As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 24, 2015

File No. 001-36900

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Amendment No. 3

to

Form 10

 

 

General Form for Registration of Securities

Pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

MSG Spinco, Inc. *

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   47-3373056

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

Two Pennsylvania Plaza

New York, NY

  10121
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

(212) 465-6000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities to be Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

to be so Registered

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which

Each Class is to be Registered

Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share   New York Stock Exchange

Securities to be Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

* The registrant is currently named MSG Spinco, Inc. The registrant plans to change its name following the effective date of this registration statement to The Madison Square Garden Company.


INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT

CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET BETWEEN ITEMS OF FORM 10

AND THE ATTACHED INFORMATION STATEMENT.

 

Item 1. Business

The information required by this item is contained under the sections “Summary,” “Business,” “Available Information” and “Combined Financial Statements” of this information statement. Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The information required by this item is contained under the section “Risk Factors.” That section is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2. Financial Information

The information required by this item is contained under the sections “Summary,” “Selected Financial Data” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this information statement. Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3. Properties

The information required by this item is contained under the section “Business — Properties” of this information statement. That section is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 4. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The information required by this item is contained under the sections “Summary” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” of this information statement. Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5. Directors and Executive Officers

The information required by this item is contained under the section “Corporate Governance and Management” of this information statement. That section is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 6. Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is contained under the section “Executive Compensation” of this information statement. That section is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 7. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The information required by this item is contained under the sections “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” of this information statement. Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8. Legal Proceedings

The information required by this item is contained under the section “Business — Legal Proceedings” of this information statement. That section is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 9. Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this item is contained under the sections “Risk Factors,” “The Distribution,” “Dividend Policy,” “Business,” “Corporate Governance and Management,” “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” and “Description of Capital Stock” of this information statement. Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 10. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

On March 4, 2015, MSG Spinco, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Delaware. On March 27, 2015, MSG Holdings, L.P., an indirect subsidiary of The Madison Square Garden Company, acquired 100 uncertificated shares of common stock of MSG Spinco, Inc. for $100.

 

Item 11. Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered

The information required by this item is contained under the sections “The Distribution” and “Description of Capital Stock” of this information statement. Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

The information required by this item is contained under the section “Indemnification of Directors and Officers” of this information statement. That section is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 13. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The information required by this item is contained under the sections “Selected Financial Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Combined Financial Statements” of this information statement. Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

 

Item 15. Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

  (a) Financial Statements

The information required by this item is contained under the section “Combined Financial Statements” beginning on page F-1 of this information statement. That section is incorporated herein by reference.

 

  (b) Exhibits

The following documents are filed as exhibits hereto:

 

Exhibit

  

Description

  2.1    Form of Distribution Agreement between The Madison Square Garden Company and MSG Spinco, Inc.
  2.2    Form of Contribution Agreement between The Madison Square Garden Company, MSG Holdings, L.P. and MSG Spinco, Inc.
  3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of MSG Spinco, Inc. i
  3.2    Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as in effect immediately prior to Distribution) of MSG Spinco, Inc.


Exhibit

  

Description

  3.3    By-laws of MSG Spinco, Inc. i
  3.4    Form of Amended By-Laws (as in effect immediately prior to Distribution) of MSG Spinco, Inc.
  3.5    Form of Registration Rights Agreement by and among MSG Spinco, Inc. and The Charles F. Dolan Children Trusts.
  3.6    Form of Registration Rights Agreement by and among MSG Spinco, Inc. and The Dolan Family Affiliates.
  8.1    Form of Tax Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.*
10.1    Form of Transition Services Agreement between MSG Spinco, Inc. and The Madison Square Garden Company.
10.2    Form of Tax Disaffiliation Agreement between The Madison Square Garden Company and MSG Spinco, Inc.
10.3    Form of Employee Matters Agreement between The Madison Square Garden Company and MSG Spinco, Inc.
10.4    Form of MSG Spinco, Inc. 2015 Employee Stock Plan.
10.5    Form of MSG Spinco, Inc. 2015 Cash Incentive Plan.
10.6    Form of MSG Spinco, Inc. 2015 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
10.7    Form of Standstill Agreement between MSG Spinco, Inc. and The Dolan Family Group.
10.8    Form of Indemnification Agreement between MSG Spinco, Inc. and its Directors and Executive Officers.
10.9    Form of MSG Spinco, Inc. Non-Employee Director Award Agreement.
10.10    Form of MSG Spinco, Inc. Restricted Stock Units Agreement.
10.11    Form of MSG Spinco, Inc. Performance Restricted Stock Units Agreement.
10.12    Form of MSG Spinco, Inc. Restricted Stock Units Agreement in respect of The Madison Square Garden Company Restricted Stock Units granted prior to July 2015.
10.13    Form of MSG Spinco, Inc. Option Agreement in respect of The Madison Square Garden Company Options.
10.14    Lease Agreement, between RCPI Trust and Radio City Productions LLC, relating to Radio City Music Hall, dated December 4, 1997. +
10.15    First Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated December 4, 1997, between RCPI Trust and Radio City Productions LLC, dated February 19, 1999.
10.16    Second Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated December 4, 1997, between RCPI Landmark Properties, L.L.C. and Radio City Productions LLC, dated November 6, 2002. +
10.17    Third Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated December 4, 1997, between RCPI Landmark Properties, L.L.C. and Radio City Productions LLC, dated August 14, 2008. +
10.18    Fourth Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated December 4, 1997, between RCPI Landmark Properties, L.L.C. and Radio City Productions LLC, dated January 24, 2011. +
10.19    Form of Guaranty of Lease between MSG Sports & Entertainment, LLC and RCPI Landmark Properties, L.L.C. +
10.20    Formation, Contribution and Investment Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2013 among MSG Holdings, L.P., Entertainment Ventures, LLC, Azoff Music Management LLC, and, for certain purposes, Irving Azoff and Irving Azoff and Rochelle Azoff, as Co-Trustees of the Azoff Family Trust of 1997, dated May 27, 1997, as amended.


Exhibit

  

Description

21.1    Subsidiaries of the Registrant.*
99.1    Preliminary Information Statement dated July 24, 2015.

 

i   Previously filed on March 27, 2015
* To be filed by amendment
+   Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


SIGNATURES

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

 

MSG Spinco, Inc.
By  

/s/    David O’Connor

Name:  

David O’Connor

Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

Dated: July 24, 2015

Exhibit 2.1

FORM OF

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

(TO BE RENAMED MSG NETWORKS INC.),

AND

MSG SPINCO, INC.

(TO BE RENAMED THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY)

dated as of [                    ], 2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
  ARTICLE I   
  DEFINITIONS   

Section 1.1

  General      2   

Section 1.2

  Reference; Interpretation      10   
  ARTICLE II   
  DISTRIBUTION AND   
  CERTAIN COVENANTS   

Section 2.1

  Distribution      10   

Section 2.2

  MSG Networks Determination      11   

Section 2.3

  Charter; Bylaws      11   

Section 2.4

  Directors      11   

Section 2.5

  Election of Officers      11   

Section 2.6

  Certain Licenses and Permits      11   

Section 2.7

  State Securities Laws      12   

Section 2.8

  Listing Application; Notice to NYSE      12   

Section 2.9

  Assignment of Agreements      12   

Section 2.10

  Removal of Certain Guarantees; Releases from Liabilities      13   

Section 2.11

  Corporate Names; Trademarks      14   

Section 2.12

  Ancillary Agreements      14   

Section 2.13

  Acknowledgment by Spinco      14   

Section 2.14

  Release      15   

Section 2.15

  Discharge of Liabilities      17   

Section 2.16

  Further Assurances      17   
  ARTICLE III   
  INDEMNIFICATION   

Section 3.1

  Indemnification by MSG Networks      18   

Section 3.2

  Indemnification by Spinco      18   

Section 3.3

  Procedures for Indemnification      18   

Section 3.4

  Indemnification Payments      21   
  ARTICLE IV   
  ACCESS TO INFORMATION   

Section 4.1

  Provision of Corporate Records      21   

Section 4.2

  Access to Information      22   

Section 4.3

  Witnesses; Documents and Cooperation in Actions      22   

Section 4.4

  Confidentiality      22   

 

i


         Page  

Section 4.5

  Privileged Matters      23   

Section 4.6

  Ownership of Information      25   

Section 4.7

  Cost of Providing Records and Information      25   

Section 4.8

  Retention of Records      26   

Section 4.9

  Other Agreements Providing for Exchange of Information      26   

Section 4.10

  Policies and Best Practices      26   

Section 4.11

  Compliance with Laws and Agreements      26   
  ARTICLE V   
  MISCELLANEOUS   

Section 5.1

  Complete Agreement; Construction      26   

Section 5.2

  Ancillary Agreements      26   

Section 5.3

  Counterparts      26   

Section 5.4

  Survival of Agreements      27   

Section 5.5

  Distribution Expenses      27   

Section 5.6

  Notices      27   

Section 5.7

  Waivers      28   

Section 5.8

  Amendments      28   

Section 5.9

  Assignment      28   

Section 5.10

  Successors and Assigns      28   

Section 5.11

  Termination      28   

Section 5.12

  Subsidiaries      28   

Section 5.13

  Third-Party Beneficiaries      29   

Section 5.14

  Title and Headings      29   

Section 5.15

  Schedules      29   

Section 5.16

  Governing Law      29   

Section 5.17

  Waiver of Jury Trial      29   

Section 5.18

  Specific Performance      29   

Section 5.19

  Severability      29   

Schedule A List of Spinco Subsidiaries

     A-1   

Schedule B Retained Claims Liabilities

     B-1   

Schedule C-1 Guarantees

     C-1   

Schedule C-2 Guarantees

     C-2   

Schedule D Ancillary Agreements

     D-1   

 

- ii -


FORM OF DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

This Distribution Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), is dated as of [                    ], 2015, by and between The Madison Square Garden Company (to be renamed MSG Networks Inc. after the Effective Time (as defined herein)), a Delaware corporation (“ MSG Networks ”), and MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company after the Effective Time), a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG Networks (“ Spinco ” and, together with MSG Networks, the “ Parties ”).

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of MSG Networks determined that it is in the best interests of MSG Networks and its stockholders to separate the businesses of Spinco, all as more fully described in Spinco’s registration statement on Form 10 (collectively, the “ Spinco Business ”), from MSG Networks’ other businesses on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

WHEREAS, MSG Networks, as the sole member of Regional MSG Holdings LLC (“ RMH ”), authorized the distribution from RMH to MSG Networks of all of the Spinco Common Stock (the “ RMH Distribution ”) and has determined that the RMH Distribution is in the best interests of RMH and its member and has approved this Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of MSG Networks has authorized the distribution to the holders of the issued and outstanding shares of MSG Networks’ Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of MSG Networks (“ MSG Networks Class A Common Stock ”) and MSG Networks’ Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of MSG Networks (“ MSG Networks Class B Common Stock ” and, together with the MSG Networks Class A Common Stock, the “ MSG Networks Common Stock ”) as of the record date for the distribution of all the issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco (the “ Spinco Class A Common Shares ”) and Spinco Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco (the “ Spinco Class B Common Shares ”) (each such Spinco Class A Common Share and Spinco Class B Common Share is individually referred to as a “ Spinco Share ” and collectively referred to as the “ Spinco Common Stock ”), respectively, on the basis of [            ] Spinco Class A Common Share for every [            ] share[s] of MSG Networks Class A Common Stock and [            ] Spinco Class B Common Share for every [            ] share[s] of MSG Networks Class B Common Stock (the “ Distribution ”);

WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of MSG Networks and Spinco have each determined that the Distribution and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements are in furtherance of and consistent with the Corporate Business Purposes and, as such, are in the best interests of their respective companies and stockholders or sole member, as applicable, and have approved this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements; and

WHEREAS, the Parties have determined to set forth the principal corporate and other transactions required to effect the Distribution and to set forth other agreements that will govern certain other matters prior to and following the Distribution.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties hereby agree as follows:


ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1 General. Unless otherwise defined herein or unless the context otherwise requires, as used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Action ” shall mean any demand, action, suit, arbitration, inquiry, proceeding or investigation by or before any Governmental Authority or any arbitration or mediation tribunal.

Affiliate ” shall mean, when used with respect to any specified Person, a Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such specified Person. As used herein, “ control ” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other interests, by contract or otherwise. Unless explicitly provided herein to the contrary, for purposes of this Agreement none of MSG Networks, Cablevision Systems Corporation or AMC Networks Inc., nor any of their respective Subsidiaries, shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Affiliate” as it applies to Spinco shall include all of the Spinco Subsidiaries.

Agent ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a) of this Agreement.

Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Ancillary Agreements ” shall mean all of the written agreements, instruments, understandings, assignments or other arrangements (other than this Agreement) entered into by the Parties or any other member of their respective Groups in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including the agreements set forth on Schedule D.

Applicable Rate ” shall mean the rate of interest per annum announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as its prime lending rate.

Business Day ” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which commercial banking institutions located in The City of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

Commission ” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contribution Agreement ” shall mean the Contribution Agreement among MSG Networks, MSG Holdings, L.P. and Spinco, which has been or shall be entered into prior to or on the Distribution Date.

 

- 2 -


“Corporate Business Purposes” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement.

Distribution ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Distribution Date ” shall mean such date as may be determined by the Board of Directors of MSG Networks or a committee of such Board of Directors, as the date as of which the Distribution shall be effected.

Distribution Record Date ” shall mean such date as may be determined by the Board of Directors of MSG Networks or a committee of such Board of Directors, as the record date for the Distribution.

Effective Time ” shall mean 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the Distribution Date.

Employee Matters Agreement ” shall mean the Employee Matters Agreement by and between MSG Networks and Spinco, which agreement shall be entered into prior to or on the Distribution Date.

Environmental Laws ” shall mean any and all federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, principles of common law, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or other governmental restrictions (including without limitation the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. 9601, et seq .), whether now or hereafter in existence, relating to the environment, natural resources, human health or safety, endangered or threatened species of fish, wildlife and plants, or to emissions, discharges or releases of pollutants, contaminants, petroleum or petroleum products, chemicals or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes into the environment (including without limitation indoor or outdoor air, surface water, groundwater and surface or subsurface soils), or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of pollutants, contaminants, petroleum or petroleum products, chemicals or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes or the investigation, cleanup or other remediation thereof.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder.

Governmental Authority ” shall mean any federal, state, local, foreign or international court, government, department, commission, board, bureau, agency, official, the New York Stock Exchange or other regulatory, administrative or governmental authority.

Group ” shall mean the MSG Networks Group or the Spinco Group.

 

- 3 -


Indemnifiable Losses ” shall mean any and all Liabilities, costs or expenses (including reasonable out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees and any and all out-of-pocket expenses) reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing for or defending against any Actions or potential Actions or in settling any Action or potential Action or in satisfying any judgment, fine or penalty rendered in or resulting from any Action.

Indemnifying Party ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a) of this Agreement.

Indemnitee ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a) of this Agreement.

Information Statement ” shall mean the Information Statement filed with the Commission as part of the Registration Statement and mailed to the holders of shares of MSG Networks Common Stock in connection with the Distribution, including any amendments or supplements thereto.

Law ” shall mean all laws, statutes and ordinances and all regulations, rules and other pronouncements of Governmental Authorities having the effect of law of the United States, any foreign country, or any domestic or foreign state, province, commonwealth, city, country, municipality, territory, protectorate, possession or similar instrumentality, or any Governmental Authority thereof.

Liabilities ” shall mean any and all debts, liabilities, obligations, responsibilities, Losses, damages (whether compensatory, punitive or treble), fines, penalties and sanctions, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, foreseen or unforeseen, joint, several or individual, asserted or unasserted, accrued or unaccrued, known or unknown, whenever arising, including without limitation those arising under or in connection with any Law (including any Environmental Law), Action, threatened Action, order or consent decree of any Governmental Authority or any award of any arbitration tribunal, and those arising under any contract, guarantee, commitment or undertaking, whether sought to be imposed by a Governmental Authority, private party, or Party to this Agreement, whether based in contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute, or otherwise, and including any costs, expenses, interest, attorneys’ fees, disbursement and expense of counsel, expert and consulting fees and costs related thereto or to the investigation or defense thereof.

Losses ” shall mean all losses, damages, claims, demands, judgments or settlements of any nature or kind, known or unknown, fixed, accrued, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, including all reasonable costs and expenses (legal, accounting or otherwise as such costs are incurred) relating thereto, suffered by an Indemnitee.

MSG Networks ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

- 4 -


MSG Networks Assignee ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(a) of this Agreement.

MSG Networks Assignor ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(a) of this Agreement.

MSG Networks Assumed Contract Liabilities ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(b) of this Agreement.

MSG Networks Business ” shall mean each and every business conducted at any time by MSG Networks or any Subsidiary controlled by MSG Networks, except the Spinco Business.

MSG Networks Class A Common Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

MSG Networks Class B Common Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

MSG Networks Common Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

MSG Networks Group ” means MSG Networks and each Person (other than any member of the Spinco Group) that is a Subsidiary of MSG Networks immediately after the Distribution Date.

MSG Networks Indemnitee ” shall mean:

(i) MSG Networks and each Affiliate thereof after giving effect to the Distribution; and

(ii) each of the respective Representatives of any of the entities described in the immediately preceding clause (i) and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of such Representatives, except in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), the Spinco Indemnitees; provided , however, that a Person who was a Representative of MSG Networks or an Affiliate thereof may be a MSG Networks Indemnitee in that capacity notwithstanding that such Person may also be a Spinco Indemnitee.

MSG Networks Liabilities ” shall mean:

(i) any and all Liabilities (other than Taxes that are specifically covered by the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement and other Liabilities that are specifically covered by the other Ancillary Agreements and not expressly made subject to this Agreement by the express terms of the Ancillary Agreement) that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be assumed by MSG Networks or any member of the MSG Networks Group, and all Liabilities of any member of the MSG Networks Group under this Agreement;

 

- 5 -


(ii) all Liabilities (other than Taxes that are specifically covered by the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement and other Liabilities that are specifically covered by the other Ancillary Agreements and not expressly made subject to this Agreement by the express terms of the Ancillary Agreement), if and to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

(A) the ownership or operation of the MSG Networks Business (including any discontinued business or any business which has been sold or transferred), as conducted at any time prior to, on or after the Distribution Date; or

(B) the ownership or operation of any business conducted by MSG Networks or any MSG Networks Subsidiary at any time after the Distribution Date; and

(iii) any Retained Claims Liabilities;

(iv) all MSG Networks Retained Contract Liabilities; and

(v) all MSG Networks Assumed Contract Liabilities.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the MSG Networks Liabilities shall not include: (x) any Liabilities that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be retained or assumed by Spinco or any member of the Spinco Group; or (y) any agreements and obligations of any member of the Spinco Group under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements.

MSG Networks Releasee ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(b) of this Agreement.

MSG Networks Releasor ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(b) of this Agreement.

MSG Networks Retained Contract Liability ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(a) of this Agreement.

MSG Networks Subsidiaries ” shall mean all of the Subsidiaries of MSG Networks other than Spinco and the Spinco Subsidiaries.

NBA Agreement and Undertaking ” shall mean the Agreement and Undertaking entered into by Spinco in connection with the approval by the National Basketball Association of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

- 6 -


NHL Consent Agreement ” shall mean the Consent Agreement, among Spinco, the National Hockey League and the other parties named therein, entered into in connection with the approval by the National Hockey League of the transactions contemplated hereby.

NYSE ” shall mean the New York Stock Exchange LLC.

Outside Notice Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a).

Parties ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Person ” shall mean any natural person, corporation, business trust, limited liability company, joint venture, association, company, partnership or government, or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Records ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) of this Agreement.

Registration Rights Agreements ” shall mean the two Registration Rights Agreements by and among Spinco and various holders of Spinco Class B Common Stock named therein, each of which agreements shall be entered into prior to or on the Distribution Date.

Registration Statement ” shall mean the registration statement on Form 10 filed with the Commission to effect the registration of the Spinco Class A Common Shares pursuant to the Exchange Act.

Representative ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any of such Person’s directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants, advisors, accountants, attorneys and representatives.

Retained Claims Liabilities ” shall mean the Liabilities, if any, described in Schedule B.

RMH ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

RMH Distribution ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Spinco ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Spinco Assignee ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(b) of this Agreement.

Spinco Assignor ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(b) of this Agreement.

 

- 7 -


Spinco Assumed Contract Liabilities ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(a) of this Agreement.

Spinco Business ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Spinco Class A Common Shares ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Spinco Class B Common Shares ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Spinco Common Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Spinco Group ” means Spinco and each Person that is a Subsidiary of Spinco immediately after the Distribution Date.

Spinco Indemnitees ” shall mean:

(i) Spinco and each Affiliate thereof after giving effect to the Distribution; and

(ii) each of the respective Representatives of any of the entities described in the immediately preceding clause (i) and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of such Representatives.

Spinco Liabilities ” shall mean:

(i) any and all Liabilities (other than Taxes that are specifically covered by the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement and other Liabilities that are specifically covered by the other Ancillary Agreements and not expressly made subject to this Agreement by the express terms of any the Ancillary Agreement) that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreements (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be assumed by Spinco or any member of the Spinco Group, and all Liabilities of any member of the Spinco Group under this Agreement;

(ii) all Liabilities (other than Taxes that are specifically covered by the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement and other Liabilities that are specifically covered by the other Ancillary Agreements and not expressly made subject to this Agreement by the express terms of the Ancillary Agreement), if and to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

(A) the ownership or operation of the Spinco Business (including any discontinued business or any business which has been sold or transferred), as conducted at any time prior to, on or after the Distribution Date; or

 

- 8 -


(B) the ownership or operation of any business conducted by Spinco or any Spinco Subsidiary at any time after the Distribution Date;

(iii) all Spinco Assumed Contract Liabilities; and

(iv) all Spinco Retained Contract Liabilities.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Spinco Liabilities shall not include: (x) any Liabilities that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be retained or assumed by MSG Networks or any member of the MSG Networks Group; (y) any agreements and obligations of any member of the MSG Networks Group under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements and (z) any Retained Claims Liabilities.

Spinco Releasee ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a) of this Agreement.

Spinco Releasor ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a) of this Agreement.

Spinco Retained Contract Liabilities ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(b) of this Agreement.

Spinco Share ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Spinco Subsidiaries ” shall mean all of the Subsidiaries listed on Schedule A.

Subleases ” shall mean the subleases and leases, if any, by and between members of the MSG Networks Group and members of the Spinco Group, which subleases and leases shall be entered into prior to the Distribution Date in such form as is agreed to by MSG Networks and Spinco.

