represents and warrants that (i) if it is not a natural person, that it is duly incorporated or formed and, to the extent such concept exists in its jurisdiction of organization, is in good standing under the laws of such jurisdiction, (ii) it has all requisite legal capacity and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) if it is not a natural person, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other entity action on the part of such Member, (iv) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Member enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by equitable principles or by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally, and (v) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Member and the consummation by such Member of the transactions contemplated hereby will not (A) if it is not a natural person, result in a violation of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws or other organizational documents of such Member or (B) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any agreement, indenture or instrument to which such member is a party, or (C) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable such Member, except with respect to clauses (B) or (C) for any conflicts, defaults, accelerations, terminations, cancellations or violations, that would not in any material respect result in the unenforceability against such Member of this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

4.1. Additional Members . To the extent a Member validly transfers any or all of such Member’s Units to another person in a transaction in accordance with, and not in contravention of, the Holdings LLC Agreement, then such transferee (each, a “ Permitted Transferee ) shall have the right to execute and deliver a joinder to this Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, whereupon such Permitted Transferee shall become a Member hereunder. To the extent Holdings issues Units in the future, then the holder of such Units shall have the right to execute and deliver a joinder to this Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, whereupon such holder shall become a Member hereunder.

4.2. Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given and received (a) if delivered personally, on the date of delivery, or, if delivered by facsimile, upon confirmation of transmission by the sender’s fax machine if sent on a Business Day (or otherwise, on the Business Day following confirmation of transmission by the sender’s fax machine) or (b) on the first Business Day following the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized next-day courier service. All notices hereunder shall be delivered as set forth below or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such notice:

If to the Corporation, to:

Malibu Boats, Inc.

5075 Kimberly Way

Loudon, Tennessee 37774

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Fax:                                 

If to a Member, to the address and facsimile number set forth in Holdings’ records.

Any party may change its address or fax number by giving the other party written notice of its new address or fax number in the manner set forth above.

4.3. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.

4.4. Entire Agreement: No Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

4.5. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of laws principles thereof that would mandate the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

 

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4.6. Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms 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 hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

4.7. Further Action . The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking action as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.

4.8. Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of all of the parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legal representatives and assigns.

4.9. Amendment . The provisions of this Agreement may be amended only by the affirmative vote or written consent of each of (i) the Corporation and (ii) Members holding a majority of the then outstanding Units held by Members (excluding Units held by the Corporation); provided that except as otherwise provided herein, no amendment may materially and adversely affect the rights of a Member, as such, other than on a pro rata basis with other Members without the consent of such Member (or, if there is more than one such Member that is so affected, without the consent of a majority of such affected Members in accordance with their holdings of Units).

4.10. Waiver . No failure 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 a breach thereof shall constitute waiver of any such breach of any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.

4.11. Resolution of Disputes .

(a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including but not limited to any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) (each a “Dispute”) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in Delaware in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the Dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within ten (10) calendar days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer admitted to the practice of law in the State of Delaware and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings. In addition to monetary damages, the arbitrator shall be empowered to award equitable relief, including, but not limited to an injunction and specific performance of any

 

10


obligation under this Agreement. The arbitrator is not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages, and each party hereby irrevocably waives any right to recover punitive, exemplary or similar damages with respect to any Dispute. The award shall be final and binding upon the parties as from the date rendered, and shall be the sole and exclusive remedy between the parties regarding any claims, counterclaims, issues, or accounting presented to the arbitral tribunal. Judgment upon any award may be entered and enforced in any court having jurisdiction over a party or any of its assets.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the Corporation may bring an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Member (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 4.11 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the Corporation as such Member’s agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon such agent, who shall promptly advise such Member of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Member in any such action or proceeding.

(c) (i) EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 4.11, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the fora designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties’ relationship with one another; and

(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 4.11 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.

4.12. Tax Treatment . This Agreement shall be treated as part of the partnership agreement of Holdings as described in Section 761(c) of the Code and Sections l .704-1(b)(2)(ii)(h) and 1.761-1(c) of the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. As required by the Code and the Treasury Regulations, the parties shall report any Exchange consummated hereunder as a taxable sale of the Units by a Member to the Corporation, and no party shall take a contrary position on any income tax return, amendment thereof or communication with a taxing authority unless an alternate position is permitted under the Code and Treasury Regulations and the Corporation consents in writing.

 

11


4.13. Specific Performance . The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms and provisions hereof, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.

4.14. Independent Nature of Members’ Rights and Obligations . The obligations of each Member hereunder are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Member. and no Member shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Member hereunder. The decision of each Member to enter into this Agreement has been made by such Member independently of any other Member. Nothing contained herein, and no action taken by any Member pursuant hereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Members as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Members are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby and the Corporation acknowledges that the Members are not acting in concert or as a group. and the Corporation will not assert any such claim with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby.

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

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

12


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

 

(Signature)
 
Print Name:                                                                                  

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
 
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:
BLACK CANYON DIRECT INVESTMENT FUND L.P.
By:  

Black Canyon Investments L.P.,

its general partner

By:  

Black Canyon Investments LLC,

its general partner

By:  

Black Canyon Capital LLC,

its managing member

By:  

/s/ Michael Hooks

Name:   Michael Hooks
Title:   Managing Director

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

 

(Signature)
Print Name:  

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:
BLACK CANYON INVESTMENTS L.P.
By:   Black Canyon Investments LLC, its general partner
By:   Black Canyon Capital LLC, its managing member
By:  

/s/ Michael Hooks

Name:   Michael Hooks
Title:   Managing Director

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

 

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

 

(Signature)  
Print Name:  

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:
CANYON VALUE REALIZATION FUND, L.P.

By:

 

/s/ John Plaga

Name:

 

John Plaga

Title:

 

Authorized Signatory

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

 

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

 

(Signature)  
Print Name:  

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:
HORIZON HOLDINGS, LLC

By:

 

/s/ Phillip S. Estes

Name:

 

Phillip S. Estes

Title:

 

Managing Member

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

 

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

 

(Signature)  
Print Name:  

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:
LOUDON PARTNERS, LLC

By:

 

/s/ Bradley Spencer

Name:

 

Bradley Spencer

Title:

 

Manager

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

 

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

 

(Signature)  
Print Name:  

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:
MALIBU HOLDINGS, L.P.

By:

 

/s/ Phillip S. Estes

Name:

 

Phillip S. Estes

Title:

 

Managing Member of the General Partner

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

[FORM OF]

ELECTION OF EXCHANGE

Malibu Boats, Inc.

5075 Kimberly Way

Loudon, Tennessee 37774

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Fax:                             

Reference is hereby made to the Exchange Agreement, dated as of [     ], 20         (the “ Exchange Agreement ”) among Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the holders of Units (as defined herein) from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Exchange Agreement.

The undersigned Member hereby transfers to the Corporation, the number of Units set forth below in Exchange for shares of Class A Common Stock or cash, pursuant to Section 2.1(f). If the Exchange is for Class A Common Stock, such shares are to be issued in its name as set forth below, as set forth in the Exchange Agreement.

Legal Name of Member:                                                                                                                           

Address:                                                                                                                                                        

Number of Units to be Exchanged:                                                                                                               

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that (i) the undersigned has full legal capacity to execute and deliver this Election of Exchange and to perform the undersigned’s obligations hereunder; (ii) this Election of Exchange has been duly executed and delivered by the undersigned and is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the undersigned enforceable against it in accordance with the terms thereof or hereof, as the case may be, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and the availability of equitable remedies; (iii) the Units subject to this Election of Exchange are being transferred to the Corporation free and clear of any pledge, lien, security interest, encumbrance, equities or claim; and (iv) no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of any third party or with any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the undersigned or the Units subject to this Election of Exchange is required to be obtained by the undersigned for the transfer of such Units to the Corporation.

The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints any officer of the Corporation as the attorney of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises, to do any and all things and to take any and all actions that may be necessary to transfer to the Corporation, the Units subject to this Election of Exchange and to deliver to the undersigned the shares of Class A Common Stock to be delivered in Exchange therefor.

 

A-1


IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned. by authority duly given, has caused this Election of Exchange to be executed and delivered by the undersigned or by its duly authorized attorney.

 

 

Name:

 

Dated:

 

A-2


EXHIBIT B

[FORM OF]

CASH ELECTION NOTICE

[Exchanging Member]

[Address]

Reference is hereby made to the Exchange Agreement, dated as of [    ], 20         (the “ Exchange Agreement ”), by and among Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), and each of the Members (as defined therein) from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Exchange Agreement.

The Corporation received an Election of Exchange from the below Member on [    ], 20[    ]. Pursuant to Section 2.1(f) of the Exchange Agreement, the Corporation has elected to satisfy the Exchange in cash in lieu of Class A Common Stock.

Legal Name of Member:                                                                                                   

Number of Units to be Exchanged:                         

Market Value per Unit: $                         

Aggregate Market Value: $                         

 

B-1


EXHIBIT C

[FORM OF]

JOINDER AGREEMENT

This Joinder Agreement (“ Joinder Agreement ”) is a joinder to the Exchange Agreement, dated as of [            ], 20     (the “ Agreement ”), among Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”) and each of the Members from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Joinder Agreement shall have their meanings given to them in the Agreement. This Joinder Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware. In the event of any conflict between this Joinder Agreement and the Agreement, the terms of this Joinder Agreement shall control.

The undersigned hereby joins and enters into the Agreement having acquired Units in Holdings. By signing and returning this Joinder Agreement to the Corporation, the undersigned (i) accepts and agrees to be bound by and subject to all of the terms and conditions of and agreements of a Member contained in the Agreement, with all attendant rights, duties and obligations of a Member thereunder and (ii) makes each of the representations and warranties of a Member set forth in Section 3.2 of the Agreement as fully as if such representations and warranties were set forth herein. The parties to the Agreement shall treat the execution and delivery hereof by the undersigned as the execution and delivery of the Agreement by the undersigned and, upon receipt of this Joinder Agreement by the Corporation, the signature of the undersigned set forth below shall constitute a counterpart signature to the signature page of the Agreement.

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited

Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity

    
Members:      For Individual and Joint Members:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
(Print Name of Entity)      (Signature)
By:                                                                                                                   
        (Signature)      Print Name:                                                                                            
Name:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
Title:                                                                                                                 (Signature of Joint Member)
     Print Name of Joint Member, if any:
                                                                                                                       
Address for Notices:     

With copies to:

                                                                                                                         

 

                                                                                                                         

 

                                                                                                                         

 

Attention:                                                                                                       

 

 

 

 

C-1

Exhibit 10.3

EXCHANGE AGREEMENT

This EXCHANGE AGREEMENT (as amended from time to time, this “ Agreement ”), dated as of February 5, 2014, is hereby entered into by and between Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and each of the Members (as defined herein).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the parties hereto are party to the First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “ LLC Agreement ”) of Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”); and

WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to provide for the exchange from time to time of Units (as defined herein) for shares of Class A Common Stock (as defined herein), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

1.1 Definitions .

The following definitions shall be for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary, applied to the terms used in this Agreement.

Board ” means the board of directors of the Corporation.

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

A “ Change in Control ” shall be deemed to have occurred if or upon:

(i) the stockholders of the Corporation approve the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets (determined on a consolidated basis) to any person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than to any, directly or indirectly, wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation;

(ii) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other person, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the Voting Securities of the Corporation outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into Voting Securities of the surviving entity) at least 50.1% of the total voting power represented by the Voting Securities of the Corporation or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;

 

1


(iii) the stockholders of the Corporation approve the adoption of a plan the consummation of which would result in the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation;

(iv) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) (other than (a) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Corporation; or (b) a corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Corporation in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Corporation ((a) and (b) collectively are referred to herein as “Exempt Persons”)) of beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of more than 50.01% of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Securities of the Corporation;

(v) during any 12-month period, individuals who at the beginning of such period composed the Board of Directors of the Corporation (together with any new directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the stockholders of the Corporation was approved by a vote of 66 2/3% of the directors of the Corporation then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Corporation then in office; or

(vi) the Corporation (or a directly or indirectly wholly owned subsidiary thereof) ceases to be the sole Managing Member of Holdings.

Change in Control Event ” means any of the following (i) the commencement of, or the first public announcement of the intent to commence, any transaction, including, without limitation, a tender or exchange offer by any person or entity (other than any Exempt Person), the consummation of which would result in a Change in Control; (ii) the commencement of, or the first public announcement of the intent to commence, any proxy solicitation by any person or entity subject to Rule 14a-12(c) under the Exchange Act, the consummation of which would result in a Change in Control; (iii) the Corporation, Holdings or any affiliate thereof entering into an agreement with any person or entity which, if consummated, would result in a Change in Control; or (iv) the adoption by the Board of Directors of the Corporation of resolutions authorizing any transaction or event which, if consummated, would result in a Change in Control.

Class A Common Stock ” means the Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation.

Code ” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Corporation ” means Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.

 

2


Exchange ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a) of this Agreement. The terms “ Exchanging ” and “ Exchanged ” shall have correlative meanings.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exchange Rate ” means the number of shares of Class A Common Stock for which a Unit is entitled to be Exchanged. On the date of this Agreement, the Exchange Rate shall be 1 for 1, subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 2.2 of this Agreement.

Holdings ” means Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and any successor thereto.

Holdings LLC Agreement ” means the First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Holdings, dated on or about the date hereof, as such agreement may be amended from time to time.

IPO ” means the initial public offering and sale of Class A Common Stock (as contemplated by the Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-192862)).

Member ” means the parties who are signatories hereto, other than the Corporation, and each other Person who from time to time executes a Joinder Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.

Permitted Transferee ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 5.1 of this Agreement.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity.

Takeover Law ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.1 of this Agreement.

Unit ” means (i) each Unit (as such term is defined in the Holdings LLC Agreement) issued as of the date hereof and (ii) each Unit or other interest in Holdings that may be issued by Holdings in the future that is designated by the Corporation as a “Unit”.

Voting Securities ” shall mean any securities of the Corporation which are entitled to vote generally in matters submitted for a vote of the Corporation’s stockholders or generally in the election of the Corporation’s board of directors.

 

3


ARTICLE II

EXCHANGES

2.1 Exchange of Units for Class A Common Stock .

(a) (i) Subject to Section 2.1(a)(ii), Section 2.1(f) and Section 2.1(g) hereof, from and after the date of the closing of the IPO, each Member shall be entitled, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, to surrender Units (other than unvested Units) to the Corporation in exchange (an “ Exchange ”) for the delivery to such Member of (x) a number of shares of Class A Common Stock that is equal to the number of Units surrendered multiplied by the Exchange Rate; provided that any such Exchange is for a minimum of the lesser of 1,000 Units or all of the Units held by such Member, or such lesser amount as the Corporation determines to be acceptable, in its sole discretion; or (y) if the Corporation so elects, an amount of cash calculated in accordance with Section 2.1(f) hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall not have the election to pay cash upon a Change in Control Event described in Section 2.1(a)(ii) hereof.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, upon the occurrence of any Change in Control Event, each Member shall be entitled, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, to elect to Exchange Units for shares of Class A Common Stock; provided, that any such Exchange pursuant to this sentence shall be effective immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control (and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be effective if such Change in Control is not consummated); and provided further, that any such election pursuant to this Section 2.1(a)(ii) may be withdrawn by the Member who submitted such election by providing written notice to the Corporation not less than four business days prior to the consummation of the Change in Control.

(b) A Member shall exercise its right to Exchange Units as set forth in Section 2.1(a) above by delivering to the Corporation a written election of exchange in respect of the Units to be Exchanged substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto (an “ Exchange Notice ”), duly executed by such Member or such Member’s authorized attorney, in each case delivered during normal business hours at the principal executive offices of the Corporation and of Holdings. As promptly as practicable following the delivery of an Exchange Notice, Holdings shall deliver or cause to be delivered at the offices of the then-acting registrar and transfer agent of the Class A Common Stock or, if there is no then-acting registrar and transfer agent of the Class A Common Stock, at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock deliverable upon such Exchange, registered in the name of the relevant Member. To the extent the Class A Common Stock is settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, the Corporation will, subject to Section 2.1(c) below, upon the written instruction of a Member, use its reasonable best efforts to deliver the shares of Class A Common Stock deliverable to such Member, through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, to the account of the participant of The Depository Trust Company designated by such Member.

(c) The Corporation and each Member shall bear their own expenses in connection with the consummation of any Exchange, whether or not any such Exchange is ultimately consummated, except that the Corporation shall bear any transfer taxes, stamp taxes or duties, or other similar taxes in connection with, or arising by reason of, any Exchange; provided, however, that if any shares of Class A Common Stock are to be delivered in a name other than that of the Member that requested the Exchange then such Member and/or the person in whose name such shares are to be delivered shall pay to the Corporation amount of any transfer taxes, stamp taxes or duties, or other similar taxes in connection with, or arising by reason of, such Exchange or shall establish to the reasonable satisfaction of the Corporation that such tax has been paid or is not payable.

 

4


(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the extent the Corporation or Holdings shall determine that interests in Holdings do not meet the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.7704-1(h), the Corporation or Holdings may impose such restrictions on any Exchange as the Corporation or Holdings may determine to be necessary or advisable so that Holdings is not treated as a “publicly traded partnership - under Section 7704 of the Code. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Exchange shall be permitted (and, if attempted, shall be void ab initio) if, in the good faith determination of the Corporation or of Holdings, such an Exchange would pose a material risk that Holdings would be a “publicly traded partnership” under Section 7704 of the Code.

(e) For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Member shall not be entitled to Exchange Units to the extent the Corporation determines that such Exchange (i) would be prohibited by law or regulation (including, without limitation, the unavailability of any requisite registration statement filed under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended) or (ii) would not be permitted under any other agreements with the Corporation or its subsidiaries to which such Member may be party or any written policies of the Corporation related to unlawful or improper trading (including, without limitation, the policies of the Corporation relating to insider trading).

(f) If the Corporation elects to satisfy an Exchange in cash pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(i), then a Member may receive cash in lieu of shares of Class A Common Stock in exchange for Units surrendered in accordance with Section 2.1(a), in an amount equal to the Market Value of the shares of Class A Common Stock that such Member would have received absent such an election by the Corporation. For the purposes of this Section 2.1(f), the “Market Value” as of a particular date shall be determined as follows: (i) if, at the time of the Exchange, the Units are convertible for shares of Class A Common Stock (or the securities of any successor company to the Corporation) that trade on a national securities exchange, the Market Value shall be the closing sale price ending one (1) day prior to the date of the Exchange Notice; (ii) if, at the time of the Exchange, the Units are convertible for Class A Common Stock (or the securities of any successor company to the Corporation) that trade over-the-counter, the Market Value shall be the average of the closing bid or sale prices over the five (5) day trading period ending prior to the date of the Exchange; and (iii) if the Units are not convertible for securities of the Corporation, or any other entity the securities of which are listed or traded on an established securities market, then the Market Value shall be the fair market value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. If the Member does not receive notice of the Corporation’s cash election substantially in the form of Exhibit B within five (5) business days of the Corporation’s receipt of such Member’s election of exchange, the Corporation shall forfeit the right to satisfy such Exchange in cash.

(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Member may Exchange Units pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(i) during the 180 day period following the date of the closing of the IPO, unless such Member has executed the Lock-Up Agreement dated January 30, 2014.

 

5


2.2 Adjustment . The Exchange Rate shall be adjusted accordingly if there is: (a) any subdivision (by any unit split, unit distribution, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse unit split, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) of the Units that is not accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination of the Class A Common Stock; or (b) any subdivision (by any stock split, stock dividend or distribution, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse stock split, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) of the Class A Common Stock that is not accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination of the Units. If there is any reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction in which the Class A Common Stock are converted or changed into another security, securities or other property, then upon any subsequent Exchange, each Member shall be entitled to receive the amount of such security, securities or other property that such Member would have received if such Exchange had occurred immediately prior to the effective date of such reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction, taking into account any adjustment as a result of any subdivision (by any split, distribution or dividend, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of such security, securities or other property that occurs after the effective time of such reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, if there is any reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction in which the Class A Common Stock are converted or changed into another security, securities or other property, this Section 2.2 shall continue to be applicable, mutatis mutandis, with respect to such security or other property. This Agreement shall apply to the Units held by the Members and their Permitted Transferees as of the date hereof, as well as any Units hereafter acquired by a Member and his or her or its Permitted Transferees. This Agreement shall apply to, mutatis mutandis, and all references to “Units” shall be deemed to include, any security, securities or other property of Holdings which may be issued in respect of, in exchange for or in substitution of Units by reason of any distribution or dividend, split, reverse split, combination, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, exchange (other than an Exchange) or other transaction.

2.3. Class A Common Stock to be Issued .

(a) The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon an Exchange, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as shall be deliverable upon any such Exchange; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of the Exchange of the Units by delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock which are held in the treasury of the Corporation or any of their subsidiaries or by delivery of purchased shares of Class A Common Stock (which may or may not be held in the treasury of the Corporation or any subsidiary thereof). The Corporation and Holdings covenant that all Class A Common Stock issued upon an Exchange will, upon issuance, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

(b) If the Corporation does not elect to satisfy an Exchange in cash pursuant to Section 2.1(f), the Corporation covenants and agrees that, to the extent that a registration statement under the Securities Act is effective and available for shares of Class A Common Stock to be delivered with respect to any Exchange, shares that have been registered under the Securities Act shall be delivered in respect of such Exchange. In the event that any Exchange in accordance with this Agreement is to be effected at a time when any required registration has not become effective or otherwise is unavailable, upon the request and with the reasonable

 

6


cooperation of the Member requesting such Exchange, the Corporation and Holdings shall use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly facilitate such Exchange pursuant to any reasonably available exemption from such registration requirements. The Corporation and Holdings shall use commercially reasonable efforts to list the Class A Common Stock required to be delivered upon Exchange prior to such delivery upon each national securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system upon which the outstanding Class A Common Stock may be listed or traded at the time of such delivery.

(c) Prior to the date of this Agreement, the Corporation has taken all such steps as may be required to cause to qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3(d) or (e), as applicable, under the Exchange Act, and be exempt for purposes of Section 16(b) under the Exchange Act, any acquisitions or dispositions of equity securities of the Corporation (including derivative securities with respect thereto) and any securities which may be deemed to be equity securities or derivative securities of the Corporation for such purposes that result from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, by each director or officer of the Corporation who may reasonably be expected to be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act with respect to the Corporation upon the registration of any class of equity security of the Corporation pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act (with the authorizing resolutions specifying the name of each such officer or director whose acquisition or disposition of securities is to be exempted and the number of securities that may be acquired and disposed of by each such person pursuant to this Agreement).

(d) If any Takeover Law or other similar law or regulation becomes or is deemed to become applicable to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, the Corporation shall use its reasonable best efforts to render such law or regulation inapplicable to all of the foregoing.

(e) The Corporation covenants that all Class A Common Stock issued upon an Exchange will, upon issuance, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not subject to any preemptive right of stockholders of the Corporation or to any right of first refusal or other right in favor of any person or entity.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

3.1. Representations and Warranties of the Corporation . The Corporation represents and warrants that (i) it is a corporation duly incorporated and is existing in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (ii) it has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to issue the Class A Common Stock in accordance with the terms hereof, (iii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Corporation and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby (including without limitation, the issuance of the Class A Common Stock) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Corporation, including but not limited to all actions necessary to ensure that the acquisition of shares Class A Common Stock pursuant to the transactions contemplated hereby, to the fullest extent of the Corporation’s Board of Directors’ power and authority and to the extent permitted by law, shall not be subject to any “moratorium,” “control share acquisition,” “business combination,” “fair

 

7


price” or other form of anti-takeover laws and regulations” of any jurisdiction that may purport to be applicable to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby (collectively, “ Takeover Laws ”), (iv) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Corporation enforceable against the Corporation in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by equitable principles or by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally, and (v) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Corporation and the consummation by the Corporation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not (A) result in a violation of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation or (B) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any agreement, indenture or instrument to which the Corporation is a party, or (C) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable to the Corporation or by which any property or asset of the Corporation is bound or affected, except with respect to clauses (B) or (C) for any conflicts, defaults, accelerations, terminations, cancellations or violations, that would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation or its business, financial condition or results of operations.

3.2. Representations and Warranties of the Members . Each Member, severally and not jointly, represents and warrants that (i) if it is not a natural person, that it is duly incorporated or formed and, to the extent such concept exists in its jurisdiction of organization, is in good standing under the laws of such jurisdiction, (ii) it has all requisite legal capacity and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) if it is not a natural person, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other entity action on the part of such Member, (iv) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Member enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by equitable principles or by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally, and (v) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Member and the consummation by such Member of the transactions contemplated hereby will not (A) if it is not a natural person, result in a violation of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws or other organizational documents of such Member or (B) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any agreement, indenture or instrument to which such member is a party, or (C) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable such Member, except with respect to clauses (B) or (C) for any conflicts, defaults, accelerations, terminations, cancellations or violations, that would not in any material respect result in the unenforceability against such Member of this Agreement.

 

8


ARTICLE IV

RELEASE

4.1. Release . Each Member hereby forever fully and irrevocably (i) releases and discharges the Corporation, Holdings and their respective affiliates, owners, members, subsidiaries, parents, officers, directors, managers, employees, agents, successors and assigns, including without limitation, the Black Canyon Entities (as defined in the LLC Agreement), Horizon Holdings, LLC and Malibu Holdings, L.P. and their respective affiliates, owners, members, subsidiaries, parents, officers, directors, managers, employees, agents, successors and assigns (collectively, the “ Releasees ”), from and against any and all actions, suits, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, expenses, obligations or rights (of every kind, character and description, whether known or unknown, at law or in equity) that such Member has had or now has against any of the Releasees arising under or relating or incidental to such Member’s ownership of Units or the arrangements, transactions and documents related thereto, and every matter, thing or event whatsoever occurring or failing to occur at any time in the past up to and including the date of this Agreement (collectively, “ Released Claims ”), and (ii) agrees to refrain from directly or indirectly asserting any claim or demand, or commencing or causing to be commenced, any suit, action or proceeding of any kind against any of the Releasees based upon any such Released Claim. If any Member or Releasee brings an action directly or indirectly based upon this Section 4.1 or the matters contemplated hereby against the other party, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover, in addition to any other appropriate amounts, its reasonable costs and expenses in connection with such proceeding, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs.

ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

5.1. Additional Members . To the extent a Member validly transfers any or all of such Member’s Units to another person in a transaction in accordance with, and not in contravention of, the Holdings LLC Agreement, then such transferee (each, a “ Permitted Transferee ) shall have the right to execute and deliver a joinder to this Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, whereupon such Permitted Transferee shall become a Member hereunder. To the extent Holdings issues Units in the future, then the holder of such Units shall have the right to execute and deliver a joinder to this Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, whereupon such holder shall become a Member hereunder.

5.2. Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given and received (a) if delivered personally, on the date of delivery, or, if delivered by facsimile, upon confirmation of transmission by the sender’s fax machine if sent on a Business Day (or otherwise, on the Business Day following confirmation of transmission by the sender’s fax machine) or (b) on the first Business Day following the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized next-day courier service. All notices hereunder shall be delivered as set forth below or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such notice:

If to the Corporation, to:

Malibu Boats, Inc.

5075 Kimberly Way

Loudon, Tennessee 37774

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Fax:                             

 

9


If to a Member, to the address and facsimile number set forth in Holdings’ records.

Any party may change its address or fax number by giving the other party written notice of its new address or fax number in the manner set forth above.

5.3. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.

5.4. Entire Agreement: No Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

5.5. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of laws principles thereof that would mandate the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

5.6. Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms 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 hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

5.7. Further Action . The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking action as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.

5.8. Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of all of the parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legal representatives and assigns.

5.9. Amendment . The provisions of this Agreement may be amended only by the affirmative vote or written consent of each of (i) the Corporation and (ii) Members holding a majority of the then outstanding Units held by Members (excluding Units held by the Corporation); provided that except as otherwise provided herein, no amendment may materially and adversely affect the rights of a Member, as such, other than on a pro rata basis with other Members without the consent of such Member (or, if there is more than one such Member that is so affected, without the consent of a majority of such affected Members in accordance with their holdings of Units).

 

10


5.10. Waiver . No failure 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 a breach thereof shall constitute waiver of any such breach of any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.

5.11. Resolution of Disputes .

(a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including but not limited to any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) (each a “Dispute”) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in Delaware in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the Dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within ten (10) calendar days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer admitted to the practice of law in the State of Delaware and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings. In addition to monetary damages, the arbitrator shall be empowered to award equitable relief, including, but not limited to an injunction and specific performance of any obligation under this Agreement. The arbitrator is not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages, and each party hereby irrevocably waives any right to recover punitive, exemplary or similar damages with respect to any Dispute. The award shall be final and binding upon the parties as from the date rendered, and shall be the sole and exclusive remedy between the parties regarding any claims, counterclaims, issues, or accounting presented to the arbitral tribunal. Judgment upon any award may be entered and enforced in any court having jurisdiction over a party or any of its assets.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the Corporation may bring an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Member (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 5.11 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the Corporation as such Member’s agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon such agent, who shall promptly advise such Member of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Member in any such action or proceeding.

 

11


(c) (i) EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 5.11, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the fora designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties’ relationship with one another; and

(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 5.11 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.

5.12. Tax Treatment . This Agreement shall be treated as part of the partnership agreement of Holdings as described in Section 761(c) of the Code and Sections l .704-1(b)(2)(ii)(h) and 1.761-1(c) of the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. As required by the Code and the Treasury Regulations, the parties shall report any Exchange consummated hereunder as a taxable sale of the Units by a Member to the Corporation, and no party shall take a contrary position on any income tax return, amendment thereof or communication with a taxing authority unless an alternate position is permitted under the Code and Treasury Regulations and the Corporation consents in writing.