Subsidiary ” shall mean with respect to any specified Person, any corporation or other legal entity of which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries controls or owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the stock or other equity interests entitled to vote on the election of members to the board of directors or similar governing body or, in the case of a Person with no governing body, more than 50% of the equity interests. As to Spinco, the term “Subsidiary” shall also include the 50% or less owned entities listed on Schedule A.

Tax ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement.

Tax Disaffiliation Agreement ” shall mean the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement by and between MSG Networks and Spinco, which agreement shall be entered into prior to or on the Distribution Date.

 

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Third Party ” shall mean any Person who is not a Party to this Agreement.

Third-Party Claim ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a) of this Agreement.

Transfers ” shall mean the direct and indirect transfers of assets and assignment of agreements from MSG Networks to Spinco which resulted in Spinco owning, directly or indirectly, the Spinco Business.

Transition Services Agreement ” shall mean the Transition Services Agreement by and between MSG Networks and Spinco, which agreement shall be entered into prior to or on the Distribution Date.

Section 1.2 Reference; Interpretation. References in this Agreement to any gender include references to all genders, and references to the singular include references to the plural and vice versa. The words “ include ,” “ includes ” and “ including ” when used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “ without limitation .” Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Agreement to Articles, Sections and Schedules shall be deemed references to Articles and Sections of, and Schedules to, this Agreement. Unless the context otherwise requires, the words “ hereof ”, “ hereby ” and “ herein ” and words of similar meaning when used in this Agreement refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular Article, Section or provision of this Agreement. Neither this Agreement nor any Ancillary Agreement shall be construed against either Party as the principal draftsperson hereof or thereof.

ARTICLE II

DISTRIBUTION AND

CERTAIN COVENANTS

Section 2.1 Distribution.  (a) On or prior to the Distribution Date, MSG Networks shall deliver to MSG Networks’ stock transfer agent (the “ Agent ”) a single stock certificate representing all of the issued and outstanding Spinco Class A Common Shares and a single stock certificate representing all of the issued and outstanding Spinco Class B Common Shares, in each case, endorsed by MSG Networks in blank, for the benefit of the holders of MSG Networks Common Stock, and MSG Networks shall instruct the Agent to distribute, on or as soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, the Spinco Class A Common Shares to holders of record of shares of MSG Networks Class A Common Stock on the Distribution Record Date and the Spinco Class B Common Shares to holders of record of shares of MSG Networks Class B Common Stock on the Distribution Record Date, all as further contemplated by the Information Statement and hereby. Spinco shall provide any share certificates that the Agent shall require in order to effect the Distribution. The Distribution shall be effective at 11:59 P.M., New York City time, on the Distribution Date.

(b) The Spinco Shares issued in the Distribution are intended to be distributed only pursuant to a book entry system. MSG Networks shall instruct the Agent to deliver the Spinco Shares previously delivered to the Agent to a depositary and to mail

 

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to each holder of record of MSG Networks Common Stock on the Distribution Record Date, a statement of the Spinco Shares credited to such holder’s account. If following the Distribution a holder of Spinco Common Stock requests physical certificates instead of participating in the book entry system, the Agent shall issue certificates for such shares. In lieu of fractional shares, cash shall be given to holders otherwise entitled to such fractional shares of MSG Networks Common Stock on the Distribution Date. As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, the Agent shall (i) aggregate all fractional Spinco Class A Common Shares into whole Spinco Class A Common Shares and (ii) aggregate all fractional Spinco Class B Common Shares into whole Spinco Class B Common Shares, and convert the whole Spinco Class B Common Shares into whole Spinco Class A Common Shares, and (iii) sell the whole Spinco Class A Common Shares in the open market at then prevailing prices and shall distribute to each such holder such holder’s ratable share of the proceeds of such sale, net of brokerage fees incurred in such sales.

Section 2.2 MSG Networks Determination. MSG Networks shall have the sole and absolute discretion to determine whether to proceed with all or part of the Distribution and all terms of the Distribution, including the form, structure and terms of any transaction(s) and/or offering(s) to effect the Distribution and the timing of and conditions to the consummation of the Distribution. Spinco shall cooperate with MSG Networks in all respects to accomplish the Distribution and shall, at MSG Networks’ direction, promptly take any and all actions necessary or desirable to effect the Distribution. MSG Networks shall select any investment banker(s) and manager(s) in connection with the Distribution, as well as any financial printer, solicitation and/or exchange agent and outside counsel for MSG Networks, which shall include Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. Each of MSG Networks and Spinco acknowledges that it has been afforded the opportunity to seek the advice and assistance of its own separate counsel in connection with the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

Section 2.3 Charter; Bylaws. On or prior to the Distribution Date, Spinco and MSG Networks shall have taken all necessary actions to provide for the adoption of the form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended By-laws in substantially the form filed by Spinco with the Commission as exhibits to the Registration Statement.

Section 2.4 Directors. On or prior to the Distribution Date, MSG Networks and Spinco shall have taken all necessary action to cause the Board of Directors of Spinco to consist of the individuals identified in the Information Statement as directors of Spinco as of the Effective Time.

Section 2.5 Election of Officers. On or prior to the Distribution Date, Spinco shall take all actions necessary and desirable so that as of the Distribution Date the officers of Spinco will be as set forth in the Information Statement.

Section 2.6 Certain Licenses and Permits. On or prior to the Distribution Date or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, MSG Networks shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to transfer or cause to be transferred any transferable licenses,

 

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permits and authorizations issued by any Governmental Authority which relate solely to the Spinco Business but which are held in the name of any member of the MSG Networks Group, or in the name of any employee, officer, director, stockholder or agent of any such member, or otherwise, on behalf of a member of the Spinco Group to the appropriate member of the Spinco Group.

Section 2.7 State Securities Laws. Prior to the Distribution Date, MSG Networks and Spinco shall take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate under the securities or blue sky laws of states or other political subdivisions of the United States in order to effect the Distribution.

Section 2.8 Listing Application; Notice to NYSE. (a) Prior to the Distribution Date, MSG Networks and Spinco shall prepare and file with the NYSE a listing application and related documents and shall take all such other actions with respect thereto as shall be necessary or desirable in order to cause NYSE to list on or prior to the Distribution Date, subject to official notice of issuance, the Spinco Class A Common Shares.

(b) Prior to the Distribution, MSG Networks shall, to the extent possible, give NYSE not less than ten days’ advance notice of the Distribution Record Date in compliance with Rule 10b-17 under the Exchange Act.

Section 2.9 Assignment of Agreements.

(a) In connection with the Transfers, MSG Networks and/or its Affiliates shall enter into assignment agreements pursuant to which rights and obligations of MSG Networks and/or its Affiliates (in each case, an “ MSG Networks Assignor ”) will be assigned to, and accepted and assumed by Spinco and/or its Affiliates (in each case a “ Spinco Assignee ”), in each case effective as of the Effective Time. Unless otherwise agreed in the relevant assignment agreement, the relevant MSG Networks Assignor shall be entitled to the benefits of and be responsible for all Liabilities under each such agreement that relate to all periods of time prior to the Effective Time (each such Liability, an “ MSG Networks Retained Contract Liability ”) and the relevant Spinco Assignee shall be entitled to the benefits of and be responsible for all Liabilities relating to all periods of time after the Effective Time (each such Liability, a “Spinco Assumed Contract Liability ”).

(b) In connection with the Transfers, Spinco and/or its Affiliates shall enter into assignment agreements pursuant to which rights and obligations of Spinco and/or its Affiliates (in each case, an “ Spinco Assignor ”) will be assigned to, and accepted and assumed by MSG Networks and/or its Affiliates (in each case an “ MSG Networks Assignee ”), in each case effective as of the Effective Time. Unless otherwise agreed in the relevant assignment agreement, the relevant Spinco Assignor shall be entitled to the benefits of and be responsible for all Liabilities under each such agreement that relate to all periods of time prior to the Effective Time (each such Liability, a “ Spinco Retained Contract Liability ”) and the relevant MSG Networks Assignee shall be entitled to the benefits and responsible for all Liabilities relating to all periods of time after the Effective Time (each such Liability, an “ MSG Networks Assumed Contract Liability ”).

 

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Section 2.10 Removal of Certain Guarantees; Releases from Liabilities.

(a) Except as otherwise specified in any Ancillary Agreement, (i) Spinco shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have, on or prior to the Distribution Date, or as soon as practicable thereafter, all members of the MSG Networks Group removed as guarantors of or obligors for any Liability of Spinco, including in respect of those guarantees, if any, set forth on Schedule C-1 of this Agreement, and (ii) MSG Networks shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have, on or prior to the Distribution Date, or as soon as practicable thereafter, all members of the Spinco Group removed as guarantors of or obligors for any Liability of MSG Networks, including in respect of those guarantees, if any, set forth on Schedule C-2 of this Agreement.

(b) If Spinco or MSG Networks, as the case may be, is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required removal as set forth in Section 2.10(a), the applicable guarantor or obligor shall continue to be bound as such and, unless not permitted by Law or the terms thereof, the relevant beneficiary shall or shall cause one of its Subsidiaries, as agent or subcontractor for such guarantor or obligor to pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of such guarantor or obligor thereunder from and after the date hereof.

(c) If (i) Spinco is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required removal as set forth in Section 2.10(a), or (ii) Spinco Liabilities arise from and after the Effective Time but before a member of the MSG Networks Group which is a guarantor or obligor with reference to any such Spinco Liability is removed pursuant to Section 2.10(a), then such guarantor or obligor shall be indemnified by Spinco for all Liabilities incurred by it in its capacity as guarantor or obligor. Without limiting the foregoing, Spinco shall, or shall cause a member of the Spinco Group to, reimburse any such member of the MSG Networks Group which is a guarantor or obligor as soon as practicable (but in no event later than 30 days) following delivery by MSG Networks to Spinco of notice of a payment made pursuant to this Section 2.10 in respect of Spinco Liabilities.

(d) If (i) MSG Networks is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required removal as set forth in Section 2.10(a), or (ii) MSG Networks Liabilities arise from and after the Effective Time but before a member of the Spinco Group which is a guarantor or obligor with reference to any such MSG Networks Liability is removed pursuant to Section 2.10(a), then such guarantor or obligor shall be indemnified by MSG Networks for all Liabilities incurred by it in its capacity as guarantor or obligor. Without limiting the foregoing, MSG Networks, shall, or shall cause a member of the MSG Networks Group to, reimburse any such member of the Spinco Group which is a guarantor or obligor as soon as practicable (but in no event later than 30 days) following delivery by Spinco to MSG Networks of notice of a payment made pursuant to this Section 2.10 in respect of MSG Networks Liabilities.

 

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(e) In the event that at any time before or after the Distribution Date MSG Networks identifies any letters of credit, interest rate or foreign exchange contracts, surety bonds or other contracts (excluding guarantees) that relate primarily to the Spinco Business but for which a member of the MSG Networks Group has contingent, secondary, joint, several or other Liability of any nature whatsoever, Spinco shall, at its expense, take such actions and enter into such agreements and arrangements as MSG Networks may reasonably request to effect the release or substitution of MSG Networks (or a member of the MSG Networks Group).

(f) In the event that at any time before or after the Distribution Date Spinco identifies any letters of credit, interest rate or foreign exchange contracts, surety bonds or other contracts (excluding guarantees) that relate primarily to the MSG Networks Business but for which a member of the Spinco Group has contingent, secondary, joint, several or other Liability of any nature whatsoever, MSG Networks shall, at its expense, take such actions and enter into such agreements and arrangements as Spinco may reasonably request to effect the release or substitution of Spinco (or a member of the Spinco Group).

(g) The Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or cause to be obtained, any consent, substitution or amendment required to novate or assign all Spinco Liabilities of any nature whatsoever transferred under this Agreement or an Ancillary Agreement, or to obtain in writing the unconditional release of the assignor so that in each such case, MSG Networks (or an appropriate member of the MSG Networks Group) shall be solely responsible for the MSG Networks Liabilities and Spinco (or an appropriate member of the Spinco Group) shall be solely responsible for the Spinco Liabilities; provided , however, that no Party shall be obligated to pay any consideration therefore (except for filing fees or other similar charges) to any Third Party from whom such consent, substitution, amendment or release is requested. Whether or not any such consent, substitution, amendment or release is obtained, nothing in this Section 2.10 shall in any way limit the obligations of the parties under Article III.

Section 2.11 Corporate Names; Trademarks. All agreements between the Parties and their respective Affiliates relating to intellectual property matters are set forth in a separate MSG Trademark Agreement between the Parties, dated the date hereof, and this Agreement shall in no way modify or supersede the MSG Trademark Agreement.

Section 2.12 Ancillary Agreements. Prior to the Distribution Date, each of MSG Networks and Spinco shall enter into, and/or (where applicable) shall cause members of their respective Groups to enter into, the Ancillary Agreements and any other agreements in respect of the Distribution reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

Section 2.13 Acknowledgment by Spinco. Spinco, on behalf of itself and all members of the Spinco Group, acknowledges, understands and agrees that, except as may be expressly set forth herein or in any Ancillary Agreement, (a) no member of the MSG Networks Group or any other Person has, in this Agreement or in any other agreement or document, or otherwise made any representation or warranty of any kind whatsoever, express or implied, to

 

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Spinco or any member of the Spinco Group or to any director, officer, employee or agent thereof in any way with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the business, assets, agreements, condition or prospects (financial or otherwise) of, or any other matter involving, the assets, agreements, Liabilities or businesses of MSG Networks, any member of the MSG Networks Group, Spinco or any member of the Spinco Group, any assets that are transferred, any agreements that are assigned, any Spinco Liabilities or the Spinco Business, (b) Spinco and each member of the Spinco Group has taken all of the assets that are transferred, any agreements that are assigned, the Spinco Business and Spinco Liabilities on an “as is, where is” basis, and all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a specific purpose or otherwise have been and are hereby expressly disclaimed, and (c) none of MSG Networks or any members of the MSG Networks Group or any other person has made or makes any representation or warranty with respect to the Distribution or the entering into of this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. Except as expressly set forth herein or in any other Ancillary Agreement, Spinco and each member of the Spinco Group shall bear the economic and legal risk that the Spinco Assets shall prove to be insufficient or that the title of any member of the Spinco Group to any Spinco Assets shall be other than good and marketable and free from encumbrances. The provisions of the Contribution Agreement and any related assignment agreement or other related documents are expressly subject to this Section 2.13 and to Section 2.14 hereof.

Section 2.14 Release.

(a) Spinco agrees that for itself and for its predecessors, Subsidiaries, departments, divisions and sections and for their successors, Affiliates, heirs, assigns, executors, administrators, partners, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, attorneys and agents (individually, each a “ Spinco Releasor ” and collectively, the “ Spinco Releasors ”), in consideration of the making by MSG Networks of the Transfers, release, waive and forever discharge MSG Networks and its predecessors, Subsidiaries, departments, divisions, sections, successors, Affiliates, heirs, assigns, partners, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, attorneys and agents (individually, each a “ Spinco Releasee ” and collectively, the “ Spinco Releasees ”) from, and shall, in addition to other obligations under Article III, indemnify and hold harmless all such persons against and from, all Liabilities of every name and nature, in law or equity, known or unknown, which against any Spinco Releasee, a Spinco Releasor ever had, now has or hereafter can, shall or may have by reason of any matter, act, omission, conduct, transaction or occurrence from the beginning of the world up to and including the Distribution Date for, upon, by reason of, asserted in or arising out of, or related to:

 

    The management of the business and affairs of Spinco (and its predecessors, Subsidiaries and Affiliates) and the Spinco Business on or prior to the Distribution Date;

 

    The terms of this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements, the Distribution, the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-Laws of Spinco; and

 

    Any other decision that may have been made, or any action taken, relating to Spinco (and its predecessors, Subsidiaries and Affiliates), the Spinco Business or the Distribution.

 

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The term “Spinco Releasee” is expressly intended to include any person who served as an incorporator, director, officer, employee, agent or attorney of Spinco on or prior to the Distribution Date at the request of MSG Networks. Each Spinco Releasor expressly covenants and agrees never to institute, or participate (including as a member of a class) in, any Action against any Spinco Releasee, in any court or forum, directly or indirectly, regarding or relating to the matters released through this Release, and further covenants and agrees that this Release is a bar to any such Action. For the avoidance of doubt, the purpose of this Section 2.14(a) is to make clear the intent of the Parties that, following the Distribution Date, the only Liability that any Spinco Releasee shall have to any Spinco Releasor shall be its obligation to perform its obligations under and pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and any other agreements to which the Spinco Releasee and the Spinco Releasor are parties and there shall be no Liability in respect of any event, occurrence, action or inaction on or prior to the Distribution Date. This Release shall not extend to any liabilities owed by a Spinco Releasee to a Spinco Releasor in the Spinco Releasor’s capacity as a director, officer, employee or other Representative or shareholder of Spinco Releasee nor shall it release any Liabilities or obligations under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreements or any other agreements to which the Spinco Releasee and the Spinco Releasor are parties.

(b) MSG Networks agrees that for itself and for its predecessors, Subsidiaries, departments, divisions and sections and for their successors, Affiliates, heirs, assigns, executors, administrators, partners, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, attorneys and agents (individually, each an “ MSG Networks Releasor ” and collectively, the “ MSG Networks Releasors ”), in consideration of the entry by Spinco into this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, release, waive and forever discharge Spinco and its predecessors, Subsidiaries, departments, divisions, sections, successors, Affiliates, heirs, assigns, partners, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, attorneys and agents (individually, each an “ MSG Networks Releasee ” and collectively, the “ MSG Networks Releasees ”) from, and shall, in addition to other obligations under Article III, indemnify and hold harmless all such persons against and from, all Liabilities of every name and nature, in law or equity, known or unknown, which against any MSG Networks Releasee, an MSG Networks Releasor ever had, now has or hereafter can, shall or may have by reason of any matter, act, omission, conduct, transaction or occurrence from the beginning of the world up to and including the Distribution Date for, upon, by reason of, asserted in or arising out of, or related to:

 

    The management of the business and affairs of MSG Networks (and its predecessors, Subsidiaries and Affiliates) and the MSG Networks Business on or prior to the Distribution Date;

 

    The terms of this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements, the Distribution the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-Laws of MSG Networks; and

 

    Any other decision that may have been made, or any action taken, relating to MSG Networks (and its predecessors, Subsidiaries and Affiliates), the MSG Networks Business or the Distribution.

 

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The term “MSG Networks Releasee” is expressly intended to include any person who served as an incorporator, director, officer, employee, agent or attorney of MSG Networks on or prior to the Distribution Date. Each MSG Networks Releasor expressly covenants and agrees never to institute, or participate (including as a member of a class) in, any Action against any MSG Networks Releasee, in any court or forum, directly or indirectly, regarding or relating to the matters released through this Release, and further covenants and agrees that this Release is a bar to any such Action. For the avoidance of doubt, the purpose of this Section 2.14(b) is to make clear the intent of the Parties that, following the Distribution Date, the only Liability that any MSG Networks Releasee shall have to any MSG Networks Releasor shall be its obligation to perform its obligations under and pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and any other agreements to which the MSG Networks Releasee and the MSG Networks Releasor are parties and there shall be no Liability in respect of any event, occurrence, action or inaction on or prior to the Distribution Date. This Release shall not extend to any liabilities owed by an MSG Networks Releasee to an MSG Networks Releasor in the MSG Networks Releasor’s capacity as a director, officer, employee or other Representative or shareholder of MSG Networks Releasee nor shall it release any Liabilities or obligations under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreements or any other agreements to which the MSG Networks Releasee and the MSG Networks Releasor are parties.

Section 2.15 Discharge of Liabilities . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in any of the Ancillary Agreements:

(a) From and after the Effective Time, (i) MSG Networks shall, and shall cause each member of the MSG Networks Group to, assume, pay, perform and discharge all MSG Networks Liabilities in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice, and (ii) Spinco shall, and shall cause each member of the Spinco Group, to assume, pay, perform and discharge all Spinco Liabilities in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice. The agreements in this Section 2.15 are made by each Party for the sole and exclusive benefit of the other Party. To the extent reasonably requested to do so by the other Party, each Party agrees to execute and deliver such documents, in a form reasonably satisfactory to such Party, as may be reasonably necessary to evidence the assumption of any Liabilities hereunder.

(b) All intercompany trade, accounts receivable and accounts payable between any member of one Group and any member of another Group in existence at the Effective Time shall be paid and performed in accordance with their terms.

Section 2.16 Further Assurances. If at any time after the Effective Time any further action is reasonably necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, the proper officers of each Party shall take all such necessary action. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts

 

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promptly to obtain all consents and approvals, to enter into all agreements and to make all filings and applications that may be required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, including all applicable filings with, and approvals from, any Governmental Authority.

ARTICLE III

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 3.1 Indemnification by MSG Networks. Except as otherwise specifically set forth in any provision of this Agreement from and after the Distribution Date, MSG Networks shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Spinco Indemnitees from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of the Spinco Indemnitees to the extent arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with (i) the MSG Networks Liabilities or alleged MSG Networks Liabilities, including any breach by any member of the MSG Networks Group of any provision of this Section 3.1; (ii) any breach by any member of the MSG Networks Group of this Agreement; (iii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in the Registration Statement or the Information Statement or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent relating to the MSG Networks Group; and (iv) any indemnification obligation that Spinco may have to the National Basketball Association pursuant to the NBA Agreement and Undertaking or to the National Hockey League pursuant to the NHL Consent Agreement, in each case as a result of any act or omission by any member of the MSG Networks Group. This Agreement is not intended to address, and should not be interpreted to address, the matters specifically and expressly covered by the Ancillary Agreements unless such Ancillary Agreement expressly provides that this Agreement applies to any matter in such Ancillary Agreement.

Section 3.2 Indemnification by Spinco. Except as otherwise specifically set forth in any provision of this Agreement, from and after the Distribution Date, Spinco shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the MSG Networks Indemnitees from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of the MSG Networks Indemnitees to the extent arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with (i) the Spinco Liabilities or alleged Spinco Liabilities; (ii) any breach by any member of the Spinco Group of this Agreement; and (iii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in the Registration Statement or the Information Statement or in any registration statement, prospectus or listing application with a securities exchange filed by Spinco in connection with the Distribution, or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided , however, that this clause (iii) shall not apply to any Liability that is covered by Section 3.1(iii). This Agreement is not intended to address, and should not be interpreted to address, the matters specifically and expressly covered by the Ancillary Agreements unless such Ancillary Agreement expressly provides that this Agreement applies to any matter in such Ancillary Agreement.

 

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Section 3.3 Procedures for Indemnification.

(a) If a claim or demand is made by a Third Party against a Spinco Indemnitee or a MSG Networks Indemnitee (each, an “ Indemnitee ”) (a “ Third-Party Claim ”) as to which such Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, such Indemnitee shall notify the Party which is or may be required pursuant to Section 3.1 or Section 3.2 hereof to make such indemnification (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing, and in reasonable detail, of the Third-Party Claim promptly (and in any event by the date (the “ Outside Notice Date ”) that is the 15th Business Day) after receipt by such Indemnitee of written notice of the Third-Party Claim; provided , however, that failure to give such notification shall not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure (except that the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any expenses incurred during the period beginning immediately after the Outside Notice Date and ending on the date the Indemnitee gives the required notice). Thereafter, the Indemnitee shall deliver to the Indemnifying Party, promptly (and in any event within 10 Business Days) after the Indemnitee’s receipt thereof, copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third-Party Claim. Notice under this Section 3.3 shall be provided in accordance with Section 5.6. For the avoidance of doubt, knowledge of a Third-Party Claim by a Person who is an officer or director of both MSG Networks and Spinco shall not constitute notice for purposes of this Section 3.3.

If a Third-Party Claim is made against an Indemnitee, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to participate in the defense thereof and, if it so chooses and acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee therefor, to assume the defense thereof with counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party; provided , however, that such counsel is not reasonably objected to by the Indemnitee. Should the Indemnifying Party so elect to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall, within 30 days (or sooner if the nature of the Third-Party Claim so requires), notify the Indemnitee of its intent to do so, and the Indemnifying Party shall thereafter not be liable to the Indemnitee for legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof; provided , however, that such Indemnitee shall have the right to employ counsel to represent such Indemnitee if, in such Indemnitee’s reasonable judgment, a conflict of interest between such Indemnitee and such Indemnifying Party exists in respect of such claim which would make representation of both such parties by one counsel inappropriate, and in such event the fees and expenses of such separate counsel shall be paid by such Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party assumes such defense, the Indemnitee shall have the right to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, subject to the proviso of the preceding sentence, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Indemnifying Party, it being understood that the Indemnifying Party shall control such defense. The Indemnifying Party shall be liable for the fees and expenses of counsel employed by the Indemnitee for any period during which the Indemnifying Party has failed to assume the defense thereof (other than during the period prior to the time the Indemnitee shall have given notice of the Third-Party Claim as provided above). If the Indemnifying Party so elects to assume the defense of any Third-Party Claim, all of the Indemnitees shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in the defense or prosecution thereof, including by providing or causing to be provided Records and witnesses as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving any request therefor from or on behalf of the Indemnifying Party.

 

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If the Indemnifying Party acknowledges in writing responsibility under this Section 3.3 for a Third-Party Claim, then in no event will the Indemnitee admit any liability with respect to, or settle, compromise or discharge, any Third-Party Claim without the Indemnifying Party’s prior written consent; provided , however, that the Indemnitee shall have the right to settle, compromise or discharge such Third-Party Claim without the consent of the Indemnifying Party if the Indemnitee releases the Indemnifying Party from its indemnification obligation hereunder with respect to such Third-Party Claim and such settlement, compromise or discharge would not otherwise adversely affect the Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party acknowledges in writing liability for a Third-Party Claim, the Indemnitee will agree to any settlement, compromise or discharge of a Third-Party Claim that the Indemnifying Party may recommend and that by its terms obligates the Indemnifying Party to pay the full amount of the liability in connection with such Third-Party Claim and releases the Indemnitee completely in connection with such Third-Party Claim and that would not otherwise adversely affect the Indemnitee. If an Indemnifying Party elects not to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election to do so as provided herein, such Indemnitee may compromise, settle or defend such Third-Party Claim.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Third-Party Claim (and shall be liable for the fees and expenses of counsel incurred by the Indemnitee in defending such Third-Party Claim) if the Third-Party Claim seeks an order, injunction or other equitable relief or relief for other than money damages against the Indemnitee which the Indemnitee reasonably determines, after conferring with its counsel, cannot be separated from any related claim for money damages. If such equitable relief or other relief portion of the Third-Party Claim can be so separated from that for money damages, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to assume the defense of the portion relating to money damages.

(b) In the event of payment by an Indemnifying Party to any Indemnitee in connection with any Third-Party Claim, such Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to and shall stand in the place of such Indemnitee as to any events or circumstances in respect of which such Indemnitee may have any right or claim relating to such Third-Party Claim against any claimant or plaintiff asserting such Third-Party Claim. Such Indemnitee shall cooperate with such Indemnifying Party in a reasonable manner, and at the cost and expense of such Indemnifying Party, in prosecuting any subrogated right or claim.

(c) Spinco shall, and shall cause the other Spinco Indemnitees to, and MSG Networks shall, and shall cause the other MSG Networks Indemnitees to, cooperate as may reasonably be required in connection with the investigation, defense and settlement of any Third-Party Claim. In furtherance of this obligation, the Parties agree that if an Indemnifying Party chooses to defend or to compromise or settle any Third-Party Claim, MSG Networks or Spinco, as the case may be, shall use its reasonable best efforts to make available to the other Party, upon written request, the former and then current directors, officers, employees and agents of the members of its respective Group as witnesses and any Records or other documents within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available, to the extent that any such Person, Records or other documents may reasonably be required in

 

- 20 -


connection with such defense, settlement or compromise. At the request of an Indemnifying Party, an Indemnitee shall enter into a reasonably acceptable joint defense agreement.

(d) The remedies provided in this Article III shall be cumulative and shall not preclude assertion by any Indemnitee of any other rights or the seeking of any and all other remedies against any Indemnifying Party.

Section 3.4 Indemnification Payments. (a) Indemnification required by this Article III shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or an Indemnifiable Loss is incurred. If the Indemnifying Party fails to make an indemnification payment required by this Article III within 30 days after receipt of a bill therefore or notice that an Indemnifiable Loss has been incurred, the Indemnifying Party shall also be required to pay interest on the amount of such indemnification payment, from the date of receipt of the bill or notice of the Indemnified Loss to but not including the date of payment, at the Applicable Rate.

(b) The amount of any claim by an Indemnitee under this Agreement (i) shall be reduced to reflect any actual Tax savings or insurance proceeds received by any Indemnitee that result from the Indemnifiable Losses that gave rise to such indemnity and (ii) shall be increased by an amount equal to any Tax cost incurred by any Indemnitee that results from receipt of payments under this Article III.

(c) For all Tax purposes and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, the parties hereto shall treat any payment made pursuant to this Article III as a capital contribution or a distribution, as the case may be, immediately prior to the Distribution.

ARTICLE IV

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

Section 4.1 Provision of Corporate Records.

(a) Except as specifically provided in Article III (in which event the provisions of such Article will govern), after the Distribution Date, upon the prior written request by Spinco for specific and identified agreements, documents, books, records or files including accounting and financial records (collectively, “ Records ”) which relate to Spinco or the conduct of the Spinco Business up to the Effective Time, or which Spinco determines are necessary or advisable in order for Spinco to prepare its financial statements and any reports or filings to be made with any Governmental Authority, MSG Networks shall arrange, as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt of such request, to provide appropriate copies of such Records (or the originals thereof if Spinco has a reasonable need for such originals) in the possession or control of MSG Networks or any of the MSG Networks Subsidiaries, but only to the extent such items are not already in the possession or control of the requesting Party.

 

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(b) Except as specifically provided in Article III (in which event the provisions of such Article will govern), after the Distribution Date, upon the prior written request by MSG Networks for specific and identified Records which relate to MSG Networks or the conduct of the MSG Networks Business up to the Effective Time, or which MSG Networks determines are necessary or advisable in order for MSG Networks to prepare its financial statements and any reports or filings to be made with any Governmental Authority, Spinco shall arrange, as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt of such request, to provide appropriate copies of such Records (or the originals thereof if MSG Networks has a reasonable need for such originals) in the possession or control of Spinco or any of the Spinco Subsidiaries, but only to the extent such items are not already in the possession or control of the requesting Party.

Section 4.2 Access to Information. Except as specifically provided in Article III (in which event the provisions of such Article will govern), from and after the Distribution Date, each of MSG Networks and Spinco shall afford to the other and its authorized Representatives reasonable access during normal business hours, subject to appropriate restrictions for classified, privileged or confidential information, to the personnel, properties, and Records of such Party and its Subsidiaries insofar as such access is reasonably required by the other Party and relates to such other Party or the conduct of its business prior to the Effective Time.

Section 4.3 Witnesses; Documents and Cooperation in Actions. (a) At all times from and after the Distribution Date, each of MSG Networks and Spinco shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the other, upon reasonable written request, its and its Subsidiaries’ former and then current Representatives as witnesses and any Records within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available, to the extent that such Persons or Records may reasonably be required in connection with the prosecution or defense of any Action in which the requesting Party may from time to time be involved. The requesting Party shall promptly reimburse the other party (and any person it makes available hereunder) for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith. This provision shall not apply to any Action brought by one Party against another Party (as to which production of documents and witnesses shall be governed by applicable discovery rules).

(b) Without limiting any provision of this Section 4.3, the Parties shall cooperate and consult, and shall cause each member of their respective Groups to cooperate and consult, to the extent reasonably necessary with respect to any Actions.

(c) In connection with any matter contemplated by this Section 4.3, the Parties will enter into a mutually acceptable joint defense agreement so as to maintain to the extent practicable any applicable attorney-client privilege or work product immunity of any member of any Group.

Section 4.4 Confidentiality. (a) MSG Networks and the MSG Networks Subsidiaries and Spinco and the Spinco Subsidiaries shall not use or permit the use of and shall keep, and shall cause its consultants and advisors to keep, confidential all information

 

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concerning the other Party in its possession, its custody or under its control to the extent such information, (w) relates to or was acquired during the period up to the Effective Time, (x) relates to any Ancillary Agreement, (y) is obtained in the course of performing services for the other Party pursuant to any Ancillary Agreement, or (z) is based upon or is derived from information described in the preceding clauses (w), (x) or (y), and each Party shall not (without the prior written consent of the other) otherwise release or disclose such information to any other Person, except such Party’s auditors, attorneys, consultants and advisors, unless compelled to disclose such information by judicial or administrative process or unless such disclosure is required by Law and such Party has used commercially reasonable efforts to consult with the other affected Party or Parties prior to such disclosure. Each Party shall be deemed to have satisfied its obligation to hold confidential any information concerning or owned by the other Party or its Group if it exercises the same care as it takes to preserve confidentiality for its own similar information. The covenants in this Section 4.4 shall survive the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and shall continue indefinitely; provided , however, that the covenants in this Section 4.4 shall terminate with respect to any information not constituting a trade secret under applicable law on the third anniversary of the later of the Distribution Date or the date on which the Party subject to such covenants with respect to such information receives it (but any such termination shall not terminate or otherwise limit any other covenant or restriction regarding the disclosure or use of such information under any Ancillary Agreement or other agreement, instrument or legal obligation). This Section 4.4 shall not apply to information (A) that has been in the public domain through no fault of such Party or (B) that has been later lawfully acquired from other sources by such Party, (C) the use or disclosure of which is permitted by this Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement or any other agreement entered into pursuant hereto, (D) that is immaterial and its disclosure is required as part of the conduct of that Party’s business and would not reasonably be expected to be detrimental to the interests of the other Party or (E) that the other Party has agreed in writing may be so used or disclosed.

(b) If any Party or any member of its Group either determines that it is required to disclose pursuant to applicable Law, or receives any demand under lawful process or from any Governmental Authority to disclose or provide, information of the other Party (or any member of the other Party’s Group) that is subject to the confidentiality provisions of Section 4.4(a) such Party shall notify the other Party prior to disclosing or providing such information and shall cooperate at the expense of the requesting Party in seeking any reasonable protective arrangements requested by such other Party. Subject to the foregoing, the Person that received such request may thereafter disclose or provide such information if and to the extent required by such Law or by lawful process or such Governmental Authority; provided , however, that the Person shall only disclose such portion of the information as required to be disclosed or provided.

Section 4.5 Privileged Matters. Except as may be otherwise provided in an Ancillary Agreement, the Parties recognize that legal and other professional services that have been and will be provided prior to the Distribution Date have been and will be rendered for the benefit of each of the members of the MSG Networks Group, and the members of the Spinco Group, and that each of the

 

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members of the MSG Networks Group, and each of the members of the Spinco Group should be deemed to be the client for the purposes of asserting all privileges which may be asserted under applicable Law. To allocate the interests of each Party in the information as to which any Party is entitled to assert a privilege, the Parties agree as follows:

(a) MSG Networks shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges in connection with privileged information which relates solely to the MSG Networks Business (other than with respect to Liabilities as to which Spinco is required to provide indemnification under Article III), whether or not the privileged information is in the possession of or under the control of MSG Networks or Spinco. MSG Networks shall also be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges in connection with privileged information that relates solely to the subject matter of any claims constituting MSG Networks Liabilities (including Retained Claims Liabilities), or other Liabilities as to which it is required to provide indemnification under Article III, now pending or which may be asserted in the future, whether or not the privileged information is in the possession of or under the control of MSG Networks or Spinco.

(b) Spinco shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges in connection with privileged information which relates solely to the Spinco Business (other than with respect to matters or claims that are Retained Claims Liabilities or other Liabilities as to which MSG Networks is required to provide indemnification under Article III), whether or not the privileged information is in the possession of or under the control of MSG Networks or Spinco. Spinco shall also be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges in connection with privileged information which relates solely to the subject matter of any claims constituting Spinco Liabilities, or other liabilities as to which it is required to provide indemnification under Article III, now pending or which may be asserted in the future, in any lawsuits or other proceedings initiated against or by Spinco, whether or not the privileged information is in the possession of Spinco or under the control of MSG Networks or Spinco

(c) The Parties agree that they shall have a shared privilege, with equal right to assert or waive, subject to the restrictions in this Section 4.5, with respect to all privileges not allocated pursuant to the terms of Sections 4.5(a) and (b).

(d) No Party may waive any privilege which could be asserted under any applicable Law, and in which the other Party has a shared privilege, without the written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, except to the extent reasonably required in connection with any Third-Party Claims or as provided in subsection (e) below.

(e) In the event of any litigation or dispute between or among the Parties, any Party and a Subsidiary of the other Party, or a Subsidiary of one Party and a Subsidiary of the other Party, either such Party may waive a privilege in which the other Party has a shared privilege, without obtaining the consent of the other Party, provided , however, that such waiver of a shared privilege

 

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shall be effective only as to the use of information with respect to the litigation or dispute between the Parties and/or their Subsidiaries, and shall not operate as a waiver of the shared privilege with respect to any Third-Party Claims.

(f) If a dispute arises between or among the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries regarding whether a privilege should be waived to protect or advance the interest of any Party, each Party agrees that it shall negotiate in good faith, shall endeavor to minimize any prejudice to the rights of the other Party, and shall not unreasonably withhold consent to any request for a waiver by the other Party. Each Party hereto specifically agrees that it will not withhold consent to a waiver for any purpose except to protect its own legitimate interests.

(g) Upon receipt by any Party or by any Subsidiary thereof of any subpoena, discovery or other request which arguably calls for the production or disclosure of information subject to a shared privilege or as to which another Party has the sole right hereunder to assert a privilege, or if any Party obtains knowledge that any of its or any of its Subsidiaries’ current or former Representatives have received any subpoena, discovery or other request which arguably calls for the production or disclosure of such privileged information, such Party shall promptly notify the other Party of the existence of the request and shall provide the other Party a reasonable opportunity to review the information and to assert any rights it or they may have under this Section 4.5 or otherwise to prevent the production or disclosure of such privileged information.

(h) The transfer of all Records and other information pursuant to this Agreement is made in reliance on the agreement of MSG Networks and Spinco, as set forth in Sections 4.2, 4.4 and this Section 4.5, to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information and to assert and maintain all applicable privileges. The access to information being granted pursuant to Sections 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 hereof, the agreement to provide witnesses and individuals pursuant to Sections 4.2 and 4.3 hereof, the furnishing of notices and documents and other cooperative efforts contemplated by Section 4.3 hereof, and the transfer of privileged information between and among the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, Affiliates and Representatives pursuant to this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of any privilege that has been or may be asserted under this Agreement or otherwise.

Section 4.6 Ownership of Information. Any information owned by one Party or any of its Subsidiaries that is provided to a requesting Party pursuant to Article III or this Article IV shall be deemed to remain the property of the providing Person. Unless specifically set forth herein, nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as granting or conferring rights of license or otherwise in any such information.

Section 4.7 Cost of Providing Records and Information. A Party requesting Records, information or access to personnel, witnesses or properties, under Article III or this Article IV, agrees to reimburse the other Party and its Subsidiaries for the reasonable out-of-pocket costs, if any, incurred in seeking to satisfy the request of the requesting Party.

 

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Section 4.8 Retention of Records. Except (a) as provided in the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement or (b) when a longer retention period is otherwise required by Law or agreed to in writing, the MSG Networks Group and the Spinco Group shall retain all Records relating to the MSG Networks Business and the Spinco Business as of the Effective Time for the periods of time provided in each Party’s record retention policy (with respect to the documents of such party and without regard to the Distribution or its effects) as in effect on the Distribution Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in lieu of retaining any specific Records, MSG Networks or Spinco may offer in writing to deliver such Records to the other and, if such offer is not accepted within 90 days, the offered Records may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of at any time. If a recipient of such offer shall request in writing prior to the scheduled date for such destruction or disposal that any of Records proposed to be destroyed or disposed of be delivered to such requesting Party, the Party proposing the destruction or disposal shall promptly arrange for delivery of such of the Records as was requested (at the cost of the requesting Party).

Section 4.9 Other Agreements Providing for Exchange of Information. The rights and obligations granted under this Article IV are subject to any specific limitations, qualifications or additional provisions on the sharing, exchange or confidential treatment of information set forth in any Ancillary Agreement or in any other agreement to which a member of the MSG Networks Group and a member of the Spinco Group is a party.

Section 4.10 Policies and Best Practices. Without representation or warranty, Spinco and MSG Networks shall continue to be permitted to share, on a confidential basis, “best practices” information and materials (such as policies, workflow templates and standard form contracts).

Section 4.11 Compliance with Laws and Agreements. Nothing in this Article IV shall be deemed to require any Person to provide any information if doing so would, in the opinion of counsel to such Person, be inconsistent with any legal or constitutional obligation applicable to such Person.

ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 5.1 Complete Agreement; Construction. This Agreement, including the Schedules, and the Ancillary Agreements shall constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any Schedule, the Schedule shall prevail.

Section 5.2 Ancillary Agreements. Except as may be expressly stated herein, this Agreement is not intended to address, and should not be interpreted to address, the matters specifically and expressly covered by the Ancillary Agreements.

Section 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 such counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Party.

 

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Section 5.4 Survival of Agreements. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, all covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Distribution Date.

Section 5.5 Distribution Expenses. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, all costs and expenses incurred on or prior to the Distribution Date (whether or not paid on or prior to the Distribution Date) in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, printing and implementation of this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement, the Information Statement and the Registration Statement, and the Distribution and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, shall be charged to and paid by MSG Networks. Such expenses shall be deemed to be MSG Networks Liabilities. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses incurred after the Distribution Date. Any amount or expense to be paid or reimbursed by any Party to any other Party shall be so paid or reimbursed promptly after the existence and amount of such obligation is determined and written demand therefor is made.

Section 5.6 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall reference this Agreement and shall be hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the Parties at the following addresses (or at such other addresses for a Party as shall be specified by like notice) and will be deemed given on the date on which such notice is received:

To MSG Networks:

The Madison Square Garden Company (or, after the applicable

name change, MSG Networks Inc.)

11 Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10001

Attention: President

with a copy to:

MSG Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, The

Madison Square Garden Company)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

 

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To Spinco:

MSG Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, The

Madison Square Garden Company)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

Section 5.7 Waivers. The failure of any Party to require strict performance by any other Party of any provision in this Agreement will not waive or diminish that Party’s right to demand strict performance thereafter of that or any other provision hereof.

Section 5.8 Amendments. Subject to the terms of Sections 5.11 hereof, this Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the Parties.

Section 5.9 Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void; provided that either Party may assign this Agreement to a purchaser (by merger, sale of assets or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Party so long as such purchaser expressly assumes, in a written instrument in form reasonably satisfactory to the non-assigning Party, the due and punctual performance or observance of every agreement and covenant of this Agreement on the part of the assigning Party to be performed or observed. Any assignment in violation of the provisions of this Section 5.9 shall be void.

Section 5.10 Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

Section 5.11 Termination. This Agreement (including Article III hereof) may be terminated and the Distribution may be amended, modified or abandoned at any time prior to the Distribution by and in the sole discretion of MSG Networks without the approval of Spinco or the stockholders of MSG Networks. In the event of such termination, no Party shall have any liability of any kind to any other Party or any other Person. After the Distribution, this Agreement may not be terminated except by an agreement in writing signed by the Parties; provided , however, that Article III shall not be terminated or amended after the Distribution in respect of a Third Party beneficiary thereto without the consent of such Person.

Section 5.12 Subsidiaries. Each of the Parties shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any entity that is contemplated to be a Subsidiary of such Party after the Distribution Date.

 

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Section 5.13 Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except as provided in Article III relating to Indemnitees, this Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates and should not be deemed to confer upon any other Person any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, cause of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.

Section 5.14 Title and Headings. Titles and headings to Sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

Section 5.15 Schedules. The Schedules shall be construed with and as an integral part of this Agreement to the same extent (except as set forth in the last sentence of Section 5.1) as if the same had been set forth verbatim herein.

Section 5.16 Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 5.17 Waiver of Jury Trial. The Parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement.

Section 5.18 Specific Performance. From and after the Distribution, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the Party to this Agreement who is or is to be thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief of its rights under this Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that, from and after the Distribution, the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss, that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is hereby waived, and that any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are hereby waived.

Section 5.19 Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The Parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

(To be renamed MSG Networks Inc.)

By:      

 

  Name:
  Title:

MSG SPINCO, INC.