5.13. Specific Performance . The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms and provisions hereof, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.

5.14. Independent Nature of Members’ Rights and Obligations . The obligations of each Member hereunder are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Member. and no Member shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Member hereunder. The decision of each Member to enter into this Agreement has been made by such Member independently of any other Member. Nothing contained herein, and no action taken by any Member pursuant hereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Members as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Members are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby and the Corporation acknowledges that the Members are not acting in concert or as a group. and the Corporation will not assert any such claim with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby.

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

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

12


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

 

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

 

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

MERCED OKR, LLC

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

/s/ Robert R. Alkema

  (Signature)
Name:  

Robert R. Alkema

Title:  

Managing Member

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Mitchell L. Smith

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Mitchell L. Smith

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Dennis R. Kelley

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Dennis R. Kelley

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Brad Ditchfield

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Brad Ditchfield

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Ryan Gregory Ward

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Ryan Gregory Ward

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Ritchie Anderson

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Ritchie Anderson

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Deborah S. Kent

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Deborah S. Kent

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Jack Springer

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Jack Springer

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Peggy True

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Peggy True

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ David L. Bryant

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

David L. Bryant

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Wayne Wilson

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Wayne Wilson

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Paul A. Singer

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Paul A. Singer

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Randy Woods

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Randy Woods

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Heidi Verna

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Heidi Verna

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Robin Banks

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Robin Banks

 

/s/ Derek Banks

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

Derek Banks

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Scott N. Davenport

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Scott N. Davenport

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Adam A. McCall

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Adam A. McCall

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Stephen Livesay

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Stephen Livesay

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Lani Farmer

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Lani Farmer

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Christopher Evans

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Christopher Evans

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Nathan Paul Gaines Jr.

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Nathan Paul Gaines Jr.

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Barry Bennett

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Barry Bennett

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Steven S. Clothier

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Steven S. Clothier

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Daniel Lee Gasper

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Daniel Lee Gasper

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Cory Dugger

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Cory Dugger

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Daniel P. Farmer

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Daniel P. Farmer

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability

Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Jerry L. Little, Jr.

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Jerry L. Little, Jr.

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered, all as of the date first set forth above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

/s/ Douglas W. Childres

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

Douglas W. Childres

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)
Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:

 

(Print Name of Entity)
By:  

 

  (Signature)
Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Exchange Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

[FORM OF]

ELECTION OF EXCHANGE

Malibu Boats, Inc.

5075 Kimberly Way

Loudon, Tennessee 37774

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Fax:                     

Reference is hereby made to the Exchange Agreement, dated as of [     ], 20     (the “ Exchange Agreement ”) among Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the holders of Units (as defined herein) from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Exchange Agreement.

The undersigned Member hereby transfers to the Corporation, the number of Units set forth below in Exchange for shares of Class A Common Stock or cash, pursuant to Section 2.1(f). If the Exchange is for Class A Common Stock, such shares are to be issued in its name as set forth below, as set forth in the Exchange Agreement.

Legal Name of Member: ___________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________

Number of Units to be Exchanged: ___________________________________

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that (i) the undersigned has full legal capacity to execute and deliver this Election of Exchange and to perform the undersigned’s obligations hereunder; (ii) this Election of Exchange has been duly executed and delivered by the undersigned and is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the undersigned enforceable against it in accordance with the terms thereof or hereof, as the case may be, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and the availability of equitable remedies; (iii) the Units subject to this Election of Exchange are being transferred to the Corporation free and clear of any pledge, lien, security interest, encumbrance, equities or claim; and (iv) no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of any third party or with any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the undersigned or the Units subject to this Election of Exchange is required to be obtained by the undersigned for the transfer of such Units to the Corporation.

The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints any officer of the Corporation as the attorney of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and resubstitution in the premises, to do any and all things and to take any and all actions that may be necessary to transfer to the Corporation, the Units subject to this Election of Exchange and to deliver to the undersigned the shares of Class A Common Stock to be delivered in Exchange therefor.

 

A-1


IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned. by authority duly given, has caused this Election of Exchange to be executed and delivered by the undersigned or by its duly authorized attorney.

 

 

Name:

 

Dated:

 

A-2


EXHIBIT B

[FORM OF]

CASH ELECTION NOTICE

[Exchanging Member]

[Address]

Reference is hereby made to the Exchange Agreement, dated as of [     ], 20     (the “ Exchange Agreement ”), by and among Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), and each of the Members (as defined therein) from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Exchange Agreement.

The Corporation received an Election of Exchange from the below Member on [ ], 20[ ]. Pursuant to Section 2.1(f) of the Exchange Agreement, the Corporation has elected to satisfy the Exchange in cash in lieu of Class A Common Stock.

Legal Name of Member: ________________________________________________________

Number of Units to be Exchanged: ________________

Market Value per Unit: $_________________________

Aggregate Market Value: $_______________________

 

B-1


EXHIBIT C

[FORM OF]

JOINDER AGREEMENT

This Joinder Agreement (“ Joinder Agreement ”) is a joinder to the Exchange Agreement, dated as of [            ], 20         (the “ Agreement ”), among Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”) and each of the Members from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Joinder Agreement shall have their meanings given to them in the Agreement. This Joinder Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware. In the event of any conflict between this Joinder Agreement and the Agreement, the terms of this Joinder Agreement shall control.

The undersigned hereby joins and enters into the Agreement having acquired Units in Holdings. By signing and returning this Joinder Agreement to the Corporation, the undersigned (i) accepts and agrees to be bound by and subject to all of the terms and conditions of and agreements of a Member contained in the Agreement, with all attendant rights, duties and obligations of a Member thereunder and (ii) makes each of the representations and warranties of a Member set forth in Section 3.2 of the Agreement as fully as if such representations and warranties were set forth herein. The parties to the Agreement shall treat the execution and delivery hereof by the undersigned as the execution and delivery of the Agreement by the undersigned and, upon receipt of this Joinder Agreement by the Corporation, the signature of the undersigned set forth below shall constitute a counterpart signature to the signature page of the Agreement.

 

For Corporate, Partnership,

Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity

Members:

    For Individual and Joint Members:
       
(Print Name of Entity)     (Signature)
By:         Print Name:                                                                                                     
  (Signature)    
Name:        

 

(Signature of Joint Member)

Title:         Print Name of Joint Member, if any:
       

 

Address for Notices:       With copies to:
         
         
         
Attention:             

 

C-1

Exhibit 10.4

TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT

This TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT (as amended from time to time, this “ Agreement ”), dated as of February 5, 2014, is hereby entered into by and among Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”), and each of the Members (as defined herein).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Members hold limited liability company interests (“ Units ”) in Holdings, which is treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes;

WHEREAS, the Corporation is the managing member of Holdings and holds Units in Holdings;

WHEREAS, the Units held by the Members are exchangeable for Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, (the “ Class A Shares ”) of the Corporation;

WHEREAS, the Corporation and the Members entered into a certain Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, (the “ Purchase Agreement ”) and a certain Exchange Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, (the “ Exchange Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, certain Units held by the Members will be sold to the Corporation in exchange for cash and the right to certain payments under this Agreement (the “ Original Sale ”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, certain Units held by the Members may be exchanged with the Corporation over time for Class A Shares;

WHEREAS, Holdings is treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes and will have in effect an election under Section 754 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), for each Taxable Year (as defined below) in which the Original Sale and an exchange of Units for Class A Shares occurs, which election is intended to result in an adjustment to the tax basis of the assets owned by Holdings (solely with respect to the Corporation) at the time (such time, the “ Exchange Date ”) of an exchange of Units for Class A Shares, the Original Sale, or any other acquisition by the Corporation of Units, for cash or otherwise (collectively, an “ Exchange ”) by reason of such Exchange and the payments under this Agreement;

WHEREAS, the income, gain, loss, expense and other tax items of (i) the Corporation, as a member of Holdings (and in respect of each of Holdings’ direct and indirect subsidiaries treated as disregarded entities or partnerships for United States federal income tax purposes), may be affected by the Basis Adjustments (as defined below) and (ii) the Corporation may be affected by the Imputed Interest (as defined below); and

 

1


WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement desire to make certain arrangements with respect to the actual or deemed effect of the Basis Adjustments and the Imputed Interest on the liability for Taxes of the Corporation.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the terms set forth in this ARTICLE I shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined).

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

Agreed Rate ” means LIBOR plus 100 basis points.

Agreement ” is defined in the preamble of this Agreement.

Amended Schedule ” is defined in Section 2.4(b) of this Agreement.

Available Cash ” means all cash and cash equivalents of the Corporation on hand, less the amount of cash reserves reasonably established in good faith by the Corporation to (i) provide for the proper conduct of the business of the Corporation, or (ii) comply with applicable law or any Senior Obligations; provided , however , that on any Payment Date the Corporation shall be deemed to have Available Cash in amount no less than the remainder of (x) the aggregate amount of tax distributions received by the Corporation from Holdings pursuant to Section 3.4 of the LLC Agreement since the first Exchange Date minus (y) the sum of (A) the aggregate amount of all payments made by the Corporation in respect of Taxes or under this Agreement since the first Exchange Date plus (B) the amount of tax distributions received by the Corporation pursuant to Section 3.4 of the LLC Agreement during the quarter for which Available Cash is then being determined or during the immediately preceding quarter, but only to the extent such tax distributions are reasonably expected to be utilized by the Corporation after the date of determination to pay tax liabilities of the Corporation for such quarter or the immediately succeeding quarter.

Basis Adjustment ” means the adjustment to the tax basis of an Exchange Reference Asset under Sections 732 and 1012 of the Code (in a situation where, as a result of one or more Exchanges, Holdings becomes an entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner for tax purposes) or Sections 743(b) and 754 of the Code (including in situations where, following an Exchange, Holdings remains in existence as an entity for tax purposes) and, in each case, comparable sections of state, local and foreign tax laws. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the amount of any Basis Adjustment resulting from an Exchange of one or more Units shall be determined without regard to any Pre-Exchange Transfer of such Units and as if any such Pre-Exchange Transfer had not occurred.

 

2


Beneficial Owner ” of a security is a Person who directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such security and/or (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such security. The terms “Beneficially Own” and “Beneficial Ownership” shall have correlative meanings.

Board ” means the board of directors of the Corporation.

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

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

(a) any Person or any group of Persons acting together which would constitute a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provisions thereto (excluding a corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Corporation in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Corporation) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Corporation representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Corporation’s then outstanding voting securities (excluding any Person or any group of Persons who, on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of Class A Common Stock, is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Corporation representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Corporation’s then outstanding voting securities); or

(b) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors of the Corporation then serving: individuals who, on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of Class A Shares, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to an election of directors of the Corporation) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Corporation’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of Class A Shares or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended by the directors referred to in this clause (b); or

(c) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation or other entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, either (x) the Board immediately prior to the merger or consolidation does not constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the company surviving the merger or, if the surviving company is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (y) all of the Persons who were the respective Beneficial Owners of the voting securities of the Corporation immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not Beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation; or

 

3


(d) the shareholders of the Corporation approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or there is consummated an agreement or series of related agreements for the sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets, other than such sale or other disposition by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets to an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by shareholders of the Corporation in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Corporation immediately prior to such sale.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, except with respect to clause (b) and clause (c)(x) above, a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the shares of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.

Class A Shares ” is defined in the Recitals of this Agreement.

Code ” is defined in the Recitals of this Agreement.

Control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Corporation ” is defined in the Preamble of this Agreement.

Corporation Return ” means the United States federal, state, local and/or foreign Tax Return, as applicable, of the Corporation filed with respect to Taxes of any Taxable Year.

Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit ” in respect of an Exchanging Member for a Taxable Year means the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Benefits in respect of such Exchanging Member for all Taxable Years of the Corporation, up to and including such Taxable Year, net of the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Detriments in respect of such Exchanging Member for the same period. The Realized Tax Benefit and Realized Tax Detriment in respect of an Exchanging Member for each Taxable Year shall be determined based on the most recent Tax Benefit Schedule or Amended Schedule in respect of such Exchanging Member, if any, in existence at the time of such determination.

Default Rate ” means LIBOR plus 500 basis points.

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

 

4


Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.8(a).

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

Early Termination Notice ” is defined in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.

Early Termination Payment ” is defined in Section 4.3(b) of this Agreement.

Early Termination Rate ” means LIBOR plus 100 basis points.

Early Termination Schedule ” is defined in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.

Exchange ” is defined in the Recitals of this Agreement, and “Exchanged” and “Exchanging” shall have correlative meanings.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exchange Basis Schedule ” is defined in Section 2.2 of this Agreement.

Exchange Date ” is defined in the Recitals of this Agreement.

Exchange Payment ” is defined in Section 5.1.

Exchange Reference Asset ” in respect of an Exchanging Member means an asset that is held by Holdings, or by any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries treated as a partnership or disregarded entity for purposes of the applicable Taxes, at the time of an Exchange by such Exchanging Member. An Exchange Reference Asset also includes any asset that is “substituted basis property” under Section 7701(a)(42) of the Code with respect to an Exchange Reference Asset.

Exchanging Member ” means a Member that Exchanges some or all of its Units.

Expert ” is defined in Section 7.9 of this Agreement.

Hypothetical Tax Liability ” in respect of an Exchanging Member means, with respect to any Taxable Year, the liability for Taxes of, without duplication, (a) the Corporation and (b) Holdings, but only with respect to the Corporation’s proportionate share of the Taxes imposed on Holdings, in each case using the same methods, elections, conventions and similar practices used on the relevant Corporation Return, but (i) using the Non-Stepped Up Tax Basis in respect of such Exchanging Member (as reflected on the applicable Exchange Basis Schedule including amendments thereto for the Taxable Year) and (ii) excluding any deduction attributable to Imputed Interest in respect of such Exchanging Member for the Taxable Year. For the avoidance of doubt, Hypothetical Tax Liability shall be determined without taking into account the carryover or carryback of any tax item (or portions thereof) that is attributable to the Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest, as applicable.

 

5


Imputed Interest ” in respect of an Exchanging Member shall mean any interest imputed under Section 1272, 1274 or 483 or other provision of the Code and any similar provision of state, local and foreign tax law with respect to the Corporation’s payment obligations in respect of such Exchanging Member under this Agreement.

Interest Amount ” is defined in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.

IPO ” means the initial public offering of Class A Shares by the Corporation.

IPO Date ” means the date on which the Corporation contributes to Holdings the net proceeds received by the Corporation in connection with the IPO.

IRS ” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

LIBOR ” means for each month (or portion thereof) during any period, an interest rate per annum equal to the rate per annum reported, on the date two days prior to the first day of such month, on the Telerate Page 3750 (or if such screen shall cease to be publicly available, as reported on Reuters Screen page “LIBOR07” or by any other publicly available source of such market rate) for London interbank offered rates for United States dollar deposits for such month (or portion thereof).

LLC Agreement ” means, with respect to Holdings, the First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Holdings, dated on or about the date hereof, as such agreement may be amended from time to time.

Market Value ” shall mean the closing price of the Class A Shares on the applicable Exchange Date on the national securities exchange or interdealer quotation system on which such Class A Shares are then traded or listed, as reported by the Wall Street Journal; provided that if the closing price is not reported by the Wall Street Journal for the applicable Exchange Date, then the Market Value shall mean the closing price of the Class A Shares on the Business Day immediately preceding such Exchange Date on the national securities exchange or interdealer quotation system on which such Class A Shares are then traded or listed, as reported by the Wall Street Journal; provided further, that if the Class A Shares are not then listed on a National Securities Exchange or Interdealer Quotation System, “Market Value” shall mean the cash consideration paid for Class A Shares, or the fair market value of the other property delivered for Class A Shares, as determined by the directors of the Corporation in good faith.

Material Objection Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.

Members ” means the parties who are signatories hereto, other than the Corporation and Holdings, and each other Person who from time to time executes a Joinder Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

Net Tax Benefit ” is defined in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.

Non-Stepped Up Tax Basis ” in respect of any Exchanging Member means, with respect to any asset at any time, the tax basis that such asset would have had at such time if no Basis Adjustment had been made in respect of such Exchanging Member.

 

6


Objection Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a).

Original Members ” means the members of Holdings on the date of, but immediately preceding, the initial public offering of Class A Shares.

Payment Date ” means any date on which a payment is required to be made pursuant to this Agreement.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity.

Pre-Exchange Transfer ” means any transfer (including upon the death of a Member) or distribution of one or more Units (i) that occurs prior to an Exchange of such Units, and (ii) to which Section 743(b) of the Code applies.

Realized Tax Benefit ” in respect of any Exchanging Member means, for a Taxable Year and for all Taxes collectively, the net excess, if any, of the Hypothetical Tax Liability in respect of such Exchanging Member over the “ actual ” liability for Taxes of the Corporation (or Holdings, but only with respect to Taxes imposed on Holdings and allocable to the Corporation) for such Taxable Year, such “ actual ” liability to be computed in accordance with Section 2.1 of this Agreement. If all or a portion of the actual liability for Taxes of the Corporation (or Holdings, but only with respect to Taxes imposed on Holdings and allocable to the Corporation) for such Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Benefit unless and until there has been a Determination.

Realized Tax Detriment ” in respect of any Exchanging Member means, for a Taxable Year and for all Taxes collectively, the net excess, if any, of the “ actual ” liability for Taxes of the Corporation (or Holdings, but only with respect to Taxes imposed on Holdings and allocable to the Corporation) for such Taxable Year, such “ actual ” liability to be computed in accordance with Section 2.1 of this Agreement, over the Hypothetical Tax Liability for such Taxable Year. If all or a portion of the actual liability for Taxes of the Corporation (or Holdings, but only with respect to Taxes imposed on Holdings and allocable to the Corporation) for such Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Detriment unless and until there has been a Determination.

Reconciliation Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.9.

Reconciliation Procedures ” shall mean those procedures set forth in Section 7.9 of this Agreement.

Schedule ” means any Exchange Basis Schedule or Tax Benefit Schedule and the Early Termination Schedule.

Senior Obligations ” is defined in Section 5.1 of this Agreement.

 

7


Subsidiaries ” means, with respect to any Person, as of any date of determination, any other Person as to which such first Person, owns, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controls more than 50% of the voting shares or other similar interests or the sole general partner interest or managing member or similar interest of such other Person.

Tax Benefit Payment ” is defined in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.

Tax Benefit Schedule ” is defined in Section 2.3 of this Agreement.

Tax Return ” means any return, declaration, report or similar statement required to be filed with respect to Taxes (including any attached schedules), including, without limitation, any information return, claim for refund, amended return and declaration of estimated Taxes.

Taxable Year ” means a taxable year of the Corporation as defined in Section 441(b) of the Code or comparable section of state, local or foreign tax law, as applicable (and, therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, may include a period of less than 12 months for which a Tax Return is prepared), ending on or after the IPO Date.

Taxes ” means any and all United States federal, state, local and foreign taxes, assessments or similar charges that are based on or measured with respect to net income or profits, whether as an exclusive or on an alternative basis, and any interest related thereto.

Taxing Authority ” shall mean any domestic, foreign, federal, national, state, county or municipal or other local government, any subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental body exercising any taxing authority or any other authority exercising tax regulatory authority.

Treasury Regulations ” means the final, temporary and proposed regulations under the Code promulgated from time to time (including corresponding provisions and succeeding provisions) as in effect for the relevant taxable period.

Units ” is defined in the Recitals of this Agreement.

Valuation Assumptions ” in respect of any Exchanging Member shall mean, as of an Early Termination Date, the assumptions that (1) in each Taxable Year ending on or after such Early Termination Date, the Corporation will have taxable income sufficient to fully use the deductions and/or losses (including, as applicable and for the avoidance of doubt, any deductions taken as a result of applying the Valuation Assumptions) arising from any Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest in respect of such Exchanging Member during such Taxable Year or future Taxable Years (including, as applicable and for the avoidance of doubt, Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest that would result from future Tax Benefit Payments that would be paid in accordance with the Valuation Assumptions) in which such deductions would become available, (2) the federal income tax rates and state, local and foreign income tax rates that will be in effect for each such Taxable Year will be those specified for each such Taxable Year by the Code and other law as in effect on the Early Termination Date, (3) any loss carryovers generated by any Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest in respect of such Exchanging Member and available as of the date of the Early Termination Schedule will be used by the Corporation or such Consolidated Group on a pro rata basis from the date of the Early Termination Schedule through the scheduled

 

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expiration date of such loss carryovers, (4) any non-amortizable assets will be disposed of on the fifteenth anniversary of the earlier of the Basis Adjustment and the Early Termination Date or, if earlier, at the time of a Change of Control, or after 12 months for short-term investments, and (5) if, at the Early Termination Date, there are Units that have not been Exchanged, then each such Unit shall be deemed to be Exchanged for the Market Value of the Class A Shares and the amount of cash that would be transferred if the Exchange occurred on the Early Termination Date.

ARTICLE II.

DETERMINATION OF CUMULATIVE REALIZED TAX BENEFIT

2.1. Applicable Calculation Principles . Subject to Section 3.3, the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment in respect of each Exchanging Member for each Taxable Year is intended to measure the decrease or increase in the actual liability for Taxes of, without duplication, the Corporation for such Taxable Year attributable to the Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest, as applicable, determined using a “with and without” methodology. For the avoidance of doubt, the actual liability for Taxes will take into account the deduction of the portion of the Tax Benefit Payment that must be accounted for as interest under the Code based upon the characterization of Tax Benefit Payments as additional consideration payable by the Corporation for the Units acquired in an Exchange. Carryovers or carrybacks of any tax item attributable to the Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest, as applicable, shall be considered to be subject to the rules of the Code and the Treasury Regulations or the appropriate provisions of U.S. state and local income tax law, as applicable, governing the use, limitation and expiration of carryovers or carrybacks of the relevant type. If a carryover or carryback of any tax item includes a portion that is attributable to the Basis Adjustments or Imputed Interest, as applicable, and another portion that is not, such portions shall be considered to be used in accordance with the “with and without” methodology. The parties agree that (i) any Tax Benefit Payment (other than amounts accounted for as interest under the Code) will (A) be treated as a subsequent upward purchase price adjustment and (B) have the effect of creating additional Basis Adjustments in respect of such Exchanging Member to Exchange Reference Assets in the year of payment, and (ii) as a result, such additional Basis Adjustments in respect of such Exchanging Member will be incorporated into the current year calculation and into future year calculations, as appropriate.

2.2. Exchange Basis Schedule . Within 45 calendar days after the filing of the United States federal income tax return of the Corporation for each Taxable Year, the Corporation shall deliver to each Exchanging Member a schedule (an “ Exchange Basis Schedule ”) that shows, in reasonable detail, for purposes of Taxes, (i) the Non-Stepped Up Tax Basis of the Exchange Reference Assets attributable to such Exchanging Member as of each applicable Exchange Date, (ii) the Basis Adjustment attributable to such Exchanging Member with respect to the Exchange Reference Assets as a result of the Exchanges effected in such Taxable Year by such Exchanging Member, calculated in the aggregate, (iii) the period or periods, if any, over which the Exchange Reference Assets are estimated to be amortizable and/or depreciable, and (iv) the period or periods, if any, over which each Basis Adjustment attributable to such Exchanging Member is estimated to be amortizable and/or depreciable (which, for non-amortizable assets shall be based on the Valuation Assumptions).

 

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2.3. Tax Benefit Schedule . Within 45 calendar days after the filing of the United States federal income tax return of the Corporation for any Taxable Year in which there is a Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment, the Corporation shall provide to each Exchanging Member a schedule showing, in reasonable detail, the calculation of the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment attributable to such Exchanging Member for such Taxable Year (a “ Tax Benefit Schedule ”). The Tax Benefit Schedule will become final as provided in Section 2.4(a) and may be amended as provided in Section 2.4(b) (subject to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(b)).

2.4. Procedures, Amendments .

(a) Procedure . Every time the Corporation delivers to an Exchanging Member an applicable Schedule under this Agreement, including any Amended Schedule delivered pursuant to Section 2.4(b), but excluding any Early Termination Schedule or amended Early Termination Schedule, the Corporation shall also (x) deliver to the Exchanging Member schedules and work papers, as determined by the Corporation or reasonably requested by the Exchanging Member, providing reasonable detail regarding the preparation of the Schedule and (y) allow the Exchanging Member reasonable access at no cost to the appropriate representatives at the Corporation in connection with a review of such Schedule. The applicable Schedule shall become final and binding on all parties unless the Exchanging Member, within 30 calendar days after receiving an Exchange Basis Schedule or amendment thereto or a Tax Benefit Schedule or amendment thereto, provides the Corporation with notice of a material objection to such Schedule (“ Objection Notice ”) made in good faith. If the parties, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in such notice within 30 calendar days of receipt by the Corporation of an Objection Notice, if with respect to an Exchange Basis Schedule or a Tax Benefit Schedule, the Corporation and the Exchanging Member shall employ the reconciliation procedures as described in Section 7.9 of this Agreement (the “ Reconciliation Procedures ”).

(b) Amended Schedule . The applicable Schedule in respect of an Exchanging Member for any Taxable Year may be amended from time to time by the Corporation (i) in connection with a Determination affecting such Schedule, (ii) to correct material inaccuracies in the Schedule identified as a result of the receipt of additional factual information relating to a Taxable Year after the date the Schedule was provided to the Exchanging Member, (iii) to comply with the Expert’s determination under the Reconciliation Procedures, (iv) to reflect a material change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment in respect of the Exchanging Member for such Taxable Year attributable to a carryback or carryforward of a loss or other tax item to such Taxable Year, (v) to reflect a material change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment in respect of the Exchanging Member for such Taxable Year attributable to an amended Tax Return filed for such Taxable Year, or (vi) to adjust the Exchange Basis Schedule to take into account payments made pursuant to this Agreement (such Schedule, an “ Amended Schedule ”). The Corporation shall provide any Amended Schedule to the Exchanging Member, within 30 calendar days of the occurrence of an event referred to in clauses (i) through (vi) of the preceding sentence, and any such Amended Schedule shall be subject to approval procedures similar to those described in Section 2.4(a).

 

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ARTICLE III.

TAX BENEFIT PAYMENTS

3.1. Payments .

(a) Payments . Within five (5) Business Days of a Tax Benefit Schedule that was delivered to an Exchanging Member becoming final in accordance with Section 2.4(a), the Corporation shall pay to such Exchanging Member for such Taxable Year the Tax Benefit Payment determined pursuant to Section 3.1(b). Each such Tax Benefit Payment shall be made by wire transfer (or as otherwise directed by the Exchanging Member) of immediately available funds to a bank account of the Exchanging Member previously designated by such Exchanging Member to the Corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, no Tax Benefit Payment shall be made in respect of estimated tax payments, including, without limitation, federal estimated income tax payments.

(b) A “ Tax Benefit Payment ” in respect of an Exchanging Member means an amount, not less than zero, equal to the sum of the Net Tax Benefit and the Interest Amount attributable to such Exchanging Member. For the avoidance of doubt, for tax purposes, the Interest Amount shall not be treated as interest but instead shall be treated as additional consideration for the acquisition of Units or other assets in Exchanges, unless otherwise required by law. The “ Net Tax Benefit ” for each Taxable Year shall be an amount equal to the excess, if any, of 85% of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit in respect of the Exchanging Member as of the end of such Taxable Year over the total amount of payments previously made under this Section 3.1 in respect of such Exchanging Member, excluding payments attributable to the Interest Amount; provided, however, that for the avoidance of doubt, no Member shall be required to return any portion of any previously made Tax Benefit Payment. The “ Interest Amount ” for a given Taxable Year shall equal the interest on the Net Tax Benefit for such Taxable Year calculated at the Agreed Rate from the due date (without extensions) for filing the Corporation Return with respect to Taxes for the most recently ended Taxable Year until the Payment Date. The Net Tax Benefit and the Interest Amount shall be determined separately with respect to each separate Exchange, on a Unit-by-Unit basis by reference to the resulting Basis Adjustment to the Corporation.

(c) The Corporation shall use good faith efforts to ensure that it has sufficient Available Cash to make all payments due under this Agreement without regard to the last sentence of Section 4.1(b).

3.2. No Duplicative Payments . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, it is intended that the provisions of this Agreement will not result in duplicative payment of any amount (including interest) required under this Agreement. It is also intended that the provisions of this Agreement will result in 85% of the Corporation’s Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit, and the Interest Amount thereon, being paid to the Members pursuant to this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in the appropriate manner so that these fundamental results are achieved.

 

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3.3. Pro Rata Payments; Coordination of Benefits .

(a) Notwithstanding anything in Section 3.1 to the contrary, to the extent that the aggregate tax benefit of the Corporation’s deduction with respect to the Basis Adjustments or Imputed Interest in respect of all Exchanging Members under this Agreement is limited in a particular Taxable Year because the Corporation does not have sufficient taxable income, the limitation on the tax benefit for the Corporation shall be allocated among the Exchanging Members in proportion to the respective amounts of Realized Tax Benefits that would have been determined under this Agreement in respect of each Exchanging Member if the Corporation had sufficient taxable income so that there were no such limitation.

(b) If for any reason the Corporation does not fully satisfy its payment obligations to make all Tax Benefit Payments due under this Agreement in respect of a particular Taxable Year, then the Corporation and the Exchanging Members agree that (i) the Corporation shall pay the same proportion of each Tax Benefit Payment due under this Agreement in respect of such Taxable Year, without favoring one obligation over the other, and (ii) no Tax Benefit Payment shall be made in respect of any Taxable Year until all Tax Benefit Payments in respect of prior Taxable Years have been made in full.