(To be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company)

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

Exhibit 2.2

FORM OF CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of [                    ], 2015, by and among THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (“ MSG Networks ”) (to be renamed MSG Networks Inc. after the Effective Time), MSG HOLDINGS L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG Networks (“ MSG Holdings ”), and MSG Spinco, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Spinco ”) (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company after the Effective Time).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, MSG Networks and Spinco are parties to a Distribution Agreement, dated as of [                    ], 2015 (the “ Distribution Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, MSG Networks intends to distribute to its stockholders all of the common stock of Spinco (the “ Distribution ”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the parties wish to cause the transactions described on Annex I (the “ Reorganization Transactions ”) to be completed including, without limitation, the assignment by MSG Holdings to Spinco or its subsidiaries of all of the issued and outstanding common stock, partnership interests and membership interests of the entities and assets and liabilities as reflected in the Reorganization Transactions (such assignments are referred to herein as the “ Assignments ”);

WHEREAS, in consideration of the Assignments, Spinco wishes to issue to MSG Holdings, and MSG Holdings wishes to receive, 900 shares of newly issued Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of Spinco (the “ Spinco Stock ”);

WHEREAS, the parties hereto intend for Spinco to own, immediately following the Distribution, the businesses and assets described in Spinco’s registration statement on Form 10 (the “ Form 10 ”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as being owned, directly or indirectly, by Spinco (the “ Spinco Assets ”); and

WHEREAS, the parties hereto intend for Spinco to assume and be responsible for, directly or indirectly, the liabilities described in the Form 10 as being liabilities, directly or indirectly, of Spinco (the “ Spinco Liabilities ”); and

WHEREAS, in order to complete the Reorganization Transactions and the Distribution, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned thereto in the Distribution Agreement.


NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged by this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

1. Assignments . Subject to the terms of the Distribution Agreement, MSG Networks and MSG Holdings each hereby agrees to transfer and assign to Spinco, or to cause its applicable subsidiaries or affiliates to transfer and assign to Spinco, or its applicable subsidiaries or affiliates, all of the Spinco Assets, and Spinco agrees to assume, or to cause its applicable subsidiaries or affiliates to assume, the Spinco Liabilities. These transfers, assignments and assumptions are effective as of the date hereof. In furtherance of the foregoing, MSG Networks and Spinco shall take all actions necessary to cause the completion of the Reorganization Transactions to which it or any of its subsidiaries is a party. In furtherance thereof, effective as of the date of this Agreement, MSG Holdings shall make the Assignments to the subsidiaries of Spinco, and such subsidiaries of Spinco shall accept such Assignments from MSG Holdings.

2. Stock Issuance . Spinco hereby agrees to issue to MSG Holdings, effective as of the date of this Agreement, the Spinco Stock, by delivery of stock certificates therefor, pursuant to the Assignment Agreement and Stock Power, dated the date of this Agreement, between MSG Holdings and Spinco. MSG Networks and MSG Holdings acknowledge and agree that each of these stock certificates shall bear the legends contemplated by Annex II hereto.

3. Disclosure . Except as expressly provided in the Distribution Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, (i) none of the parties is making any representation to any other party in connection with the Reorganization Transactions, the Assignments or the Spinco Stock issuance, and (ii) Spinco is not directly assuming any liabilities under the Reorganization Transactions or the Assignments.

4. Further Assurances . Each party hereto agrees to take such further actions as may be reasonably necessary to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing sentence, the parties will take any such steps as are necessary to complete the transfer to Spinco, or its applicable subsidiaries or affiliates, of the Spinco Assets and the assumption by Spinco, or its applicable subsidiaries or affiliates, of the Spinco Liabilities.

5. Complete Agreement; Construction . This Agreement, including the Annexes hereto shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any Annex, the Annex shall prevail.

6. Ancillary Agreements . This Agreement is not intended to address, and should not be interpreted to address, the matters specifically and expressly covered by the Distribution Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements. Without limiting the foregoing sentence, the provisions of Sections 2.13 and 2.14 of the Distribution Agreement shall apply to the Reorganization Transaction and the Assignments.

7. 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 such counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.

 

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8. Survival of Agreements . Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, all covenants and agreements of the parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Distribution Date.

9. Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall reference this Agreement and shall be hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other addresses for a party as shall be specified by like notice) and will be deemed given on the date on which such notice is received:

To MSG Networks and MSG Holdings:

The Madison Square Garden Company (or, after the applicable name change,

MSG Networks Inc.)

11 Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10001

Attention: President

with a copy to:

MSG Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, The Madison Square

Garden Company)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

To Spinco:

MSG Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, The Madison Square

Garden Company)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

10. Waivers . The failure of any party to require strict performance by any other party of any provision in this Agreement will not waive or diminish that party’s right to demand strict performance thereafter of that or any other provision hereof.

11. Amendments . Subject to the terms of Section 14 hereof, this Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the parties.

 

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12. Assignment . This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any party without the prior written consent of the other party, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void; provided that either party may assign this Agreement to a purchaser of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such party (whether by sale, merger or otherwise) so long as such purchaser expressly assumes, in a written instrument in form reasonably satisfactory to the non-assigning party, the due and punctual performance or observance of every agreement and covenant of this Agreement on the part of the assigning party to be performed or observed.

13. Successors and Assigns . The provisions to this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

14. Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Distribution by and in the sole discretion of MSG Networks without the approval of Spinco or MSG Holdings or the stockholders of MSG Networks. In the event of such termination, no party shall have any liability of any kind to any other party or any other Person. After the Distribution, this Agreement may not be terminated except by an agreement in writing signed by the parties.

15. Third-Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the parties and should not be deemed to confer upon any other Person any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, cause of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.

16. Title and Headings . Titles and headings to Sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

17. Annexes . The Annexes shall be construed with and as an integral part of this Agreement to the same extent as if the same had been set forth verbatim herein.

18. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the State of New York.

19. Waiver of Jury Trial . The parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement.

20. Specific Performance . From and after the Distribution, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, the parties agree that the party to this Agreement who is or is to be thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief of its rights under this Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The parties agree that, from and after the Distribution, the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss, that any defense in any

 

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action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is hereby waived, and that any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are hereby waived.

21. Severability . In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

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

 

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

(To be renamed MSG Networks Inc.)

 

Name:
Title:
MSG HOLDINGS L.P.

 

Name:
Title:

MSG SPINCO, INC.

(To be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company)

 

Name:
Title:

Exhibit 3.2

FORM OF

AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

MSG SPINCO, INC.

Pursuant to Sections 242 and 245 of

The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware

MSG Spinco, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby certifies as follows:

1. The name of the corporation is MSG Spinco, Inc. The date of filing of its original certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was March 4, 2015.

2. This restated certificate of incorporation amends, restates and integrates the provisions of the certificate of incorporation of said corporation and has been duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware by written consent of the holder of all of the outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon and all of the outstanding stock of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class in accordance with the provisions of Section 228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

3. The text of the certificate of incorporation is hereby amended and restated to read herein as set forth in full:

“AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

FIRST. The name of this corporation (hereinafter called the “ Corporation ”) is The Madison Square Garden Company.

SECOND. The name and address, including street, number, city and county, of the registered office and registered agent for service of process of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is The Corporation Service Company, 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19808.

THIRD. The nature of the business and of the purposes to be conducted and promoted by the Corporation are to conduct any lawful business, to promote any lawful purpose, and to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.


FOURTH. The aggregate number of shares of capital stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue shall be [            ] shares, which shall be divided into the following classes:

(a) [            ] shares shall be of a class designated Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“ Class A Common Stock ”);

(b) [            ] shares shall be of a class designated Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“ Class B Common Stock ” and together with Class A Common Stock, “ Common Stock ”);

(c) [            ] shares shall be of a class designated preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (“ Preferred Stock ”).

This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall become effective at 11:59 p.m. on [                ] (the “ Effective Time ”). Upon such effectiveness, shares of common stock, par value, $.01 per share, of the Corporation (“ Old Common Stock ”), outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall automatically be reclassified as and converted into [            ] shares of Class A Common Stock and [            ] shares of Class B Common Stock. From and after the Effective Time, certificates that previously represented shares of Old Common Stock shall, until the same are presented for exchange, represent the number of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock into which such shares of Old Common Stock were reclassified and converted pursuant hereto.

The following is a statement of (a) the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of the Common Stock, and (b) the authority expressly vested in the Board of Directors hereunder with respect to the issuance of any series of Preferred Stock:

 

A. Common Stock.

 

  I. Priority of Preferred Stock.

Each of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock is subject to all the powers, rights, privileges, preferences and priorities of any series of Preferred Stock as are stated and expressed herein and as shall be stated and expressed in any Certificates of Designations filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock pursuant to authority expressly granted to and vested in the Board of Directors by the provisions of Section B of this Article FOURTH.

 

  II. Dividends.

Subject to (a) any other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation including, without limitation, Section A.V of this Article FOURTH, and (b) the provisions of any Certificates of Designations filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock, holders of

 

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Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to receive equally on a per share basis such dividends and other distributions in cash, stock or property of the Corporation as may be declared thereon by the Board of Directors from time to time out of assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefor; provided that, subject to Section A.V of this Article, the Board of Directors shall declare no dividend, and no dividend shall be paid, with respect to any outstanding share of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, whether paid in cash or property, unless, simultaneously, the same dividend is paid with respect to each share of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.

 

  III. Voting.

(a) Except as otherwise required (i) by statute, (ii) pursuant to the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation, or (iii) pursuant to the provisions of any Certificates of Designations filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock, the holders of Common Stock shall have the sole right and power to vote on all matters on which a vote of stockholders is to be taken. At every meeting of the stockholders, each holder of Class A Common Stock shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote in person or by proxy for each share of Class A Common Stock standing in his or her name on the transfer books of the Corporation and each holder of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to cast ten (10) votes in person or by proxy for each share of Class B Common Stock standing in his or her name on the transfer books of the Corporation.

Except in the election of directors of the Corporation (voting in respect of which shall be governed by the terms set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of this Section III) and as otherwise required (i) by statute, (ii) pursuant to the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation, or (iii) pursuant to the provisions of any Certificates of Designations filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock, the holders of Common Stock shall vote together as a single class; provided , that the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, voting separately as a class, shall be required for (1) the authorization or issuance of any additional shares of Class B Common Stock and (2) any amendment, alteration or repeal of any of the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation which adversely affects the powers, preferences or rights of Class B Common Stock. Except as provided in the previous sentence, the number of authorized shares of any class of Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of the majority of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote.

(b) With respect to the election of directors:

(i) If on the record date for notice of any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation at which directors are to be elected by the holders of Common Stock (the “ Common Stock Directors ”), the aggregate number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock is at least 10% of the total aggregate number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, holders of Class A Common Stock shall vote together as a separate class and shall be entitled to elect 25% of the total number of Common Stock Directors; provided, that if such 25% is not a whole number, then the holders of Class A Common Stock, voting together as a separate class,

 

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shall be entitled to elect the nearest higher whole number of directors that is at least 25% of the total number of the Common Stock Directors. Subject to subsection (iii) of this Section III(b), holders of Class B Common Stock shall vote together as a separate class to elect the remaining Common Stock Directors;

(ii) If on the record date for notice of any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation at which Common Stock Directors are to be elected, the aggregate number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock is less than 10% of the total aggregate number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, the holders of Common Stock shall vote together as a single class with respect to the election of the Common Stock Directors and the holders of Class A Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, shall not have the right to elect 25% of the Common Stock Directors, but shall have one (1) vote per share for all Common Stock Directors and the holders of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to ten (10) votes per share for all Common Stock Directors; and

(iii) If on the record date for notice of any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation at which Common Stock Directors are to be elected, the aggregate number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock is less than 12 1/2% of the total aggregate number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, then the holders of Class A Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, shall continue to elect a number of directors equal to 25% of the total number of Common Stock Directors (or the next highest whole number) in accordance with subsection (b)(i) of this Section III and, in addition, shall vote together with the holders of Class B Common Stock, as a single class, to elect the remaining Common Stock Directors, with the holders of Class A Common Stock entitled to one (1) vote per share for all Common Stock Directors and the holders of Class B Common Stock entitled to ten (10) votes per share for all Common Stock Directors.

(c) Any vacancy in the office of a Common Stock Director elected by the holders of Class A Common Stock voting as a separate class during the term for which such Common Stock Director was elected shall be filled by a vote of holders of Class A Common Stock voting as a separate class, and any vacancy in the office of a Common Stock Director elected by the holders of Class B Common Stock voting as a separate class during the term for which such Common Stock Director was elected shall be filled by a vote of holders of Class B Common Stock voting as a separate class or, in the absence of a stockholder vote, in the case of a vacancy in the office of a Common Stock Director elected by either class during the term for which such Common Stock Director was elected, such vacancy may be filled by the remaining directors of such class. Except as provided in the foregoing sentence, any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled by a vote of holders of Class A Common Stock or the Common Stock Directors elected thereby if the number of Common Stock Directors elected thereby is then less than 25% of the total number of Common Stock Directors, and otherwise may be filled by a vote of holders of Class B Common Stock or the Common Stock Directors elected thereby; provided , that in each case at the time of the filling of such vacancy, the holders of such class of stock were

 

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then entitled to elect directors to the Board of Directors by class vote. Any director elected by the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy shall serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders (at which time such person’s term shall expire) and until such person’s successor has been duly elected and qualified. If the Board of Directors increases the number of directors in accordance with Article FIFTH of this Certificate of Incorporation, any newly created directorship may be filled by the Board of Directors; provided that, so long as the holders of Class A Common Stock have the rights provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this Section III in respect of the last preceding annual meeting of stockholders to elect 25% of the total number of Common Stock Directors, (i) the Board of Directors may be so enlarged by the directors only to the extent that at least 25% of the enlarged board consists of (1) Common Stock Directors elected by the holders of Class A Common Stock, (2) persons appointed to fill vacancies created by the death, resignation or removal of persons elected by the holders of Class A Common Stock or (3) persons appointed by Common Stock Directors elected by holders of Class A Common Stock or persons appointed to fill vacancies created by the death, resignation or removal of persons elected by holders of Class A Common Stock and (ii) each person filling a newly-created directorship is designated either (x) as a Common Stock Director to be elected by holders of Class A Common Stock and is appointed by Common Stock Directors elected by holders of Class A Common Stock or persons appointed to fill vacancies created by the death, resignation or removal of persons elected by holders of Class A Common Stock or (y) as a Common Stock Director to be elected by holders of Class B Common Stock and is appointed by Common Stock Directors elected by holders of Class B Common Stock or persons appointed to fill vacancies created by the death, resignation or removal of persons elected by the holders of Class B Common Stock.

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Section III to the contrary, the holders of Class A Common Stock shall have exclusive voting power on all matters upon which, pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation or applicable laws, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to vote, at any time when no shares of Class B Common Stock are issued and outstanding.

(e) Wherever any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or the by-laws of the Corporation sets forth a specific percentage of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote which is required for approval or ratification of any action upon which the vote of the stockholders is required or may be obtained, such provision shall mean such specified percentage of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of shares then outstanding and entitled to vote on such action.

(f) From and after the date on which The Madison Square Garden Company (“ MSG ”) first distributes to its stockholders shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, dated as of [            ], 2015, between the Corporation and MSG, no action of stockholders of the Corporation required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting of stockholders, without prior notice and without a vote, and the power of the stockholders of the Corporation to consent in writing to the taking of any action without a meeting is specifically denied. Notwithstanding this clause (f), the holders of any series of Preferred Stock of the Corporation shall be entitled to take action by written consent to such extent, if any, as may be provided in the terms of such series.

 

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  IV. Conversion Rights.

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Article FOURTH, each share of Class B Common Stock shall be convertible at any time and from time to time, at the option of the holder thereof, at the office of any transfer agent for such Class B Common Stock and at such other place or places, if any, as the Board of Directors may designate, or, if the Board of Directors shall fail to so designate, at the principal office of the Corporation (attention of the Secretary of the Corporation), into one (1) fully paid and non-assessable share of Class A Common Stock. Upon conversion, the Corporation shall make no payment or adjustment on account of dividends accrued or in arrears on Class B Common Stock surrendered for conversion or on account of any dividends on the Class A Common Stock issuable on such conversion; provided , that the foregoing shall not affect the right of any holder of Class B Common Stock on the record date for any dividend to receive payment of such dividend. Before any holder of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to convert the same into Class A Common Stock, he or she shall surrender the certificate or certificates for such Class B Common Stock at the office of said transfer agent (or other place as provided above), which certificate or certificates, if the Corporation shall so request, shall be duly endorsed to the Corporation or in blank or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer to the Corporation or in blank (such endorsements or instruments of transfer to be in form satisfactory to the Corporation), and shall give written notice to the Corporation at said office that he or she elects so to convert said Class B Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Section IV, and shall state in writing therein the name or names in which he or she wishes the certificate or certificates for Class A Common Stock to be registered. Every such notice of election to convert shall constitute a binding contract between the holder of such Class B Common Stock and the Corporation, whereby the holder of such Class B Common Stock shall be deemed to subscribe for the amount of Class A Common Stock which he or she shall be entitled to receive upon such conversion, and, in satisfaction of such subscription, to deposit the Class B Common Stock to be converted and to release the Corporation from all liability thereunder, and thereby the Corporation shall be deemed to agree that the surrender of the certificate or certificates therefor and the extinguishment of liability thereon shall constitute full payment of such subscription for Class A Common Stock to be issued upon such conversion. The Corporation will as soon as practicable after such deposit of a certificate or certificates for Class B Common Stock, accompanied by the written notice, issue and deliver at the office of said transfer agent (or other place as provided above) to the person for whose account such Class B Common Stock was so surrendered, or to his nominee or nominees, a certificate or certificates for the number of full shares of Class A Common Stock to which he shall be entitled as aforesaid. Subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of this Section IV, such conversion shall be deemed to have been made as of the date of such surrender of the Class B Common Stock to be converted; and the person or persons entitled to receive the Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such Class B Common Stock shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such Class A Common Stock on such date. Upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock, shares of Class B Common Stock so converted will be canceled and retired by the Corporation, such shares shall not be reissued and the number of shares of Class B Common Stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue shall be decreased by the number of shares of Class B Common Stock so converted and the Board of Directors shall take such steps as are required to so retire such shares.

 

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(b) The issuance of certificates for shares of Class A Common Stock upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock shall be made without charge for any stamp or other similar tax in respect of such issuance. However, if any such certificate is to be issued in a name other than that of the holder of the share or shares of Class B Common Stock converted, the person or persons requesting the issuance thereof shall pay to the Corporation the amount of any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in such issuance or shall establish to the satisfaction of the Corporation that such tax has been paid or that no such tax is due.

(c) The Corporation shall not be required to convert Class B Common Stock, and no surrender of Class B Common Stock shall be effective for that purpose, while the stock transfer books of the Corporation are closed for any purpose; but the surrender of Class B Common Stock for conversion during any period while such books are closed shall be deemed effective for conversion immediately upon the reopening of such books, as if the conversion had been made on the date such Class B Common Stock was surrendered.

(d) The Corporation will at all times reserve and keep available, solely for the purpose of issue upon conversion of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as shall be issuable upon the conversion of all such outstanding shares; provided, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of the conversion of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock by delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock which are held in the treasury of the Corporation. The Corporation covenants that if any shares of Class A Common Stock, required to be reserved for purposes of conversion hereunder, require registration with or approval of any governmental authority under any federal or state law before such shares of Class A Common Stock may be issued upon conversion, the Corporation will use its best efforts to cause such shares to be duly registered or approved, as the case may be. The Corporation will endeavor to list the shares of Class A Common Stock required to be delivered upon conversion prior to such delivery upon each national securities exchange, if any, upon which the outstanding Class A Common Stock is listed at the time of such delivery. The Corporation covenants that all shares of Class A Common Stock which shall be issued upon conversion of the shares of Class B Common Stock will, upon issue, be fully paid and non-assessable and not entitled to any preemptive rights.

 

  V. Securities Distributions.

(a) The Corporation may declare and pay a dividend or distribution consisting of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or any other securities of the Corporation or any other person (hereinafter sometimes called a “ share distribution ”) to holders of one or more classes of Common Stock only in accordance with the provisions of this Section V.

 

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(b) If at any time a share distribution is to be made with respect to Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, such share distribution may be declared and paid only as follows:

(i) a share distribution consisting of shares of Class A Common Stock (or Convertible Securities (as defined below) convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Class A Common Stock) to holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, on an equal per share basis;

(ii) a share distribution consisting of shares of Class A Common Stock (or Convertible Securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Class A Common Stock) to holders of Class A Common Stock and, on an equal per share basis, shares of Class B Common Stock (or like Convertible Securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Class B Common Stock) to holders of Class B Common Stock; and

(iii) a share distribution consisting of any class or series of securities of the Corporation or any other person other than as described in clauses (i) and (ii) of this subsection (a) of this Section V, either (1) on the basis of a distribution of identical securities, on an equal per share basis, to holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock or (2) on the basis of a distribution of one class or series of securities to holders of Class A Common Stock and another class or series of securities to holders of Class B Common Stock; provided , that the securities so distributed (and, if the distribution consists of Convertible Securities, the securities into which such Convertible Securities are convertible or for which they are exercisable or exchangeable) do not differ in any respect other than differences in their rights (other than voting rights) consistent in all material respects with the differences between the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock and difference in their relative voting rights, with holders of shares of Class B Common Stock receiving the class or series having the higher relative voting rights (without regard to whether such voting rights differ to a greater or lesser extent than the corresponding differences in the voting rights of the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock provided in Section A.III of this Article FOURTH); provided , that if the securities so distributed constitute capital stock of a subsidiary of the Corporation, such voting rights shall not differ to a greater extent than the corresponding differences in voting rights of the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock provided in Section A.III of this Article FOURTH, and provided in each case that such distribution is otherwise made on an equal per share basis, as determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion.

For purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, “ Convertible Securities ” shall mean any securities of the Corporation (other than any class of Common Stock) or any subsidiary thereof that are convertible into, exchangeable for or evidence the right to purchase any shares of any class of Common Stock, whether upon conversion, exercise, exchange, pursuant to anti-dilution provisions of such securities or otherwise.

 

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  VI. Liquidation Rights.

In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation and after payment in full of the amounts to be paid to holders of Preferred Stock as set forth in any Certificates of Designations filed with respect thereto, the remaining assets and funds of the Corporation shall be divided among, and paid ratably to the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (including those persons who shall become holders of Class A Common Stock by reason of the conversion of their shares of Class B Common Stock) as a single class. For the purposes of this Section VI, a consolidation or merger of the Corporation with one or more other corporations or business entities shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voluntary or involuntary.

 

  VII. Reclassifications, Etc.

Neither the Class A Common Stock nor the Class B Common Stock may be subdivided, consolidated, reclassified or otherwise changed unless contemporaneously therewith the other class of Common Stock is subdivided, consolidated, reclassified or otherwise changed in the same proportion and in the same manner.

 

  VIII. Mergers, Consolidations, Etc.

In any merger, consolidation or business combination of the Corporation with or into another corporation, whether or not the Corporation is the surviving corporation, the consideration per share to be received by holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock in such merger, consolidation or business combination must be identical to that received by holders of the other class of Common Stock, except that in any such transaction in which shares of capital stock are distributed, such shares may differ as to voting rights to the extent and only to the extent that the voting rights of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock differ as provided herein.

 

  IX. Rights and Warrants.

In case the Corporation shall issue rights or warrants to purchase shares of capital stock of the Corporation, the terms of the rights and warrants, and the number of rights or warrants per share, to be received by holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock must be identical to that received by holders of the other class of Common Stock, except that the shares of capital stock into which such rights or warrants are exercisable may differ as to voting rights to the extent and only to the extent that the voting rights of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock differ as provided herein.

 

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  X. Transfers of Shares.

At any time during which the Corporation owns, directly or indirectly, an interest in a professional sports franchise, the ownership and transfer of shares of Common Stock will be subject to any applicable restrictions on transfer imposed by the league or other governing body with respect to such franchise (the “ League ”), which restrictions are described in the Corporation’s filings (including exhibits) with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If a transfer of shares of Common Stock (including any pledge or creation of a security interest therein) to a person, or the ownership of shares of Common Stock by a person, requires approval or other action by the League and such approval or other action has not been obtained or taken as required, the Corporation shall have the right by written notice to the holder to require the holder to dispose of the shares of Common Stock which triggered the need for such approval (the “ excess shares ”) within 10 days of delivery of such notice (a “ required divestiture ”). If a holder has failed to provide documentation satisfactory to the Corporation of the holder’s compliance with a required divestiture by the fifth business day following the end of the 10-day period, in addition to any other remedies the Corporation may have for such failure to comply with a required divestiture, the Corporation shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to redeem from such holder the excess shares (a “ mandatory redemption ”) by providing written notice of such required divestiture to the holder (a “ redemption notice ”) and mailing a check payable to the holder in an amount equal to 85% of the fair market value of the excess shares on the date of the notice. For purposes of establishing the fair market value of the excess shares, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock will be equal to the average of the closing sale price (or if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price) of the Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange (or if the Class A Common Stock is not traded on the New York Stock Exchange on any date of determination, the principal securities exchange on which such stock is listed or quoted) over the 10-trading day period ending on the second trading day preceding the redemption notice, or such other amount as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. A mandatory redemption shall require no action by the holder of the redeemed shares and the shares shall be deemed to be cancelled upon the delivery by the Corporation of payment therefor in accordance with this Section X.

 

B. Preferred Stock.

 

  I. Issuance.

Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series, the shares of each series to have such powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as are stated and expressed herein or in a Certificate or Certificates of Designations providing for the issuance of such series, adopted by the Board of Directors as hereinafter provided.

 

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  II. Powers of the Board of Directors.

Authority is hereby expressly granted to the Board of Directors to authorize the issue of one or more series of Preferred Stock, and with respect to each series to set forth in a Certificate or Certificates of Designations provisions with respect to the issuance of such series, the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof of the shares of each series of Preferred Stock, including without limitation the following:

(a) The maximum number of shares to constitute such series and the distinctive designation thereof;

(b) Whether the shares of such series shall have voting rights, in addition to any voting rights provided by law, and, if so, the terms of such voting rights;

(c) The dividend rate, if any, on the shares of such series, the conditions and dates upon which such dividends shall be payable, the preference or relation which such dividends shall bear to the dividends payable on any other class or classes or on any other series of capital stock, and whether such dividends shall be cumulative or non-cumulative;

(d) Whether the shares of such series shall be subject to redemption by the Corporation, and, if made subject to redemption, the times, prices and other terms and conditions of such redemption;

(e) The rights of the holders of shares of such series upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation;

(f) Whether or not the shares of such series shall be subject to the operation of a retirement or sinking fund, and, if so, the extent to and manner in which any such retirement or sinking fund shall be applied to the purchase or redemption of the shares of such series for retirement or to other corporate purposes and the terms and provisions relative to the operation thereof;

(g) Whether or not the shares of such series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of stock of any other class or classes, or of any other series of the same class, and if so convertible or exchangeable, the price or prices or the rate or rates of conversion or exchange and the method, if any, of adjusting the same;

(h) The limitations and restrictions, if any, to be effective while any shares of such series are outstanding upon the payment of dividends or making of other distributions on, and upon the purchase, redemption or other acquisition by the corporation of the Class A Common Stock, the Class B Common Stock or any other class or classes of stock of the corporation ranking junior to the shares of such series either as to dividends or upon liquidation;

(i) The conditions or restrictions, if any, upon the creation of indebtedness of the corporation or upon the issue of any additional stock (including additional shares of such series or of any other series or of any other class) ranking on a parity with or prior to the shares of such series as to dividends or distribution of assets on liquidation, dissolution or winding up; and

 

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(j) Any other preference and relative, participating, optional, or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof as shall not be inconsistent with this Article FOURTH.

 

  III. Ranking.

All shares of any one series of Preferred Stock shall be identical with each other in all respects, except that shares of any one series issued at different times may differ as to the dates from which dividends, if any, thereon shall be cumulative; and all series shall rank equally and be identical in all respects, except as permitted by the foregoing provisions of Section B.II of this Article FOURTH; and all shares of Preferred Stock shall rank senior to the Common Stock both as to dividends and upon liquidation.

 

  IV. Liquidation Rights.

Except as shall be otherwise stated and expressed in the Certificate or Certificates of Designations adopted by the Board of Directors with respect to any series of Preferred Stock, in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, before any payment or distribution of the assets of the Corporation (whether capital or surplus) shall be made to or set apart for the holders of any class or classes of stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the Preferred Stock upon liquidation, the holders of the shares of the Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive payment at the rate fixed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issue of such series, plus (if dividends on shares of such series of Preferred Stock shall be cumulative) an amount equal to all dividends (whether or not earned or declared) accumulated to the date of final distribution to such holders; but they shall be entitled to no further payment. Except as aforesaid, if, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the assets of the Corporation, or proceeds thereof, distributable among the holders of the shares of the Preferred Stock shall be insufficient to pay in full the preferential amount aforesaid, then such assets, or the proceeds thereof, shall be distributed among such holders ratably in accordance with the respective amounts which would be payable on such shares if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full. For the purposes of this Section IV, a consolidation or merger of the Corporation with one or more other corporations or business entities shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voluntary or involuntary.

 

  V. Voting.

Except as shall be otherwise stated and expressed herein or in the Certificate or Certificates of Designations adopted by the Board of Directors with respect to the issuance of any series of Preferred Stock and except as otherwise required by the laws of the State of Delaware, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock shall have, with respect to such shares, no right or power to vote on any question or in any proceeding or to be represented at, or to receive notice of, any meeting of stockholders.

FIFTH. The management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, including the election of the Chairman, if any, the President, the Treasurer, the Secretary, and other principal officers of the Corporation, shall be vested in its

 

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Board of Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed by the by-laws of the Corporation and may be altered from time to time as provided therein. A director shall be elected to hold office until the expiration of the term for which such person is elected (which shall expire at the next annual meeting of stockholders after such person’s election), and until such person’s successor shall be duly elected and qualified.

SIXTH. Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between the Corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between the Corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of the Corporation or any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this corporation under the provisions of Section 291 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for the Corporation under the provisions of Section 279 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or the stockholders or class of stockholders of the Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of the Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of the Corporation as a consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of the Corporation, as the case may be, and also on this corporation.

SEVENTH. The power to make, alter, or repeal the by-laws, and to adopt any new by-law, shall be vested in the Board of Directors and the stockholders entitled to vote in the election of directors.

EIGHTH. The Corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as the same may be amended and supplemented, or by any successor thereto, indemnify any and all persons whom it shall have power to indemnify under said section from and against any and all of the expenses, liabilities or other matters referred to in or covered by said section. Such right to indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. The indemnification provided for herein shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

No director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except that this paragraph shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (A) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (B) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (C) under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or (D) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

 

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No amendment, modification or repeal of this Article EIGHTH shall adversely affect any right or protection of a person that exists at the time of such amendment, modification or repeal.

NINTH. No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association or other organization in which one or more of its directors or officers are directors or officers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because such director’s or officer’s votes are counted for such purpose, if:

A. The material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board of Directors or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or

B. The material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or

C. The contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof, or the stockholders.

Common or interested directors may be counted in the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.

TENTH.

 

A. Certain Acknowledgements; Definitions.

It is recognized that (a) certain directors and officers of the Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “ Overlap Persons ”) have served and may serve as directors, officers, employees and agents of MSG, Cablevision Systems Corporation and AMC Networks Inc. and their respective subsidiaries and successors (each of the foregoing is an “ Other Entity ”), (b) the Corporation and its subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, may engage in the same, similar or related lines of business as those engaged in by any Other Entity and other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which such Other Entity may engage, (c) the Corporation or its subsidiaries may have an interest in the same areas of business opportunity as an Other

 

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Entity, (d) the Corporation will derive substantial benefits from the service as directors or officers of the Corporation and its subsidiaries of Overlap Persons, and (e) it is in the best interests of the Corporation that the rights of the Corporation, and the duties of any Overlap Persons, be determined and delineated as provided in this Article TENTH in respect of any Potential Business Opportunities (as defined below) and in respect of the agreements and transactions referred to herein. The provisions of this Article TENTH will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, regulate and define the conduct of the business and affairs of the Corporation and its officers and directors who are Overlap Persons in connection with any Potential Business Opportunities and in connection with any agreements and transactions referred to herein. Any person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any shares of capital stock of the Corporation, or any interest therein, will be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this Article TENTH. References in this Article TENTH to “directors,” “officers,” “employees” and “agents” of any person will be deemed to include those persons who hold similar positions or exercise similar powers and authority with respect to any other entity that is a limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or other non-corporate entity.

 

B. Duties of Directors and Officers Regarding Potential Business Opportunities; Renunciation of Interest in Potential Business Opportunities.

The Corporation hereby renounces, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any interest or expectancy in any Potential Business Opportunity that is not a Restricted Potential Business Opportunity. If a director or officer of the Corporation who is an Overlap Person is presented or offered, or otherwise acquires knowledge of, a potential transaction or matter that may constitute or present a business opportunity for the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, in which the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries could, but for the provisions of this Article TENTH, have an interest or expectancy (any such transaction or matter, and any such actual or potential business opportunity, a “ Potential Business Opportunity ”), (i) such Overlap Person will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have no duty or obligation to refrain from referring such Potential Business Opportunity to any Other Entity and, if such Overlap Person refers such Potential Business Opportunity to an Other Entity, such Overlap Person shall have no duty or obligation to refer such Potential Business Opportunity to the Corporation or to any of its subsidiaries or to give any notice to the Corporation or to any of its subsidiaries regarding such Potential Business Opportunity (or any matter related thereto), (ii) if such Overlap Person refers a Potential Business Opportunity to an Other Entity, such Overlap Person, to the fullest extent permitted by law, will not be liable to the Corporation as a director, officer, stockholder or otherwise, for any failure to refer such Potential Business Opportunity to the Corporation, or for referring such Potential Business Opportunity to any Other Entity, or for any failure to give any notice to the Corporation regarding such Potential Business Opportunity or any matter relating thereto; (iii) any Other Entity may participate, engage or invest in any such Potential Business Opportunity notwithstanding that such Potential Business Opportunity may have been referred to such Other Entity by an Overlap Person, and (iv) if a director or officer who is an Overlap Person refers a Potential Business Opportunity to an Other Entity, then, as between the Corporation and/or its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and such Other Entity, on the other hand, the Corporation and its subsidiaries shall be deemed to have renounced any interest, expectancy or right in or to such Potential Business Opportunity or to receive any income or proceeds derived therefrom solely as a result of such Overlap Person having been presented or offered, or otherwise acquiring knowledge of, such Potential Business Opportunity, unless in each case referred to in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv), such Potential Business Opportunity

 

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satisfies all of the following conditions (any Potential Business Opportunity that satisfies all of such conditions, a “ Restricted Potential Business Opportunity ”): (A) such Potential Business Opportunity was expressly presented or offered to the Overlap Person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation; (B) the Overlap Person believed that the Corporation possessed, or would reasonably be expected to be able to possess, the resources necessary to exploit such Potential Business Opportunity; and (C) such opportunity relates exclusively to a theatrical or arena venue with a seating capacity of greater than 1,000; provided, that the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries is directly engaged in such business at the time the Potential Business Opportunity is presented or offered to the Overlap Person. In the event the Corporation’s board of directors declines to pursue a Restricted Potential Business Opportunity, Overlap Persons shall be free to refer such Restricted Potential Business Opportunity to an Other Entity.

 

C. Certain Agreements and Transactions Permitted.

No contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction (or any amendment, modification or termination thereof) entered into between the Corporation and/or any of its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and an Other Entity, on the other hand, before the Corporation ceased to be an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG shall be void or voidable or be considered unfair to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries solely because an Other Entity is a party thereto, or because any directors, officers or employees of an Other Entity were present at or participated in any meeting of the board of directors, or a committee thereof, of the Corporation, or the board of directors, or committee thereof, of any subsidiary of the Corporation, that authorized the contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction (or any amendment, modification or termination thereof), or because his, her or their votes were counted for such purpose. The Corporation may from time to time enter into and perform, and cause or permit any of its subsidiaries to enter into and perform, one or more contracts, agreements, arrangements or transactions (or amendments, modifications or supplements thereto) with an Other Entity. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction (nor any such amendments, modifications or supplements), nor the performance thereof by the Corporation, any subsidiary of the Corporation or an Other Entity, shall be considered contrary to any fiduciary duty owed to the Corporation (or to any subsidiary of the Corporation, or to any stockholder of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries) by any director or officer of the Corporation (or by any director or officer of any subsidiary of the Corporation) who is an Overlap Person. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no director or officer of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation who is an Overlap Person thereof shall have or be under any fiduciary duty to the Corporation (or to any subsidiary of the Corporation, or to any stockholder of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries) to refrain from acting on behalf of the Corporation, any subsidiary of the Corporation or an Other Entity in respect of any such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction or performing any such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction in accordance with its terms and each such director or officer of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation who is an Overlap Person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the

 

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best interests of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, and shall be deemed not to have breached his or her duties of loyalty to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective stockholders, and not to have derived an improper personal benefit therefrom.

 

D. Amendment of Article TENTH.

No alteration, amendment or repeal of, or adoption of any provision inconsistent with, any provision of this Article TENTH will have any effect upon (a) any agreement between the Corporation or a subsidiary thereof and any Other Entity, that was entered into before the time of such alteration, amendment or repeal or adoption of any such inconsistent provision (the “ Amendment Time ”), or any transaction entered into in connection with the performance of any such agreement, whether such transaction is entered into before or after the Amendment Time, (b) any transaction entered into between the Corporation or a subsidiary thereof and any Other Entity, before the Amendment Time, (c) the allocation of any business opportunity between the Corporation or any subsidiary thereof and any Other Entity before the Amendment Time, or (d) any duty or obligation owed by any director or officer of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation (or the absence of any such duty or obligation) with respect to any Potential Business Opportunity which such director or officer was offered, or of which such director or officer otherwise became aware, before the Amendment Time (regardless of whether any proceeding relating to any of the above is commenced before or after the Amendment Time).”

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, MSG SPINCO, INC. has caused this certificate to be signed by [            ], its [                                  ], on the [            ] day of [            ], 2015.

 

MSG SPINCO, INC.

By 

             

Name:  
Title:

 

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Exhibit 3.4

 

 

FORM OF

AMENDED BY-LAWS

OF

MSG SPINCO, INC.

(TO BE RENAMED THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY)

(A DELAWARE CORPORATION)

AMENDED [                    ], 2015


MSG SPINCO, INC.

BY-LAWS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

Article I Stockholders

     1   

1.

   Certificates; Uncertificated Shares      1   

2.

   Fractional Share Interests      2   

3.

   Stock Transfers      2   

4.

   Record Date for Stockholders      2   

5.

   Meaning of Certain Terms      3   

6.

   Stockholder Meetings      3   

Article II Directors

     7   

1.

   Functions and Definitions      7   

2.

   Qualifications and Number      7   

3.

   Election and Term      7   

4.

   Meeting      7   

5.

   Removal of Directors      8   

6.

   Action in Writing      8   

7.

   Executive Committee      9   

8.

   Other Committees      9   

Article III Officers

     10   

1.

   Executive Officers      10   

2.

   Term of Office; Removal      10   

3.

   Authority and Duties      10   

4.

   The Chairman      10   

Article IV Voting of Stock in Other Companies

     10   

Article V Corporate Seal and Corporate Books

     11   

Article VI Fiscal Year

     11   

Article VII Control over By-Laws

     11   

Article VIII Indemnification

     11   


FORM OF

AMENDED BY-LAWS

OF

MSG SPINCO, INC.

(TO BE RENAMED THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY)

(A DELAWARE CORPORATION)

ARTICLE I

STOCKHOLDERS

1. Certificates; Uncertificated Shares . The shares of stock in the corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of the corporation’s stock shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate theretofore issued until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation. Notwithstanding the adoption of such a resolution by the Board, to the extent, if any, required by applicable law, every holder of stock in the corporation represented by a certificate shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of, the corporation by the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or Vice Chairman, if any, or by the President, if any, or a Vice President and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the corporation certifying the number of shares owned by him in the corporation. If such certificate is countersigned by a transfer agent other than the corporation or its employee or by a registrar other than the corporation or its employee, any other signature on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the date of issue.

Whenever the corporation shall be authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class of stock, and whenever the corporation shall issue any shares of its stock as partly paid stock, the certificates representing shares of any such class or series or of any such partly paid stock shall set forth thereon the statements prescribed by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “General Corporation Law”). Any restrictions on the transfer or registration of transfer of any shares of stock of any class or series shall be noted conspicuously on the certificate representing such shares. Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated stock, the corporation shall send to the registered owner thereof a written notice containing the information required by law to be set forth or stated on certificates or a statement that the corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.


The corporation may issue a new certificate of stock in place of any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, and the Board of Directors may require the owner of any lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify the corporation against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft, or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of any such new certificate.

2. Fractional Share Interests . The corporation may, but shall not be required to, issue fractions of a share. In lieu thereof it shall either pay in cash the fair value of fractions of a share, as determined by the Board of Directors, to those entitled thereto or issue scrip or fractional warrants in registered form, either represented by a certificate or uncertificated, or bearer form over the manual or facsimile signature of an officer of the corporation or of its agent, exchangeable as therein provided for full shares, but such scrip or fractional warrants shall not entitle the holder to any rights of a stockholder except as therein provided. Such scrip or fractional warrants may be issued subject to the condition that the same shall become void if not exchanged for certificates representing full shares of stock or uncertificated full shares of stock before a specified date, or subject to the condition that the shares of stock for which such scrip or fractional warrants are exchangeable may be sold by the corporation and the proceeds thereof distributed to the holders of such scrip or fractional warrants, or subject to any other conditions which the Board of Directors may determine.

3. Stock Transfers . Upon compliance with provisions restricting the transfer or registration of transfer of shares of stock, if any, transfers or registration of transfer of shares of stock of the corporation shall be made only on the stock ledger of the corporation by the registered holder thereof, or by such holder’s attorney thereunto authorized by power of attorney duly executed and filed with the Secretary of the corporation or with a transfer agent or a registrar, if any, and, in the case of shares represented by certificates, on surrender of the certificate or certificates for such shares of stock properly endorsed and the payment of all taxes due thereon.

4. Record Date for Stockholders . For the purpose of determining the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or the allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion, or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the directors may fix, in advance, a date as the record date for any such determination of stockholders. Such date shall not be more than sixty days nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty days prior to any other action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held; the record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto. When a determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been made as provided in this paragraph, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof; provided , however , that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

 

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5. Meaning of Certain Terms . As used herein in respect of the right to notice of a meeting of stockholders or a waiver thereof or to participate or vote thereat, the term “share” or “shares” or “share of stock” or “shares of stock” or “stockholder” or “stockholders” refers to an outstanding share or shares of stock and to a holder or holders of record of outstanding shares of stock when the corporation is authorized to issue only one class of shares of stock, and said reference is also intended to include any outstanding share or shares of stock and any holder or holders of record of outstanding shares of stock of any class upon which or upon whom the corporation’s certificate of incorporation, as amended (the “certificate of incorporation”) confers such rights where there are two or more classes or series of shares of stock or upon which or upon whom the General Corporation Law confers such rights notwithstanding that the certificate of incorporation may provide for more than one class or series of shares of stock, one or more of which are limited or denied such rights thereunder; provided , however , that no such right shall vest in the event of an increase or a decrease in the authorized number of shares of stock of any class or series which is otherwise denied voting rights under the provisions of the certificate of incorporation, including any Preferred Stock which is denied voting rights under the provisions of the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors with respect to the issuance thereof.

6. Stockholder Meetings .

Time . The annual meeting shall be held on the date and at the time fixed, from time to time, by the directors. A special meeting shall be held on the date and at the time fixed by the directors.

Place . Annual meetings and special meetings shall be held at such place, within or without the State of Delaware, as the directors may, from time to time, fix. Whenever the directors shall fail to fix such place, the meeting shall be held at the registered office of the corporation in the State of Delaware.

Call . Annual meetings and special meetings may be called by the Board of Directors only.

Notice or Waiver of Notice . Notice of all meetings shall be given, stating the place, date, and hour of the meeting. The notice of an annual meeting shall state that the meeting is called for the election of directors and for the transaction of other business which may properly come before the meeting, and shall (if any other action which could be taken at a special meeting is to be taken at such annual meeting) state such other action or actions as are known at the time of such notice. The notice of a special meeting shall in all instances state the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. If any action is proposed to be taken which would, if taken, entitle stockholders to receive payment for their shares of stock, the notice shall include a statement of that purpose and to that effect. Except as otherwise provided by the General Corporation Law, a copy of the notice of any meeting shall be given, personally or by mail or in such other manner as may be permitted by the General Corporation Law, not less than ten days

 

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nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting, unless the lapse of the prescribed period of time shall have been waived, and directed to each stockholder at such stockholder’s record address or at such other address which he or she may have furnished for such purpose in writing to the Secretary of the corporation. Notice by mail shall be deemed to be given when deposited, with postage thereof prepaid, in the United States mail. If a meeting is adjourned to another time, not more than thirty days hence, and/or to another place, and if an announcement of the adjourned time and/or place is made at the meeting, it shall not be necessary to give notice of the adjourned meeting unless the directors, after adjournment, fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting. Notice need not be given to any stockholder who submits a written waiver of notice before or after the time stated therein. Attendance of a person at a meeting of stockholders shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the stockholder attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders need be specified in any written waiver of notice.