ARTICLE IV.

TERMINATION

4.1. Early Termination and Breach of Agreement .

(a) The Corporation may terminate this Agreement with respect to all of the Units held (or previously held and Exchanged) by all Members at any time by paying to each Member the Early Termination Payment attributable to each such Member; provided, however, that this Agreement shall only terminate upon the receipt of the Early Termination Payment by all Members, and provided, further, that the Corporation may withdraw any notice to execute its termination rights under this Section 4.1(a) prior to the time at which any Early Termination Payment has been paid. Upon payment of the Early Termination Payments by the Corporation, neither the Members nor the Corporation shall have any further payment obligations under this Agreement, other than for any (a) Tax Benefit Payment agreed to by the Corporation and the Member as due and payable but unpaid as of the Early Termination Notice and (b) Tax Benefit Payment due for the Taxable Year ending with or including the date of the Early Termination Notice (except to the extent that the amount described in clause (b) is included in the Early Termination Payment). For the avoidance of doubt, if an Exchange occurs after the Corporation makes the Early Termination Payments with respect to all Members, the Corporation shall have no obligations under this Agreement with respect to such Exchange, and its only obligations under this Agreement in such case shall be its obligations to all Members under Section 4.3(a).

(b) In the event that the Corporation breaches any of its material obligations under this Agreement, whether as a result of failure to make any payment when due, failure to honor any other material obligation required hereunder or by operation of law as a result of the rejection of this Agreement in a case commenced under the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise, then all obligations hereunder shall be accelerated and such obligations shall be calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of such breach and shall include, but

 

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shall not be limited to, (1) the Early Termination Payment calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of a breach, (2) any Tax Benefit Payment in respect of a Member agreed to by the Corporation and such Members as due and payable but unpaid as of the date of a breach, and (3) any Tax Benefit Payment due for the Taxable Year ending with or including the date of a breach. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Corporation breaches this Agreement, the Members shall be entitled to elect to receive the amounts set forth in clauses (1), (2) and (3) above or to seek specific performance of the terms hereof. The parties agree that the failure to make any payment due pursuant to this Agreement within three months of the date such payment is due shall be deemed to be a breach of a material obligation under this Agreement for all purposes of this Agreement, and that it will not be considered to be a breach of a material obligation under this Agreement to make a payment due pursuant to this Agreement within three months of the date such payment is due.

(c) In the event of a Change of Control, then all obligations hereunder shall be accelerated and such obligations shall be calculated pursuant to this Article IV as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the closing date of the Change of Control and shall include, but not be limited to, (1) the Early Termination Payment calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the effective date of a Change of Control, (2) any Tax Benefit Payment in respect of a Member agreed to by the Corporation and such Members as due and payable but unpaid as of the Early Termination Notice and (3) any Tax Benefit Payment due for any Taxable Year ending prior to, with or including the effective date of a Change of Control. In the event of a Change of Control, the Early Termination Payment shall be calculated utilizing the Valuation Assumptions and by substituting in each case the terms “the closing date of a Change of Control” for an “Early Termination Date.”

4.2. Early Termination Notice . If the Corporation chooses to exercise its right of early termination under Section 4.1 above, the Corporation shall deliver to each present or former Member notice of such intention to exercise such right (“ Early Termination Notice ”) and a schedule (the “ Early Termination Schedule ”) specifying the Corporation’s intention to exercise such right and showing in reasonable detail the calculation of the Early Termination Payment for that Member. The Early Termination Schedule shall become final and binding on a Member (and on the Corporation as to that Member) unless the Member, within 30 calendar days after receiving the Early Termination Schedule, provides the Corporation with notice of a material objection to such Schedule made in good faith (“ Material Objection Notice ”). If the parties, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in such notice within 30 calendar days after receipt by the Corporation of the Material Objection Notice, the Corporation and the Member shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures as described in Section 7.9 of this Agreement. All Early Termination Schedules affected by any changes resulting from a Material Objection Notice shall be updated and the Early Termination Payment(s) due in respect thereof shall be recalculated by the Corporation to take into account such changes.

4.3. Payment upon Early Termination .

(a) Within three (3) Business Days after agreement between the Member and the Corporation of the Early Termination Schedule, the Corporation shall pay to the Member an amount equal to the Early Termination Payment determined for such Member. Such payment shall be made by wire transfer (or as otherwise directed by the Exchanging Member) of immediately available funds to a bank account designated by the Member.

 

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(b) The “ Early Termination Payment ” as of the date of the delivery of an Early Termination Schedule shall equal with respect to any Member the sum of (i) the present value, discounted at the Early Termination Rate as of such date, of all Tax Benefit Payments that would be required to be paid by the Corporation to the Member beginning from the Early Termination Date and assuming that the Valuation Assumptions are applied and (ii) without duplication of any amounts referred to in (i), amounts deferred pursuant to the last sentence of Section 4.1(b) (including interest).

4.4. Unilateral Termination . At any time, by providing notice (the “ Unilateral Termination Notice ”) to the Corporation, a Member may elect to terminate this Agreement with respect to such Member effective as of the date designated by the Member in such notice (the “ Unilateral Termination Date ”). Upon receipt of the Unilateral Termination Notice, the Corporation shall have no further payment obligations under this Agreement with respect to such Member other than for a (a) Tax Benefit Payment agreed to by the Corporation through a majority of its directors and the Member as due and payable but unpaid as of the Unilateral Termination Date and (b) Tax Benefit Payment due for the Taxable Year ending with or including the Unilateral Termination Date (except to the extent that the amount described in clause (b) is attributable to Units exchanged after the Unilateral Termination Date).

ARTICLE V.

SUBORDINATION AND LATE PAYMENTS

5.1. Subordination . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment required to be made by the Corporation to the Members under this Agreement (an “ Exchange Payment ”) shall rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to any principal, interest or other amounts due and payable in respect of any obligations in respect of indebtedness for borrowed money of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries (“ Senior Obligations ”) and shall rank pari passu with all current or future unsecured obligations of the Corporation that are not Senior Obligations.

5.2. Late Payments by the Corporation . The amount of all or any portion of any Exchange Payment not made to any Member when due under the terms of this Agreement shall be payable together with any interest thereon, computed at the Default Rate and commencing from the date on which such Exchange Payment was due and payable.

ARTICLE VI.

NO DISPUTES; CONSISTENCY; COOPERATION

6.1. Original Member Participation in the Corporation’s and Holdings’ Tax Matters . Except as otherwise provided herein, the Corporation shall have full responsibility for, and sole discretion over, all tax matters concerning the Corporation and Holdings, including without limitation the preparation, filing or amending of any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to Taxes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall notify the applicable Original Member of, and keep the applicable Original Member reasonably

 

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informed with respect to, the portion of any audit of the Corporation and Holdings by a Taxing Authority the outcome of which is reasonably expected to affect the applicable Original Member’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, and shall provide to the applicable Original Member reasonable opportunity to provide information and other input to the Corporation, Holdings and their respective advisors concerning the conduct of any such portion of such audit; provided, however, that the Corporation and Holdings shall not be required to take any action that is inconsistent with any provision of the LLC Agreement.

6.2. Consistency . Except for items that are explicitly described as “deemed” or in similar manner by the terms of this Agreement, the Corporation and the Exchanging Member agree to report and cause to be reported for all purposes, including federal, state, and local tax purposes and financial reporting purposes, all tax-related items (including without limitation the Basis Adjustment and each Tax Benefit Payment) in a manner consistent with that specified by the Corporation in any Schedule required to be provided by or on behalf of the Corporation under this Agreement.

6.3. Cooperation . Each Exchanging Member shall (a) furnish to the Corporation in a timely manner such information, documents and other materials as the Corporation may reasonably request for purposes of making any determination or computation necessary or appropriate under this Agreement, preparing any Tax Return or contesting or defending any audit, examination or controversy with any Taxing Authority, (b) make itself available to the Corporation and its representatives to provide explanations of documents and materials and such other information as the Corporation or its representatives may reasonably request in connection with any of the matters described in clause (a) above, and (c) reasonably cooperate in connection with any such matter, and the Corporation shall reimburse the Exchanging Member for any reasonable third-party costs and expenses incurred pursuant to this Section.

ARTICLE VII.

MISCELLANEOUS

7.1. Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given and received (a) if delivered personally, on the date of delivery, or, if delivered by facsimile, upon confirmation of transmission by the sender’s fax machine if sent on a Business Day (or otherwise, on the Business Day following confirmation of transmission by the sender’s fax machine) or (b) on the first Business Day following the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized next-day courier service. All notices hereunder shall be delivered as set forth below, or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such notice:

if to the Corporation, to:

Malibu Boats, Inc.

5075 Kimberly Way

Loudon, Tennessee 37774

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Fax:                                 

 

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if to Holdings, to:

Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC

5075 Kimberly Way

Loudon, Tennessee 37774

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Fax:                                 

If to a Member, to the address and facsimile number set forth in Holdings’ records.

Any party may change its address or fax number by giving the other party written notice of its new address or fax number in the manner set forth above.

7.2. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.

7.3. Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

7.4. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of laws principles thereof that would mandate the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

7.5. Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms 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 hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

7.6. Successors; Assignment; Amendments; Waivers . No Member may assign this Agreement to any person without the prior written consent of the Corporation; provided, however, that (i) to the extent Units are effectively transferred in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement, the transferring Member shall have the option to assign to the transferee of

 

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such Units the transferring Member’s rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Units, as long as such transferee has executed and delivered, or, in connection with such transfer, executes and delivers, a Joinder Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, agreeing to become a “Member” for all purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in such Joinder Agreement, and (ii) once an Exchange has occurred, any and all payments that may become payable to a Member pursuant to this Agreement with respect to the Exchanged Units may be assigned to the Corporation or any Member, as long as such Member has executed and delivered, or, in connection with such assignment, executes and delivers, a Joinder Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, agreeing to be bound by Section 7.13 and acknowledging specifically the terms of the next paragraph. For the avoidance of doubt, if a Person transfers Units (regardless of whether the transferee is a “Permitted Transferee” under the terms of the LLC Agreement) but does not assign to the transferee of such Units such Person’s rights, if any, under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Units, such Person shall be entitled to receive the Tax Benefit Payments, if any, due hereunder with respect to, including any Tax Benefit Payments arising in respect of a subsequent Exchange of, such Units.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.6, no transferee described in clause (i) of the immediately preceding paragraph shall have the right to enforce the provisions of Sections 2.4, 4.2, 6.1 or 6.2 of this Agreement, and no assignee described in clause (ii) of the immediately preceding paragraph shall have any rights under this Agreement except for the right to enforce its right to receive payments under this Agreement.

No provision of this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is approved in writing by each of the Corporation and Holdings and by Original Members who would be entitled to receive at least a majority of the Early Termination Payments payable to all Original Members hereunder if the Corporation had exercised its right of early termination on the date of the most recent Exchange prior to such amendment (excluding, for purposes of this sentence, all payments made to any Original Member pursuant to this Agreement since the date of such most recent Exchange); provided, that no such amendment shall be effective if such amendment will have a disproportionate effect on the payments certain Members will or may receive under this Agreement unless all such Members disproportionately affected consent in writing to such amendment. No provision of this Agreement may be waived unless such waiver is in writing and signed by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective.

All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives. The Corporation shall require and cause any direct or indirect successor (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporation, by written agreement, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Corporation would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event an Original Member transfers his Units to a Permitted Transferee (as defined in the LLC Agreement), excluding any other Original Member, such Original Member shall have the right, on behalf of such transferee, to enforce the provisions of Sections 2.4, 4.2 or 6.1 with respect to such transferred Units.

 

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7.7. Titles and Subtitles . The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.

7.8. Resolution of Disputes .

(a) Any and all disputes which are not governed by Section 7.9, including but not limited to any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) (each a “Dispute”) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in Delaware in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the Dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within ten (10) calendar days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer admitted to the practice of law in the State of Delaware and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings. In addition to monetary damages, the arbitrator shall be empowered to award equitable relief, including, but not limited to an injunction and specific performance of any obligation under this Agreement. The arbitrator is not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages, and each party hereby irrevocably waives any right to recover punitive, exemplary or similar damages with respect to any Dispute. The award shall be final and binding upon the parties as from the date rendered, and shall be the sole and exclusive remedy between the parties regarding any claims, counterclaims, issues, or accounting presented to the arbitral tribunal. Judgment upon any award may be entered and enforced in any court having jurisdiction over a party or any of its assets.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the Corporation may bring an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Member (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 7.8 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the Corporation as such Member’s agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon such agent, who shall promptly advise such Member of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Member in any such action or proceeding.

(c) (i) EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 7.8, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the fora designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties’ relationship with one another; and

 

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(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 7.8 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.

7.9. Reconciliation . In the event that the Corporation and the Exchanging Member are unable to resolve a disagreement with respect to the matters governed by Sections 2.4, 4.2 and 6.2 within the relevant period designated in this Agreement (“ Reconciliation Dispute ”), the Reconciliation Dispute shall be submitted for determination to a nationally recognized expert (the “ Expert ”) in the particular area of disagreement mutually acceptable to both parties. The Expert shall be a partner in a nationally recognized accounting firm or a law firm, and the Expert shall not, and, unless the Exchanging Member agrees otherwise, the firm that employs the Expert shall not, have any material relationship with either the Corporation or the Exchanging Member or other actual or potential conflict of interest. If the parties are unable to agree on an Expert within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt by the respondent(s) of written notice of a Reconciliation Dispute, the Expert shall be appointed by the International Chamber of Commerce Centre for Expertise. The Expert shall resolve any matter relating to the Exchange Basis Schedule or an amendment thereto or the Early Termination Schedule or an amendment thereto within 30 calendar days and shall resolve any matter relating to a Tax Benefit Schedule or an amendment thereto within 15 calendar days or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, in each case after the matter has been submitted to the Expert for resolution. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if the matter is not resolved before any payment that is the subject of a disagreement would be due (in the absence of such disagreement) or any Tax Return reflecting the subject of a disagreement is due, the undisputed amount shall be paid on such date and such Tax Return may be filed as prepared by the Corporation, subject to adjustment or amendment upon resolution.

The costs and expenses relating to the engagement of such Expert or amending any Tax Return shall be borne by the Corporation except as provided in the next sentence. The Corporation and each Exchanging Member shall bear their own costs and expenses of such proceeding, unless an Exchanging Member has a prevailing position that is more than 15% of the payment at issue, in which case the Corporation shall reimburse such Exchanging Member for any reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses in such proceeding. Any dispute as to whether a dispute is a Reconciliation Dispute within the meaning of this Section 7.9 shall be decided by the Expert. The Expert shall finally determine any Reconciliation Dispute and the determinations of the Expert pursuant to this Section 7.9 shall be binding on the Corporation and the Exchanging Member and may be entered and enforced in any court having jurisdiction.

7.10. Withholding . The Corporation shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any payment payable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as the Corporation is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any provision of state, local or foreign tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld and paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority by the Corporation, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Exchanging Member.

 

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7.11. Tax Covenant . The Corporation, Holdings and each of the Members hereby acknowledge that, as of the date of this Agreement, the aggregate value of the Tax Benefit Payments cannot reasonably be ascertained for United States federal income tax or other applicable tax purposes.

7.12. Admission of the Corporation into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets .

(a) If the Corporation becomes a member of an affiliated or consolidated group of corporations that files a consolidated income tax return pursuant to Sections 1501 et seq. of the Code or any corresponding provisions of state, local or foreign law, then: (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall be applied with respect to the group as a whole; and (ii) Tax Benefit Payments, Early Termination Payments and other applicable items hereunder shall be computed with reference to the consolidated taxable income of the group as a whole.

(b) If any entity that is obligated to make an Exchange Payment hereunder transfers one or more assets to a corporation with which such entity does not file a consolidated tax return pursuant to Section 1501 of the Code, such entity, for purposes of calculating the amount of any Exchange Payment (e.g., calculating the gross income of the entity and determining the Realized Tax Benefit of such entity) due hereunder, shall be treated as having disposed of such asset in a fully taxable transaction on the date of such contribution. The consideration deemed to be received by such entity shall be equal to the fair market value of the contributed asset, plus (i) the amount of debt to which such asset is subject, in the case of a contribution of an encumbered asset or (ii) the amount of debt allocated to such asset, in the case of a contribution of a partnership interest.

7.13. Confidentiality . Each Member and assignee acknowledges and agrees that the information of the Corporation is confidential and, except in the course of performing any duties as necessary for the Corporation and its Affiliates, as required by law or legal process or to enforce the terms of this Agreement, such person shall keep and retain in the strictest confidence and not disclose to any Person any confidential matters, acquired pursuant to this Agreement, of the Corporation and its Affiliates and successors, concerning Holdings and its Affiliates and successors or the other Members, learned by the Member heretofore or hereafter. This Section 7.13 shall not apply to (i) any information that has been made publicly available by the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, becomes public knowledge (except as a result of an act of such Member in violation of this Agreement) or is generally known to the business community and (ii) the disclosure of information to the extent necessary for a Member to prepare and file his or her Tax Returns, to respond to any inquiries regarding the same from any Taxing Authority or to prosecute or defend any action, proceeding or audit by any Taxing Authority with respect to such returns. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, each Member and assignee (and each employee, representative or other agent of such Member or assignee, as applicable) may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Corporation, Holdings, the Members and their Affiliates, and any of their transactions, and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to the Members relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.

 

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If a Member or assignee commits a breach, or threatens to commit a breach, of any of the provisions of this Section 7.13, the Corporation shall have the right and remedy to have the provisions of this Section 7.13 specifically enforced by injunctive relief or otherwise by any court of competent jurisdiction without the need to post any bond or other security, it being acknowledged and agreed that any such breach or threatened breach shall cause irreparable injury to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or the other Members and the accounts and funds managed by the Corporation and that money damages alone shall not provide an adequate remedy to such Persons. Such rights and remedies shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available at law or in equity.

7.14. LLC Agreement . This Agreement shall be treated as part of the partnership agreement of Holdings as described in Section 761(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(h) and 1.761-1(c) of the Treasury Regulations.

7.15. Independent Nature of Exchanging Members’ Rights and Obligations . The obligations of each Exchanging Member hereunder are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Exchanging Member, and no Exchanging Member shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Exchanging Member hereunder. The decision of each Exchanging Member to enter into this Agreement has been made by such Exchanging Member independently of any other Exchanging Member. Nothing contained herein, and no action taken by any Exchanging Member pursuant hereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Exchanging Members as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Exchanging Members are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby and the Corporation acknowledges that the Exchanging Members are not acting in concert or as a group, and the Corporation will not assert any such claim, with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby.

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

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

21


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation, Holdings and each Original Member have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MALIBU BOATS HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

 

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)

 

Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:
BLACK CANYON DIRECT INVESTMENT FUND L.P.
By:   Black Canyon Investments L.P., its general partner
By:   Black Canyon Investments LLC, its general partner
By:   Black Canyon Capital LLC, its managing member
By:  

/s/ Michael Hooks

Name:   Michael Hooks
Title:   Managing Director

[Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation, Holdings and each Original Member have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MALIBU BOATS HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

 

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)

 

Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:
BLACK CANYON INVESTMENTS L.P.

By:

  Black Canyon Investments LLC, its general partner
By:   Black Canyon Capital LLC, its managing member
By:  

/s/ Michael Hooks

Name:   Michael Hooks
Title:   Managing Director

 

[Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation, Holdings and each Original Member have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MALIBU BOATS HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

 

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)

 

Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:
CANYON VALUE REALIZATION FUND, L.P.
By:  

/s/ John Plaga

Name:

 

John Plaga

Title:  

Authorized Signatory

 

[Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation, Holdings and each Original Member have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MALIBU BOATS HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

 

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)

 

Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:
HORIZON HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Phillip S. Estes

Name:  

Phillip S. Estes

Title:  

Managing Member

 

[Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation, Holdings and each Original Member have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MALIBU BOATS HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

 

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)

 

Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:
LOUDON PARTNERS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Bradley Spencer

Name:

 

Bradley Spencer

Title:  

Manager

 

[Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation, Holdings and each Original Member have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MALIBU BOATS HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

MEMBERS:
For Individual and Joint Members:

 

(Signature)

 

Print Name:  

 

 

(Signature of Joint Member)

 

Print Name of Joint Member, if any:

 

For Corporate, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Other Entity Members:
MALIBU HOLDINGS, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Phillip S. Estes

Name:  

Phillip S. Estes

Title:  

Managing Member of the General Partner

 

[Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

JOINDER

This JOINDER (this “ Joinder ”) to the Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of                             , by and among Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”) and                              (“ Permitted Transferee ”).

WHEREAS, on                             , Permitted Transferee acquired (the “ Acquisition ”) Units in Holdings and the corresponding share of Class B common stock of the Corporation (collectively, “ Interests ” and, together with all other Interests hereinafter acquired by Permitted Transferee from Transferor and its Permitted Transferees (as defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement), the “ Acquired Interests ”) from                                  (“ Transferor ”); and

WHEREAS, Transferor, in connection with the Acquisition, has required Permitted Transferee to execute and deliver this Joinder pursuant to Section 7.6 of the Tax Receivable Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the agreements contained herein, Permitted Transferee hereby agrees as follows:

Section 1.1. Definitions . To the extent capitalized words used in this Joinder are not defined in this Joinder, such words shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement.

Section 1.2. Joinder . Permitted Transferee hereby acknowledges and agrees to become a “ Member ” (as defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement) for all purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement, including but not limited to, being bound by Sections 2.4, 4.2, 6.1, 6.2 and 7.12 of the Tax Receivable Agreement, with respect to the Acquired Interests.

Section 1.3. Notice . All notices, requests, consents and other communications hereunder to Permitted Transferee shall be deemed to be sufficient if contained in a written instrument delivered in person or sent by facsimile (provided a copy is thereafter promptly delivered as provided in this Section 1.3) or nationally recognized overnight courier, addressed to Permitted Transferee at the address or facsimile number set forth below or such other address or facsimile number as may hereafter be designated in writing by Permitted Transferee:

Section 1.4. Governing Law . THIS JOINDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

A-1


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Joinder has been duly executed and delivered by Permitted Transferee as of the date first above written.

 

For Corporate, Partnership,

Limited Liability Company, Trust

or Other Entity Members:

    For Individual and Joint Members:

 

   

 

(Print Name of Entity)     (Signature)

By:

 

 

    Print Name:  

 

 

(Signature)

     

Name:

 

 

   

 

Title:

 

 

    (Signature of Joint Investor)
      Print Name of Joint Investor, if any:
     

 

 

Signature Page — Joinder to Tax Receivable Agreement

Exhibit 10.5

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of February 5, 2014, by and among Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Black Canyon Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Black Canyon ”), Black Canyon Direct Investment Fund L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Black Canyon Investments L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Canyon Value Realization Fund, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, The Canyon Value Realization Master Fund, L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership, and Loudon Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

WHEREAS , the Black Canyon Entities (defined below), other than Black Canyon, are holders of LLC Units (defined below), which, subject to certain restrictions and requirements, are exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof for shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Class A Common Stock ”); and

WHEREAS , the Company desires to provide the Black Canyon Entities with registration rights with respect to shares of Class A Common Stock for which their LLC Units are exchangeable and certain other shares of Class A Common Stock they may otherwise hold from time to time.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements, covenants and provisions herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND OTHER MATTERS

1.1 Definitions . Capitalized terms used in this Agreement without other definition shall, unless expressly stated otherwise, have the meanings specified in this Section 1.1 .

(a) “ Affiliate ” means a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, the person specified.

(b) “ Beneficial Owner ” has the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

(c) “ Black Canyon ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the introductory paragraph hereof.

(d) “ Black Canyon Entities ” means Black Canyon, Black Canyon Direct Investment Fund L.P., Black Canyon Investments L.P., Canyon Value Realization Fund, L.P., Loudon Partners, LLC, The Canyon Value Realization Master Fund, L.P. and their respective successors and Permitted Transferees.

(e) “ Board ” means the board of directors of the Company.

(f) “ Class A Common Stock ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Recitals.

(g) “ Company ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the introductory paragraph hereof.

(h) “ Control ,” “ Controlled by ” and “ under common Control with ” means possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise) of a person.

 

1


(i) “ Covered LLC Units ” means, with respect to a Black Canyon Entity, such Black Canyon Entity’s LLC Units.

(j) “ Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.3(c) .

(k) “ Demand Registration ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(a) .

(l) “ Demand Right ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(a) .

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

(n) “ Exchange Agreement ” means the Exchange Agreement, dated as of or about the date hereof among the Company and the holders of LLC Units from time to time party thereto.

(o) “ Exchange Registration ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1(a) .

(p) “ FINRA ” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

(q) “ Follow-on Holdback Period ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.4(a) .

(r) “ Governmental Authority ” means any national, local or foreign (including U.S. federal, state or local) or supranational (including European Union) governmental, judicial, administrative or regulatory (including self-regulatory) agency, commission, department, board, bureau, entity or authority of competent jurisdiction.

(s) “ Incidental Registration ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.3(a) .

(t) “ Indemnified Parties ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.7 .

(u) “ LLC ” means Malibu Boats Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

(v) “ LLC Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company, dated as of or about the date hereof.

(w) “ LLC Unit ” means (i) each Unit (as such term is defined in the LLC Agreement) issued as of the date hereof and (ii) each Unit or other interest in the LLC that may be issued by the LLC in the future that is designated by the Company as a Unit.

(x) “ Other Registration Rights ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(a)(ii) .

(y) “ Permitted Transferee ” means any transferee of an LLC Unit after the date hereof, the transfer of which is permitted by the LLC Agreement

 

2


(z) “ Public Offering ” means an underwritten public offering, or any public offering led by underwriters on a best efforts or firm commitment basis, pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, other than pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8 or any similar or successor form. As used herein, “underwriter” shall mean any underwriter or agent acting in such capacity in a Public Offering.

(aa) “ Registered Black Canyon Entity ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.6(a) .

(bb) “ Registrable Securities ” means shares of Class A Common Stock that may be delivered in exchange for LLC Units and other shares of Class A Common Stock otherwise held by Black Canyon Entities from time to time. For purposes of this Agreement, a person shall be deemed to be a holder of Registrable Securities and such Registrable Securities shall be deemed to be in existence whenever such person has the right to acquire such Registrable Securities (upon conversion, exchange or exercise in connection with a transfer of securities or otherwise, but disregarding any restrictions or limitations upon the exercise of such right other than vesting), whether or not such acquisition has actually been effected, and such person shall be entitled to exercise the rights of a holder of Registrable Securities hereunder. For purposes of this Agreement, as to any particular Black Canyon Entity, Registrable Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when and to the extent that (i) such Registrable Securities (A) have been sold in a transaction registered under the Securities Act, (B) have been sold pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor provision then in effect) or (C) in the case of any Registrable Securities that are not “restricted securities” for purposes of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, have been sold by a person who is not an “affiliate” of the Company for purposes of Rule 144 in reliance upon Section 4(a)(1) of the Securities Act, (ii) the holder of such Registrable Securities is not an “affiliate” of the Company for purposes of Rule 144 and is eligible to sell all Registrable Securities held by such person pursuant to Rule 144(b)(1) under the Securities Act in any three-month period without limitation under any of the other requirements of Rule 144, (iii) in the case of any Registrable Securities that are not “restricted securities” for purposes of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, the Black Canyon Entity is not an “affiliate” of the Company for purposes of Rule 144 and is eligible to publicly sell such securities in reliance upon Section 4(a)(1) of the Securities Act (or any successor provision then in effect); or (iv) such Registrable Securities cease to be outstanding (or issuable upon exchange).

(cc) “ Registration Expenses ” means any and all expenses incident to the performance of or compliance with any registration or marketing of securities, including all (i) SEC and securities exchange registration and filing fees, and all other fees and expenses payable in connection with the listing of securities on any securities exchange or automated interdealer quotation system, (ii) fees and expenses of compliance with any securities or “blue sky” laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with “blue sky” qualifications of the securities registered), (iii) expenses in connection with the preparation, printing, mailing and delivery of any registration statements, prospectuses and other documents in connection therewith and any amendments or supplements thereto, (iv) security engraving and printing expenses, (v) internal expenses of the Company (including all salaries and expenses of the officers and employees of the Company performing legal or accounting duties), (vi) reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and customary fees and expenses for independent certified public accountants retained by the Company (including the expenses relating to any comfort letters or costs associated with the delivery by independent certified public accountants of any comfort letters requested pursuant to Section 2.6(i) ), (vii) reasonable fees and expenses of any special experts retained by the Company in connection with such registration, (viii) reasonable fees, out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Black Canyon Entities, including one counsel for all of the Black Canyon Entities participating in the offering, (ix) fees and expenses in connection with any review by

 

3


FINRA of the underwriting arrangements or other terms of the offering, and all fees and expenses of any “qualified independent underwriter,” including the fees and expenses of any counsel thereto, (x) fees and disbursements of underwriters customarily paid by issuers or sellers of securities, but excluding any underwriting fees, discounts and commissions attributable to the sale of Registrable Securities, (xi) costs of printing and producing any agreements among underwriters, underwriting agreements, any “blue sky” or legal investment memoranda and any selling agreements and other documents in connection with the offering, sale or delivery of the Registrable Securities, (xii) transfer agents’ and registrars’ fees and expenses and the fees and expenses of any other agent or trustee appointed in connection with such offering, (xiii) expenses relating to any analyst or investor presentations or any “road shows” undertaken in connection with the registration, marketing or selling of the Registrable Securities, (xiv) fees and expenses payable in connection with any ratings of the Registrable Securities, including expenses relating to any presentations to rating agencies and (xv) all out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Company or its appropriate officers in connection with their compliance with Section 2.6(m) .