Stockholder List . There shall be prepared and made, at least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting either at a place within the city or other municipality or community where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by this section or the books of the corporation, or to vote at any meeting of stockholders.

Conduct of Meeting . Meetings of the stockholders shall be presided over by one of the following officers in the order or seniority and if present and acting, the Chairman, if any, the Chief Executive Officer, if any, a Vice Chairman, if any, the President, if any, a Vice President, a chairman for the meeting chosen by the Board of Directors, or, if none of the foregoing is in office and present and acting, by a chairman to be chosen by the stockholders. The Secretary of the corporation, or in his or her absence, an Assistant Secretary, shall act as secretary of every meeting, but if neither the Secretary nor an Assistant Secretary is present, the chairman for the meeting shall appoint a secretary of the meeting. The presiding officer shall: call the meeting to order; determine when proxies must be filed with the secretary of the meeting; open the polls, establish the time period for which polls remain open and close the polls; decide who may address the meeting and generally determine the order of business and time for adjournment of the meeting. The presiding officer shall also maintain proper and orderly conduct, and shall take all means reasonably necessary to prevent or cease disruptions, personal attacks or inflammatory remarks at the meeting. In addition to the powers and duties specified herein, the presiding officer shall have the authority to make all other determinations necessary for the order and proper conduct of the meeting.

 

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Proxy Representation . Every stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy in all matters in which a stockholder is entitled to participate, whether by waiving notice of any meeting or voting or participating at a meeting. Such authorization may take any form permitted by the General Corporation Law. No proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date unless such proxy provides for a longer period. A duly executed proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and, if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A proxy may be made irrevocable regardless of whether the interest with which it is coupled is an interest in the stock itself or an interest in the corporation generally.

Inspectors and Judges . The directors, in advance of any meeting, may, but need not, appoint one or more inspectors of election or judges of the vote, as the case may be, to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. If an inspector or inspectors or judge or judges are not appointed, the person presiding at the meeting may, but need not, appoint one or more inspectors or judges. In case any person who may be appointed as an inspector or judge fails to appear or act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the person presiding thereat. Each inspector or judge, if any, before entering upon the discharge of such inspector’s duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector or judge at such meeting with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. The inspectors or judges, if any, shall determine the number of shares of stock outstanding and the voting power of each, the shares of stock represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, the validity and effect of proxies, and shall receive votes or ballots, hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes or ballots, determine the result, and do such acts as are proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders. On request of the person presiding at the meeting, the inspector or inspectors or judge or judges, if any, shall make a report in writing of any challenge, question or matter determined by such inspector(s) and execute a certificate of any fact found by such inspector(s).

Quorum . Except as the General Corporation Law or these by-laws may otherwise provide, the holders of a majority of the votes represented by the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders for the transaction of any business; provided , however , that if the certificate of incorporation or the General Corporation Law provides that voting on a particular action is to be by class, a majority of the votes represented by the outstanding shares of stock of such class shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders for the authorization of such action. The stockholders present may adjourn the meeting despite the absence of a quorum. When a quorum is once present to organize a meeting, it is not broken by the subsequent withdrawal of any stockholders.

Voting . Except as otherwise provided in these by-laws, the certificate of incorporation or, with respect to Preferred Stock, the resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors providing for the issuance thereof, and except as otherwise provided by the General Corporation Law, at every meeting of the stockholders, each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting shall be entitled to the number of votes as specified, and to the extent provided for, in the certificate of incorporation or, with respect to Preferred Stock, the resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors providing for the issuance thereof, in person or by proxy, for each share of stock entitled to vote held by such stockholder. In the election of directors, a plurality of the votes cast by each class of stock, voting separately as a class, shall elect the directors that such class is authorized to elect as specified, and to the extent provided for, in the

 

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certificate of incorporation. Any other action shall be authorized by a majority of the votes cast except where the certificate of incorporation or the General Corporation Law prescribes a different percentage of votes and/or a different exercise of voting power. Voting by ballot shall not be required for corporate action except as otherwise provided by the General Corporation Law.

Advance Notice of Stockholder Proposals . At any annual or special meeting of stockholders, proposals by stockholders and persons nominated for election as directors by stockholders shall be considered only if advance notice thereof has been timely given as provided herein. Notice of any proposal to be presented by any stockholder or of the name of any person to be nominated by any stockholder for election as a director of the corporation at any meeting of stockholders shall be given to the Secretary of the corporation not less than 60 nor more than 90 days prior to the date of the meeting; provided , however , that if the date of the meeting is publicly announced or disclosed less than 70 days prior to the date of the meeting, such notice shall be given not more than ten days after such date is first so announced or disclosed. No additional public announcement or disclosure of the date of any annual meeting of stockholders need be made if the corporation shall have previously disclosed, in these by-laws or otherwise, that the annual meeting in each year is to be held on a determinable date, unless and until the Board of Directors determines to hold the meeting on a different date. Any stockholder who gives notice of any such proposal shall deliver therewith the text of the proposal to be presented and a brief written statement of the reasons why such stockholder favors the proposal and setting forth such stockholder’s name and address, the number and class of all shares of each class of stock of the corporation beneficially owned by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder in the proposal (other than as a stockholder). Any stockholder desiring to nominate any person for election as a director of the corporation shall deliver with such notice a statement in writing setting forth the name of the person to be nominated, the number and class of all shares of each class of stock of the corporation beneficially owned by such person, the information regarding such person required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (or the corresponding provisions of any regulation subsequently adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to the corporation), such person’s signed consent to serve as a director of the corporation if elected, such stockholder’s name and address and the number and class of all shares of each class of stock of the corporation beneficially owned by such stockholder. As used herein, shares “beneficially owned” shall mean all shares as to which such person, together with such person’s affiliates and associates (as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), may be deemed to beneficially own pursuant to Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as well as all shares as to which such person, together with such person’s affiliates and associates, has the right to become the beneficial owner pursuant to any agreement or understanding, or upon the exercise of warrants, options or rights to convert or exchange (whether such rights are exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time or the occurrence of conditions). The person presiding at the meeting shall determine whether such notice has been duly given and shall direct that proposals and nominees not be considered if such notice has not been given.

 

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ARTICLE II

DIRECTORS

1. Functions and Definitions . The business of the corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors of the corporation. The use of the phrase “whole Board of Directors” herein refers to the total number of directors which the corporation would have if there were no vacancies.

2. Qualifications and Number . A director need not be a stockholder, a citizen of the United States, or a resident of the State of Delaware. The initial Board of Directors shall consist of 12 persons. Thereafter the number of directors constituting the whole Board of Directors shall be at least three. Subject to the foregoing limitation and except for the first Board of Directors, such number may be fixed from time to time by action of the Board of Directors only, or, if the number is not fixed, the number shall be 12.

3. Election and Term . The first Board of Directors shall be elected by the incorporator and shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such directors have been chosen and until their successors have been elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. Any director may resign at any time upon written notice to the corporation. Thereafter, directors who are elected at an annual meeting of stockholders, and directors who are elected in the interim to fill vacancies and newly created directorships, shall hold office for the term of the class for which such directors shall have been chosen and until their successors have been elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. In the interim between annual meetings of stockholders or of special meetings of stockholders called for the election of directors and/or for the removal of one or more directors and for the filling of any vacancies in the Board of Directors, including vacancies resulting from the removal of directors for cause or without cause, any vacancy in the Board of Directors may be filled as provided in the certificate of incorporation.

4. Meeting .

Time . Meetings shall be held at such time as the Board of Directors shall fix.

First Meeting . The first meeting of each newly elected Board of Directors may be held immediately after each annual meeting of the stockholders at the same place at which the annual meeting of stockholders is held, and no notice of such meeting shall be necessary, provided a quorum shall be present. In the event such first meeting is not so held immediately after the annual meeting of the stockholders, it may be held at such time and place as shall be specified in the notice given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of the Board of Directors, or at such time and place as shall be fixed by the consent in writing of all of the directors.

Place . Meetings, both regular and special, shall be held at such place within or without the State of Delaware as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

Call . No call shall be required for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed. Special meetings may be called by or at the direction of the Chairman, if any, a Vice Chairman, if any, the Chief Executive Officer, or the President, if any, or of a majority of the directors in office.

 

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Notice or Actual or Constructive Waiver . No notice shall be required for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed. Written, oral, electronic or any other mode of notice of the time and place shall be given for special meetings in sufficient time for the convenient assembly of the directors thereat. The notice of any meeting need not specify the purpose of the meeting. Any requirement of furnishing a notice shall be waived by any director who signs a written waiver of such notice before or after the time stated therein.

Attendance of a director at a meeting of the Board of Directors shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

Quorum and Action . A majority of the whole Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum except when a vacancy or vacancies prevents such majority, whereupon a majority of the directors in office shall constitute a quorum; provided , however , that such majority shall constitute at least one-third (1/3) of the whole Board of Directors. Any director may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all directors participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting of the Board of Directors shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. A majority of the directors present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn a meeting to another time and place. Except as herein otherwise provided, and except as otherwise provided by the General Corporation Law or the certificate of incorporation, the act of the Board of Directors shall be the act by vote of a majority of the directors present at a meeting, a quorum being present. The quorum and voting provisions herein stated shall not be construed as conflicting with any provisions of the General Corporation Law and these by-laws which govern a meeting of directors held to fill vacancies and newly created directorships in the Board of Directors.

Chairman of the Meeting . The Chairman, if any and if present and acting, shall preside at all meetings; otherwise, any other director chosen by the Board of Directors shall preside.

5. Removal of Directors . Any or all of the directors may be removed for cause or without cause by the stockholders; provided , however , that so long as the certificate of incorporation provides that each class of stock, voting separately as a class, shall elect a certain percentage of directors, a director may be removed without cause by stockholders only by the vote of the class of stock, voting separately as a class, that either elected such director or elected the predecessor of such director whose position was filled by such director due to the predecessor director’s death, resignation or removal.

6. Action in Writing . Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.

 

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7. Executive Committee .

Powers . The Board of Directors may appoint an Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the corporation of such number of members as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. The term of office of each member of the Executive Committee shall be co-extensive with the term of such member’s office as director. Any member of the Executive Committee who shall cease to be a director of the corporation shall ipso facto cease to be a member of the Executive Committee. A majority of the members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the valid transaction of business. The Executive Committee may meet at stated times or on two days’ notice by any member of the Executive Committee to all other members, by delivered letter, by mail, by courier service or by email. The provisions of Section 4 of this Article II with respect to waiver of notice of meetings of the Board of Directors and participation at meetings of the Board of Directors by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment shall apply to meetings of the Executive Committee. The provisions of Section 6 of this Article II with respect to action taken by a committee of the Board of Directors without a meeting shall apply to action taken by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the board of directors in the management of the business and affairs of the corporation, except as limited by the General Corporation Law. The Executive Committee shall have power to make rules and regulations for the conduct of its business. Vacancies in the membership of the Executive Committee shall be filled by the Board of Directors from among the directors at a regular meeting, or at a special meeting held for that purpose.

Chairman and Secretary . The Executive Committee shall elect from its own members a chairman who shall hold office during the term of such person’s office as a member of the Executive Committee. When present, the chairman shall preside over all meetings of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall also elect a secretary of the Executive Committee who shall attend all meetings of the Executive Committee and keep the minutes of its acts and proceedings. Such secretary shall be a member of the Board of Directors and may, but need not, be a member of the Executive Committee.

Minutes . The Executive Committee shall keep minutes of its acts and proceedings which shall be submitted at the next meeting of the Board of Directors, and any action taken by the Board of Directors with respect thereto shall be entered in the minutes of the Board of Directors.

Meetings . The Executive Committee may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be set forth in the Notice of the Meeting or in a duly executed Waiver of Notice thereof.

8. Other Committees . The Board of Directors may from time to time, by resolution adopted by affirmative vote of a majority of the whole Board of Directors, appoint other committees of the Board of Directors which shall have such powers and duties as the Board of Directors may properly determine. No such other committee of the Board of Directors shall be composed of fewer than two

 

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directors. Meetings of such committees of the Board of Directors may be held at any place, within or without the State of Delaware, from time to time designated by the Board of Directors or the committee in question. Such committees may meet at stated times or on two days’ notice by any member of such committee to all other members, by delivered letter, by mail, by courier service or by email. The provisions of Section 4 of this Article II with respect to waiver of notice of meetings of the Board of Directors and participation at meetings of the Board of Directors by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment shall apply to meetings of such other committees.

ARTICLE III

OFFICERS

1. Executive Officers . The directors may elect or appoint an Executive Chairman, a Chief Executive Officer, one or more Vice Chairmen, a President, one or more Vice Presidents (one or more of whom may be denominated “Executive Vice President” or “Senior Vice President”), a Secretary, one or more Assistant Secretaries, a Treasurer, one or more Assistant Treasurers, a Controller, one or more Assistant Controllers and such other officers as they may determine. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.

2. Term of Office; Removal . Unless otherwise provided in the resolution of election or appointment, each officer shall hold office until the meeting of the Board of Directors following the next annual meeting of stockholders and until such officer’s successor has been elected and qualified. The Board of Directors may remove any officer for cause or without cause.

3. Authority and Duties . All officers, as between themselves and the corporation, shall have such authority and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices, as well as such powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred by these by-laws, or, to the extent not so provided, by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate to the Chairman or to the Chief Executive Officer the power and authority to define the authority and duties of any or all of the other officers of the corporation.

4. The Chairman . The Chairman, if any, shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors; otherwise, any other director chosen by the Board of Directors shall preside. The Chairman, if any, shall have such additional duties as the Board of Directors may prescribe. As used in these by-laws, the term “Chairman” means the Executive Chairman if any.

ARTICLE IV

VOTING OF STOCK IN OTHER COMPANIES

Unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors, the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, a Vice Chairman, the President, a Vice President, the Secretary or the Treasurer shall have full power and authority on behalf of the corporation to attend and to act and vote at any meetings of stockholders of any corporation, or to execute written consents as a stockholder of any corporation, in which the corporation may hold stock and at any such meeting, or in connection with any such consent, shall possess

 

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and exercise any and all of the rights and powers incident to the ownership of such stock which as the owner thereof the corporation might have possessed and exercised if present or any of the foregoing officers of the corporation may in his or her discretion give a proxy or proxies in the name of the corporation to any other person or persons, who may vote said stock, execute any written consent, and exercise any and all other rights in regard to it here accorded to the officers. The Board of Directors by resolution from time to time may limit or curtail such power. The officers named above shall have the same powers with respect to entities which are not corporations.

ARTICLE V

CORPORATE SEAL AND CORPORATE BOOKS

The corporate seal shall be in such form as the Board of Directors shall prescribe.

The books of the corporation may be kept within or without the State of Delaware, at such place or places as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, determine.

ARTICLE VI

FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the corporation shall be fixed, and shall be subject to change, by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VII

CONTROL OVER BY-LAWS

The power to amend, alter, and repeal these by-laws and to adopt new by-laws shall be vested in both the Board of Directors and the stockholders entitled to vote in the election of directors.

ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION

A. The corporation shall indemnify each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or alleged action in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, to the maximum extent authorized by the General Corporation Law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that

 

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such amendment permits the corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the corporation to provide prior to such amendment), against all expense, liability and loss (including attorney’s fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such proceeding. Such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators. The right to indemnification conferred in this Article shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided , however , that, if the General Corporation Law so requires, the payment of such expenses incurred by a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding shall be made only upon receipt by the corporation of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized in this Article or otherwise.

B. The right to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred on any person by this Article shall not limit the corporation from providing any other indemnification permitted by law nor shall it be deemed exclusive of any other right which any such person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate of incorporation, by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

C. The corporation may purchase and maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the General Corporation Law.

 

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Exhibit 3.5

 

 

 

FORM OF

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

MSG SPINCO, INC.

(TO BE RENAMED THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY)

AND

THE CHARLES F. DOLAN CHILDREN TRUSTS

 

 

 


FORM OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

Registration Rights Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) dated as of [            ], 2015 (but effective as provided in Section 10(l)), by and among MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company), a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), the Charles F. Dolan Children Trusts, created under an Agreement dated December 22, 2009, between Kathleen M. Dolan, Paul J. Dolan, Matthew J. Dolan and Mary S. Dolan, as Grantors and Trustees (the “ Children Trusts ”), and the Qualifying Creditors, if any, who have agreed in writing to become bound by this Agreement. Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in Annex A hereto.

WITNESSETH :

WHEREAS, as of the date of this Agreement, the Children Trusts own shares of Class B Common Stock of The Madison Square Garden Company, par value $.01 per share (“ MSG Class B Common Stock ”), and shares of Class A Common Stock of The Madison Square Garden Company, par value $.01 per share (“ MSG Class A Common Stock ”);

WHEREAS, the Children Trusts are party to a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2010, by and among MSG and the Children Trusts, and the Children Trusts have certain registration rights under that agreement with respect to shares of MSG Class A Common Stock;

WHEREAS, MSG intends to distribute (the “ Distribution ”) to the holders of MSG Class A Common Stock all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value (the “ Class A Common Stock ”), and to the holders of MSG Class B Common Stock all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value (the “ Class B Common Stock ”); and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Children Trusts wish to provide for benefits and restrictions applicable to the Shares owned by the Children Trust Holders following the Distribution, all as provided herein.

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

1. Conversion of Class B Common Stock into Class A Common Stock .

(a) Transfers Requiring Conversion . Subject to Section 1(b), ( i ) each Children Trust agrees that if at any time or from time to time it desires to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, any transfer or issuance of equity or beneficial interests in an entity that is a Children Trust Holder) (a “ Transfer ”), any or all of its shares of Class B Common Stock and ( ii ) each other Children Trust Holder agrees that if at any time or from time to time it desires to Transfer any or all of its CSCo Shares, such Children Trust or Children Trust Holder, as the case may be, shall convert such shares of Class B Common Stock into shares of Class A Common Stock in accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company immediately prior to such Transfer. Subject to Section 1(b), the Company shall be under no obligation to record the Transfer on its books of such shares of Class B Common Stock until they have been converted into Class A Common Stock.

(b) Permissible Transfers Without Conversion . The provisions of subparagraph (a) of this Section 1 are inapplicable to ( i ) any Transfer of shares of Class B Common Stock (including any Transfer of equity or beneficial interests in an entity that is a Children Trust Holder) to Dolan, his spouse, any person related to Dolan by reason of being his ancestor or descendent (natural or adopted), any Acceptable Marital Trust, any entity (whether a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other entity of any kind) all of the equity or beneficial interests in which are owned or held by any of the foregoing persons, or any person (whether or not such person is one of the foregoing persons) who is a trustee for, or is acting on behalf of, any of such foregoing persons, and ( ii ) any bona fide pledge or similar perfected security interest relating to any interest in any of the foregoing persons (an “ Indirect Pledge ”) or to Collateral Stock, in either case for the benefit of any Creditor; provided , however , that the Transfer shall not be permissible and shall be void for all purposes unless ( x ) in the case of a Transfer referred to in clause (i) of this Section 1(b) the transferee executes a joinder agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (it being understood that, if such transferee is also a successor to a Children Trust, neither the obligation to execute, nor the execution of, such joinder agreement shall limit the effect of the first sentence of Section 10(d)), and ( y ) in the case of a Transfer referred to in clause (ii) of this Section 1(b), ( A ) such shares of Collateral Stock or, in the case of an Indirect Pledge, such interests in such other person, remain registered solely in the name of one or more Children Trust Holders, and ( B ) any such Creditor agrees with the Company in a writing reasonably acceptable to the Company not to foreclose on, or otherwise make use of or exercise remedies with respect to, or effect any Transfer of, the Collateral Stock or, in the case of an Indirect Pledge, such interests, without prior conversion of the shares of Collateral Stock or, in the case of an Indirect Pledge, the shares of Class B Common Stock, owned by the person the interests in which are the subject of the Indirect Pledge into shares of Class A Common Stock in accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, and provided further that the last sentence of paragraph (a) of this Section 1 shall remain applicable to any shares of Class B Common Stock that are the subject of a Transfer, including any pledge or the creation of any security interest, pursuant to this Section 1(b).


(c) Legends . All certificates representing shares of Class B Common Stock that are covered by this Agreement shall have endorsed thereon a legend which shall read substantially as follows:

“The shares represented by this certificate are held subject to the terms of a certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated [            ], 2015, by and among The Madison Square Garden Company (formerly MSG Spinco, Inc.) and the Dolan Children Trusts, as amended from time to time, a copy of which is on file with the Secretary of The Madison Square Garden Company, and such shares may not be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, directly or indirectly, except in accordance with the terms of such Registration Rights Agreement.”

2. Demand Registration by the Children Trust Parties of the Shares .

(a) Demand Registration . One or more of the Children Trust Parties may request in writing, with the Dolan Consent, that the Company file a registration statement on an appropriate form for the general registration of securities under the Securities Act, and include therein such number of the Shares owned by such Children Trust Party as such person may specify in its written request; provided , however , that ( x ) the Company shall not be required to file a registration statement pursuant to this Section 2 if ( A ) the Shares requested to be so registered do not, in the case of a Children Trust Holder, together with any Shares timely requested to be registered by other Children Trust Holders and Other Holders pursuant to the third-to-last sentence of this Section 2(a), have an aggregate Market Price exceeding the Rule 144 Threshold as of the Trading Day immediately preceding the expiration of the applicable Notice Period under such sentence or, in the case of a Qualifying Creditor, do not have an aggregate Market Price exceeding the Rule 144 Threshold as of the Trading Day immediately preceding the date on which the request for registration is received by the Company, or ( B ) the Company delivers to each Children Trust Party requesting registration under this Section 2 an opinion of counsel to the Company (such opinion and such counsel to be reasonably acceptable to each such Children Trust Party, it being agreed that the Company’s regular outside securities counsel shall be deemed to be reasonably acceptable counsel for this purpose) to the effect that the Shares proposed to be registered by such person may be offered and sold by such person to the public in the United States together with the Shares requested to be registered by all other Children Trust Parties and Other Holders ( I ) without registration pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and ( II ) within the volume limitations under Rule 144(e) promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation) whether or not such volume limitations are then applicable, ( y ) subject to the next sentence, the Children Trust Holders shall in the aggregate have the right on only four occasions to require the Company to file a registration statement pursuant to this Section 2, and ( z ) subject to the next sentence, a Qualifying Creditor may require registration only following the exercise of its remedies under a security agreement with a Children Trust Holder and for the purpose of Transferring Shares pursuant thereto and each Qualifying Creditor may only require one registration hereunder. The total number of demand registrations under clauses (y) and (z) of the immediately preceding sentence and under the corresponding provisions of the Dolan Registration Rights Agreement shall not exceed four. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, it is understood and agreed that the Dolan Consent may be granted by the person or entity then entitled to grant such consent with respect to a Qualifying Creditor at the time the pledge or similar security arrangement applicable to such Qualifying Creditor is created, and that such consent will thereafter constitute an irrevocable Dolan Consent for any future request by such Qualifying Creditor for a registration under this Section 2, whether or not the person or entity that granted such Dolan Consent is the person or entity otherwise entitled to grant Dolan Consents at the time such request is actually exercised. All requests made pursuant to this paragraph shall specify the aggregate number of Shares to be registered and the intended methods of disposition thereof, which methods may include an underwritten public offering. Upon receipt of a written request for registration from a Children Trust Holder pursuant to the preceding sentences, the Company shall promptly give written notice of the proposed registration to each such other Children Trust Holder and each Other Holder and provide each such other holder with the opportunity to join in such request by written notice to the Company specifying the aggregate number of Shares to be registered by such holder within 20 days from the date of the Company’s written notice (such period is referred to as the “ Notice Period ”). Subject to Section 2(c) of this Agreement, the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to ensure that each registration statement required to be filed pursuant to this Section 2 shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) as promptly as reasonably practicable, but not later than 45 days after receipt of such request by the Company, and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to be declared effective by the Commission as promptly thereafter as practicable; provided , however , that the Company shall not be required to maintain such effectiveness for more than 90 days. Notwithstanding the Company’s rights to effect a Suspension of Filing or Suspension of Effectiveness in Section 2(c), the Children Trust Parties that made the registration request under this Section 2(a) shall have the right to withdraw any such request, and such withdrawn request shall not count as a demand registration under clause (y) or (z) of this Section 2(a) or the corresponding provisions under the Dolan Registration Rights Agreement, if ( 1 ) the registration statement required to be filed pursuant to this Section 2 is not filed with the Commission by the date that is 45 days after such request is received by the Company and has not at the time of such withdrawal been filed with the Commission, or is not declared effective by the date that is 90 days after the date such registration statement is filed with the Commission and has not at the time of such withdrawal been declared effective, and ( 2 ) in either case, such Children Trust Parties notify the Company of the withdrawal of such request no later than 10 days after such 45 th or 90 th day, as the case may be.

 

 

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(b) Concurrent Primary Offering . Anything in this Section 2 to the contrary notwithstanding, if the Company at the time of receipt of a request for registration pursuant to this Section 2 has a bona fide intent and plan to file a registration statement (other than on Form S-4 or S-8 or any successor forms) covering a primary offering by the Company of its Common Equity Securities, the Company, by notice to the applicable Children Trust Parties, may delay the filing (but not the preparation) of the requested registration statement for a period ending on the earlier of ( i ) 60 days after the closing of such offering or ( ii ) 120 days after receipt of the request for registration; and, provided , further , if the Company either abandons its plan to file such registration statement or does not file the same within 75 days after receipt of such request, the Company shall promptly thereafter file the requested registration statement. The Company may not, pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, delay the filing of a requested registration statement more than once during any two-year period.

(c) Suspension of Offering . Upon notice by the Company to any Children Trust Party which has requested registration under this Section 2 that a negotiation or consummation of a transaction by the Company or any of its subsidiaries is pending or an event has occurred, which negotiation, consummation or event would require disclosure in the registration statement for the requested registration and such disclosure would, in the good faith judgment of the board of directors of the Company, be materially adverse to the business interests of the Company, and the nondisclosure of which in the registration statement would reasonably be expected to cause the registration statement to fail to comply with applicable disclosure requirements (a “ Materiality Notice ”), the Company may delay the filing (but not the preparation) of such registration statement (a “ Suspension of Filing ”). Upon the delivery of a Materiality Notice by the Company pursuant to the preceding sentence at any time when a registration statement has been filed but not declared effective, the Company may delay seeking the effectiveness of such registration statement (a “ Suspension of Effectiveness ”), and each Children Trust Party named therein shall immediately discontinue any offers of Shares under such registration statement until such Children Trust Party receives copies of a supplemented or amended prospectus that corrects such misstatement or omission, or until it is advised in writing by the Company that offers under such registration statement may be resumed and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings which are incorporated by reference in such registration statement. Upon the delivery of a Materiality Notice by the Company pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 2(c) at any time when a registration statement has been filed and declared effective, each Children Trust Party named therein shall immediately discontinue offers and sales of Shares under such registration statement until such Children Trust Party receives copies of a supplemented or amended prospectus that corrects such misstatement or omission and notice that any post-effective amendment has become effective, or until it is advised in writing by the Company that offers under such registration statement may be resumed and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings which are incorporated by reference in the registration statement (a “ Suspension of Offering ;” a Suspension of Filing, a Suspension of Effectiveness and a Suspension of Offering are collectively referred to herein as, “ Suspensions ”). If so directed by the Company, each Children Trust Party will deliver to the Company all copies (other than permanent file copies then in such Children Trust Party’s possession) of any prospectus covering Shares in the possession of such Children Trust Party or its agents current at the time of receipt of any Materiality Notice. In any 12-month period, the aggregate time of all Suspensions shall not, without the consent of a majority of the Children Trust Holders (by number of Shares held), which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, exceed 180 days. If interrupted by a Suspension of Offering, any 90-day period in respect of which the Company is

required to maintain the effectiveness of a registration statement pursuant to Section 2(a) of this Agreement shall be extended by the number of days during which the Suspension of Offering was in effect. In the event of any Suspension of Offering of more than 30 days in duration prior to which the Children Trust Parties have sold less than 75% of the Shares to be sold in such offering, the Children Trust Parties shall be entitled to withdraw such registration prior to the later of ( i ) the end of the Suspension of Offering and ( ii ) three business days after the Company has provided the Dolan Family Parties written notice of the anticipated date on which the Suspension of Offering will end, and, if such registration is withdrawn, the related demand for registration shall not count for the purposes of the limitations set forth under clauses (y) and (z) of Section 2(a) or the comparable provisions under the Dolan Registration Rights Agreement.

(d) Market Price; Trading Day . For purposes of this Section 2:

(i) “ Market Price ” of a share of Class A Common Stock shall mean the weighted average of the closing prices for the Class A Common Stock on each Trading Day (as defined below) in the 30-day period ending on the day prior to the date of determination as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system of the New York Stock Exchange or on the comparable reporting system of such other exchange or trading system that is at the time the principal market for the Class A Common Stock.

(ii) “ Trading Day ” shall mean any day on which trading takes place on the New York Stock Exchange or such other exchange or trading system that is at the time the principal market for the Class A Common Stock.

3. Coordination of PiggyBack Registration Rights .

 

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Each of the Children Trust Parties hereby acknowledges and consents to the grant by the Company to the Dolan Family Affiliate Holders (as defined in the Dolan Registration Rights Agreement and hereinafter referred to in this Agreement as the “ Other Holders ”), in the Dolan Registration Rights Agreement, of the right of the Other Holders to include certain of their respective shares of Class A Common Stock in certain registration statements filed pursuant hereto. Each of the Children Trust Parties further acknowledges and agrees that if any offering hereunder is to be underwritten and if the managing underwriter or underwriters of such offering informs such person in writing that the number of shares of Class A Common Stock which the Children Trust Parties, and the Other Holders, as the case may be, intend to include in such offering is sufficiently large so as to affect the offering price of such offering materially and adversely, then the respective number of shares of Class A Common Stock to be offered for the account of each Children Trust Party and each Other Holder, as the case may be, who is participating in such offering shall be reduced pro rata to the extent necessary to reduce the total number of shares of Class A Common Stock to be included in such offering to the number recommended by such managing underwriter. Except for such piggyback registration rights granted to Other Holders, and to any transferee of the shares of Class A Common Stock owned by an Other Holder which may be registered pursuant to the Dolan Registration Rights Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its security holders shall have the right to include any of the Company’s securities in any registration statement filed pursuant hereto.

4. Piggyback Registration of the Shares .

If the Company proposes to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering ( a ) by an Other Holder of its holdings of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the Dolan Registration Rights Agreement, ( b ) by any other holder of any Common Equity Securities or ( c ) by the Company for its own account of any Common Equity Securities (other than a registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8, or any successor form or a form filed in connection with an exchange offer or an offering of securities solely to the existing stockholders of the Company), the Company shall give written notice of such proposed filing to each of the Children Trust Holders at least 20 days before the anticipated filing date which shall state whether such registration will be in connection with an underwritten offering and offer such Children Trust Holders the opportunity, subject to receipt of the Dolan Consent, to include in such registration statement such number of the Shares as such Children Trust Holder may request not later than three days prior to the anticipated filing date. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the managing underwriter or underwriters of a proposed underwritten offering to permit such Children Trust Holders to be included in the registration for such offering and to include such Shares in such offering on the same terms and conditions as the Common Equity Securities included in such offering. If such proposed offering is to be underwritten, then upon request by the managing underwriter or underwriters given to such Children Trust Holders prior to the effective date of the offering, any Children Trust Holder electing to have Shares included in the registration statement shall either enter into underwriting agreements with customary terms and conditions for a secondary offering with such underwriter or underwriters providing for the inclusion of such number of the Shares owned by such Children Trust Holder in such offering on such terms and conditions or, if such Children Trust Holder shall refuse to enter into any such agreement, the Company shall have the right to exclude from such registration all (but not less than all) of the Shares of such Children Trust Holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, ( x ) in no event will any Children Trust Holder be required in such underwriting agreement (or in any other agreement in connection with such offering) to ( i ) make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the underwriters other than representations, warranties or agreements customarily made by selling securityholders in underwritten secondary offerings, ( ii ) make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company other than representations, warranties or agreements regarding such Children Trust Holder, the ownership of such Children Trust Holder’s Common Equity Securities, the authorization, validity and binding effect of transaction documents executed by such Children Trust Holder in connection with such registration and such Children Trust Holder’s intended method or methods of distribution and any other representation required by law; provided that no Children Trust Holder shall be required to make any representation or warranty to any person covered by the indemnity in Section 8(b) other than on a several (and not joint) basis, or ( iii ) furnish any indemnity to any person which is broader than the indemnity customarily furnished by selling security holders in underwritten offerings; provided that no Children Trust Holder shall be required to furnish any indemnity broader than the indemnity furnished by such Children Trust Holder in Section 8(b) to any person covered by the indemnity in Section 8(b), and ( y ) if the managing underwriter or underwriters of such offering informs the Children Trust Holders in writing that the number of Shares which the Children Trust Holders and the number of Shares which the Other Holders intend to include in such offering is sufficiently large so as to affect materially and adversely the success of such offering, the Shares to be offered for the account of the Children Trust Holders and the Other Holders shall first be reduced pro rata to the extent necessary to reduce the total number of shares of Class A Common Stock to be included in such offering to the number recommended by such managing underwriter. In giving effect to the foregoing reduction, the respective number of the Shares to be offered for the account of Children Trust Holders shall be reduced pro rata.

 

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5. Holdback Agreements .

(a) Restrictions on Public Sale by Children Trust Parties . To the extent not inconsistent with applicable law, each Children Trust Party agrees not to offer publicly or effect any public sale or distribution of Common Equity Securities, including a sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation), during the seven days prior to, and during the 90-day period beginning on, the effective date of any registration statement filed by the Company pursuant to which any such shares or securities are being registered (except as part of such registration), if and to the extent requested by the Company in the case of a non-underwritten public offering or if and to the extent requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters in the case of an underwritten public offering.

(b) Restrictions on Public Sale by the Company and Others . The Company agrees ( i ) that during the seven days prior to, and during the 90-day period beginning on, the effective date of any registration statement filed at the request of a Children Trust Party pursuant hereto, the Company will not offer publicly or effect any public sale or distribution of Common Equity Securities (other than any such sale or distribution of such securities in connection with any merger or consolidation of the Company or any subsidiary with, or the acquisition by the Company or a subsidiary of the capital stock or substantially all of the assets of, any other person or any offer or sale of such securities pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8), and ( ii ) that any agreement entered into after the date of this Agreement pursuant to which the Company issues or agrees to issue any privately placed Common Equity Securities shall contain a provision under which holders of such securities agree not to effect any public sale or distribution of any such securities during the periods described in (i) above, in each case including a sale pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor rule or regulation) under the Securities Act (except as part of any such registration, if permitted).

6. Registration Procedures .

In connection with any registration of the Shares owned by a Children Trust Party contemplated hereby, the Company will as expeditiously as possible:

(a) Furnish to such Children Trust Party, prior to filing a registration statement, copies of such registration statement as proposed to be filed, and thereafter such number of copies of such registration statement, each amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits thereto), the prospectus included in such registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus) and such other documents in such quantities as such Children Trust Party may reasonably request from time to time in order to facilitate the disposition of the Shares.

(b) Use its reasonable best efforts to register or qualify the Shares being registered as contemplated hereby (the “ Registered Class A ”) under such other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as such Children Trust Party reasonably requests and do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Children Trust Party to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registered Class A; provided that the Company will not be required to ( i ) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this paragraph (b), ( ii ) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction, or ( iii ) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction.

(c) Use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registered Class A 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 to enable such Children Trust Party to consummate the disposition of such Registered Class A.

(d) Notify such Children Trust Party at any time, ( i ) of any request by the Commission or any other federal or state governmental authority for amendments or supplements to a registration statement or related prospectus or for additional information, ( ii ) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, ( iii ) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any of the Registered Class A for sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose, and ( iv ) when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such registration statement contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and, except as otherwise provided in Section 2(c) hereof, the Company will, as expeditiously as practicable, prepare a supplement or amendment to such prospectus so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registered Class A, 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.

(e) Use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement, or the lifting of any suspension of the qualification (or exemption from qualification) of any of the Registered Class A for sale in any jurisdiction at the earliest date reasonably practical.

 

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(f) Cause all such Registered Class A to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange or on any other securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is then listed, provided that the applicable listing requirements are satisfied.

(g) Enter into customary agreements (including an underwriting agreement in customary form) and take such other actions as are reasonably requested by the relevant Children Trust Party in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of the Registered Class A.

(h) Make available for inspection by such Children Trust Party, any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by such Children Trust Party or such underwriter (collectively, the “ Inspectors ”), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company (collectively, the “ Records ”) as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the officers, directors and employees of the Company to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection with such registration statement. Records which the Company determines, in good faith, to be confidential and which it notifies the Inspectors are confidential shall not be disclosed by the Inspectors unless ( i ) the disclosure of such Records is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the registration statement or ( ii ) the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction. Any Children Trust Party shall use reasonable best efforts, prior to any disclosure by any such Inspector under clause (i) of the preceding sentence, to inform the Company that such disclosure is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the registration statement. Each Children Trust Party further agrees that it will, upon learning that disclosure of Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction, give notice to the Company and allow the Company, at the expense of the Company, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed confidential.

(i) In the event such sale is pursuant to an underwritten offering, use its reasonable best efforts to ( i ) obtain a comfort letter from the independent public accountants for the Company in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by such letters as any Children Trust Party reasonably requests and ( ii ) ensure that ( A ) the representations, warranties and covenants contained in the applicable underwriting agreement shall expressly be for the benefit of any Children Trust Party participating in such sale, ( B ) the conditions to closing in said underwriting agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory to such Children Trust Party and ( C ) to the extent customary, all comfort letters and opinions of counsel contemplated by said underwriting agreements are delivered to such Children Trust Party on the closing date of the offering.

(j) Otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and have the registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable after filing.

The Company may require any Children Trust Party to furnish to the Company such information regarding such Children Trust Party as the Company may from time to time reasonably request in writing, in each case only as required by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.

Each Children Trust Party agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 6(d) hereof, such Children Trust Party will forthwith discontinue disposition of the Registered Class A pursuant to the registration statement covering such Registered Class A until such Children Trust Party receives the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 6(d) hereof, and, if so directed by the Company, such Children Trust Party will deliver to the Company (at the expense of the Company) all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Children Trust Party’s possession, of the prospectus covering such Registered Class A current at the time of receipt of such notice. If interrupted by receipt of any such notice pursuant to Section 6(d), any 90-day period in respect of which the Company is required to maintain the effectiveness of a registration statement pursuant to Section 2(a) shall be extended by the number of days during which the interruption was in effect.

 

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7. Registration Expenses .

Other than in the case of ( a ) a registration at the request of a Qualifying Creditor or ( b ) a demand registration under Section 2(a)(iii) after the second such registration (each registration referred to in clause (a) or (b), a “ Designated Registration ”), all expenses incident to the performance of or compliance with this Agreement by the Company, including, without limitation, all registration and filing fees, fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with blue sky qualifications of the Registered Class A), printing expenses, messenger and delivery expenses, internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registered Class A on the New York Stock Exchange or any other securities exchange on which such Class A Common Stock is then listed, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and its independent certified public accountants (including the expenses of any special audit or comfort letters required by or incident to such performance), securities acts liability insurance (if the Company elects to obtain such insurance), the fees and expenses of any special experts retained by the Company in connection with such registration, the fees and expenses of other persons retained by the Company, including transfer agents, trustees, depositories and registrars (all such expenses being herein called “ Registration Expenses ”), will be borne by the Company. In the case of a Designated Registration, all Registration Expenses other than internal expenses of the Company and securities acts liability insurance obtained by the Company at its election, shall be borne by the Qualifying Creditor or the Children Trust Holders participating in the offering, as the case may be. The Company will not have any responsibility for any of the expenses of any Children Trust Party incurred in connection with any registration statement hereunder, including, without limitation, underwriting discounts or commissions attributable to the sale of Registered Class A and fees and expenses of counsel for such Children Trust Party.

8. Indemnification; Contribution .

(a) Indemnification by the Company . The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, ( i ) each Children Trust Party, ( ii ) the directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, beneficiaries, trustees, members and affiliates of each Children Trust Party, and the directors, officers, partners, employees and agents of each such affiliate, and ( iii ) each person who controls any of the foregoing (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act), and any investment adviser thereof, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, expenses (or actions or proceedings in respect thereof) or costs (including, without limitation, costs of investigation and reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements incurred by any such indemnified person in connection with enforcing its rights hereunder preparing, pursuing or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense, action or proceeding), including any of the foregoing incurred in settlement of any litigation commenced or threatened (collectively, “ Losses ”), joint or several, based upon or arising out of ( x ) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, summary prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto, ( y ) any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, or ( z ) any violation by the Company of any federal, state or common law rule or regulation applicable to the Company in connection with such registration, and the Company will reimburse each such indemnified party for any such Loss, except in each case insofar as any such Loss arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or omission made in any such registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, summary prospectus, amendment or supplement, or a violation of law or regulation in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such indemnified party expressly for use in the preparation thereof, it being understood that the information to be furnished to the Company for use in the preparation of any such document shall be limited only to the information specifically referenced in the penultimate sentence of Section 8(b). Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by such indemnified person and shall survive the Transfer of any Shares by any such indemnified person. The indemnity in this Section 8(a) shall not apply to Losses incurred by a person other than in his or her capacity as a selling security holder. In connection with an underwritten offering, the Company will indemnify the underwriters thereof, their officers and directors and each person who controls such underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of each Children Trust Party.

 

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(b) Indemnification by Children Trust Parties . In connection with any registration statement contemplated hereby, each Children Trust Party participating in any offer or sale pursuant to such registration statement will furnish to the Company in writing such information with respect to such Children Trust Party as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, summary prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, severally, and not jointly, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company, its directors, officers, employees, agents and affiliates and the directors, officers, partners, employees and agents of each such affiliate and each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) against any Losses insofar as such Losses arise out of or are based upon ( i ) an untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any such registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, summary prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in or omitted from any information with respect to such Children Trust Party so furnished in writing by such Children Trust Party expressly for use in the preparation of such registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, summary prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto, as the case may be, or ( ii ) any violation by such Children Trust Party of any federal, state or common law rule or regulation applicable to such Children Trust Party in connection with such registration. It is understood that the information to be furnished by a Children Trust Party to the Company for use in the preparation of any such document shall be limited only to information regarding such Children Trust Party, the ownership of such Children Trust Party’s Common Equity

Securities, such Children Trust Party’s intended method or methods of distribution and any other information required by law. The liability of a Children Trust Party under this Section 8(b) shall not exceed the amount of net proceeds received by such Children Trust Party (net of underwriting discounts borne by such Children Trust Party) from the sale of the Shares in the offering that is the subject of an indemnity claim under this Section 8(b).

(c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings . Any person entitled to indemnification hereunder agrees to give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party after the receipt by such person of any written notice of the commencement of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation or threat thereof made in writing for which such person will claim indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Agreement, provided that the failure of any indemnified party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnified party of its obligations under this Section 8, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is materially prejudiced by such failure to give notice. Unless in the reasonable judgment of such indemnified party, a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and the indemnifying party with respect to such claim, the indemnified party shall permit the indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party. If the indemnifying party is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim, it will not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim, in which event the indemnifying party shall be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of such additional counsel or counsels. No indemnifying party will be subject to any liability for any settlement made without its consent. No indemnifying party, in the defense of any such claim or litigation shall, except with the consent of the applicable indemnified party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.

(d) Indemnification Payments . Any indemnification required to be made by an indemnifying party pursuant to this Section 8 shall be made by periodic payments to the indemnified party during the course of the action or proceeding, as and when bills are received by such indemnifying party with respect to indemnifiable Losses incurred by such indemnified party.

(e) Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 from the indemnifying party is unavailable to an indemnified party hereunder in respect of any Losses or is insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party from all Losses covered thereby, 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 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, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such indemnifying party and indemnified parties shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact 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 statements or omissions. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 8(c), 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 8(e) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take into account 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.