(dd) “ Registration Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(a) .

(ee) “ Registration Request ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(a) .

(ff) “ Requesting Holders ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(a) .

(gg) “ SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

(ii) “ Shelf Registration Statement ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.2(e)(i) .

(jj) “ Suspension Period ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.6(k) .

1.2 Definitions Generally . Wherever required by the context of this Agreement, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders and vice versa, and references to any agreement, document or instrument shall be deemed to refer to such agreement, document or instrument as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time. When used herein:

(a) the word “or” is not exclusive;

(b) the words “including,” “includes,” “included” and “include” are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;

(c) the terms “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, paragraph or subdivision;

(d) the word “person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership or other legal entity or a government or any department or agency thereof or self-regulatory organization; and

(e) all sections, paragraphs or clause references not attributed to a particular document shall be references to such parts of this Agreement, and all exhibits, annex and schedule references not attributed to a particular document shall be references to such exhibits, annexes and schedules to this Agreement.

 

4


ARTICLE II

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

2.1 Exchange Registration .

(a) Unless an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is available with respect to the Company’s issuance and delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock in exchange for LLC Units, Black Canyon shall have the right to request that the Company promptly file with the SEC, and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be declared effective under the Securities Act by the SEC promptly thereafter, one or more registration statements (the “ Exchange Registration ”) covering (i) the delivery by the Company from time to time to the Black Canyon Entities of all shares of Class A Common Stock deliverable to the Black Canyon Entities in exchange for LLC Units pursuant to the Exchange Agreement or (ii) if the Company determines that the registration provided for in clause (i) is not available for any reason, the registration of resale of such shares of Class A Common Stock by the Black Canyon Entities.

(b) In connection with any Exchange Registration, regardless of whether such registration is effected, the Company shall be liable for and pay all Registration Expenses in connection with any Exchange Registration.

(c) Upon notice to each Black Canyon Entity, the Company may postpone effecting a registration pursuant to this Section 2.1 for a reasonable time specified in the notice but not exceeding 60 days (which period may not be extended or renewed), if (i) the Board shall determine in good faith that effecting the registration would materially and adversely affect an offering of securities of the Company the preparation of which had then been commenced or (ii) the Company is in possession of material non-public information the disclosure of which during the period specified in such notice the Board believes in good faith would not be in the best interests of the Company.

(d) The Company shall not grant any Exchange Registration rights to any person that are superior to those granted to the Black Canyon Entities herein without the consent of Black Canyon.

2.2 Demand Registration .

(a) Subject to the provisions of this Article II , Black Canyon shall have the right (the “ Demand Right ”) to request registration under the Securities Act of all or any portion of the Registrable Securities held by any of the Black Canyon Entities and their respective Affiliates (referred to herein as the “ Requesting Holders ”) by delivering a written notice to the principal business office of the Company, which notice identifies the Requesting Holders and specifies the number of Registrable Securities to be included in such registration (the “ Registration Request ”). Subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 2.2(d) , the Company will thereupon use its best efforts to effect the registration (a “ Demand Registration ”) under the Securities Act on any form available to the Company of:

(i) the Registrable Securities requested to be registered by the Requesting Holders; and

(ii) any securities of the Company proposed to be included in such registration by the holders of registration rights granted other than pursuant to this Agreement (the “ Other Registration Rights ”).

 

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(b) At any time prior to the effective date of the registration statement relating to a Demand Registration, Black Canyon may revoke such Demand Registration request by providing a notice to the Company revoking such request. The Company shall be liable for and pay all Registration Expenses in connection with any Demand Registration. Except as otherwise set forth herein, there shall be no limit to the number of Demand Registrations that Black Canyon may request.

(c) If the sole or managing underwriter of a Demand Registration advises the Company in writing that in its opinion the number of Registrable Securities and other securities requested to be included exceeds the number of Registrable Securities and other securities that can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the distribution of the securities being offered, the price that will be paid in such offering or the marketability thereof, the Company will include in such registration the greatest number of (i) Registrable Securities proposed to be registered by the holders thereof, (ii) securities having Other Registration Rights that are pari passu with the demand rights granted in respect of Registrable Securities hereunder proposed to be registered by the holders thereof and (iii) securities proposed to be registered by the Company for its own account, which, in the opinion of such underwriters, can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the distribution of the securities being offered, the price that will be paid in such offering or the marketability thereof, ratably among the holders of Registrable Securities, the holder of such Other Registration Rights and the Company, based (A) as between the Company and such holders requesting registration, on the respective amounts of securities requested to be registered, and (B) as among the holders requesting registration (whether the Requesting Holders or otherwise), on the respective amounts of Registrable Securities (whether requested to be registered pursuant to Sections 2.1 , 2.2 or 2.3 ) and securities subject to such Other Registration Rights, as the case may be, held by each such holder.

(d) Any Demand Registration requested must be for a firmly underwritten public offering to be managed by an underwriter or underwriters of recognized national standing selected by Black Canyon and reasonably acceptable to the Company.

(e) Shelf Registration Statement .

(i) The Company shall use all reasonable efforts to cause to become effective a “shelf” registration statement (the “ Shelf Registration Statement ”) as soon as practicable after the one-year anniversary of the closing of the IPO on an appropriate form to allow the Black Canyon Entities and their respective Affiliates to sell on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act any Registrable Securities that the Black Canyon Entities and their respective Affiliates hold; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to file a Shelf Registration Statement if Black Canyon provides written notice to the Company waiving the requirements of this Section 2.2(e) prior to the one-year anniversary of the closing of the IPO.

(ii) Each Black Canyon Entity that has delivered duly completed and executed all questionnaires, powers of attorney and other documents reasonably required under the terms of this Agreement to the Company on or prior to the date that is ten business days prior to the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement shall be named as a selling securityholder at the time of such effectiveness in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus in such a manner as to permit such Black Canyon Entity to deliver such prospectus to purchasers of Registrable Securities in accordance with applicable law. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, after effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement, the Company shall file a supplement to such prospectus or amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement not less frequently than once per fiscal quarter as necessary to name as selling securityholders therein any Black Canyon Entities that provide to the Company duly completed and executed a duly

 

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completed and executed all questionnaires, powers of attorney and other documents reasonably required under the terms of this Agreement and shall use reasonable efforts to cause any post-effective amendment to such Shelf Registration Statement filed for such purpose to be declared effective by the SEC as promptly as reasonably practicable after the filing thereof.

(iii) The Company shall use reasonable efforts to keep a Shelf Registration Statement effective at all times (but subject to shelf registration limitations under Rule 415 of the Securities Act) from the first anniversary of the closing of the IPO until the eighth anniversary of the closing of the IPO, unless Black Canyon provides written notice to the Company waiving the requirements of this Section 2.2(e)(iii) prior to such eighth anniversary.

(iv) The Company will pay all Registration Expenses in connection with registrations pursuant to this Section 2.2(e) , which Registration Expenses shall in no event be deemed to include brokerage commissions or transfer taxes, or, if applicable, underwriting commissions and discounts.

(f) The Company represents and warrants that neither it nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to, or otherwise subject to, any other agreement granting registration rights to any other person with respect to any securities of the Company. The Company shall not grant any Incidental Registration rights to any person that are superior to those granted to the Black Canyon Entities herein without the consent of Black Canyon.

2.3 Incidental Registration

(a) At any time the Company proposes to register any shares of Class A Common Stock under the Securities Act (other than an Exchange Registration or registrations on such form(s) solely for registration of shares of Class A Common Stock in connection with any employee benefit plan or dividend reinvestment plan or a merger or consolidation), including registrations pursuant to Section 2.2(a) , whether or not for sale for its own account, the Company will give written notice to each holder of Registrable Securities at least 30 days prior to the initial filing of such registration statement with the SEC of its intent to file such registration statement and of such holder’s rights under this Section 2.3 . Upon the written request of any holder of Registrable Securities made within 20 days after any such notice is given (which request shall specify the Registrable Securities intended to be disposed of by such holder), the Company will use its best efforts to effect the registration (an “ Incidental Registration ”) under the Securities Act of all Registrable Securities which the Company, as the case may be, has been so requested to register by the holders thereof; provided, however, that if, at any time after giving written notice of its intention to register any securities and prior to the effective date of the registration statement filed in connection with such Incidental Registration, the Company shall determine for any reason not to register or to delay registration of such securities, the Company may, at its election, give written notice of such determination to each holder of Registrable Securities and, thereupon, (a) in the case of a determination not to register, the Company shall be relieved of its obligation to register any Registrable Securities under this Section 2.3 in connection with such registration, and (b) in the case of a determination to delay registration, the Company shall be permitted to delay registering any Registrable Securities under this Section 2.3 during the period that the registration of such other securities is delayed.

(b) If the sole or managing underwriter of a registration advises the Company in writing that in its opinion the number of Registrable Securities and other securities requested to be included exceeds the number of Registrable Securities and other securities which can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the distribution of the securities being offered, the price that will be paid in such offering or the marketability thereof, the Company will include in such registration the Registrable Securities and other securities of the Company in the following order of priority:

 

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(i) first, the greatest number of securities of the Company proposed to be included in such registration by the Company for its own account and by holders of Other Registration Rights that have priority over the Incidental Registration rights granted to holders of Registrable Securities under this Agreement, which in the opinion of such underwriters can be so sold; and

(ii) second, after all securities that the Company proposes to register for its own account or for the accounts of holders of Other Registration Rights that have priority over the Incidental Registration rights under this Agreement have been included, the greatest amount of Registrable Securities and securities having Other Registration Rights that are pari passu with Registrable Securities, in each case requested to be registered by the holders thereof which in the opinion of such underwriters can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the distribution of the securities being offered, the price that will be paid in such offering or the marketability thereof, ratably among the holders of Registrable Securities (whether requested or required to be registered pursuant to Sections 2.1 , 2.2 or 2.3 ) and securities subject to such Other Registration Rights based on the respective amounts of Registrable Securities and securities subject to such Other Registration Rights held by each such holder.

(c) Upon delivering a request under this Section 2.3 , a Black Canyon Entity will, if requested by the Company, execute and deliver a custody agreement and power of attorney in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company with respect to such Black Canyon Entity’s securities to be registered pursuant to this Section 2.3 (a “ Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney ”). The Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney will provide, among other things, that the Black Canyon Entity will deliver to and deposit in custody with the custodian and attorney-in-fact named therein a certificate or certificates representing such securities (duly endorsed in blank by the registered owner or owners thereof or accompanied by duly executed stock powers in blank) and irrevocably appoint said custodian and attorney-in-fact with full power and authority to act under the Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney on such Black Canyon Entity’s behalf with respect to the matters specified therein. Such Black Canyon Entity also agrees to execute such other agreements as the Company may reasonably request to further evidence the provisions of this Section 2.3 .

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, after the time the Company has caused to become effective an Exchange Registration, covering all shares to be registered pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof, and continuing for so long as such Exchange Registration remains effective and available for use, any Black Canyon Entity that is not an “affiliate” of the Company for purposes of Rule 144 shall not have the right to participate in any Incidental Registration rights pursuant to this Section 2.3 , except to the extent the shares to be registered and offered pursuant to such Incidental Registration will be an underwritten offering.

2.4 Holdback Agreement .

(a) Each Black Canyon Entity agrees that, if requested in writing in connection with an underwritten offering subsequent to the Company’s initial public offering made pursuant to a registration statement for which such Black Canyon Entity has registration rights pursuant to this Article II by the managing underwriter or underwriters of such underwritten offering, such Black Canyon Entity will not effect any public sale or distribution of any of the securities being registered or any securities convertible or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities (except as part of such underwritten offering), during the period beginning seven days prior to, and ending up to 180 days after, the effective date of any such subsequent underwritten registration (the “ Follow-On Holdback Period ”), except as part of any such underwritten registration (or for such shorter period as to which the managing underwriter or underwriters may agree, provided that such shorter period applies equally to all Black Canyon Entities). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Follow-On Holdback Period shall apply to any Black Canyon Entity that holds, together with its Affiliates, less than 1% of the then-outstanding Class A Common Stock.

 

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(b) The Company agrees (i) not to effect any public sale or distribution of its equity securities, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, during the seven days prior to and during the 180-day period beginning on the effective date of any underwritten Demand Registration (or for such shorter period as to which the managing underwriter or underwriters may agree), except as part of such Demand Registration or in connection with an Exchange Registration or any employee benefit or similar plan, any dividend reinvestment plan, or a business acquisition or combination and (ii) to use all reasonable efforts to cause each holder of at least 5% (on a fully-diluted basis) of its Class A Common Stock, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such Class A Common Stock, which are or may be purchased from the Company at any time after the date of this Agreement (other than in a registered offering) to agree not to effect any sale or distribution of any such Class A Common Stock during such period (except as part of such underwritten offering, if otherwise permitted).

2.5 Furnish Information . It shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to this Article II with respect to the Registrable Securities of any selling Black Canyon Entity that such Black Canyon Entity shall furnish to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it, and the intended method of disposition of such securities as shall reasonably be required to effect the registration of such Black Canyon Entity’s Registrable Securities.

2.6 Registration Procedures . In connection with any request by the Requesting Holders that Registrable Securities be registered pursuant to Section 2.2 or 2.3 or any obligation of the Company to cause to become effective a Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2.2(e) , subject to the provisions of such Sections, the paragraphs below shall be applicable, and in connection with any Exchange Registration pursuant to Section 2.1 , paragraphs (a) , (c) , (d) , (e) , (f) , (k) , (l)  and (n)  below shall be applicable:

(a) The Company shall as expeditiously as reasonably practicable prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on any form for which the Company then qualifies or that counsel for the Company shall deem appropriate and which form shall be available for the registration of the Registrable Securities to be registered thereunder in accordance with the intended method of distribution thereof, and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such filed registration statement to become and remain effective for a period of not less than 40 days, or in the case of an Exchange Registration until all of the Registrable Securities of the Black Canyon Entities included in any such registration statement (each, a “ Registering Black Canyon Entity ”) shall have actually been exchanged thereunder.

(b) Prior to filing a registration statement or prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, the Company shall, if requested, furnish to each Registering Black Canyon Entity 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 the Company shall furnish to such Registering Black Canyon Entity and underwriter, if any, such number of 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 any summary prospectus) and any other prospectus filed under Rule 424 or Rule 430A under the Securities Act and such other documents as such Registering Black Canyon Entity or underwriter may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Registering Black Canyon Entity. The Registering Black Canyon

 

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Entity shall have the right to request that the Company modify any information contained in such registration statement, amendment and supplement thereto pertaining to such Registering Black Canyon Entity and the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to comply with such request; provided, however, that the Company shall not have any obligation to so modify any information if the Company reasonably expects that so doing would cause the prospectus to 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 not misleading.

(c) After the filing of the registration statement, the Company shall (i) cause the related prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement, and, as so supplemented, to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, (ii) comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement during the applicable period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the Registering Black Canyon Entity thereof set forth in such registration statement or supplement to such prospectus and (iii) promptly notify each Registering Black Canyon Entity holding Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement of any stop order issued or threatened by the SEC suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement or any state securities commission and take all commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the entry of such stop order or to obtain the withdrawal of such order if entered.

(d) To the extent any “free writing prospectus” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) is used, the Company shall file with the SEC any free writing prospectus that is required to be filed by the Company with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act and retain any free writing prospectus not required to be filed.

(e) The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as any Registering Black Canyon Entity holding such Registrable Securities or each underwriter, if any, reasonably (in light of such member’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 the Company and do any and all other acts and things that may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Registering Black Canyon Entity to consummate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such person, provided that the Company shall 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 Section 2.6(e) , (B) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction or (C) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction.

(f) The Company shall immediately notify each Registering Black Canyon Entity holding such Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement or each underwriter, if any, at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of 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 not misleading and promptly prepare and make available to each such Registering Black Canyon Entity or underwriter, if any, and file with the SEC any such supplement or amendment.

(g) In connection with any Public Offering, the Company shall enter into customary agreements (including an underwriting agreement in customary form) and take such all other actions as are reasonably required in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities in any such Public Offering, including if necessary the engagement of a “qualified independent underwriter” in connection with the qualification of the underwriting arrangements with FINRA.

 

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(h) Subject to the execution of confidentiality agreements satisfactory in form and substance to the Company in the exercise of its good faith judgment, pursuant to the reasonable request of a Registering Black Canyon Entity or underwriter (if any), the Company will give to each Registering Black Canyon Entity, each underwriter (if any) and their respective counsel and accountants (i) reasonable and customary access to its books and records and (ii) such opportunities to discuss the business of the Company with its directors, officers, employees, counsel and the independent public accountants who have certified its financial statements, as shall be appropriate, in the reasonable judgment of counsel to such Registering Black Canyon Entity or underwriter, to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility.

(i) The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to furnish to each Registering Black Canyon Entity and to each such underwriter, if any, a signed counterpart, addressed to such person or underwriter, of (i) an opinion or opinions of counsel to the Company and (ii) a comfort letter or comfort letters from the Company’s independent public accountants, each in customary form and covering such matters of the kind customarily covered by opinions or comfort letters, as the case may be, as the Registering Black Canyon Entity or underwriter reasonably requests.

(j) Each Registering Black Canyon Entity registering securities under Section 2.2 or 2.3 shall promptly furnish in writing to the Company the information set forth in Appendix A and such other information regarding itself, the distribution of the Registrable Securities as the Company may from time to time reasonably request and such other information as may be legally required or advisable in connection with such registration.

(k) Each Registering Black Canyon Entity and each underwriter, if any, agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 2.6(f) , such Registering Black Canyon Entity or underwriter shall forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the registration statement covering such Registrable Securities until such Registering Black Canyon Entity’s or underwriter’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 2.6(f) ; provided, however, that, upon written notice to each Registering Black Canyon Entity and each underwriter, if any, and for a reasonable time specified in the notice but not exceeding 60 days thereafter or 90 days in any 365-day period (the “ Suspension Period ”), the Company may suspend the use or effectiveness of any registration statement if the Board reasonably believes that the Company is in possession of material non-public information, the failure of which to be disclosed in the prospectus included in the registration statement could constitute a material misstatement or omission; and, if so directed by the Company, such Registering Black Canyon Entity or underwriter shall deliver to the Company all copies, other than any permanent file copies then in such Registering Black Canyon Entity’s possession, of the most recent prospectus covering such Registrable Securities at the time of receipt of such notice. If the Company shall give such notice, the Company shall extend the period during which such registration statement shall be maintained effective (including the period referred to in Section 2.6(a) ) by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of notice pursuant to Section 2.6(f) to the date when the Company shall make available to such Registering Black Canyon Entity a prospectus supplemented or amended to conform with the requirements of Section 2.6(f) .

(l) The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to list all Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement on any securities exchange or quotation system on which any of the Registrable Securities are then listed or traded.

 

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(m) The Company shall cause appropriate officers of the Company or the LLC to (i) prepare and make presentations at any “road shows” and before analysts and rating agencies, as the case may be, (ii) take other actions to obtain ratings for any Registrable Securities and (iii) otherwise use their commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate as reasonably requested by the underwriters in the offering, marketing or selling of the Registrable Securities.

(n) The Company shall cooperate with the Registering Black Canyon Entities to facilitate the timely delivery of Registrable Securities to be sold, which shall not bear any restrictive legends, and to enable such Registrable Securities to be issued in such denominations and registered in such names as such Registering Black Canyon Entities may reasonably request at least two business days prior to the closing of any sale of Registrable Securities.

2.7 Indemnification by the Company . In the event of any registration of any Registrable Securities of the Company under the Securities Act pursuant to this Article II , the Company will, and it hereby does, indemnify and hold harmless, to the extent permitted by law, a Registering Black Canyon Entity, each affiliate of such Registering Black Canyon Entity and their respective directors and officers or general and limited partners or members and managing members (including any director, officer, affiliate, employee, agent and controlling person of any of the foregoing) and each other person, if any, who controls such seller within the meaning of the Securities Act (collectively, the “ Indemnified Parties ”), from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted, as such fees and expenses are incurred), joint or several, that arise out of, or are based upon, (a) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement or amendment or supplement thereto under which such Registrable Securities were registered or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or (b) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any prospectus, any free writing prospectus or any “issuer information” filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act in respect of the Registrable Securities, or amendment or supplement thereto, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, that the Company shall not be liable to any Indemnified Party in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability (or action or proceeding in respect thereof) or expense arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such registration statement, prospectus, any free writing prospectus or any “issuer information” filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act in respect of the Registrable Securities, or amendment or supplement thereto, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company with respect to such seller or any underwriter specifically for use in the preparation thereof.

2.8 Indemnification by Registering Black Canyon Entities . Each Registering Black Canyon Entity hereby severally and not jointly indemnifies and holds harmless, and the Company may require, as a condition to including any Registrable Securities in any registration statement filed in accordance with this Article II , that the Company shall have received an undertaking reasonably satisfactory to it from any underwriter to indemnify and hold harmless, the Company and all other prospective sellers of Registrable Securities, each officer of the Company who signed the registration statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company and all other prospective sellers of Registrable Securities within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the indemnity set forth in Section 2.7 above, but only with respect to any losses, claims, damages or liabilities that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company with respect to such seller or any underwriter specifically for use

 

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in the preparation of such registration statement, prospectus, any free writing prospectus or any “issuer information” filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act in respect of the Registrable Securities, or amendment or supplement thereto. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company, any of the Registering Black Canyon Entities or any underwriter, or any of their respective affiliates, directors, officers or controlling persons and shall survive the transfer of such securities by such person. In no event shall any such indemnification liability of any Registering Black Canyon Entity be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds received by such Registering Black Canyon Entity upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation.

2.9 Conduct of Indemnification Proceeding s . Promptly after receipt by an Indemnified Party hereunder of written notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding with respect to which a claim for indemnification may be made pursuant to this Article II , such Indemnified Party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party, give written notice to the latter of the commencement of such action; provided, that the failure of the Indemnified Party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations under this Article II , except to the extent that the indemnifying party is materially prejudiced by such failure to give notice.

In case any such action is brought against an Indemnified Party, unless in such Indemnified Party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such Indemnified Party and indemnifying parties may exist in respect of such claim, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in and to assume the defense thereof, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified to the extent that it may wish, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party, and after notice from the indemnifying party to such Indemnified Party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party will not be liable to such Indemnified Party for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the latter in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation. It is understood and agreed that the indemnifying person shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified Parties, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. Any such separate firm (x) for any Black Canyon Entity, its affiliates, directors and officers and any control persons of such Indemnified Party shall be designated in writing by such Cover Person, (y) in all other cases shall be designated in writing by the Board. The indemnifying person 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 person agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. No indemnifying person shall, without the 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 indemnification could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Party, unless such settlement (A) includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Party, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party, from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (B) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Party.

2.10 Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in this Article II from the indemnifying party is unavailable to an Indemnified Party hereunder in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to herein, then the 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, liabilities or expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and Indemnified Parties in connection with the actions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such indemnifying party and Indemnified Parties shall be determined

 

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by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, has been made by, or relates to information supplied by, such indemnifying party or Indemnified Parties, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action. The amount paid or payable by a party under this Section 2.10 as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding.

The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 2.10 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. 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.

2.11 Participation in Public Offering . No Black Canyon Entity may participate in any Public Offering hereunder unless such Black Canyon Entity (a) agrees to sell such Black Canyon Entity’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Black Canyon Entities entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements and the provisions of this Agreement in respect of registration rights.

2.12 Other Indemnification . Indemnification similar to that specified herein (with appropriate modifications) shall be given by the Company and the Registering Black Canyon Entity participating therein with respect to any required registration or other qualification of securities under any federal or state law or regulation or Governmental Authority other than the Securities Act.

2.13 Rule 144 . At all times after the Company effects the initial public offering of the Class A Common Stock, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to file the reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (or, if the Company is not required to file such reports, upon the request of any Black Canyon Entity, to make publicly available such information as may be required to be provided under Rule 144 under the Securities Act), and will use commercially reasonable efforts to take such further action as any Black Canyon Entity may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Black Canyon Entity to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by (i) Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or (ii) any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC. Upon the request of any Black Canyon Entity, the Company shall deliver to such Black Canyon Entity a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 2.13 , the Company may deregister of its securities any under Section 12 of the Exchange Act if it then is permitted to do so pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

2.14 Parties in Interest . Each Black Canyon Entity shall be entitled to receive the benefits of this Agreement and shall be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement by reason of such Black Canyon Entity’s election to participate in a registration under this Article II . To the extent LLC Units are effectively transferred in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement, the Permitted Transferee of such LLC Units shall be entitled to receive the benefits of this Agreement and shall be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement upon becoming bound hereby pursuant to Section 3.1(c) .

 

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2.15 Acknowledgement Regarding the Company . All determinations necessary or advisable under this Article II shall be made by the Board, the determinations of which shall be final and binding.

2.16 Mergers, Recapitalizations, Exchanges or Other Transactions Affecting Registrable Securities . The provisions of this Agreement shall apply to the full extent set forth herein with respect to the Registrable Securities, to any and all securities or units of the Company or any successor or assign of any such person (whether by merger, amalgamation, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise) that may be issued in respect of, in exchange for, or in substitution of such Registrable Securities, by reason of any dividend, split, issuance, reverse split, combination, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, amalgamation, consolidation or otherwise.

2.17 Blackouts . Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) the Company may delay the filing of any registration statement, any amendment thereof or any supplement to the related prospectus, and may withhold efforts to cause any registration statement to become effective, and (b) the Company may prohibit offers and sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to a registration statement at any time, if (i)(A) the Company is in possession of material non-public information, (B) an executive officer of the Company, after consultation with the Board, reasonably determines that such prohibition is necessary in order to avoid an obligation to disclose such information, and (C) the executive officer, after consultation with the Board, determines in good faith that disclosure of such information would not be in the best interest of the Company or its stockholders or (ii) the Company has made a public announcement relating to an acquisition or business combination transaction including the Company and/or one or more of its subsidiaries for which the executive officer, after consultation with the Board, determines in good faith that offers and sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to a registration statement prior to the consummation of such transaction (or such earlier date as the executive officer, after consultation with the Board, shall determine) would not be in the best interest of the Company or its stockholders; provided, however, that the duration of all such delays or periods in which shares of Registrable Securities may not be sold pursuant to an effective registration statement shall not exceed 90 days in any 12-month period in the aggregate; provided, further, that the Company shall be required to keep such registration statement effective for an additional period of time beyond the first anniversary of the date hereof equal to the number of days the effectiveness thereof is suspended pursuant to this proviso.

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

3.1 Term of the Agreement; Termination of Certain Provisions .

(a) The term of this Agreement shall continue until the first to occur of (i) the eighth anniversary of the closing of the IPO, and (ii) such time as the Agreement is terminated by both Black Canyon and holders of two-thirds of the outstanding Covered LLC Units. This Agreement may be amended only with the consent of the Company and the holders of Covered LLC Units required to terminate this Agreement.

(b) Unless this Agreement is theretofore terminated pursuant to Section 3.1(a) hereof, a Black Canyon Entity shall be bound by the provisions of this Agreement with respect to any Covered LLC Units or Registrable Securities until such time as such Black Canyon Entity ceases to hold any Covered LLC Units or Registrable Securities. Thereafter, such Black Canyon Entity shall no longer be bound by the provisions of this Agreement other than Sections 2.8 , 2.9 , 2.10 and 2.12 and this Article III .

 

15


(c) Any Permitted Transferee of a Black Canyon Entity shall be entitled to become a party to this Agreement as a Black Canyon Entity; provided, that, such Permitted Transferee shall first sign an agreement in the form approved by the Company acknowledging that such Permitted Transferee is bound by the terms and provisions of the Agreement.

3.2 Assignment; Successors . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the Black Canyon Entities; provided, however, that a Black Canyon Entity may not assign this Agreement or any of its rights or obligations hereunder, and any purported assignment in breach hereof by a Black Canyon Entity shall be void except for any transfer to a Permitted Transferee in accordance with this Agreement; provided, further, that no assignment of this Agreement by the Company or to a successor of the Company (by operation of law or otherwise) shall be valid unless such assignment is made to a person which succeeds to the business of such person substantially as an entirety.

3.3 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of California.

3.4 Severability . Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

3.5 Entire Agreement . Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, this document embodies the complete agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

3.6 Successors and Assigns; Certain Transferees Bound Hereby . Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by each of the Company and its successors and assigns, and by the Black Canyon Entities and their respective successors and assigns so long as they hold shares of Class A Common Stock or LLC Units.

3.7 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts each of which shall be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

3.8 Remedies . The Company and the Black Canyon Entities shall be entitled to enforce their rights under this Agreement specifically, to recover damages by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement (including costs of enforcement) and to exercise all other rights existing in their favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages would not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that, in addition to any other rights and remedies existing in its favor, the Company or any Black Canyon Entity may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and/or other injunctive relief (without posting a bond or other security) in order to enforce or prevent any violation of the provisions of this Agreement.

3.9 Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by courier service, by fax, by electronic mail (delivery receipt requested) or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be as specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 3.9 ):

 

16


  (a) If to the Company:

Malibu Boats, Inc.

5075 Kimberly Way

Loudon, Tennessee 37774

Attention: Jack Springer

With a copy to:

Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP

511 Union Street, Suite 2700

Nashville, Tennessee 37219

Attention: J. Chase Cole, Esq.

(b) If to any Black Canyon Entity, the address and other contact information set forth in records of the Company from time to time.

3.10 Specific Performance . Each party hereto acknowledges that the remedies at law of the other parties for a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement would be inadequate and, in recognition of this fact, any party to this Agreement, without posting any bond, and in addition to all other remedies that may be available, shall be entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy that may be then available.

3.11 Descriptive Headings . The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

17


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed or cause to be duly executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Name:  

Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

BLACK CANYON MANAGEMENT LLC
By:  

/s/ Michael Hooks

Name:  

Michael Hooks

Title:  

Managing Member

BLACK CANYON DIRECT INVESTMENT FUND, L.P.
  By:   Black Canyon Investments, L.P., its general partner
  By:   Black Canyon Investments, LLC, its general partner
  By:   Black Canyon Capital LLC, its managing member
  By:  

/s/ Michael Hooks

  Name:  

Michael Hooks

  Title:  

Managing Director

BLACK CANYON INVESTMENTS, L.P.
  By:   Black Canyon Investments, LLC, its general partner
  By:   Black Canyon Capital LLC, its managing member
  By:  

/s/ Michael Hooks

  Name:  

Michael Hooks

  Title:  

Managing Director

[ Signature Pages Continue on Next Page ]

[SIGNATURE PAGE OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


CANYON VALUE REALIZATION FUND, L.P.
  By:   Canyon Capital Advisors LLC, its Investment Advisor
  By:  

/s/ John Plaga

  Name:  

John Plaga

  Title:  

Authorized Signatory

THE CANYON VALUE REALIZATION MASTER FUND, L.P.
  By:   The Canyon Value Realization General Partner Company, LLC, its general partner
  By:   Canyon Capital Advisors LLC, its Manager
  By:  

/s/ John Plaga

  Name:  

John Plaga

  Title:  

Authorized Signatory

LOUDON PARTNERS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Bradley Spencer

Name:  

Bradley Spencer

Title:  

Manager

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT]


Appendix A

MALIBU BOATS, INC.

Black Canyon Entity Questionnaire

The undersigned Black Canyon Entity understands that the Company has filed or intends to file with the SEC a registration statement for the registration of the shares of Class A Common Stock (as such may be amended, the “ Registration Statement ”), in accordance with Section 2.2 or 2.3 of the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of             , 20     (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), among the Company and the Black Canyon Entities referred to therein. A copy of the Agreement is available from the Company upon request at the address set forth below. All capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Registration Rights Agreement.

NOTICE

The undersigned Black Canyon Entity hereby gives notice to the Company of its intention to register Registrable Securities beneficially owned by it and listed below in Item 3 (unless otherwise specified under Item 3) pursuant to the Registration Statement. The undersigned, by signing and returning this Questionnaire, understands that it will be bound by the terms and conditions of this Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the undersigned has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and all other prospective sellers of Registrable Securities, each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company and all other prospective sellers of Registrable Securities 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 arising in connection with statements made or omissions concerning the undersigned in the Registration Statement, prospectus, any free writing prospectus or any “issuer information” in reliance upon the information provided in this Questionnaire.

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

QUESTIONNAIRE

 

1. Name.

(a) Full Legal Name of Black Canyon Entity:

(b) Full Legal Name of Black Canyon Entity (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) Full Legal Name of natural control person (which means a natural person who directly or indirectly alone or with others has power to vote or dispose of the Registrable Securities listed in Item 3 below):

 

1


2. Address for Notices to Black Canyon Entity:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email:

Contact Person:

 

3. Beneficial Ownership of Registrable Securities:

Number of Registrable Securities beneficially owned:

 

4. Broker-Dealer Status:

(a) Are you a broker-dealer?

Yes   ¨     No   ¨

Note: If yes, the SEC’s staff has indicated that you should be identified as an underwriter in the Registration Statement.

(b) Are you an affiliate of a broker-dealer?

Yes   ¨     No   ¨

If yes, please identify the broker-dealer with whom the Black Canyon Entity is affiliated and the nature of the affiliation:

(c) If you are an affiliate of a broker-dealer, do you certify that you bought the Registrable Securities in the ordinary course of business, and at the time of the purchase of the Registrable Securities to be resold, you had no agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the Registrable Securities?

Yes   ¨     No   ¨

Note: If no, the SEC’s staff has indicated that you should be identified as an underwriter in the Registration Statement.

(d) If you are (1) a broker-dealer or (2) an affiliate of a broker-dealer and answered “no” to Question 4(c), do you consent to being named as an underwriter in the Registration Statement?

Yes   ¨     No   ¨

 

2


5. Beneficial Ownership of Other Securities of the Company Owned by the Black Canyon Entity.

Except as set forth below in this Item 5, the undersigned Black Canyon Entity 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 Black Canyon Entity:

 

6. Relationships with the Company:

Except as set forth below, neither the undersigned Black Canyon Entity nor any of its affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity holders (owners of 5% or more of the equity securities of the undersigned) 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:

The undersigned agrees to promptly notify the Company of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein that may occur subsequent to the date hereof and at any time while the Registration Statement remains in effect.

By signing below, the undersigned consents to the disclosure of the information contained herein in its answers to Items 1 through 7 and the inclusion of such information in the 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 Registration Statement and the related prospectus.

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

 

Dated:                                        

  Beneficial Owner:                                                                     
  By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

3


PLEASE SEND A COPY OF THE COMPLETED AND EXECUTED QUESTIONNAIRE BY FAX OR ELECTRONIC MAIL, AND RETURN THE ORIGINAL BY OVERNIGHT MAIL, TO:

Malibu Boats, Inc.

5075 Kimberly Way

Loudon, Tennessee 37774

Attention: [            ]

Fax: [            ]

Electronic Mail: [            ]

 

4

Exhibit 10.6

VOTING AGREEMENT

THIS VOTING AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of February 5, 2014, by and among Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Black Canyon Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Black Canyon ”), and Jack D. Springer, a resident of the State of Texas, Wayne D. Wilson, a resident of the State of Tennessee, and Ritchie L. Anderson, a resident of the State of Tennessee (collectively, “ Management ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS , the Company is currently contemplating an underwritten initial public offering (“ IPO ”) of shares of its Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Class A Common Stock ”); and

WHEREAS , in connection with, and effective upon, the date of completion of the IPO (the “ Closing Date ”), the Company, Black Canyon and Management wish to set forth certain understandings between such parties, including with respect to certain governance matters.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

1.1 Defined Terms . In addition to the terms defined elsewhere herein, the following terms have the following meanings when used herein with initial capital letters:

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

(b) “ Agreement ” means this Voting Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.

(c) “ Beneficial Owner ” or “ beneficially own ” has the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

(d) “ Black Canyon ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

(e) “ Black Canyon Designee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a) .

(f) “ Black Canyon Entities ” means Black Canyon, Black Canyon Direct Investment Fund L.P., Black Canyon Investments L.P., Canyon Value Realization Fund, L.P., Loudon Partners, LLC, The Canyon Value Realization Master Fund, L.P. and their respective successors and Permitted Assigns.

(g) “ Board ” means the board of directors of the Company.

(h) “ Class A Common Stock ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

(i) “ Class B Common Stock ” means the Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company.


(j) “ Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

(k) “ Company ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

(l) “ Control ,” “ Controlled by ” and “ under common Control with ” means possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise) of a Person.

(m) “ Director ” means any member of the Board.

(n) “ Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.

(o) “ Governmental Authority ” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government.

(p) “ IPO ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

(q) “ Law ” means any statute, law, regulation, ordinance, rule, injunction, order, decree, governmental approval, directive, requirement, or other governmental restriction or any similar form of decision of, or determination by, or any interpretation or administration of any of the foregoing by, any Governmental Authority.

(r) “ Management ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

(s) “ Permitted Assigns ” means, with respect to the Black Canyon Entities, their respective Affiliates and any Transferee of Voting Stock that is Transferred other than pursuant to a widely distributed public sale that agrees to become party to, and to be bound to the same extent as its transferor by the terms of, this Agreement.

(t) “ Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, or other form of business organization, whether or not regarded as a legal entity under applicable Law, or any Governmental Authority or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

(u) “ Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity of which: (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, representatives or trustees thereof is at the time owned or Controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof; or (ii) if a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity, a majority of the total voting power of stock (or equivalent ownership interest) of the limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity is at the time owned or Controlled, directly or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or Control the managing member, managing director or other governing body or general partner of such limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity.


(v) “ Total Number of Directors ” means the total number of Directors comprising the Board.

(w) “ Transfer ,” “ Transferor ,” “ Transferee ” and “ Transferred ” shall mean, with respect to any security, directly or indirectly, to sell, contract to sell, give, assign, hypothecate, pledge, encumber, grant a security interest in, offer, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of any economic, voting or other rights in or to such security. When used as a noun, “ Transfer ” shall have such correlative meaning as the context may require.

(x) “ Voting Stock ” means the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock.

1.2 Construction . Wherever required by the context of this Agreement, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders and vice versa, and references to any agreement, document or instrument shall be deemed to refer to such agreement, document or instrument as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time. When used herein:

(a) the word “or” is not exclusive;

(b) the words “including,” “includes,” “included” and “include” are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;

(c) the terms “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, paragraph or subdivision; and

(d) all sections, paragraphs or clause references not attributed to a particular document shall be references to such parts of this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS

2.1 Board Composition .

(a) Following the Closing Date, Black Canyon shall have the right, but not the obligation, to nominate to the Board a number of designees equal to at least: (i) 20% of the Total Number of Directors, so long as the Black Canyon Entities and Management collectively beneficially own 15% or more of the voting power of the shares of Voting Stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; and (ii) 10% of the Total Number of Directors, so long as the Black Canyon Entities and Management collectively beneficially own more than 5% but less than 15% of the voting power of the Voting Stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. For purposes of calculating the number of Directors that Black Canyon is entitled to nominate pursuant to this Section 2.1(a) , any fractional amounts shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number and the calculation shall be made on a pro forma basis, including, for the avoidance of doubt, taking into account any increase in the size of the Board (e.g., one and one-third Directors equates to two Directors). In addition, Black Canyon shall have the right to remove and replace its Director-designees at any time and for any reason and to nominate any individual(s) to fill any such vacancies. In the event that Black Canyon has nominated less than the total number of designees Black Canyon shall be entitled to nominate pursuant to this Section 2.1(a) , Black Canyon shall have the right, at any time, to nominate such additional designees to which it is entitled hereunder, in which case, the Company and the Directors shall take all necessary corporate action, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law (including with respect to any fiduciary duties under Delaware


law), to (i) enable Black Canyon to nominate and effect the election or appointment of such additional individuals, whether by increasing the size of the Board or otherwise and (ii) designate such additional individuals nominated by Black Canyon to fill such newly-created vacancies. Each such person whom Black Canyon shall actually nominate pursuant to this Section 2.1(a) and who is thereafter elected to the Board to serve as a Director shall be referred to herein as a “ Black Canyon Designee .”

(b) In the event that a vacancy is created at any time by the death, disability, retirement or resignation of any Director designated by Black Canyon pursuant to this Section 2.1 , the remaining Directors and the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law (including with respect to any fiduciary duties under Delaware law), cause the vacancy created thereby to be filled by a new designee of Black Canyon, if such Director was designated by Black Canyon, as soon as possible, and the Company hereby agrees to take, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law (including with respect to any fiduciary duties under Delaware law), at any time and from time to time, all actions necessary to accomplish the same.

(c) The Company agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law (including with respect to any fiduciary duties under Delaware law), to include in the slate of nominees recommended by the Board for election at any meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing Directors the persons designated pursuant to this Section 2.1 and to nominate and recommend each such individual to be elected as a Director as provided herein, and to solicit proxies or consents in favor thereof. The Company is entitled to identify such individual as a Black Canyon Designee pursuant to this Agreement.

(d) In connection with any meeting of stockholders called or consent taken for the purpose of electing Directors, each member of Management agrees to vote his respective shares of Voting Stock in favor of the Black Canyon Designees nominated by the Board.

ARTICLE III

COVENANTS

3.1 Books and Records; Access . The Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, keep proper books, records and accounts, in which full and correct entries shall be made of all financial transactions and the assets and business of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. For so long as the Black Canyon Entities and Management collectively beneficially own 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Voting Stock, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, permit Black Canyon and its designated representatives, at reasonable times and upon reasonable prior notice to the Company, to review the books and records of the Company or any of such Subsidiaries and to discuss the affairs, finances and condition of the Company or any of such Subsidiaries with the officers of the Company or any such Subsidiary; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to disclose any privileged information of the Company so long as the Company has used its best efforts to enter into an arrangement pursuant to which it may provide such information to Black Canyon without the loss of any such privilege.

3.2 Periodic Reporting .

(a) The Company will promptly deliver to Black Canyon, when available, one copy of each annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q of the Company, as filed with the SEC. In the event the Company is not required to file an annual report on Form 10-K or quarterly report on Form 10-Q, the Company may, in lieu of the requirements of the preceding sentence, deliver, or cause to be delivered, the following to Black Canyon:

(i) as soon as available, but not later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, a copy of the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year and the related statements of operations and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous year, all in reasonable detail; and


(ii) as soon as available, but in any event not later than 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for such quarter and for the period commencing on the first day of the fiscal year and ending on the last day of such quarter; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to disclose any privileged information of the Company so long as the Company has used its best efforts to enter into an arrangement pursuant to which it may provide such information to Black Canyon without the loss of any such privilege.

(b) The Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Black Canyon:

(i) to the extent otherwise prepared by the Company, operating and capital expenditure budgets and periodic information packages relating to the operations and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries; and

(ii) such other reports and information as may be reasonably requested Black Canyon; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to disclose any privileged information of the Company so long as the Company has used its best efforts to enter into an arrangement pursuant to which it may provide such information to Black Canyon without the loss of any such privilege.

ARTICLE IV

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

4.1 Amendment and Waiver . Except as otherwise provided herein, no modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective against any party unless such modification, amendment or waiver is approved in writing by each of the parties to this Agreement. The failure of any party to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed as a waiver of such provisions and shall not affect the right of such party thereafter to enforce each and every provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

4.2 Termination of Agreement . This Agreement shall terminate on the earlier to occur of (a) such time as Black Canyon is no longer entitled to nominate a Director pursuant to Section 2.1(a) and (b) upon the delivery of a written notice by Black Canyon to the Company requesting that this Agreement terminate.

ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

5.1 Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by courier service, by fax, by electronic mail (delivery receipt requested) or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be as specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 5.1 ):


  (a) If to the Company:

Malibu Boats, Inc.

5075 Kimberly Way

Loudon, Tennessee 37774

Attention: Jack Springer

With a copy to:

Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP

511 Union Street, Suite 2700

Nashville, Tennessee 37219

Attention: J. Chase Cole, Esq.

 

  (b) If to Black Canyon:

Black Canyon Management LLC

2000 Avenue of the Stars, 11 th Floor

Los Angeles, California 90067

Attention: Michael Hooks

5.2 Assignment . This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding on the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement may not be assigned without the express prior written consent of the other parties hereto, and any attempted assignment, without such consents, will be null and void; provided, however, that Black Canyon shall be entitled to assign, in whole or in part, to any of its Permitted Assigns without such prior written consent any of its rights hereunder.

5.3 Third Parties . This Agreement does not create any rights, claims or benefits inuring to any Person that is not a party hereto nor create or establish any third party beneficiary hereto.

5.4 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws thereof.

5.5 Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial . In any judicial proceeding involving any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, each of the parties unconditionally accepts the jurisdiction and venue of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction over a particular matter, any state or federal court within the State of Delaware having jurisdiction, and the appellate courts to which orders and judgments thereof may be appealed. In any such judicial proceeding, the parties agree that in addition to any method for the service of process permitted or required by such courts, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, service of process may be made by delivery provided pursuant to the directions in Section 5.1 . EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING ANY DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

5.6 Specific Performance . Each party hereto acknowledges and agrees that in the event of any breach of this Agreement by it, the other parties hereto would be irreparably harmed and could not be made whole by monetary damages. Each party accordingly agrees to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and that the parties, in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity, shall be entitled to specific performance of this Agreement without the posting of bond.


5.7 Entire Agreement . This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. There are no agreements, representations, warranties, covenants or understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof other than those expressly set forth herein. This Agreement supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.

5.8 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of such provision to any Person or circumstance or in any jurisdiction, shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, (i) the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each other provision hereof shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law, (ii) as to such Person or circumstance or in such jurisdiction such provision shall be reformed to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and (iii) the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances or in other jurisdictions shall not be affected thereby.

5.9 Headings . The headings, subheadings and captions contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only, and in no way define, limit or describe the scope of this Agreement or the intent of any provision hereof.

5.10 Counterparts . This Agreement and any amendment hereto may be executed in any number of separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one Agreement (or amendment, as applicable).

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank.]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Voting Agreement on the date first above written.

 

COMPANY:
MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack D. Springer

Name:  

Jack D. Springer

Title:  

CEO

BLACK CANYON:
BLACK CANYON MANAGEMENT LLC
By:  

/s/ Michael Hooks

Name:  

Michael Hooks

Title:  

Managing Member

MANAGEMENT:

/s/ Jack D. Springer

Jack D. Springer

/s/ Wayne R. Wilson

Wayne R. Wilson

/s/ Ritchie L. Anderson

Ritchie L. Anderson

Exhibit 10.7

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of February 5, 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Ritchie Anderson, an individual (“ Executive ”).

RECITALS:

A. The Company desires that Executive be employed by the Company to carry out the duties and responsibilities described below, all on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

B. Executive desires to accept such employment on such terms and conditions.

C. This Agreement shall govern the employment relationship between Executive and the Company from and after the Effective Date, and supersedes and negates all previous negotiations and agreements with respect to such relationship.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. EMPLOYMENT . The Company hereby agrees to employ Executive as Chief Operating Officer according to the terms and conditions set forth herein, effective as of the Effective Date. Executive shall report directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”). Executive shall perform such officer level duties and have such officer level authority and responsibility as is usual and customary for such position, plus any additional officer level duties as may reasonably be assigned from time to time by the CEO, including but not limited to providing services as an officer or director to one or more of the Company’s subsidiaries or affiliates (and the compensation for such services shall be covered exclusively by Sections 3 through 5 of this Agreement). Executive hereby accepts such employment and agrees to devote Executive’s full business time, energy and best efforts to the performance of the Executive’s duties for the Company. Executive shall be subject to and comply with the Company’s policies, procedures and approval practices, as generally in effect from time-to-time.

2. EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP . The “ Period of Employment ” under this Agreement shall be the period that Executive remains employed by the Company. Subject to the terms of Section 5 of this Agreement, Executive shall be employed on an at-will basis and Executive’s employment with the Company may be terminated by Executive or the Company at any time, with or without Cause, and with or without advance notice.

3. COMPENSATION .

a. Base Salary . During the Period of Employment, the Company agrees to pay Executive a base salary of Two Hundred Thousand dollars ($ 200,000.00) per annum, less standard deductions and authorized withholdings (the “ Salary ”). The Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices.

 

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b. Bonus . During the Period of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to earn an annual performance-based bonus (“ Annual Bonus ”) as follows:

(1) In addition to Salary, during each fiscal year of the Period of Employment, Executive will be eligible to earn a target annual cash bonus of 40% of Salary, if and only if Executive, the Company and its subsidiaries achieve the performance criteria specified by the Board or the Compensation Committee (if there is one) for such year, as determined by the Board or such Compensation Committee (if there is one) in its sole discretion. Unless otherwise agreed to by Executive, any such bonus amount for any year shall be earned (if awarded) on the last day of such year and paid by the Company no later than the earlier of (x) the date that is ten (10) business days after the Company’s receipt of its audited financial statements for the calendar year with respect to which such bonus has been earned and (y) December 31 of the calendar year following such year with respect to which such bonus has been earned.

(2) To earn any Annual Bonus, Executive must be continuously and actively employed through the end of the applicable fiscal year and the date that bonuses are normally paid to the Company’s executives; provided, however, if Executive is actively and continuously employed through the applicable fiscal year, but is terminated without Cause or terminates employment for Good Reason prior to the date that bonuses are normally paid to the Company’s executives, Executive shall be deemed to have earned such Annual Bonus. Each Annual Bonus earned by Executive, if any, will be due and payable no later than 75 days following the end of the applicable fiscal year. Any Annual Bonus paid to Executive shall be subject to applicable deductions and withholdings.

4. BENEFITS .

a. Benefits . In addition to (but without duplication of) Salary and any bonuses payable to Executive pursuant to Section 3, Executive shall be entitled to participate at his sole discretion in all of the Company’s employee benefit programs for which senior executive employees of the Company are generally eligible, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility requirements of such plans and benefits.

b. Vacation . Executive will be entitled to accrue vacation time, in an amount and subject to accrual limits, in accordance with the Company’s policies and practices for senior executives of the Company. Executive shall schedule and take vacation at the mutual convenience of the Executive and the Company.

c. Automobile . During the Period of Employment, the Company shall, at its option, either provide Executive with a monthly automobile allowance or, at its cost, shall provide Executive a car that will be owned by the Company. Such allowance or car shall be of the same amount and or quality consistent with Company practices and made available to other executives or managers of the Company. Insurance will be maintained and paid by the Company. Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for the cost of all maintenance and fuel costs associated with Executive’s use of the automobile. Executive may use such automotive vehicle for business and personal purposes.

d. Boat . During the Period of Employment, the Company at its cost shall provide Executive a boat of a quality consistent with the Company’s practices and made available to other executives of the Company (of a kind and cost to be approved by the Board) that will be owned by the Company. Insurance will be maintained and paid by the Company. Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for the cost of all maintenance

 

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costs associated with Executive’s use of the boat. Executive will be responsible for all fuel costs associated with Executive’s use of the boat. Executive may use such boat for business and personal purposes.

e. Business Expenses . During the Period of Employment, the Company shall reimburse Executive in the calendar year in which they are incurred for all reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by him in the course of performing his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement which are consistent with the Company’s policies in effect from time to time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting and documentation of such expenses.

5. TERMINATION . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Executive’s employment may be terminated as follows:

a. Death . Upon the death of Executive, Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate and the Company shall not be obligated to make any further payments to Executive hereunder, except amounts due as Salary, any unpaid Annual Bonus earned pursuant to Section 3(b) and accrued but unused vacation earned at the time of Executive’s termination of employment, and reimbursement for any documented expenses incurred prior to Executive’s termination of employment in accordance with Section 5 hereof (collectively, the “ Accrued Obligations ”).

b. Disability . In the event that the Board reasonably determines in good faith that Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of his employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than ninety (90) days in any rolling one-year period (“ Disability ”), unless a longer period is required by applicable federal or state law, in which case that longer period would apply, the Board shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment, and the Company shall not be obligated to make any further payments to Executive hereunder, except for the Accrued Obligations. Executive expressly agrees that the Company shall have the right to permanently replace Executive in the event he is terminated due to a Disability.

c. Termination for Cause . The Board may terminate Executive’s employment at any time immediately upon written notice to Executive for Cause.

(1) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” shall mean any of the following occurring during Executive’s employment hereunder: (a) a knowing, intentional or reckless act or omission that constitutes theft, forgery, fraud, material dishonesty, misappropriation, breach of fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty, or embezzlement by Executive against the Company or any of its parent, subsidiary or affiliated entities; (b) Executive’s conviction, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere , of a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude; (c) Executive knowingly or intentionally causing the Company’s financial statements to fail to materially comply with generally accepted accounting principles Executive’s unlawful use (including being under the influence) or possession of any illegal drug or narcotic while on Company premises or while performing Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder; (d) Executive’s willful refusal to comply with the lawful requests made of Executive by the Board, which (if reasonably susceptible of cure), is not fully cured within five (5) days after Executive receives written notice

 

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from the Board detailing Executive’s willful refusal; (e) gross negligence of Executive in the performance of his job duties, which (if reasonably susceptible of cure), is not fully cured within 30 days after Executive receives written notice from the Board detailing Executive’s gross negligence; (f) a material violation by Executive of one or more Company policies, which (if reasonably susceptible of cure), is not fully cured within 30 days after Executive receives written notice from the Board detailing Executive’s violation(s) of Company policy; and/or (g) a material breach by Executive of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company, which (if reasonably susceptible of cure), is not fully cured within 30 days after Executive receives written notice from the Board detailing Executive’s breach of this Agreement and/or any other agreement with the Company.

(2) In the event that the Board terminates Executive’s employment for Cause, the Company shall not be obligated to make any further payments to Executive hereunder, except for the Accrued Obligations.

d. Termination Without Cause .

(1) By Executive . Except as set forth in this Agreement, Executive may voluntarily resign from his employment with the Company at any time, and for any reason or no reason, with or without cause, after giving thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Company. In the event of a voluntary resignation, the Company may elect at its sole discretion to make the resignation of employment effective at any time prior to the expiration of the 30-day notice period and, upon the effective date of such resignation, the Company shall not be obligated to make any further payments to Executive hereunder, except for the Accrued Obligations.

(2) By Company . Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the Board (at its sole discretion) shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment at any time, for any reason or no reason, immediately upon written notice to Executive. If the Board terminates Executive’s employment pursuant to this Section 5(d)(2) without Cause, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations. In addition, if the Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause, subject to Executive signing (and not revoking) a complete and general release of any and all claims in favor of the Company and its affiliates in a form and substance satisfactory to the Company (the “ Release ”) within twenty-one (21) days (or such longer period as may be required by applicable law to obtain a complete and general release of claims) (the “ Release Execution Deadline ”) after the Company provides the form of Release to you, upon a termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause, Executive shall continue to receive his Base Salary through the end of the applicable Severance Period (as defined below) (the “ Severance Payments ”) in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll policies then in effect. Such Release shall be in substantially the same form as attached as Exhibit A hereto, which shall be subject to necessary changes to comply with changes in applicable law to obtain a valid and complete general release of claims. Executive’s right to receive and retain any of the Severance Payments is contingent upon Executive’s compliance with his continuing obligations to the Company under the terms of this Agreement and the Release. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Severance Period ” shall mean either (i) a period of

 

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twelve (12) months following the effective date of the Release if Executive is terminated without Cause after the one year anniversary of the Effective Date and not subject to Section 5(d)(2)(ii)(A) below, or (ii) a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of the Release if Executive is terminated without Cause either (A) at any time within six (6) months after a Change in Control (as defined below) or (B) at any time on or before the one-year anniversary of the Effective Date.

e. Termination for Good Reason . Executive may terminate employment for Good Reason (as defined below) and upon execution and delivery by Executive of the Release within the Release Execution Deadline, so long as Executive complies with Executive’s obligations under this Agreement and the Release, Executive will be entitled to receive Severance Payments through the applicable Severance Period. For purposes of this Agreement, resigning with “ Good Reason ” means Executive’s resignation from employment after the occurrence of any of the following (without Executive’s prior written consent): (i) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities, (ii) a material reduction in the aggregate compensation provided to Executive unless such reduction is concurrently made to all of the Company’s senior management, or (iii) a material breach of any other material term of this Agreement; provided, however, that any such condition shall not constitute “Good Reason” unless Executive provides written notice to the Company of the condition claimed to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) days of the initial existence of such condition and, thereafter, the Board fails to cure such “Good Reason” within thirty (30) days following its receipt of such written notice from Executive, and within ten (10) days thereafter, Executive terminates his employment for “Good Reason.” For purposes of this Section (5)(e), the term “Severance Period” shall mean either (x) a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of the Release if Executive terminates employment for Good Reason after the one year anniversary of the Effective Date and not subject to Section 5(e)(y)(A) below, or (y) a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of the Release if terminates employment for Good Reason either (A) at any time within six (6) months after a Change in Control (as defined below) or (B) at any time on or before the one-year anniversary of the Effective Date.

f. Change in Control . A “Change of Control” of the Company will be deemed to have occurred upon any of the following:

(1) any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity (each, a “ Person ”) or any group of Persons acting together which would constitute a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor provisions thereto (excluding a corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company) is or becomes a Beneficial Owner of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company then outstanding voting securities (excluding any Person or any group of Persons who, on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of common stock, is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities); or

(2) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors of the Company then serving: individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to an election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the

 

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Board or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of common stock or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended by the directors referred to in this clause (b); or

(3) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors of the Company then serving: individuals who, on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of common stock, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to an election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of common stock or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended by the directors referred to in this clause (b); or

(4) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation or other entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, either (x) the Board immediately prior to the merger or consolidation does not constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the company surviving the merger or, if the surviving company is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (y) all of the Persons who were the respective Beneficial Owners of the voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not Beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation; or

(5) the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an agreement or series of related agreements for the sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than such sale or other disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale.

A “ Beneficial Owner ” of a security is a Person who directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such security and/or (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such security.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, except with respect to clause (b) and clause (c) above, a “ Change of Control ” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the

 

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consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the shares of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions. For the avoidance of doubt, the consummation of an initial public offering of common stock of the Company and related transactions shall not be deemed to be a Change of Control.

6. NONSOLICITATION/NONDISPARAGEMENT . During the Period of Employment and for a period thereafter of three (3) years, the Participant shall not, directly or indirectly:

a. solicit, induce or encourage any employee of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries to terminate their employment with the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries;

b. make any defamatory public statement concerning the financial performance, products, services, the Board or management personnel of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, or Executive’s employment. Nothing in this Section 6(b) shall prohibit Executive from providing truthful testimony in any legal, administrative or regulatory proceeding and Executive may at all times respond truthfully to a lawfully-issued subpoena, court order or governmental inquiry or as otherwise may be required by law, provided, however, that upon receiving such lawfully-issued subpoena or court order, Executive shall promptly provide, if allowed by applicable law or regulation, reasonable written notice to Company and cooperate with the Company to the extent reasonably necessary to protect the confidentiality of any proprietary or trade secret information of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, and the privacy rights of any employee or director; or

c. use or disclose the Company’s confidential or proprietary information to induce, attempt to induce or knowingly encourage any Customer of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries to divert any business or income from the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, or to stop or alter the manner in which they are then doing business with the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. The term “ Customer ” shall mean any individual or business firm that is, or within the prior eighteen (18) months was, a customer or client of the Company, whether or not such business was actively solicited by Executive on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries during Executive’s employment.

7. NONCOMPETITION . In further consideration of the compensation to be paid to Executive hereunder, Executive acknowledges that during the course of his employment with the Company he has and shall become familiar with the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ trade secrets and with other Confidential Information (as defined below) concerning the Company and its subsidiaries and that his services have been and shall be of special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and its subsidiaries, and, therefore, Executive agrees that, during the Period of Employment and for a period thereafter of one (1) year, he shall not directly or indirectly, for himself or another person, firm, corporation, association or other entity, as an owner, partner, participant of a joint venture, trustee, proprietor, stockholder, member, manager, director, officer, employee, independent contractor, capital investor, lender, consultant, advisor or otherwise, or by lending or allowing his name or reputation to be used in connection with, or otherwise participating in or allowing his skill, knowledge or experience to be used in connection with, or operate, develop or own any interest in (other than the ownership of less than five

 

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percent (5%) of the equity securities of a publicly-traded company), or be employed by or consult with, any business or entity that competes with the business of the Company (the “Covered Business”), without prior approval of the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, a Covered Business shall include, but not be limited to, the design, manufacture, or marketing of any type of boat or watercraft, or components thereof, regardless of physical location of such business activity.

8. INVENTIONS ASSIGNMENT AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION .

a. Inventions . The Company shall own all right, title, and interest to all ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques, processes, methods, inventions, discoveries, developments, innovations, and improvements developed or created by Executive, either solely or jointly with others, during the term of Executive’s employment that: (i) are reasonably related to the Company’s business; (ii) involve the Company’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development; (iii) result from any work performed by Executive for the Company; or (iv) incorporate any of the Confidential Information (as defined below) (collectively, “ Inventions ”). Executive shall immediately and confidentially communicate a description of any Inventions to the Company and to no other party at any time, and if the Company so desires, Executive shall execute all documents and instruments and do all things as may be requested by the Company in order to forever vest all right, title and interest in such Inventions solely in the Company and to obtain such letters of patent, copyrights, registrations or other protections as the Company may, from time to time, desire. In addition, Executive hereby assigns to the Company all right, title and interest of Executive in and to any present Inventions made, devised, created, invented or discovered, in whole or in part, by Executive.

b. Confidential Information . During the term of this Agreement and at all times thereafter, Executive shall hold inviolate and keep secret all non-public documents, materials, knowledge or other confidential business or technical information of any nature whatsoever that the Company has maintained as confidential and that has been disclosed to or developed by him or to which he had access as a result of his employment with the Company (hereinafter referred to as “ Confidential Information ”). Such Confidential Information shall include non-public technical and business information, including, but not limited to, inventions, research and development, engineering, products, designs, manufacture, methods, systems, improvements, trade secrets, formulas, processes, marketing, merchandising, selling, licensing, servicing, pricing, investors, personnel information (including skills, compensation, experience and performance), customer lists and preferences, records, financial information, manuals and/or business plans and strategies. Executive agrees that all Confidential Information shall remain the sole and absolute property of the Company, unless such information is or becomes publicly available or disclosed by lawful means. During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall not use, disclose, disseminate, publish, reproduce or otherwise make available such Confidential Information to any person, firm, corporation or other entity, except for the purpose of performing services on behalf of the Company. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall (i) not use, disclose, disseminate, publish, reproduce or otherwise make available such Confidential Information to any person, firm, corporation or other entity, unless such information is or becomes publicly available or disclosed by lawful means; (ii) return to the Company all property that belongs to or is owned by the Company (including any computer, cell phone, personal digital assistant, keys, security cards, etc.); and (iii) return to the Company all documents, records, compositions, articles,

 

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devices, equipment, electronic storage devices and other items that disclose or embody Confidential Information, including all copies or specimens thereof (including electronic copies), whether prepared by him or by others, unless such information is or becomes publicly available or disclosed by lawful means.

9. ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . Executive acknowledges that the provisions of Sections 6, 7, 8 and this Section 9 are in consideration of Executive’s employment with the Company and other good and valuable consideration as set forth in this Agreement. In addition, Executive agrees and acknowledges that the restrictions contained in Sections 6, 7 and 8 and this Section 9 do not preclude Executive from earning a livelihood, nor do they unreasonably impose limitations on Executive’s ability to earn a living. In addition, Executive acknowledges (x) that the business of the Company and its subsidiaries will be conducted throughout the United States and its territories and beyond, (y) notwithstanding the state of organization or principal office of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or facilities, or any of their respective executives or employees (including Executive), it is expected that the Company and its subsidiaries will have business activities and have valuable business relationships within its industry throughout the United States and its territories and beyond, and (z) as part of Executive’s responsibilities, Executive will be traveling throughout the United States and other jurisdictions where the Company and its subsidiaries conduct business during the Period of Employment in furtherance of the Company’s business relationships. Executive agrees and acknowledges that the potential harm to the Company and its subsidiaries of the non-enforcement of any provision of Sections 6, 7, 8 and this Section 9 outweighs any potential harm to Executive of its enforcement by injunction or otherwise. Executive acknowledges that he has carefully read this Agreement and either consulted with legal counsel of Executive’s choosing regarding its contents or knowingly and voluntarily waived the opportunity to do so, has given careful consideration to the restraints imposed upon Executive by this Agreement and is in full accord as to their necessity for the reasonable and proper protection of confidential and proprietary information of the Company and its subsidiaries now existing or to be developed in the future. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that each and every restraint imposed by this Agreement is reasonable with respect to subject matter, duration and geographical area.

10. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE . In the event of the breach or a threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of Section 6, 7, 8 or 9, the Company and its subsidiaries would suffer irreparable harm and Executive acknowledges that money damages would not be a sufficient remedy and, in addition and supplementary to other rights and remedies existing in its favor whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, the Company shall be entitled to specific performance and/or injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions hereof (without posting a bond or other security). In addition, in the event of an alleged breach or violation by Executive of Section 6 or 7, the noncompete Period or the nonsolicit Period, as applicable, shall be tolled until such breach or violation has been duly cured.

11. LITIGATION/AUDIT COOPERATION . Executive agrees that following the termination of his employment for any reason, for a period of twelve (12) months he shall reasonably cooperate at mutually convenient times and locations in connection with (a) the defense of, or prosecution by, the Company or any of its affiliates with respect to any threatened or pending litigation or in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body that relates to any events or actions which occurred during the term of Executive’s employment with, or service to, the Company; and (b) any audit of the financial statements of the Company with respect to the period of time when Executive was employed by the Company as Chief Financial Officer. The Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses incurred by Executive

 

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in connection with such cooperation. Executive shall be compensated for his time at a mutually agreed upon rate for any services other than the provision of information to the Company or its counsel and/or testifying as a witness, which he shall undertake without any compensation up to a maximum obligation of 120 hours.

12. WAIVER OF BREACH . The waiver of any breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right, remedy and power hereby granted to any party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other.

13. SEVERABILITY . If any of the provisions of this Agreement or the application thereof to any party under any circumstances is adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or the application thereof.

14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT . This Agreement, along with any related documents referenced herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and completely and irrevocably terminates any and all other previous or contemporaneous communications, representations, understandings, agreements, negotiations and discussions, either oral or written, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. The parties acknowledge and agree that there are no written or oral agreements, understandings, or representations, directly or indirectly related to this Agreement or the employment, compensation or benefits of Executive that are not set forth herein. By executing this Agreement, Executive represents and warrants to the Company that Executive is not subject to any agreement with any current or former employer or consultancy relationship that would prohibit Executive’s acceptance of and performance of his duties and responsibilities under the terms of this Agreement or as contemplated in the future during Executive’s employment with the Company. Executive agrees that he shall not share any confidential or proprietary information of any prior employer or consultancy or individual with the Company or the Company’s employees.

15. AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT . This Agreement may be altered or amended in any of its provisions only by a written agreement signed by each of the parties hereto.

16. SUCCESSORS . The Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding on the Company and its successors and assigns, as well as Executive and his estate. Executive may not assign or delegate, in whole or in part, his duties or obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement may be transferred and assigned by the Company to any successor of the Company by acquisition, merger, reorganization, amalgamation, asset sale or otherwise. Upon any assignment of this Agreement by the Company, all obligations of the Company shall terminate, Executive shall become employed by the assignee in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the term “Company” as used in this Agreement shall include only such assignee.

17. RIGHTS CUMULATIVE . The Company’s rights under this Agreement are cumulative, and the exercise of one right will not be deemed to preclude the exercise of any other rights.

18. COUNTERPARTS . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

 

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19. CONSTRUCTION . Each party has cooperated in the drafting and preparation of this Agreement, and therefore, the Agreement shall not be construed against either party on the basis that any particular party was the drafter.

20. VOLUNTARY COUNSEL . Executive agrees and acknowledges that he has read and understood this Agreement prior to signing it, has entered into this Agreement freely and voluntarily and has been advised to seek legal counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so.

21. GOVERNING LAW . This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and governed in all respects by, the internal laws of the State of Tennessee (without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws).

22. SECTION 409A.

a. The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “ Code Section 409A ”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall Acadia or any of the Subsidiaries be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on Executive by Code Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.

b. A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment,” “termination of the Employment Period” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”

c. All expenses or other reimbursements under this Agreement shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by Executive (provided that if any such reimbursements constitute taxable income to Executive, such reimbursements shall be paid no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expenses to be reimbursed were incurred), and no such reimbursement or expenses eligible for reimbursement in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year.

d. For purposes of Code Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payment pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.

e. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within fifteen (15) days following the Termination Date”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.

 

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23. ARBITRATION .

a. In exchange for the benefits of the speedy, economical and impartial dispute resolution procedure of arbitration, the Company and Executive, with the advice and consent of their selected counsel, choose to forego their right to resolution of their disputes in a court of law by a judge or jury, and instead elect to treat their disputes, if any, pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act.

b. Executive and the Company agree that any and all claims or controversies whatsoever brought by Executive or the Company, arising out of or relating to this Agreement, Executive’s employment with Company, or otherwise arising between Executive and Company, will be settled by final and binding arbitration in Knoxville, Tennessee or such other location as may be mutually agreed by parties in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures of Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“ JAMS ”) then in effect. This includes all claims whether arising in tort or contract and whether arising under statute or common law. Such claims may include, but are not limited to, those relating to this Agreement, wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, or any statutory claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or similar Federal or state statutes. In addition, any claims arising out of the public policy of Tennessee, any claims of wrongful termination, employment discrimination, retaliation, or harassment of any kind, as well as any claim related to the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement shall be arbitrated under the terms of this Agreement. The obligation to arbitrate such claims will survive the termination of this Agreement. To the extent permitted by law, the hearing and all filings and other proceedings shall be treated in a private and confidential manner by the arbitrator and all parties and representatives, and shall not be disclosed except as necessary for any related judicial proceedings.

c. The arbitration will be conducted before an arbitrator to be mutually agreed upon by the parties from JAMS’ panel of arbitrators. In the event that the parties are unable to mutually agree upon the arbitrator, JAMS shall provide a slate of five arbitrators with experience in employment law and each party shall have the opportunity to strike two names and rank the remaining arbitrators in order of preference. JAMS shall then select the highest ranked arbitrator to preside over the arbitration. If JAMS is unable to provide an arbitrator who has experience in employment law, the parties may jointly or separately petition the court for appointment of an arbitrator with such experience. The arbitrator will have jurisdiction to determine the arbitrability of any claim. The arbitrator shall have the authority to grant all monetary or equitable relief (including, without limitation, injunctive relief, ancillary costs and fees, and punitive damages) available under state and Federal law. Judgment on any award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered and enforced by any court having jurisdiction thereof. In addition to any other relief awarded, the prevailing party in any arbitration or court action covered by this Agreement, as determined by the arbitrator or court in a final judgment or decree, shall be entitled to recover costs, expenses, and reasonable attorneys’ fees to the extent permitted by law.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year first above written.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

EXECUTIVE

/s/ Ritchie Anderson

 

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EXHIBIT A

SETTLEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT

THIS SETTLEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into effective as of the              day of             , 20    , by and between                      (“ Executive ”) and Malibu Boats, Inc. (the “ Company ”) (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the “ Parties ”). In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, Executive and the Company contract and agree as follows:

1. BENEFITS .

a. General . The Company promises that I will receive the benefits set forth in the employment agreement entered into with the Company effective as of             , 20     (the “ Employment Agreement ”), if any, after I execute and return this Agreement to the Company’s attorneys identified in Section 5. I acknowledge that the Company is not otherwise required to provide me such benefits until such conditions have been met.

b. Sufficiency of Consideration . I acknowledge and agree that the benefits to be provided under the terms of the Agreement are sufficient consideration for Executive’s promises set out herein and are made in confidence and in settlement of any disputed claims for which the Company has asserted factual and affirmative defenses and denies same in the entirety.

c. Payment . If the requirements of the Employment Agreement and this Agreement are met, in accordance with their terms, the Company will provide payment in an amount equal to $            , minus any applicable taxes and withholding, payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively feasible following the end of the Revocation Period (as described in Paragraph 14).

d. Taxes . I acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to receive, and to the extent desired, have received independent professional advice from my own tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences of entering into this Agreement. I acknowledge and agree that the Company has made no representations regarding the tax consequences of any amounts paid pursuant to this Agreement. I agree that I will be solely and ultimately responsible for paying any federal, state or other taxes that I may owe as a result of payments made pursuant to this Agreement. In addition, I agree to hold the Company harmless from, and to indemnify the Company for, any claims, demands, taxes, deficiencies, fines, penalties, levies, assessments, executions, judgments, interest, costs, or any recoveries by any governmental agency against the Company for any amounts claimed due on account of this Agreement as a result of improper allocations or my failure to report and/or pay taxes as legally required.

2. COMPLETE RELEASE .

a. General . In exchange for the Company’s promises contained in this Agreement, I, on behalf of myself and all my heirs, successors, and assigns, agree to irrevocably and unconditionally release any and all Claims I may now have against the Company and other parties as set forth in this Section 2.

 

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b. Released Parties . The “ Released Parties ” are the Company, all related companies, partnerships, subsidiaries, predecessors, and assigns, their parents and subsidiaries, or joint ventures, and, with respect to each of them, their predecessors and successors; and, with respect to each such entity, all of its past and present employees, officers, directors, stockholders, owners, representatives, assigns, attorneys, agents, insurers, employee benefit programs (and the trustees, administrators, fiduciaries, and insurers of such programs), and any other persons acting by, through, under or in concert with any of the persons or entities listed in this subsection.

c. Claims Released . I understand and agree that I am releasing all known and unknown claims, promises, causes of action, grievances, or similar rights of any type that I may have against any Released Party, including but not limited to any related to my employment with the Company, any other Tennessee law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act of 1974, and all other federal, state, or local laws or regulations prohibiting employment discrimination or retaliation or protecting employee rights as well as claims for other tortious or unlawful conduct (the “ Claims ”). I am not, however, releasing any claim that relates to: (i) my right to enforce this Agreement; (ii) my right, if any, to claim government-provided unemployment benefits; or (iii) any rights or claims which may arise or accrue after I sign this Agreement.

d. Knowing and Voluntary . I represent and agree that I have thoroughly considered all aspects of this Agreement, that I have had the opportunity to discuss this matter with my attorney, that I have read carefully and understand fully all of the provisions of this Agreement and that I am entering into this Agreement voluntarily. I further understand that the Company is relying on this and all other representations that I have made herein.

3. PROMISES .

a. Pursuit of Released Claims . Except as specifically identified above, I have not filed or caused to be filed any lawsuit, complaint, or charge with respect to any Claim this Agreement purports to waive, and I promise never to file or prosecute a lawsuit or complaint based on such Claims. I promise never to seek any damages, remedies, or other relief for myself personally (any right to which I hereby waive) by filing or prosecuting a charge with any administrative agency with respect to any such Claim, by instituting litigation or arbitration in connection with my former employment. I promise to request any government agency or other body assuming jurisdiction of any such lawsuit, complaint, or charge to withdraw from the matter or dismiss the matter with prejudice.

b. Ownership of Claims . I have not assigned or transferred any Claim I am releasing, nor have I purported to do so.

c. Nonadmission of Liability . I agree that this Agreement is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing by any Released Party and I acknowledge that the Released Parties deny that they have engaged in wrongdoing of any kind or nature.

d. No Further Employment or Benefits . I agree that my employment with the Company has ended, and that I forever waive and relinquish any and all claims, rights, or interests in reinstatement or future employment that I might have in the future with the Company or its successors, predecessors, parents, subsidiaries, and related or affiliated entities.

 

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e. Confidentiality . I agree that I have not and will not disclose the underlying facts that led up to this Agreement or the terms, amount, or existence of this Agreement to anyone other than a member of my immediate family, attorney, or other professional advisor and, even as to such a person, only if the person agrees to honor this confidentiality requirement. Such a person’s violation of this confidentiality requirement will be treated as a violation of this Agreement by me. This subsection does not prohibit my disclosure of the terms, amount, or existence of this Agreement to the extent necessary legally to enforce this Agreement, nor does it prohibit disclosures to the extent otherwise legally required. I acknowledge that the Company would be irreparably harmed if this subsection were violated. I agree that if asked about the status of my claims against the Company, I will agree to reply, if at all, by saying only that all such claims have been resolved and the underlying action dismissed.

f. Company Property and Confidential Information . I agrees that I have returned or will return, within seven (7) days from the date of this Agreement, to the Company any and all Company property, confidential information, and originals and/or copies of documents relating to the business of the Company. I further agree that I will not directly or indirectly discuss or disclose to anyone, or use for my own benefit or the benefit of anyone other than the Company, any confidential information that I have received through my employment with the Company. Confidential information shall include, but not be limited to, the Company’s business plans and files, financial information, my wage and benefits information, operations data, handbooks, manuals, notebooks, supplies, credit cards, keys, computer hardware, computer software, disks, tapes, and any other storage media, pagers, cameras, PDAs, cameras, reports, records, statistical information, and any other information acquired during my employment with the Company. I further agree that, in the event it appears that I will be compelled by law or judicial process to disclose any such confidential information and to avoid potential liability, I will notify the Company in writing immediately upon my receipt of a subpoena or other legal process.

g. No Disparagement or Harm . I agree not to criticize, denigrate, or disparage any Released Party. I agree that I will not provide or issue public statements or take any action that would cause the Company embarrassment or otherwise cause or contribute to the Company being held in disrepute based upon the allegations of wrongdoing related to any Claim.

4. CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATING PROMISES .

The parties agree to pay the reasonable attorneys’ fees and any damages that either party may incur as a result of the other party breaching a promise it made in this Agreement. I further agree that the Company would be irreparably harmed by any actual or threatened violation of any of the provisions of Section 3 of this Agreement, and that the Company will be entitled to an injunction prohibiting me from committing any such violation. I agree to repay all sums paid to me as described herein as a result of any breach by me of promises made in this Agreement.

5. REVIEW AND REVOCATION .

I acknowledge and understand that I have twenty-one (21) days to review and consider this Agreement before signing it. No discussions about, or changes to, this Agreement will restart the running of said twenty-one (21) day period. I understand that I may use as much of this twenty-one (21) day period as I wish prior to signing and that I may revoke this Agreement within seven (7) days of signing it. Revocation can be made by delivering a written notice of revocation to                     , Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP, 511 Union Street,

 

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Suite 2700, Nashville, Tennessee 37219. For this revocation to be effective, written notice must be received no later than the close of business on the seventh day after I sign this Agreement. If I revoke this Agreement, it shall not be effective or enforceable and I will not receive the benefits described herein nor shall I or the Company be bound by any representations, releases or agreements made herein.

6. MISCELLANEOUS .

a. Entire Agreement . This, in conjunction with the Employment Agreement, is the entire agreement between the Company and me, and such agreement supersedes and renders void any prior agreements I may have with the Company pertaining to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be modified or canceled in any manner except by a writing signed by both an authorized Company official and me. I acknowledge that the Company has made no representations or promises to me, other than those in the Employment Agreement and this Agreement. If any provision in this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, all other provisions will remain fully enforceable. I agree to sign any documents and take other action that is necessary in the future to implement this Agreement.

b. Successors . This Agreement binds my heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns, and will inure to the benefit of all Released Parties and their respective heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns.

c. Interpretation . This Agreement shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning. It shall not be construed strictly for or against any Released Party or me. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the singular or plural number shall be deemed to include the other. Captions are intended solely for convenience of reference and shall not be used in the interpretation of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.

d. Counterparts . This Agreement and any amendments hereto may be executed in multiple counterparts by the parties. Each counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT AND CAREFULLY CONSIDER ALL OF ITS PROVISIONS BEFORE SIGNING: THIS SETTLEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE INCLUDES A RELEASE OF KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.

Executed this              day of             , 20    .

 

 

 

Executive

 

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Exhibit 10.8

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of February 5, 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Jack Springer, an individual (“ Executive ”).

RECITALS:

A. The Company desires that Executive be employed by the Company to carry out the duties and responsibilities described below, all on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

B. Executive desires to accept such employment on such terms and conditions.

C. This Agreement shall govern the employment relationship between Executive and the Company from and after the Effective Date, and supersedes and negates all previous negotiations and agreements with respect to such relationship.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1 . EMPLOYMENT . The Company hereby agrees to employ Executive as Chief Executive Officer according to the terms and conditions set forth herein, effective as of the Effective Date. Executive shall report directly to the Company’s Board of Directors or authorized committee thereof (the “ Board ”). Executive shall perform such officer level duties and have such officer level authority and responsibility as is usual and customary for such position, plus any additional officer level duties as may reasonably be assigned from time to time by the Board, including but not limited to providing services as an officer or director to one or more of the Company’s subsidiaries or affiliates (and the compensation for such services shall be covered exclusively by Sections 3 through 5 of this Agreement). Executive’s duties as Chief Executive Officer shall include overall responsibility for the management and leadership of the Company and all of its departments and personnel, execution of the Company’s strategy and full profit and loss responsibility. Executive hereby accepts such employment and agrees to devote Executive’s full business time, energy and best efforts to the performance of the Executive’s duties for the Company. Executive shall be subject to and comply with the Company’s policies, procedures and approval practices, as generally in effect from time-to-time.

2. EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP . The “ Period of Employment ” under this Agreement shall be the period that Executive remains employed by the Company. Subject to the terms of Section 5 of this Agreement, Executive shall be employed on an at-will basis and Executive’s employment with the Company may be terminated by Executive or the Company at any time, with or without Cause, and with or without advance notice.

3. COMPENSATION .

a. Base Salary . During the Period of Employment, the Company agrees to pay Executive a base salary of Three Hundred Eighty-five Thousand dollars ($ 385,000.00) per annum, less standard deductions and authorized withholdings (the “ Salary ”). The Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices.

 

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b. Bonus . During the Period of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to earn an annual performance-based bonus (“ Annual Bonus ”) as follows:

(1) In addition to Salary, during each fiscal year of the Period of Employment, Executive will be eligible to earn a target annual cash bonus of 75% of Salary, if and only if Executive, the Company and its subsidiaries achieve the performance criteria specified by the Board or the Compensation Committee (if there is one) for such year, as determined by the Board or such Compensation Committee (if there is one) in its sole discretion. Unless otherwise agreed to by Executive, any such bonus amount for any year shall be earned (if awarded) on the last day of such year and paid by the Company no later than the earlier of (x) the date that is ten (10) business days after the Company’s receipt of its audited financial statements for the calendar year with respect to which such bonus has been earned and (y) December 31 of the calendar year following such year with respect to which such bonus has been earned.

(2) To earn any Annual Bonus, Executive must be continuously and actively employed through the end of the applicable fiscal year and the date that bonuses are normally paid to the Company’s executives; provided, however, if Executive is actively and continuously employed through the applicable fiscal year, but is terminated without Cause or terminates employment for Good Reason prior to the date that bonuses are normally paid to the Company’s executives, Executive shall be deemed to have earned such Annual Bonus. Each Annual Bonus earned by Executive, if any, will be due and payable no later than 75 days following the end of the applicable fiscal year. Any Annual Bonus paid to Executive shall be subject to applicable deductions and withholdings.

4. BENEFITS .

a. Benefits . In addition to (but without duplication of) Salary and any bonuses payable to Executive pursuant to Section 3, Executive shall be entitled to participate at his sole discretion in all of the Company’s employee benefit programs for which senior executive employees of the Company are generally eligible, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility requirements of such plans and benefits.

b. Vacation . Executive will be entitled to accrue vacation time, in an amount and subject to accrual limits, in accordance with the Company’s policies and practices for senior executives of the Company. Executive shall schedule and take vacation at the mutual convenience of the Executive and the Company.

c. Automobile . During the Period of Employment, the Company shall, at its option, either provide Executive with a monthly automobile allowance or, at its cost, shall provide Executive a car that will be owned by the Company. Such allowance or car shall be of the same amount and or quality consistent with Company practices and made available to other executives or managers of the Company. Insurance will be maintained and paid by the Company. Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for the cost of all maintenance and fuel costs associated with Executive’s use of the automobile. Executive may use such automotive vehicle for business and personal purposes.

d. Boat . During the Period of Employment, the Company at its cost shall provide Executive a boat of a quality consistent with the Company’s practices and made

 

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available to other executives of the Company (of a kind and cost to be approved by the Board) that will be owned by the Company. Insurance will be maintained and paid by the Company. Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for the cost of all maintenance costs associated with Executive’s use of the boat. Executive will be responsible for all fuel costs associated with Executive’s use of the boat. Executive may use such boat for business and personal purposes.

e. Business Expenses . During the Period of Employment, the Company shall reimburse Executive in the calendar year in which they are incurred for all reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by him in the course of performing his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement which are consistent with the Company’s policies in effect from time to time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting and documentation of such expenses.

5. TERMINATION . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Executive’s employment may be terminated as follows:

a. Death . Upon the death of Executive, Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate and the Company shall not be obligated to make any further payments to Executive hereunder, except amounts due as Salary, any unpaid Annual Bonus earned pursuant to Section 3(b) and accrued but unused vacation earned at the time of Executive’s termination of employment, and reimbursement for any documented expenses incurred prior to Executive’s termination of employment in accordance with Section 5 hereof (collectively, the “ Accrued Obligations ”).

b. Disability . In the event that the Board reasonably determines in good faith that Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of his employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than ninety (90) days in any rolling one-year period (“ Disability ”), unless a longer period is required by applicable federal or state law, in which case that longer period would apply, the Board shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment, and the Company shall not be obligated to make any further payments to Executive hereunder, except for the Accrued Obligations. Executive expressly agrees that the Company shall have the right to permanently replace Executive in the event he is terminated due to a Disability.

c. Termination for Cause . The Board may terminate Executive’s employment at any time immediately upon written notice to Executive for Cause.

(1) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” shall mean any of the following occurring during Executive’s employment hereunder: (a) a knowing, intentional or reckless act or omission that constitutes theft, forgery, fraud, material dishonesty, misappropriation, breach of fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty, or embezzlement by Executive against the Company or any of its parent, subsidiary or affiliated entities; (b) Executive’s conviction, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere , of a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude; (c) Executive knowingly or intentionally causing the Company’s financial statements to fail to materially comply with generally accepted accounting principles Executive’s unlawful use (including being under the influence) or possession of any illegal drug or narcotic while on Company premises or while performing Executive’s duties and

 

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responsibilities hereunder; (d) Executive’s willful refusal to comply with the lawful requests made of Executive by the Board, which (if reasonably susceptible of cure), is not fully cured within five (5) days after Executive receives written notice from the Board detailing Executive’s willful refusal; (e) gross negligence of Executive in the performance of his job duties, which (if reasonably susceptible of cure), is not fully cured within 30 days after Executive receives written notice from the Board detailing Executive’s gross negligence; (f) a material violation by Executive of one or more Company policies, which (if reasonably susceptible of cure), is not fully cured within 30 days after Executive receives written notice from the Board detailing Executive’s violation(s) of Company policy; and/or (g) a material breach by Executive of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company, which (if reasonably susceptible of cure), is not fully cured within 30 days after Executive receives written notice from the Board detailing Executive’s breach of this Agreement and/or any other agreement with the Company.

(2) In the event that the Board terminates Executive’s employment for Cause, the Company shall not be obligated to make any further payments to Executive hereunder, except for the Accrued Obligations.

d. Termination Without Cause .

(1) By Executive . Except as set forth in this Agreement, Executive may voluntarily resign from his employment with the Company at any time, and for any reason or no reason, with or without cause, after giving thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Company. In the event of a voluntary resignation, the Company may elect at its sole discretion to make the resignation of employment effective at any time prior to the expiration of the 30-day notice period and, upon the effective date of such resignation, the Company shall not be obligated to make any further payments to Executive hereunder, except for the Accrued Obligations.

(2) By Company . Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the Board (at its sole discretion) shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment at any time, for any reason or no reason, immediately upon written notice to Executive. If the Board terminates Executive’s employment pursuant to this Section 5(d)(2) without Cause, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations. In addition, if the Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause, subject to Executive signing (and not revoking) a complete and general release of any and all claims in favor of the Company and its affiliates in a form and substance satisfactory to the Company (the “ Release ”) within twenty-one (21) days (or such longer period as may be required by applicable law to obtain a complete and general release of claims) (the “ Release Execution Deadline ”) after the Company provides the form of Release to you, upon a termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause, Executive shall continue to receive his Base Salary through the end of the applicable Severance Period (as defined below) (the “ Severance Payments ”) in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll policies then in effect. Such Release shall be in substantially the same form as attached as Exhibit A hereto, which shall be subject to necessary changes to comply with changes in applicable law to obtain a valid and complete general release of claims. Executive’s right to receive and retain any of the Severance Payments is

 

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contingent upon Executive’s compliance with his continuing obligations to the Company under the terms of this Agreement and the Release. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Severance Period ” shall mean either (i) a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of the Release if Executive is terminated without Cause after the one year anniversary of the Effective Date and not subject to Section 5(d)(2)(ii)(A) below, or (ii) a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of the Release if Executive is terminated without Cause either (A) at any time within six (6) months after a Change in Control (as defined below) or (B) at any time on or before the one-year anniversary of the Effective Date.

e. Termination for Good Reason . Executive may terminate employment for Good Reason (as defined below) and upon execution and delivery by Executive of the Release within the Release Execution Deadline, so long as Executive complies with Executive’s obligations under this Agreement and the Release, Executive will be entitled to receive Severance Payments through the applicable Severance Period. For purposes of this Agreement, resigning with “ Good Reason ” means Executive’s resignation from employment after the occurrence of any of the following (without Executive’s prior written consent): (i) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities, (ii) a material reduction in the aggregate compensation provided to Executive unless such reduction is concurrently made to all of the Company’s senior management, or (iii) a material breach of any other material term of this Agreement; provided, however, that any such condition shall not constitute “Good Reason” unless Executive provides written notice to the Company of the condition claimed to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) days of the initial existence of such condition and, thereafter, the Board fails to cure such “Good Reason” within thirty (30) days following its receipt of such written notice from Executive, and within ten (10) days thereafter, Executive terminates his employment for “Good Reason.” For purposes of this Section (5)(e), the term “Severance Period” shall mean either (x) a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of the Release if Executive terminates employment for Good Reason after the one year anniversary of the Effective Date and not subject to Section 5(e)(y)(A) below, or (y) a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of the Release if terminates employment for Good Reason either (A) at any time within six (6) months after a Change in Control (as defined below) or (B) at any time on or before the one-year anniversary of the Effective Date.

f. Change in Control . A “Change of Control” of the Company will be deemed to have occurred upon any of the following:

(1) any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity (each, a “ Person ”) or any group of Persons acting together which would constitute a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor provisions thereto (excluding a corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company) is or becomes a Beneficial Owner of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company then outstanding voting securities (excluding any Person or any group of Persons who, on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of common stock, is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities); or

(2) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors of the Company then serving: individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director

 

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whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to an election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of common stock or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended by the directors referred to in this clause (b); or

(3) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors of the Company then serving: individuals who, on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of common stock, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to an election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of common stock or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended by the directors referred to in this clause (b); or

(4) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation or other entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, either (x) the Board immediately prior to the merger or consolidation does not constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the company surviving the merger or, if the surviving company is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (y) all of the Persons who were the respective Beneficial Owners of the voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not Beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation; or

(5) the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an agreement or series of related agreements for the sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than such sale or other disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale.

A “ Beneficial Owner ” of a security is a Person who directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such security and/or (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such security.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, except with respect to clause (b) and clause (c) above, a “ Change of Control ” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the shares of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions. For the avoidance of doubt, the consummation of an initial public offering of stock of the Company and related transactions shall not be deemed to be a Change of Control.

6. NONSOLICITATION/NONDISPARAGEMENT . During the Period of Employment and for a period thereafter of three (3) years, the Participant shall not, directly or indirectly:

a. solicit, induce or encourage any employee of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries to terminate their employment with the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries;

b. make any defamatory public statement concerning the financial performance, products, services, the Board or management personnel of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, or Executive’s employment. Nothing in this Section 6(b) shall prohibit Executive from providing truthful testimony in any legal, administrative or regulatory proceeding and Executive may at all times respond truthfully to a lawfully-issued subpoena, court order or governmental inquiry or as otherwise may be required by law, provided, however, that upon receiving such lawfully-issued subpoena or court order, Executive shall promptly provide, if allowed by applicable law or regulation, reasonable written notice to Company and cooperate with the Company to the extent reasonably necessary to protect the confidentiality of any proprietary or trade secret information of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, and the privacy rights of any employee or director; or

c. use or disclose the Company’s confidential or proprietary information to induce, attempt to induce or knowingly encourage any Customer of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries to divert any business or income from the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, or to stop or alter the manner in which they are then doing business with the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. The term “ Customer ” shall mean any individual or business firm that is, or within the prior eighteen (18) months was, a customer or client of the Company, whether or not such business was actively solicited by Executive on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries during Executive’s employment.

7. NONCOMPETITION . In further consideration of the compensation to be paid to Executive hereunder, Executive acknowledges that during the course of his employment with the Company he has and shall become familiar with the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ trade secrets and with other Confidential Information (as defined below) concerning the Company and its subsidiaries and that his services have been and shall be of special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and its subsidiaries, and, therefore, Executive agrees that, during the Period of Employment and for a period thereafter of one (1) year, he shall not directly or indirectly, for himself or another person, firm, corporation, association or other entity, as an owner, partner, participant of a joint venture, trustee, proprietor, stockholder, member, manager, director, officer, employee, independent contractor, capital investor, lender, consultant, advisor or otherwise, or by lending or allowing his name or reputation to be used in connection with, or

 

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otherwise participating in or allowing his skill, knowledge or experience to be used in connection with, or operate, develop or own any interest in (other than the ownership of less than five percent (5%) of the equity securities of a publicly-traded company), or be employed by or consult with, any business or entity that competes with the business of the Company (the “Covered Business”), without prior approval of the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, a Covered Business shall include, but not be limited to, the design, manufacture, or marketing of any type of boat or watercraft, or components thereof, regardless of physical location of such business activity.

8. INVENTIONS ASSIGNMENT AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION .

a. Inventions . The Company shall own all right, title, and interest to all ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques, processes, methods, inventions, discoveries, developments, innovations, and improvements developed or created by Executive, either solely or jointly with others, during the term of Executive’s employment that: (i) are reasonably related to the Company’s business; (ii) involve the Company’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development; (iii) result from any work performed by Executive for the Company; or (iv) incorporate any of the Confidential Information (as defined below) (collectively, “ Inventions ”). Executive shall immediately and confidentially communicate a description of any Inventions to the Company and to no other party at any time, and if the Company so desires, Executive shall execute all documents and instruments and do all things as may be requested by the Company in order to forever vest all right, title and interest in such Inventions solely in the Company and to obtain such letters of patent, copyrights, registrations or other protections as the Company may, from time to time, desire. In addition, Executive hereby assigns to the Company all right, title and interest of Executive in and to any present Inventions made, devised, created, invented or discovered, in whole or in part, by Executive.

b. Confidential Information . During the term of this Agreement and at all times thereafter, Executive shall hold inviolate and keep secret all non-public documents, materials, knowledge or other confidential business or technical information of any nature whatsoever that the Company has maintained as confidential and that has been disclosed to or developed by him or to which he had access as a result of his employment with the Company (hereinafter referred to as “ Confidential Information ”). Such Confidential Information shall include non-public technical and business information, including, but not limited to, inventions, research and development, engineering, products, designs, manufacture, methods, systems, improvements, trade secrets, formulas, processes, marketing, merchandising, selling, licensing, servicing, pricing, investors, personnel information (including skills, compensation, experience and performance), customer lists and preferences, records, financial information, manuals and/or business plans and strategies. Executive agrees that all Confidential Information shall remain the sole and absolute property of the Company, unless such information is or becomes publicly available or disclosed by lawful means. During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall not use, disclose, disseminate, publish, reproduce or otherwise make available such Confidential Information to any person, firm, corporation or other entity, except for the purpose of performing services on behalf of the Company. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall (i) not use, disclose, disseminate, publish, reproduce or otherwise make available such Confidential Information to any person, firm, corporation or other entity, unless such information is or becomes publicly available or disclosed by lawful means; (ii) return to the Company all property that belongs to or is owned by the Company

 

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(including any computer, cell phone, personal digital assistant, keys, security cards, etc.); and (iii) return to the Company all documents, records, compositions, articles, devices, equipment, electronic storage devices and other items that disclose or embody Confidential Information, including all copies or specimens thereof (including electronic copies), whether prepared by him or by others, unless such information is or becomes publicly available or disclosed by lawful means.

9. ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . Executive acknowledges that the provisions of Sections 6, 7, 8 and this Section 9 are in consideration of Executive’s employment with the Company and other good and valuable consideration as set forth in this Agreement. In addition, Executive agrees and acknowledges that the restrictions contained in Sections 6, 7 and 8 and this Section 9 do not preclude Executive from earning a livelihood, nor do they unreasonably impose limitations on Executive’s ability to earn a living. In addition, Executive acknowledges (x) that the business of the Company and its subsidiaries will be conducted throughout the United States and its territories and beyond, (y) notwithstanding the state of organization or principal office of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or facilities, or any of their respective executives or employees (including Executive), it is expected that the Company and its subsidiaries will have business activities and have valuable business relationships within its industry throughout the United States and its territories and beyond, and (z) as part of Executive’s responsibilities, Executive will be traveling throughout the United States and other jurisdictions where the Company and its subsidiaries conduct business during the Period of Employment in furtherance of the Company’s business relationships. Executive agrees and acknowledges that the potential harm to the Company and its subsidiaries of the non-enforcement of any provision of Sections 6, 7, 8 and this Section 9 outweighs any potential harm to Executive of its enforcement by injunction or otherwise. Executive acknowledges that he has carefully read this Agreement and either consulted with legal counsel of Executive’s choosing regarding its contents or knowingly and voluntarily waived the opportunity to do so, has given careful consideration to the restraints imposed upon Executive by this Agreement and is in full accord as to their necessity for the reasonable and proper protection of confidential and proprietary information of the Company and its subsidiaries now existing or to be developed in the future. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that each and every restraint imposed by this Agreement is reasonable with respect to subject matter, duration and geographical area.

10. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE . In the event of the breach or a threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of Section 6, 7, 8 or 9, the Company and its subsidiaries would suffer irreparable harm and Executive acknowledges that money damages would not be a sufficient remedy and, in addition and supplementary to other rights and remedies existing in its favor whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, the Company shall be entitled to specific performance and/or injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions hereof (without posting a bond or other security). In addition, in the event of an alleged breach or violation by Executive of Section 6 or 7, the noncompete Period or the nonsolicit Period, as applicable, shall be tolled until such breach or violation has been duly cured.

11. LITIGATION/AUDIT COOPERATION . Executive agrees that following the termination of his employment for any reason, for a period of twelve (12) months he shall reasonably cooperate at mutually convenient times and locations in connection with (a) the defense of, or prosecution by, the Company or any of its affiliates with respect to any threatened or pending litigation or in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body that relates to any events or actions which occurred during the term of Executive’s employment with, or service to, the Company; and (b) any audit of the financial statements of the Company with

 

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respect to the period of time when Executive was employed by the Company as Chief Financial Officer. The Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in connection with such cooperation. Executive shall be compensated for his time at a mutually agreed upon rate for any services other than the provision of information to the Company or its counsel and/or testifying as a witness, which he shall undertake without any compensation up to a maximum obligation of 120 hours.

12. WAIVER OF BREACH . The waiver of any breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right, remedy and power hereby granted to any party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other.

13. SEVERABILITY . If any of the provisions of this Agreement or the application thereof to any party under any circumstances is adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or the application thereof.

14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT . This Agreement, along with any related documents referenced herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and completely and irrevocably terminates any and all other previous or contemporaneous communications, representations, understandings, agreements, negotiations and discussions, either oral or written, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. The parties acknowledge and agree that there are no written or oral agreements, understandings, or representations, directly or indirectly related to this Agreement or the employment, compensation or benefits of Executive that are not set forth herein. By executing this Agreement, Executive represents and warrants to the Company that Executive is not subject to any agreement with any current or former employer or consultancy relationship that would prohibit Executive’s acceptance of and performance of his duties and responsibilities under the terms of this Agreement or as contemplated in the future during Executive’s employment with the Company. Executive agrees that he shall not share any confidential or proprietary information of any prior employer or consultancy or individual with the Company or the Company’s employees.

15. AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT . This Agreement may be altered or amended in any of its provisions only by a written agreement signed by each of the parties hereto.

16. SUCCESSORS . The Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding on the Company and its successors and assigns, as well as Executive and his estate. Executive may not assign or delegate, in whole or in part, his duties or obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement may be transferred and assigned by the Company to any successor of the Company by acquisition, merger, reorganization, amalgamation, asset sale or otherwise. Upon any assignment of this Agreement by the Company, all obligations of the Company shall terminate, Executive shall become employed by the assignee in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the term “Company” as used in this Agreement shall include only such assignee.

17. RIGHTS CUMULATIVE . The Company’s rights under this Agreement are cumulative, and the exercise of one right will not be deemed to preclude the exercise of any other rights.

18. COUNTERPARTS . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

 

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19. CONSTRUCTION . Each party has cooperated in the drafting and preparation of this Agreement, and therefore, the Agreement shall not be construed against either party on the basis that any particular party was the drafter.

20. VOLUNTARY COUNSEL . Executive agrees and acknowledges that he has read and understood this Agreement prior to signing it, has entered into this Agreement freely and voluntarily and has been advised to seek legal counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so.

21. GOVERNING LAW . This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and governed in all respects by, the internal laws of the State of Tennessee (without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws).

22. SECTION 409A.

a. The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “ Code Section 409A ”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall Acadia or any of the Subsidiaries be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on Executive by Code Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.

b. A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment,” “termination of the Employment Period” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”

c. All expenses or other reimbursements under this Agreement shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by Executive (provided that if any such reimbursements constitute taxable income to Executive, such reimbursements shall be paid no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expenses to be reimbursed were incurred), and no such reimbursement or expenses eligible for reimbursement in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year.

d. For purposes of Code Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payment pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.

e. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within fifteen (15) days following the Termination Date”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.

 

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23. ARBITRATION .

a. In exchange for the benefits of the speedy, economical and impartial dispute resolution procedure of arbitration, the Company and Executive, with the advice and consent of their selected counsel, choose to forego their right to resolution of their disputes in a court of law by a judge or jury, and instead elect to treat their disputes, if any, pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act.

b. Executive and the Company agree that any and all claims or controversies whatsoever brought by Executive or the Company, arising out of or relating to this Agreement, Executive’s employment with Company, or otherwise arising between Executive and Company, will be settled by final and binding arbitration in Knoxville, Tennessee or such other location as may be mutually agreed by parties in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures of Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“ JAMS ”) then in effect. This includes all claims whether arising in tort or contract and whether arising under statute or common law. Such claims may include, but are not limited to, those relating to this Agreement, wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, or any statutory claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or similar Federal or state statutes. In addition, any claims arising out of the public policy of Tennessee, any claims of wrongful termination, employment discrimination, retaliation, or harassment of any kind, as well as any claim related to the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement shall be arbitrated under the terms of this Agreement. The obligation to arbitrate such claims will survive the termination of this Agreement. To the extent permitted by law, the hearing and all filings and other proceedings shall be treated in a private and confidential manner by the arbitrator and all parties and representatives, and shall not be disclosed except as necessary for any related judicial proceedings.

c. The arbitration will be conducted before an arbitrator to be mutually agreed upon by the parties from JAMS’ panel of arbitrators. In the event that the parties are unable to mutually agree upon the arbitrator, JAMS shall provide a slate of five arbitrators with experience in employment law and each party shall have the opportunity to strike two names and rank the remaining arbitrators in order of preference. JAMS shall then select the highest ranked arbitrator to preside over the arbitration. If JAMS is unable to provide an arbitrator who has experience in employment law, the parties may jointly or separately petition the court for appointment of an arbitrator with such experience. The arbitrator will have jurisdiction to determine the arbitrability of any claim. The arbitrator shall have the authority to grant all monetary or equitable relief (including, without limitation, injunctive relief, ancillary costs and fees, and punitive damages) available under state and Federal law. Judgment on any award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered and enforced by any court having jurisdiction thereof. In addition to any other relief awarded, the prevailing party in any arbitration or court action covered by this Agreement, as determined by the arbitrator or court in a final judgment or decree, shall be entitled to recover costs, expenses, and reasonable attorneys’ fees to the extent permitted by law.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year first above written.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Wayne Wilson

Title:  

CFO

EXECUTIVE

/s/ Jack Springer

 

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EXHIBIT A

SETTLEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT

THIS SETTLEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into effective as of the              day of             , 20    , by and between                      (“ Executive ”) and Malibu Boats, Inc. (the “ Company ”) (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the “ Parties ”). In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, Executive and the Company contract and agree as follows:

1. BENEFITS .

a. General . The Company promises that I will receive the benefits set forth in the employment agreement entered into with the Company effective as of             , 20     (the “ Employment Agreement ”), if any, after I execute and return this Agreement to the Company’s attorneys identified in Section 5. I acknowledge that the Company is not otherwise required to provide me such benefits until such conditions have been met.

b. Sufficiency of Consideration . I acknowledge and agree that the benefits to be provided under the terms of the Agreement are sufficient consideration for Executive’s promises set out herein and are made in confidence and in settlement of any disputed claims for which the Company has asserted factual and affirmative defenses and denies same in the entirety.

c. Payment . If the requirements of the Employment Agreement and this Agreement are met, in accordance with their terms, the Company will provide payment in an amount equal to $            , minus any applicable taxes and withholding, payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively feasible following the end of the Revocation Period (as described in Paragraph 14).

d. Taxes . I acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to receive, and to the extent desired, have received independent professional advice from my own tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences of entering into this Agreement. I acknowledge and agree that the Company has made no representations regarding the tax consequences of any amounts paid pursuant to this Agreement. I agree that I will be solely and ultimately responsible for paying any federal, state or other taxes that I may owe as a result of payments made pursuant to this Agreement. In addition, I agree to hold the Company harmless from, and to indemnify the Company for, any claims, demands, taxes, deficiencies, fines, penalties, levies, assessments, executions, judgments, interest, costs, or any recoveries by any governmental agency against the Company for any amounts claimed due on account of this Agreement as a result of improper allocations or my failure to report and/or pay taxes as legally required.

2. COMPLETE RELEASE .

a. General . In exchange for the Company’s promises contained in this Agreement, I, on behalf of myself and all my heirs, successors, and assigns, agree to irrevocably and unconditionally release any and all Claims I may now have against the Company and other parties as set forth in this Section 2.

 

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b. Released Parties . The “ Released Parties ” are the Company, all related companies, partnerships, subsidiaries, predecessors, and assigns, their parents and subsidiaries, or joint ventures, and, with respect to each of them, their predecessors and successors; and, with respect to each such entity, all of its past and present employees, officers, directors, stockholders, owners, representatives, assigns, attorneys, agents, insurers, employee benefit programs (and the trustees, administrators, fiduciaries, and insurers of such programs), and any other persons acting by, through, under or in concert with any of the persons or entities listed in this subsection.

c. Claims Released . I understand and agree that I am releasing all known and unknown claims, promises, causes of action, grievances, or similar rights of any type that I may have against any Released Party, including but not limited to any related to my employment with the Company, any other Tennessee law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act of 1974, and all other federal, state, or local laws or regulations prohibiting employment discrimination or retaliation or protecting employee rights as well as claims for other tortious or unlawful conduct (the “ Claims ”). I am not, however, releasing any claim that relates to: (i) my right to enforce this Agreement; (ii) my right, if any, to claim government-provided unemployment benefits; or (iii) any rights or claims which may arise or accrue after I sign this Agreement.

d. Knowing and Voluntary . I represent and agree that I have thoroughly considered all aspects of this Agreement, that I have had the opportunity to discuss this matter with my attorney, that I have read carefully and understand fully all of the provisions of this Agreement and that I am entering into this Agreement voluntarily. I further understand that the Company is relying on this and all other representations that I have made herein.

3. PROMISES .

a. Pursuit of Released Claims . Except as specifically identified above, I have not filed or caused to be filed any lawsuit, complaint, or charge with respect to any Claim this Agreement purports to waive, and I promise never to file or prosecute a lawsuit or complaint based on such Claims. I promise never to seek any damages, remedies, or other relief for myself personally (any right to which I hereby waive) by filing or prosecuting a charge with any administrative agency with respect to any such Claim, by instituting litigation or arbitration in connection with my former employment. I promise to request any government agency or other body assuming jurisdiction of any such lawsuit, complaint, or charge to withdraw from the matter or dismiss the matter with prejudice.

b. Ownership of Claims . I have not assigned or transferred any Claim I am releasing, nor have I purported to do so.

c. Nonadmission of Liability . I agree that this Agreement is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing by any Released Party and I acknowledge that the Released Parties deny that they have engaged in wrongdoing of any kind or nature.

d. No Further Employment or Benefits . I agree that my employment with the Company has ended, and that I forever waive and relinquish any and all claims, rights, or interests in reinstatement or future employment that I might have in the future with the Company or its successors, predecessors, parents, subsidiaries, and related or affiliated entities.

 

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e. Confidentiality . I agree that I have not and will not disclose the underlying facts that led up to this Agreement or the terms, amount, or existence of this Agreement to anyone other than a member of my immediate family, attorney, or other professional advisor and, even as to such a person, only if the person agrees to honor this confidentiality requirement. Such a person’s violation of this confidentiality requirement will be treated as a violation of this Agreement by me. This subsection does not prohibit my disclosure of the terms, amount, or existence of this Agreement to the extent necessary legally to enforce this Agreement, nor does it prohibit disclosures to the extent otherwise legally required. I acknowledge that the Company would be irreparably harmed if this subsection were violated. I agree that if asked about the status of my claims against the Company, I will agree to reply, if at all, by saying only that all such claims have been resolved and the underlying action dismissed.

f. Company Property and Confidential Information . I agrees that I have returned or will return, within seven (7) days from the date of this Agreement, to the Company any and all Company property, confidential information, and originals and/or copies of documents relating to the business of the Company. I further agree that I will not directly or indirectly discuss or disclose to anyone, or use for my own benefit or the benefit of anyone other than the Company, any confidential information that I have received through my employment with the Company. Confidential information shall include, but not be limited to, the Company’s business plans and files, financial information, my wage and benefits information, operations data, handbooks, manuals, notebooks, supplies, credit cards, keys, computer hardware, computer software, disks, tapes, and any other storage media, pagers, cameras, PDAs, cameras, reports, records, statistical information, and any other information acquired during my employment with the Company. I further agree that, in the event it appears that I will be compelled by law or judicial process to disclose any such confidential information and to avoid potential liability, I will notify the Company in writing immediately upon my receipt of a subpoena or other legal process.

g. No Disparagement or Harm . I agree not to criticize, denigrate, or disparage any Released Party. I agree that I will not provide or issue public statements or take any action that would cause the Company embarrassment or otherwise cause or contribute to the Company being held in disrepute based upon the allegations of wrongdoing related to any Claim.

4. CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATING PROMISES .

The parties agree to pay the reasonable attorneys’ fees and any damages that either party may incur as a result of the other party breaching a promise it made in this Agreement. I further agree that the Company would be irreparably harmed by any actual or threatened violation of any of the provisions of Section 3 of this Agreement, and that the Company will be entitled to an injunction prohibiting me from committing any such violation. I agree to repay all sums paid to me as described herein as a result of any breach by me of promises made in this Agreement.

5. REVIEW AND REVOCATION .

I acknowledge and understand that I have twenty-one (21) days to review and consider this Agreement before signing it. No discussions about, or changes to, this Agreement will restart the running of said twenty-one (21) day period. I understand that I may use as much of this twenty-one (21) day period as I wish prior to signing and that I may revoke this Agreement within seven (7) days of signing it. Revocation can be made by delivering a written notice of revocation to                     , Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP, 511 Union Street,

 

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INITIALS: __________

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Suite 2700, Nashville, Tennessee 37219. For this revocation to be effective, written notice must be received no later than the close of business on the seventh day after I sign this Agreement. If I revoke this Agreement, it shall not be effective or enforceable and I will not receive the benefits described herein nor shall I or the Company be bound by any representations, releases or agreements made herein.

6. MISCELLANEOUS .

a. Entire Agreement . This, in conjunction with the Employment Agreement, is the entire agreement between the Company and me, and such agreement supersedes and renders void any prior agreements I may have with the Company pertaining to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be modified or canceled in any manner except by a writing signed by both an authorized Company official and me. I acknowledge that the Company has made no representations or promises to me, other than those in the Employment Agreement and this Agreement. If any provision in this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, all other provisions will remain fully enforceable. I agree to sign any documents and take other action that is necessary in the future to implement this Agreement.

b. Successors . This Agreement binds my heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns, and will inure to the benefit of all Released Parties and their respective heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns.

c. Interpretation . This Agreement shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning. It shall not be construed strictly for or against any Released Party or me. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the singular or plural number shall be deemed to include the other. Captions are intended solely for convenience of reference and shall not be used in the interpretation of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.

d. Counterparts . This Agreement and any amendments hereto may be executed in multiple counterparts by the parties. Each counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT AND CAREFULLY CONSIDER ALL OF ITS PROVISIONS BEFORE SIGNING: THIS SETTLEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE INCLUDES A RELEASE OF KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.

Executed this              day of             , 20    .

 

 

 

Executive

 

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INITIALS: __________

__________

Exhibit 10.9

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of February 5, 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between Malibu Boats, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Wayne Wilson, an individual (“ Executive ”).

RECITALS:

A. The Company desires that Executive be employed by the Company to carry out the duties and responsibilities described below, all on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

B. Executive desires to accept such employment on such terms and conditions.

C. This Agreement shall govern the employment relationship between Executive and the Company from and after the Effective Date, and supersedes and negates all previous negotiations and agreements with respect to such relationship.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. EMPLOYMENT . The Company hereby agrees to employ Executive as Chief Financial Officer according to the terms and conditions set forth herein, effective as of the Effective Date. Executive shall report directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Executive shall perform such officer level duties and have such officer level authority and responsibility as is usual and customary for such position, plus any additional officer level duties as may reasonably be assigned from time to time by the CEO, including but not limited to providing services as an officer or director to one or more of the Company’s subsidiaries or affiliates (and the compensation for such services shall be covered exclusively by Sections 3 through 5 of this Agreement). Executive hereby accepts such employment and agrees to devote Executive’s full business time, energy and best efforts to the performance of the Executive’s duties for the Company. Executive shall be subject to and comply with the Company’s policies, procedures and approval practices, as generally in effect from time-to-time.

2. EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP . The “ Period of Employment ” under this Agreement shall be the period that Executive remains employed by the Company. Subject to the terms of Section 5 of this Agreement, Executive shall be employed on an at-will basis and Executive’s employment with the Company may be terminated by Executive or the Company at any time, with or without Cause, and with or without advance notice.

3. COMPENSATION .

a. Base Salary . During the Period of Employment, the Company agrees to pay Executive a base salary of Two Hundred Forty-five Thousand dollars ($ 245,000.00) per annum, less standard deductions and authorized withholdings (the “ Salary ”). The Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices.

 

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b. Bonus . During the Period of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to earn an annual performance-based bonus (“ Annual Bonus ”) as follows:

(1) In addition to Salary, during each fiscal year of the Period of Employment, Executive will be eligible to earn a target annual cash bonus of 50% of Salary, if and only if Executive, the Company and its subsidiaries achieve the performance criteria specified by the Board or the Compensation Committee (if there is one) for such year, as determined by the Board or such Compensation Committee (if there is one) in its sole discretion. Unless otherwise agreed to by Executive, any such bonus amount for any year shall be earned (if awarded) on the last day of such year and paid by the Company no later than the earlier of (x) the date that is ten (10) business days after the Company’s receipt of its audited financial statements for the calendar year with respect to which such bonus has been earned and (y) December 31 of the calendar year following such year with respect to which such bonus has been earned.

(2) To earn any Annual Bonus, Executive must be continuously and actively employed through the end of the applicable fiscal year and the date that bonuses are normally paid to the Company’s executives; provided, however, if Executive is actively and continuously employed through the applicable fiscal year, but is terminated without Cause or terminates employment for Good Reason prior to the date that bonuses are normally paid to the Company’s executives, Executive shall be deemed to have earned such Annual Bonus. Each Annual Bonus earned by Executive, if any, will be due and payable no later than 75 days following the end of the applicable fiscal year. Any Annual Bonus paid to Executive shall be subject to applicable deductions and withholdings.

4. BENEFITS .

a. Benefits . In addition to (but without duplication of) Salary and any bonuses payable to Executive pursuant to Section 3, Executive shall be entitled to participate at his sole discretion in all of the Company’s employee benefit programs for which senior executive employees of the Company are generally eligible, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility requirements of such plans and benefits.

b. Vacation . Executive will be entitled to accrue vacation time, in an amount and subject to accrual limits, in accordance with the Company’s policies and practices for senior executives of the Company. Executive shall schedule and take vacation at the mutual convenience of the Executive and the Company.

c. Automobile . During the Period of Employment, the Company shall, at its option, either provide Executive with a monthly automobile allowance or, at its cost, shall provide Executive a car that will be owned by the Company. Such allowance or car shall be of the same amount and or quality consistent with Company practices and made available to other executives or managers of the Company. Insurance will be maintained and paid by the Company. Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for the cost of all maintenance and fuel costs associated with Executive’s use of the automobile. Executive may use such automotive vehicle for business and personal purposes.

d. Boat . During the Period of Employment, the Company at its cost shall provide Executive a boat of a quality consistent with the Company’s practices and made available to other executives of the Company (of a kind and cost to be approved by the Board) that will be owned by the Company. Insurance will be maintained and paid by the Company. Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for the cost of all maintenance

 

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costs associated with Executive’s use of the boat. Executive will be responsible for all fuel costs associated with Executive’s use of the boat. Executive may use such boat for business and personal purposes.

e. Business Expenses . During the Period of Employment, the Company shall reimburse Executive in the calendar year in which they are incurred for all reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by him in the course of performing his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement which are consistent with the Company’s policies in effect from time to time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting and documentation of such expenses.

5. TERMINATION . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Executive’s employment may be terminated as follows:

a. Death . Upon the death of Executive, Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate and the Company shall not be obligated to make any further payments to Executive hereunder, except amounts due as Salary, any unpaid Annual Bonus earned pursuant to Section 3(b) and accrued but unused vacation earned at the time of Executive’s termination of employment, and reimbursement for any documented expenses incurred prior to Executive’s termination of employment in accordance with Section 5 hereof (collectively, the “ Accrued Obligations ”).

b. Disability . In the event that the Board reasonably determines in good faith that Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of his employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than ninety (90) days in any rolling one-year period (“ Disability ”), unless a longer period is required by applicable federal or state law, in which case that longer period would apply, the Board shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment, and the Company shall not be obligated to make any further payments to Executive hereunder, except for the Accrued Obligations. Executive expressly agrees that the Company shall have the right to permanently replace Executive in the event he is terminated due to a Disability.

c. Termination for Cause . The Board may terminate Executive’s employment at any time immediately upon written notice to Executive for Cause.

(1) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” shall mean any of the following occurring during Executive’s employment hereunder: (a) a knowing, intentional or reckless act or omission that constitutes theft, forgery, fraud, material dishonesty, misappropriation, breach of fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty, or embezzlement by Executive against the Company or any of its parent, subsidiary or affiliated entities; (b) Executive’s conviction, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere , of a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude; (c) Executive knowingly or intentionally causing the Company’s financial statements to fail to materially comply with generally accepted accounting principles Executive’s unlawful use (including being under the influence) or possession of any illegal drug or narcotic while on Company premises or while performing Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder; (d) Executive’s willful refusal to comply with the lawful requests made of Executive by the Board, which (if reasonably susceptible of cure), is not fully cured within five (5) days after Executive receives written notice

 

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from the Board detailing Executive’s willful refusal; (e) gross negligence of Executive in the performance of his job duties, which (if reasonably susceptible of cure), is not fully cured within 30 days after Executive receives written notice from the Board detailing Executive’s gross negligence; (f) a material violation by Executive of one or more Company policies, which (if reasonably susceptible of cure), is not fully cured within 30 days after Executive receives written notice from the Board detailing Executive’s violation(s) of Company policy; and/or (g) a material breach by Executive of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company, which (if reasonably susceptible of cure), is not fully cured within 30 days after Executive receives written notice from the Board detailing Executive’s breach of this Agreement and/or any other agreement with the Company.

(2) In the event that the Board terminates Executive’s employment for Cause, the Company shall not be obligated to make any further payments to Executive hereunder, except for the Accrued Obligations.

d. Termination Without Cause .

(1) By Executive . Except as set forth in this Agreement, Executive may voluntarily resign from his employment with the Company at any time, and for any reason or no reason, with or without cause, after giving thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Company. In the event of a voluntary resignation, the Company may elect at its sole discretion to make the resignation of employment effective at any time prior to the expiration of the 30-day notice period and, upon the effective date of such resignation, the Company shall not be obligated to make any further payments to Executive hereunder, except for the Accrued Obligations.

(2) By Company . Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the Board (at its sole discretion) shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment at any time, for any reason or no reason, immediately upon written notice to Executive. If the Board terminates Executive’s employment pursuant to this Section 5(d)(2) without Cause, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations. In addition, if the Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause, subject to Executive signing (and not revoking) a complete and general release of any and all claims in favor of the Company and its affiliates in a form and substance satisfactory to the Company (the “ Release ”) within twenty-one (21) days (or such longer period as may be required by applicable law to obtain a complete and general release of claims) (the “ Release Execution Deadline ”) after the Company provides the form of Release to you, upon a termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause, Executive shall continue to receive his Base Salary through the end of the applicable Severance Period (as defined below) (the “ Severance Payments ”) in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll policies then in effect. Such Release shall be in substantially the same form as attached as Exhibit A hereto, which shall be subject to necessary changes to comply with changes in applicable law to obtain a valid and complete general release of claims. Executive’s right to receive and retain any of the Severance Payments is contingent upon Executive’s compliance with his continuing obligations to the Company under the terms of this Agreement and the Release. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Severance Period ” shall mean either (i) a period of

 

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twelve (12) months following the effective date of the Release if Executive is terminated without Cause after the one year anniversary of the Effective Date and not subject to Section 5(d)(2)(ii)(A) below, or (ii) a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of the Release if Executive is terminated without Cause either (A) at any time within six (6) months after a Change in Control (as defined below) or (B) at any time on or before the one-year anniversary of the Effective Date.

e. Termination for Good Reason . Executive may terminate employment for Good Reason (as defined below) and upon execution and delivery by Executive of the Release within the Release Execution Deadline, so long as Executive complies with Executive’s obligations under this Agreement and the Release, Executive will be entitled to receive Severance Payments through the applicable Severance Period. For purposes of this Agreement, resigning with “ Good Reason ” means Executive’s resignation from employment after the occurrence of any of the following (without Executive’s prior written consent): (i) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities, (ii) a material reduction in the aggregate compensation provided to Executive unless such reduction is concurrently made to all of the Company’s senior management, or (iii) a material breach of any other material term of this Agreement; provided, however, that any such condition shall not constitute “Good Reason” unless Executive provides written notice to the Company of the condition claimed to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) days of the initial existence of such condition and, thereafter, the Board fails to cure such “Good Reason” within thirty (30) days following its receipt of such written notice from Executive, and within ten (10) days thereafter, Executive terminates his employment for “Good Reason.” For purposes of this Section (5)(e), the term “Severance Period” shall mean either (x) a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of the Release if Executive terminates employment for Good Reason after the one year anniversary of the Effective Date and not subject to Section 5(e)(y)(A) below, or (y) a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of the Release if terminates employment for Good Reason either (A) at any time within six (6) months after a Change in Control (as defined below) or (B) at any time on or before the one-year anniversary of the Effective Date.

f. Change in Control . A “Change of Control” of the Company will be deemed to have occurred upon any of the following:

(1) any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity (each, a “ Person ”) or any group of Persons acting together which would constitute a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor provisions thereto (excluding a corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company) is or becomes a Beneficial Owner of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company then outstanding voting securities (excluding any Person or any group of Persons who, on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of common stock, is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities); or

(2) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors of the Company then serving: individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to an election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the

 

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Board or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of common stock or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended by the directors referred to in this clause (b); or

(3) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors of the Company then serving: individuals who, on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of common stock, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to an election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of common stock or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended by the directors referred to in this clause (b); or

(4) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation or other entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, either (x) the Board immediately prior to the merger or consolidation does not constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the company surviving the merger or, if the surviving company is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (y) all of the Persons who were the respective Beneficial Owners of the voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not Beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation; or

(5) the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an agreement or series of related agreements for the sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than such sale or other disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale.

A “ Beneficial Owner ” of a security is a Person who directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such security and/or (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such security.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, except with respect to clause (b) and clause (c) above, a “ Change of Control ” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the

 

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consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the shares of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions. For the avoidance of doubt, the consummation of an initial public offering of common stock of the Company and related transactions shall not be deemed to be a Change of Control.

6. NONSOLICITATION/NONDISPARAGEMENT . During the Period of Employment and for a period thereafter of three (3) years, the Participant shall not, directly or indirectly:

a. solicit, induce or encourage any employee of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries to terminate their employment with the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries;

b. make any defamatory public statement concerning the financial performance, products, services, the Board or management personnel of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, or Executive’s employment. Nothing in this Section 6(b) shall prohibit Executive from providing truthful testimony in any legal, administrative or regulatory proceeding and Executive may at all times respond truthfully to a lawfully-issued subpoena, court order or governmental inquiry or as otherwise may be required by law, provided, however, that upon receiving such lawfully-issued subpoena or court order, Executive shall promptly provide, if allowed by applicable law or regulation, reasonable written notice to Company and cooperate with the Company to the extent reasonably necessary to protect the confidentiality of any proprietary or trade secret information of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, and the privacy rights of any employee or director; or

c. use or disclose the Company’s confidential or proprietary information to induce, attempt to induce or knowingly encourage any Customer of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries to divert any business or income from the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, or to stop or alter the manner in which they are then doing business with the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. The term “ Customer ” shall mean any individual or business firm that is, or within the prior eighteen (18) months was, a customer or client of the Company, whether or not such business was actively solicited by Executive on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries during Executive’s employment.

7. NONCOMPETITION . In further consideration of the compensation to be paid to Executive hereunder, Executive acknowledges that during the course of his employment with the Company he has and shall become familiar with the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ trade secrets and with other Confidential Information (as defined below) concerning the Company and its subsidiaries and that his services have been and shall be of special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and its subsidiaries, and, therefore, Executive agrees that, during the Period of Employment and for a period thereafter of one (1) year, he shall not directly or indirectly, for himself or another person, firm, corporation, association or other entity, as an owner, partner, participant of a joint venture, trustee, proprietor, stockholder, member, manager, director, officer, employee, independent contractor, capital investor, lender, consultant, advisor or otherwise, or by lending or allowing his name or reputation to be used in connection with, or otherwise participating in or allowing his skill, knowledge or experience to be used in connection with, or operate, develop or own any interest in (other than the ownership of less than five

 

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percent (5%) of the equity securities of a publicly-traded company), or be employed by or consult with, any business or entity that competes with the business of the Company (the “Covered Business”), without prior approval of the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, a Covered Business shall include, but not be limited to, the design, manufacture, or marketing of any type of boat or watercraft, or components thereof, regardless of physical location of such business activity.

8. INVENTIONS ASSIGNMENT AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION .

a. Inventions . The Company shall own all right, title, and interest to all ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques, processes, methods, inventions, discoveries, developments, innovations, and improvements developed or created by Executive, either solely or jointly with others, during the term of Executive’s employment that: (i) are reasonably related to the Company’s business; (ii) involve the Company’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development; (iii) result from any work performed by Executive for the Company; or (iv) incorporate any of the Confidential Information (as defined below) (collectively, “ Inventions ”). Executive shall immediately and confidentially communicate a description of any Inventions to the Company and to no other party at any time, and if the Company so desires, Executive shall execute all documents and instruments and do all things as may be requested by the Company in order to forever vest all right, title and interest in such Inventions solely in the Company and to obtain such letters of patent, copyrights, registrations or other protections as the Company may, from time to time, desire. In addition, Executive hereby assigns to the Company all right, title and interest of Executive in and to any present Inventions made, devised, created, invented or discovered, in whole or in part, by Executive.

b. Confidential Information . During the term of this Agreement and at all times thereafter, Executive shall hold inviolate and keep secret all non-public documents, materials, knowledge or other confidential business or technical information of any nature whatsoever that the Company has maintained as confidential and that has been disclosed to or developed by him or to which he had access as a result of his employment with the Company (hereinafter referred to as “ Confidential Information ”). Such Confidential Information shall include non-public technical and business information, including, but not limited to, inventions, research and development, engineering, products, designs, manufacture, methods, systems, improvements, trade secrets, formulas, processes, marketing, merchandising, selling, licensing, servicing, pricing, investors, personnel information (including skills, compensation, experience and performance), customer lists and preferences, records, financial information, manuals and/or business plans and strategies. Executive agrees that all Confidential Information shall remain the sole and absolute property of the Company, unless such information is or becomes publicly available or disclosed by lawful means. During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall not use, disclose, disseminate, publish, reproduce or otherwise make available such Confidential Information to any person, firm, corporation or other entity, except for the purpose of performing services on behalf of the Company. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall (i) not use, disclose, disseminate, publish, reproduce or otherwise make available such Confidential Information to any person, firm, corporation or other entity, unless such information is or becomes publicly available or disclosed by lawful means; (ii) return to the Company all property that belongs to or is owned by the Company (including any computer, cell phone, personal digital assistant, keys, security cards, etc.); and (iii) return to the Company all documents, records, compositions, articles,

 

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devices, equipment, electronic storage devices and other items that disclose or embody Confidential Information, including all copies or specimens thereof (including electronic copies), whether prepared by him or by others, unless such information is or becomes publicly available or disclosed by lawful means.

9. ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . Executive acknowledges that the provisions of Sections 6, 7, 8 and this Section 9 are in consideration of Executive’s employment with the Company and other good and valuable consideration as set forth in this Agreement. In addition, Executive agrees and acknowledges that the restrictions contained in Sections 6, 7 and 8 and this Section 9 do not preclude Executive from earning a livelihood, nor do they unreasonably impose limitations on Executive’s ability to earn a living. In addition, Executive acknowledges (x) that the business of the Company and its subsidiaries will be conducted throughout the United States and its territories and beyond, (y) notwithstanding the state of organization or principal office of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or facilities, or any of their respective executives or employees (including Executive), it is expected that the Company and its subsidiaries will have business activities and have valuable business relationships within its industry throughout the United States and its territories and beyond, and (z) as part of Executive’s responsibilities, Executive will be traveling throughout the United States and other jurisdictions where the Company and its subsidiaries conduct business during the Period of Employment in furtherance of the Company’s business relationships. Executive agrees and acknowledges that the potential harm to the Company and its subsidiaries of the non-enforcement of any provision of Sections 6, 7, 8 and this Section 9 outweighs any potential harm to Executive of its enforcement by injunction or otherwise. Executive acknowledges that he has carefully read this Agreement and either consulted with legal counsel of Executive’s choosing regarding its contents or knowingly and voluntarily waived the opportunity to do so, has given careful consideration to the restraints imposed upon Executive by this Agreement and is in full accord as to their necessity for the reasonable and proper protection of confidential and proprietary information of the Company and its subsidiaries now existing or to be developed in the future. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that each and every restraint imposed by this Agreement is reasonable with respect to subject matter, duration and geographical area.

10. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE . In the event of the breach or a threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of Section 6, 7, 8 or 9, the Company and its subsidiaries would suffer irreparable harm and Executive acknowledges that money damages would not be a sufficient remedy and, in addition and supplementary to other rights and remedies existing in its favor whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, the Company shall be entitled to specific performance and/or injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions hereof (without posting a bond or other security). In addition, in the event of an alleged breach or violation by Executive of Section 6 or 7, the noncompete Period or the nonsolicit Period, as applicable, shall be tolled until such breach or violation has been duly cured.

11. LITIGATION/AUDIT COOPERATION . Executive agrees that following the termination of his employment for any reason, for a period of twelve (12) months he shall reasonably cooperate at mutually convenient times and locations in connection with (a) the defense of, or prosecution by, the Company or any of its affiliates with respect to any threatened or pending litigation or in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body that relates to any events or actions which occurred during the term of Executive’s employment with, or service to, the Company; and (b) any audit of the financial statements of the Company with respect to the period of time when Executive was employed by the Company as Chief Financial Officer. The Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses incurred by Executive

 

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in connection with such cooperation. Executive shall be compensated for his time at a mutually agreed upon rate for any services other than the provision of information to the Company or its counsel and/or testifying as a witness, which he shall undertake without any compensation up to a maximum obligation of 120 hours.

12. WAIVER OF BREACH . The waiver of any breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right, remedy and power hereby granted to any party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other.

13. SEVERABILITY . If any of the provisions of this Agreement or the application thereof to any party under any circumstances is adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or the application thereof.

14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT . This Agreement, along with any related documents referenced herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and completely and irrevocably terminates any and all other previous or contemporaneous communications, representations, understandings, agreements, negotiations and discussions, either oral or written, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. The parties acknowledge and agree that there are no written or oral agreements, understandings, or representations, directly or indirectly related to this Agreement or the employment, compensation or benefits of Executive that are not set forth herein. By executing this Agreement, Executive represents and warrants to the Company that Executive is not subject to any agreement with any current or former employer or consultancy relationship that would prohibit Executive’s acceptance of and performance of his duties and responsibilities under the terms of this Agreement or as contemplated in the future during Executive’s employment with the Company. Executive agrees that he shall not share any confidential or proprietary information of any prior employer or consultancy or individual with the Company or the Company’s employees.

15. AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT . This Agreement may be altered or amended in any of its provisions only by a written agreement signed by each of the parties hereto.

16. SUCCESSORS . The Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding on the Company and its successors and assigns, as well as Executive and his estate. Executive may not assign or delegate, in whole or in part, his duties or obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement may be transferred and assigned by the Company to any successor of the Company by acquisition, merger, reorganization, amalgamation, asset sale or otherwise. Upon any assignment of this Agreement by the Company, all obligations of the Company shall terminate, Executive shall become employed by the assignee in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the term “Company” as used in this Agreement shall include only such assignee.

17. RIGHTS CUMULATIVE . The Company’s rights under this Agreement are cumulative, and the exercise of one right will not be deemed to preclude the exercise of any other rights.

18. COUNTERPARTS . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

 

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19. CONSTRUCTION . Each party has cooperated in the drafting and preparation of this Agreement, and therefore, the Agreement shall not be construed against either party on the basis that any particular party was the drafter.

20. VOLUNTARY COUNSEL . Executive agrees and acknowledges that he has read and understood this Agreement prior to signing it, has entered into this Agreement freely and voluntarily and has been advised to seek legal counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so.

21. GOVERNING LAW . This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and governed in all respects by, the internal laws of the State of Tennessee (without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws).

22. SECTION 409A .

a. The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “ Code Section 409A ”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall Acadia or any of the Subsidiaries be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on Executive by Code Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.

b. A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment,” “termination of the Employment Period” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”

c. All expenses or other reimbursements under this Agreement shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by Executive (provided that if any such reimbursements constitute taxable income to Executive, such reimbursements shall be paid no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expenses to be reimbursed were incurred), and no such reimbursement or expenses eligible for reimbursement in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year.

d. For purposes of Code Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payment pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.

e. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within fifteen (15) days following the Termination Date”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.

 

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23. ARBITRATION .

a. In exchange for the benefits of the speedy, economical and impartial dispute resolution procedure of arbitration, the Company and Executive, with the advice and consent of their selected counsel, choose to forego their right to resolution of their disputes in a court of law by a judge or jury, and instead elect to treat their disputes, if any, pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act.

b. Executive and the Company agree that any and all claims or controversies whatsoever brought by Executive or the Company, arising out of or relating to this Agreement, Executive’s employment with Company, or otherwise arising between Executive and Company, will be settled by final and binding arbitration in Knoxville, Tennessee or such other location as may be mutually agreed by parties in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures of Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“ JAMS ”) then in effect. This includes all claims whether arising in tort or contract and whether arising under statute or common law. Such claims may include, but are not limited to, those relating to this Agreement, wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, or any statutory claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or similar Federal or state statutes. In addition, any claims arising out of the public policy of Tennessee, any claims of wrongful termination, employment discrimination, retaliation, or harassment of any kind, as well as any claim related to the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement shall be arbitrated under the terms of this Agreement. The obligation to arbitrate such claims will survive the termination of this Agreement. To the extent permitted by law, the hearing and all filings and other proceedings shall be treated in a private and confidential manner by the arbitrator and all parties and representatives, and shall not be disclosed except as necessary for any related judicial proceedings.

c. The arbitration will be conducted before an arbitrator to be mutually agreed upon by the parties from JAMS’ panel of arbitrators. In the event that the parties are unable to mutually agree upon the arbitrator, JAMS shall provide a slate of five arbitrators with experience in employment law and each party shall have the opportunity to strike two names and rank the remaining arbitrators in order of preference. JAMS shall then select the highest ranked arbitrator to preside over the arbitration. If JAMS is unable to provide an arbitrator who has experience in employment law, the parties may jointly or separately petition the court for appointment of an arbitrator with such experience. The arbitrator will have jurisdiction to determine the arbitrability of any claim. The arbitrator shall have the authority to grant all monetary or equitable relief (including, without limitation, injunctive relief, ancillary costs and fees, and punitive damages) available under state and Federal law. Judgment on any award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered and enforced by any court having jurisdiction thereof. In addition to any other relief awarded, the prevailing party in any arbitration or court action covered by this Agreement, as determined by the arbitrator or court in a final judgment or decree, shall be entitled to recover costs, expenses, and reasonable attorneys’ fees to the extent permitted by law.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year first above written.

 

MALIBU BOATS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jack Springer

Title:  

CEO

EXECUTIVE

/s/ Wayne Wilson

 

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EXHIBIT A

SETTLEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT

THIS SETTLEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into effective as of the              day of             , 20    , by and between                      (“ Executive ”) and Malibu Boats, Inc. (the “ Company ”) (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the “ Parties ”). In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, Executive and the Company contract and agree as follows:

1. BENEFITS .

a. General . The Company promises that I will receive the benefits set forth in the employment agreement entered into with the Company effective as of             , 20     (the “ Employment Agreement ”), if any, after I execute and return this Agreement to the Company’s attorneys identified in Section 5. I acknowledge that the Company is not otherwise required to provide me such benefits until such conditions have been met.

b. Sufficiency of Consideration . I acknowledge and agree that the benefits to be provided under the terms of the Agreement are sufficient consideration for Executive’s promises set out herein and are made in confidence and in settlement of any disputed claims for which the Company has asserted factual and affirmative defenses and denies same in the entirety.

c. Payment . If the requirements of the Employment Agreement and this Agreement are met, in accordance with their terms, the Company will provide payment in an amount equal to $            , minus any applicable taxes and withholding, payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively feasible following the end of the Revocation Period (as described in Paragraph 14).

d. Taxes . I acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to receive, and to the extent desired, have received independent professional advice from my own tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences of entering into this Agreement. I acknowledge and agree that the Company has made no representations regarding the tax consequences of any amounts paid pursuant to this Agreement. I agree that I will be solely and ultimately responsible for paying any federal, state or other taxes that I may owe as a result of payments made pursuant to this Agreement. In addition, I agree to hold the Company harmless from, and to indemnify the Company for, any claims, demands, taxes, deficiencies, fines, penalties, levies, assessments, executions, judgments, interest, costs, or any recoveries by any governmental agency against the Company for any amounts claimed due on account of this Agreement as a result of improper allocations or my failure to report and/or pay taxes as legally required.

2. COMPLETE RELEASE .

a. General . In exchange for the Company’s promises contained in this Agreement, I, on behalf of myself and all my heirs, successors, and assigns, agree to irrevocably and unconditionally release any and all Claims I may now have against the Company and other parties as set forth in this Section 2.

 

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b. Released Parties . The “ Released Parties ” are the Company, all related companies, partnerships, subsidiaries, predecessors, and assigns, their parents and subsidiaries, or joint ventures, and, with respect to each of them, their predecessors and successors; and, with respect to each such entity, all of its past and present employees, officers, directors, stockholders, owners, representatives, assigns, attorneys, agents, insurers, employee benefit programs (and the trustees, administrators, fiduciaries, and insurers of such programs), and any other persons acting by, through, under or in concert with any of the persons or entities listed in this subsection.

c. Claims Released . I understand and agree that I am releasing all known and unknown claims, promises, causes of action, grievances, or similar rights of any type that I may have against any Released Party, including but not limited to any related to my employment with the Company, any other Tennessee law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act of 1974, and all other federal, state, or local laws or regulations prohibiting employment discrimination or retaliation or protecting employee rights as well as claims for other tortious or unlawful conduct (the “ Claims ”). I am not, however, releasing any claim that relates to: (i) my right to enforce this Agreement; (ii) my right, if any, to claim government-provided unemployment benefits; or (iii) any rights or claims which may arise or accrue after I sign this Agreement.

d. Knowing and Voluntary . I represent and agree that I have thoroughly considered all aspects of this Agreement, that I have had the opportunity to discuss this matter with my attorney, that I have read carefully and understand fully all of the provisions of this Agreement and that I am entering into this Agreement voluntarily. I further understand that the Company is relying on this and all other representations that I have made herein.

3. PROMISES .

a. Pursuit of Released Claims . Except as specifically identified above, I have not filed or caused to be filed any lawsuit, complaint, or charge with respect to any Claim this Agreement purports to waive, and I promise never to file or prosecute a lawsuit or complaint based on such Claims. I promise never to seek any damages, remedies, or other relief for myself personally (any right to which I hereby waive) by filing or prosecuting a charge with any administrative agency with respect to any such Claim, by instituting litigation or arbitration in connection with my former employment. I promise to request any government agency or other body assuming jurisdiction of any such lawsuit, complaint, or charge to withdraw from the matter or dismiss the matter with prejudice.

b. Ownership of Claims . I have not assigned or transferred any Claim I am releasing, nor have I purported to do so.

c. Nonadmission of Liability . I agree that this Agreement is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing by any Released Party and I acknowledge that the Released Parties deny that they have engaged in wrongdoing of any kind or nature.

d. No Further Employment or Benefits . I agree that my employment with the Company has ended, and that I forever waive and relinquish any and all claims, rights, or interests in reinstatement or future employment that I might have in the future with the Company or its successors, predecessors, parents, subsidiaries, and related or affiliated entities.

 

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e. Confidentiality . I agree that I have not and will not disclose the underlying facts that led up to this Agreement or the terms, amount, or existence of this Agreement to anyone other than a member of my immediate family, attorney, or other professional advisor and, even as to such a person, only if the person agrees to honor this confidentiality requirement. Such a person’s violation of this confidentiality requirement will be treated as a violation of this Agreement by me. This subsection does not prohibit my disclosure of the terms, amount, or existence of this Agreement to the extent necessary legally to enforce this Agreement, nor does it prohibit disclosures to the extent otherwise legally required. I acknowledge that the Company would be irreparably harmed if this subsection were violated. I agree that if asked about the status of my claims against the Company, I will agree to reply, if at all, by saying only that all such claims have been resolved and the underlying action dismissed.

f. Company Property and Confidential Information . I agrees that I have returned or will return, within seven (7) days from the date of this Agreement, to the Company any and all Company property, confidential information, and originals and/or copies of documents relating to the business of the Company. I further agree that I will not directly or indirectly discuss or disclose to anyone, or use for my own benefit or the benefit of anyone other than the Company, any confidential information that I have received through my employment with the Company. Confidential information shall include, but not be limited to, the Company’s business plans and files, financial information, my wage and benefits information, operations data, handbooks, manuals, notebooks, supplies, credit cards, keys, computer hardware, computer software, disks, tapes, and any other storage media, pagers, cameras, PDAs, cameras, reports, records, statistical information, and any other information acquired during my employment with the Company. I further agree that, in the event it appears that I will be compelled by law or judicial process to disclose any such confidential information and to avoid potential liability, I will notify the Company in writing immediately upon my receipt of a subpoena or other legal process.

g. No Disparagement or Harm . I agree not to criticize, denigrate, or disparage any Released Party. I agree that I will not provide or issue public statements or take any action that would cause the Company embarrassment or otherwise cause or contribute to the Company being held in disrepute based upon the allegations of wrongdoing related to any Claim.

4. CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATING PROMISES .

The parties agree to pay the reasonable attorneys’ fees and any damages that either party may incur as a result of the other party breaching a promise it made in this Agreement. I further agree that the Company would be irreparably harmed by any actual or threatened violation of any of the provisions of Section 3 of this Agreement, and that the Company will be entitled to an injunction prohibiting me from committing any such violation. I agree to repay all sums paid to me as described herein as a result of any breach by me of promises made in this Agreement.

5. REVIEW AND REVOCATION .

I acknowledge and understand that I have twenty-one (21) days to review and consider this Agreement before signing it. No discussions about, or changes to, this Agreement will restart the running of said twenty-one (21) day period. I understand that I may use as much of this twenty-one (21) day period as I wish prior to signing and that I may revoke this Agreement within seven (7) days of signing it. Revocation can be made by delivering a written notice of revocation to                     , Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP, 511 Union Street,

 

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Suite 2700, Nashville, Tennessee 37219. For this revocation to be effective, written notice must be received no later than the close of business on the seventh day after I sign this Agreement. If I revoke this Agreement, it shall not be effective or enforceable and I will not receive the benefits described herein nor shall I or the Company be bound by any representations, releases or agreements made herein.

6. MISCELLANEOUS .

a. Entire Agreement . This, in conjunction with the Employment Agreement, is the entire agreement between the Company and me, and such agreement supersedes and renders void any prior agreements I may have with the Company pertaining to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be modified or canceled in any manner except by a writing signed by both an authorized Company official and me. I acknowledge that the Company has made no representations or promises to me, other than those in the Employment Agreement and this Agreement. If any provision in this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, all other provisions will remain fully enforceable. I agree to sign any documents and take other action that is necessary in the future to implement this Agreement.

b. Successors . This Agreement binds my heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns, and will inure to the benefit of all Released Parties and their respective heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns.

c. Interpretation . This Agreement shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning. It shall not be construed strictly for or against any Released Party or me. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the singular or plural number shall be deemed to include the other. Captions are intended solely for convenience of reference and shall not be used in the interpretation of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.

d. Counterparts . This Agreement and any amendments hereto may be executed in multiple counterparts by the parties. Each counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT AND CAREFULLY CONSIDER ALL OF ITS PROVISIONS BEFORE SIGNING: THIS SETTLEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE INCLUDES A RELEASE OF KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.

Executed this              day of             , 20    .

 

 

 

Executive

 

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