 

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Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, ( i ) no party shall be liable for contribution under this Section 8(e) except to the extent and under such circumstances as such party would have been liable to indemnify under this Section 8 if such indemnification were enforceable under applicable law and ( ii ) no Children Trust Party (or related indemnified party) shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds received by such Children Trust Party (net of underwriting discounts borne by such Children Trust Party) from the sale of Shares in the offering that is the subject of the claim for contribution exceeds the amount of any damages which such Children Trust Party (or related indemnified party) would have been required to pay by reason of the indemnity under this Section 8 if such indemnification was enforceable under applicable law.

If indemnification is available under this Section 8, the indemnifying parties shall indemnify each indemnified party to the full extent provided in Sections 8(a) and (b) without regard to the relative fault of said indemnifying party or indemnified party or any other equitable consideration provided for in this Section 8(e).

9. Participation in Underwritten Registrations . A Children Trust Party may not participate in any underwritten registration hereunder or under the Dolan Registration Rights Agreement or otherwise unless such Children Trust Party ( a ) agrees to sell the Shares on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements with customary terms and conditions for a secondary offering approved by the persons 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, provided that none of the foregoing shall in any way limit the obligations of the Company under Section 8.

10. Miscellaneous .

(a) Specific Performance . The Company and each Children Trust Party acknowledge that it will be impossible to measure in money the damage to the Company if such Children Trust Party fails to comply with any of the obligations imposed by Section 1 of this Agreement, that every such obligation therein is material and that, in the event of any such failure, the Company will not have an adequate remedy at law or in damages. Accordingly, each Children Trust Party consents to the issuance of an injunction or the enforcement of other equitable remedies against it at the suit of the Company without bond or other security, to compel performance by such Children Trust Party of all the terms of Section 1 hereof, and waives any defenses of ( i ) failure of consideration, ( ii ) breach of any other provision of this Agreement and ( iii ) availability of relief in damages.

(b) No Inconsistent Agreements . The Company will not hereafter enter into any agreement with respect to its securities which is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Children Trust Parties in this Agreement.

(c) Amendments . This Agreement may not be amended, modified or altered except by a writing duly signed by the party against which such amendment or modification is sought to be enforced.

(d) Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, the Children Trust Parties and the respective successors and permitted assigns of the Company and the Children Trust Parties. This Agreement may not be assigned by either the Company or a Children Trust Party without the prior written consent of the other party hereto. The Company shall assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any entity that succeeds to all or substantially all of its assets, by merger or otherwise, including to any holding company that may be formed to be the parent of the Company, if such entity becomes the issuer of the securities then owned by the Children Trust Holders.

(e) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

(f) Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not constitute a part hereof.

(g) Construction . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York without giving any effect to principles of conflicts of laws.

(h) Notices . Any notice required or desired to be delivered hereunder shall be ( i ) in writing, ( ii ) delivered by personal delivery, sent by commercial delivery service or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by facsimile or electronic mail, ( iii ) deemed to have been given on the date of personal delivery, the date set forth in the records of the delivery service or return receipt, or in the case of facsimile or electronic mail, upon dispatch, and ( iv ) addressed as designated on Schedule 1 hereto (or to such other address as the party entitled to notice shall hereafter designate in accordance with the terms hereof), with copies as designated on Schedule 1 hereto.

(i) Severability . If any provision of this Agreement or the application of any provision hereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected unless the provision held invalid shall substantially impair the benefits of the remaining portions of this Agreement.

 

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(j) Entire Agreement . This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and is intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.

(k) Attorneys’ Fees . In any action or proceeding brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement, or where any provision hereof is validly asserted as a defense, the successful party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees in addition to any other available remedy.

(l) Effectiveness . This Agreement shall become effective on [            ], 2015, or if the Distribution is not consummated on that date, then it shall become effective on the date on which the Distribution is consummated, in each case without any further action of any of the parties hereto.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

MSG SPINCO, INC.

(to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company)

By:

 

Name:
Title:
KATHLEEN M. DOLAN

 

As a Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan Children Trusts FBO Kathleen M. Dolan, Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney, Marianne Dolan Weber, Patrick F. Dolan, Thomas C. Dolan and James L. Dolan
PAUL J. DOLAN

 

As a Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Kathleen M. Dolan and the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO James L. Dolan
MATTHEW DOLAN

 

As a Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Marianne Dolan Weber and the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Thomas C. Dolan

[Signature Page to Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement (MSG Spinco)]


MARY S. DOLAN

 

As a Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney and the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Patrick F. Dolan

 

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Annex A

Definitions :

Acceptable Marital Trust ” means a marital trust the income of which is for the benefit of any spouse of any descendant of Dolan and the principal of which (including all shares of Class B Common Stock held by such trust) is for the sole benefit of any descendant of Dolan.

Children Trust Holders ” means the Children Trusts and any transferee of shares of Class B Common Stock pursuant to clause (i) of Section 1(b).

Children Trust Parties ” means all Children Trust Holders and any Qualifying Creditor.

Children Trusts ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Class A Common Stock ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Class B Common Stock ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Collateral Stock ” means shares of Class B Common Stock that are the subject of a bona fide pledge or similar perfected security interest.

Commission ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2(a) hereof.

Common Equity Securities ” means shares of any class of common stock, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of any class of common stock of the Company.

Company ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Creditor ” means any financial institution approved by the Company, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

CSCo Shares ” means (a) shares of Class B Common Stock issued in the Distribution in respect of shares of MSG Class B Common Stock that were previously issued in respect of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, that were (i) owned at any time by Cablevision Systems Company, CFD Joint Venture or MAC TRUST GROUP or (ii) issued by Cablevision Systems Corporation in respect of any such shares as a result of any stock split, stock dividend or other recapitalization, and (b) any shares of Class B Common Stock issued by the Company in respect of such shares issued in the Distribution as a result of any stock split, stock dividend or other recapitalization.

Designated Registration ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 7 hereof.

Distribution ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Dolan ” means Charles F. Dolan; such term does not include Mr. Dolan’s legal representatives or his estate.

Dolan Consent ” means the prior written consent of Charles F. Dolan and at least two other members of the Dolan Family Committee, prior to the Transition Time, and, thereafter, the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes of the members of the Dolan Family Committee.

Dolan Family Committee ” means the Dolan Family Committee established pursuant to the MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company) Stockholders Agreement, dated as of [            ], 2015, by and among each of the holders of the Class B Common Stock, as the same may be amended, modified or amended and restated from time to time.

Dolan Registration Rights Agreement ” means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between the Company and the Dolan Family Affiliates (as defined therein), as the same may be amended, modified or amended and restated from time to time.

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

Inspectors ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6(g) hereof.

 

A-1


Losses ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8(a) hereof.

Market Price ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2(d) hereof.

Materiality Notice ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2(c) hereof.

MSG ” means The Madison Square Garden Company, a Delaware corporation.

MSG Class A Common Stock ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

MSG Class B Common Stock ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Other Holders ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3 hereof.

Permanent Incapacity ” means, with respect to an individual, any individual whose ability to receive and evaluate information effectively or to communicate decisions, or both, is impaired to such an extent that the individual permanently lacks the capacity to manage his or her financial resources, as determined by certification of one licensed physician.

Public Offering ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Qualifying Creditor ” means a Creditor who has, at the written request of a Children Trust Holder, signed an instrument in form reasonably acceptable to the Company agreeing to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement. Any affiliate of a Qualifying Creditor who owns Collateral Stock shall be deemed to be the same person as the Qualifying Creditor for purposes of Section 2.

Records ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6(g) hereof.

Registered Class A ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6(b).

Registration Expenses ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 7 hereof.

Rule 144 Threshold ” means the product of ( a ) the maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company that could be sold under Rule 144(e)(1) under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation) and ( b ) the applicable Market Price provided for in this Agreement.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Shares ” means ( i ) shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock acquired by any Children Trust Holder in the Distribution or pursuant to a Transfer in accordance with Section 1(b), ( ii ) shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock acquired by any Children Trust Holder as a result of any stock split, stock dividend or other recapitalization with respect to any shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock acquired by any Children Trust Holder in the Distribution, pursuant to a Transfer in accordance with Section 1(b) or as provided in this clause (ii) and ( iii ) shares of Class A Common Stock acquired upon conversion of Class B Common Stock acquired in the Distribution, pursuant to a Transfer in accordance with Section 1(b) or as provided in clause (ii).

Suspension of Effectiveness ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2(c) hereof.

Suspension of Filing ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2(c) hereof.

Suspension of Offering ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2(c) hereof.

Trading Day ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2(d) hereof.

Transfer ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 1(a) hereof.

Transition Time ” means the death or Permanent Incapacity of Charles F. Dolan.

 

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Exhibit A

FORM OF JOINDER

REGISTRATION RIGHTS JOINDER AGREEMENT

Reference is made to the Registration Rights Agreement, dated [            ], 2015, by and among The Madison Square Garden Company (formerly MSG Spinco, Inc.) and the Charles F. Dolan Children Trusts (as amended from time to time, the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”).

In consideration of the benefits to which the undersigned is entitled under the Registration Rights Agreement as a Children Trust Holder (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), the undersigned hereby agrees to be bound by the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement as a Children Trust Holder, including Sections 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) thereof, but, for the avoidance of doubt, only with respect to its CSCo Shares (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement).

 

 

Name: [                            ]

 

E-1


Schedule 1

Notices

To the Company:

MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company)

Two Pennsylvania Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Attn: General Counsel

Facsimile:

E-mail:

To the Children Trust Holders:

c/o Brian G. Sweeney

Cablevision Systems Corporation

1111 Stewart Avenue

Bethpage, NY 11714

Facsimile: (516) 803-1186

E-mail: bgsweeney@cablevision.com

With copies to (which shall not constitute notice):

Dolan Family Office LLC

340 Crossways Park Drive

Woodbury, New York 11797

Attn: Renzo Mori

Facsimile: (516) 364-4592

E-mail: rmori@dfollc.com

and

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

919 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Attn: Richard D. Bohm

Facsimile: (212) 909-6836

E-mail: rdbohm@debevoise.com

 

S-1

Exhibit 3.6

 

 

 

FORM OF

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

MSG SPINCO, INC.

(TO BE RENAMED THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY)

AND

THE DOLAN FAMILY AFFILIATES

 

 

 


FORM OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

Registration Rights Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) dated as of [            ], 2015 (but effective as provided in Section 9(k)), by and among MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company), a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), the parties set forth on Annex A to this Agreement (the “ Dolan Family Affiliates ”) and the Qualifying Creditors, if any, who have agreed in writing to become bound by this Agreement. Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in Annex B hereto.

WITNESSETH :

WHEREAS, as of the date of this Agreement, the Dolan Family Affiliates own shares of Class B Common Stock of The Madison Square Garden Company, par value $.01 per share (“ MSG Class B Common Stock ”), and shares of Class A Common Stock of The Madison Square Garden Company, par value $.01 per share (“ MSG Class A Common Stock ”);

WHEREAS, the Dolan Family Affiliates are party to a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2010, by and among MSG and the Dolan Family Affiliates, and the Dolan Family Affiliates have certain registration rights under that agreement with respect to shares of MSG Class A Common Stock;

WHEREAS, MSG intends to distribute (the “ Distribution ”) to the holders of MSG Class A Common Stock all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value (the “ Class A Common Stock ”), and to the holders of MSG Class B Common Stock all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value (the “ Class B Common Stock ”); and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Dolan Family Affiliates wish to provide for benefits and restrictions applicable to the Shares owned by the Dolan Family Holders following the Distribution, all as provided herein.

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

1. Demand Registration by the Dolan Family Parties of the Shares .

(a) Demand Registration . One or more of the Dolan Family Parties may request in writing, with the Dolan Consent, that the Company file a registration statement on an appropriate form for the general registration of securities under the Securities Act, and include therein such number of the Shares owned by such Dolan Family Party as such person may specify in its written request; provided , however , that ( i ) the Company shall not be required to file a registration statement pursuant to this Section 1 if ( x ) the Shares requested to be so registered do not, in the case of a Dolan Family Holder, together with any Shares timely requested to be registered by other Dolan Family Holders and Other Holders pursuant to the third-to-last sentence of this Section 1(a), have an aggregate Market Price exceeding the Rule 144 Threshold as of the Trading Day immediately preceding the expiration of the applicable Notice Period under such sentence or, in the case of a Qualifying Creditor, do not have an aggregate Market Price exceeding the Rule 144 Threshold as of the Trading Day immediately preceding the date on which the request for registration is received by the Company, or ( y ) the Company delivers to each Dolan Family Party requesting registration under this Section 1 an opinion of counsel to the Company (such opinion and such counsel to be reasonably acceptable to each such Dolan Family Party, it being agreed that the Company’s regular outside securities counsel shall be deemed to be reasonably acceptable counsel for this purpose) to the effect that the Shares proposed to be registered by such person may be offered and sold by such person to the public in the United States together with the Shares requested to be registered by all other Dolan Family Parties and Other Holders ( I ) without registration pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and ( II ) within the volume limitations under Rule 144(e) promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation) whether or not such volume limitations are then applicable, ( ii ) subject to the next sentence, the Dolan Family Holders shall in the aggregate have the right on only four occasions to require the Company to file a registration statement pursuant to this Section 1, and ( iii ) subject to the next sentence, a Qualifying Creditor may require registration only following the exercise of its remedies under a security agreement with a Dolan Family Holder and for the purpose of Transferring Shares pursuant thereto and each Qualifying Creditor may only require one registration hereunder. The total number of demand registrations under clauses (ii) and (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence and under the corresponding provisions of the Dolan Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement shall not exceed four. All requests made pursuant to this paragraph shall specify the aggregate number of Shares to be registered and the intended methods of disposition thereof, which methods may include an underwritten public offering. Upon receipt of a written request for registration from a Dolan Family Holder pursuant to the preceding sentences, the Company shall promptly give written notice of the proposed registration to each such other Dolan Family Holder and each Other Holder and provide each such other holder with the opportunity to join in such request by written notice to the Company specifying the aggregate number of Shares to be registered by such holder within 20 days from the date of the Company’s written notice (such period is referred to as the “ Notice Period ”).


Subject to Section 1(c) of this Agreement, the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to ensure that each registration statement required to be filed pursuant to this Section 1 shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) as promptly as reasonably practicable, but no later than 45 days after receipt of such request by the Company, and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to be declared effective by the Commission as promptly thereafter as practicable; provided , however , that the Company shall not be required to maintain such effectiveness for more than 90 days. Notwithstanding the Company’s rights to effect a Suspension of Filing or Suspension of Effectiveness in Section 1(c), the Dolan Family Parties that made the registration request under this Section 1(a) shall have the right to withdraw any such request, and such withdrawn request shall not count as a demand registration under clause (ii) or (iii) of this Section 1(a) or the corresponding provisions under the Dolan Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement, if ( 1 ) the registration statement required to be filed pursuant to this Section 1 is not filed with the Commission by the date that is 45 days after such request is received by the Company and has not at the time of such withdrawal been filed with the Commission, or is not declared effective by the date that is 90 days after the date such registration statement is filed with the Commission and has not at the time of such withdrawal been declared effective, and ( 2 ) in either case, such Dolan Family Parties notify the Company of the withdrawal of such request no later than 10 days after such 45 th or 90 th day, as the case may be.

(b) Concurrent Primary Offering . Anything in this Section 1 to the contrary notwithstanding, if the Company at the time of receipt of a request for registration pursuant to this Section 1 has a bona fide intent and plan to file a registration statement (other than on Form S-4 or S-8 or any successor forms) covering a primary offering by the Company of its Common Equity Securities, the Company, by notice to the applicable Dolan Family Parties, may delay the filing (but not the preparation) of the requested registration statement for a period ending on the earlier of ( i ) 60 days after the closing of such offering or ( ii ) 120 days after receipt of the request for registration; and, provided , further , if the Company either abandons its plan to file such registration statement or does not file the same within 75 days after receipt of such request, the Company shall promptly thereafter file the requested registration statement. The Company may not, pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, delay the filing of a requested registration statement more than once during any two-year period.

(c) Suspension of Offering . Upon notice by the Company to any Dolan Family Party which has requested registration under this Section 1 that a negotiation or consummation of a transaction by the Company or any of its subsidiaries is pending or an event has occurred, which negotiation, consummation or event would require disclosure in the registration statement for the requested registration and such disclosure would, in the good faith judgment of the board of directors of the Company, be materially adverse to the business interests of the Company, and the nondisclosure of which in the registration statement would reasonably be expected to cause the registration statement to fail to comply with applicable disclosure requirements (a “ Materiality Notice ”), the Company may delay the filing (but not the preparation) of such registration statement (a “ Suspension of Filing ”). Upon the delivery of a Materiality Notice by the Company pursuant to the preceding sentence at any time when a registration statement has been filed but not declared effective, the Company may delay seeking the effectiveness of such registration statement (a “ Suspension of Effectiveness ”), and each Dolan Family Party named therein shall immediately discontinue any offers of Shares under such registration statement until such Dolan Family Party receives copies of a supplemented or amended prospectus that corrects such misstatement or omission, or until it is advised in writing by the Company that offers under such registration statement may be resumed and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings which are incorporated by reference in such registration statement. Upon the delivery of a Materiality Notice by the Company pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 1(c) at any time when a registration statement has been filed and declared effective, each Dolan Family Party named therein shall immediately discontinue offers and sales of Shares under such registration statement until such Dolan Family Party receives copies of a supplemented or amended prospectus that corrects such misstatement or omission and notice that any post-effective amendment has become effective, or until it is advised in writing by the Company that offers under such registration statement may be resumed and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings which are incorporated by reference in the registration statement (a “ Suspension of Offering ;” a Suspension of Filing, a Suspension of Effectiveness and a Suspension of Offering are collectively referred to herein as, “ Suspensions ”). If so directed by the Company, each Dolan Family Party will deliver to the Company all copies (other than permanent file copies then in such Dolan Family Party’s possession) of any prospectus covering Shares in the possession of such Dolan Family Party or its agents current at the time of receipt of any Materiality Notice. In any 12-month period, the aggregate time of all Suspensions shall not, without the consent of a majority of the Dolan Family Holders (by number of Shares held), which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, exceed 180 days. If interrupted by a Suspension of Offering, any 90-day period in respect of which the Company is required to maintain the effectiveness of a registration statement pursuant to Section 1(a) of this Agreement shall be extended by the number of days during which the Suspension of Offering was in effect. In the event of any Suspension of Offering of more than 30 days in duration prior to which the Dolan Family Parties have sold less than 75% of the Shares to be sold in such offering, the Dolan Family Parties shall be entitled to withdraw such registration prior to the later of ( i ) the end of the Suspension of Offering and ( ii ) three business days after the Company has provided the Dolan Family Parties written notice of the anticipated date on which the Suspension of Offering will end, and, if such registration is withdrawn, the related demand for registration shall not count for the purposes of the limitations set forth under clauses (ii) and (iii) of Section 1(a) or the comparable provisions under the Dolan Trusts Registration Rights Agreement.

 

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(d) Market Price; Trading Day . For purposes of this Section 1:

(i) “ Market Price ” of a share of Class A Common Stock shall mean the weighted average of the closing prices for the Class A Common Stock on each Trading Day (as defined below) in the 30-day period ending on the day prior to the date of determination as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system of the New York Stock Exchange or on the comparable reporting system of such other exchange or trading system that is at the time the principal market for the Class A Common Stock.

(ii) “ Trading Day ” shall mean any day on which trading takes place on the New York Stock Exchange or such other exchange or trading system that is at the time the principal market for the Class A Common Stock.

2. Coordination of PiggyBack Registration Rights .

Each of the Dolan Family Parties hereby acknowledges and consents to the grant by the Company to the Children Trust Holders (as defined in the Dolan Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement and hereinafter referred to in this Agreement as the “ Other Holders ”), in the Dolan Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement, of the right of the Other Holders to include certain of their respective shares of Class A Common Stock in certain registration statements filed pursuant hereto. Each of the Dolan Family Parties further acknowledges and agrees that if any offering hereunder is to be underwritten and if the managing underwriter or underwriters of such offering informs such person in writing that the number of shares of Class A Common Stock which the Dolan Family Parties, and the Other Holders, as the case may be, intend to include in such offering is sufficiently large so as to affect the offering price of such offering materially and adversely, then the respective number of shares of Class A Common Stock to be offered for the account of each Dolan Family Party and each Other Holder, as the case may be, who is participating in such offering shall be reduced pro rata to the extent necessary to reduce the total number of shares of Class A Common Stock to be included in such offering to the number recommended by such managing underwriter. Except for such piggyback registration rights granted to Other Holders, and to any transferee of the shares of Class A Common Stock owned by an Other Holder which may be registered pursuant to the Dolan Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its security holders shall have the right to include any of the Company’s securities in any registration statement filed pursuant hereto.

3. Piggyback Registration of the Shares .

If the Company proposes to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering ( a ) by an Other Holder of its holdings of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the Dolan Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement, ( b ) by any other holder of any Common Equity Securities or ( c ) by the Company for its own account of any Common Equity Securities (other than a registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8, or any successor form or a form filed in connection with an exchange offer or an offering of securities solely to the existing stockholders of the Company), the Company shall give written notice of such proposed filing to each of the Dolan Family Holders at least 20 days before the anticipated filing date which shall state whether such registration will be in connection with an underwritten offering and offer such Dolan Family Holders the opportunity to include in such registration statement such number of the Shares as such Dolan Family Holder may request not later than three days prior to the anticipated filing date. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the managing underwriter or underwriters of a proposed underwritten offering to permit such Dolan Family Holders to be included in the registration for such offering and to include such Shares in such offering on the same terms and conditions as the Common Equity Securities included in such offering. If such proposed offering is to be underwritten, then upon request by the managing underwriter or underwriters given to such Dolan Family Holders prior to the effective date of the offering, any Dolan Family Holder electing to have Shares included in the registration statement shall either enter into underwriting agreements with customary terms and conditions for a secondary offering with such underwriter or underwriters providing for the inclusion of such number of the Shares owned by such Dolan Family Holder in such offering on such terms and conditions or, if such Dolan Family Holder shall refuse to enter into any such agreement, the Company shall have the right to exclude from such registration all (but not less than all) of the Shares of such Dolan Family Holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, ( x ) in no event will any Dolan Family Holder be required in such underwriting agreement (or in any other agreement in connection with such offering) to ( i ) make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the underwriters other than representations, warranties or agreements customarily made by selling securityholders in underwritten secondary offerings, ( ii ) make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company other than representations, warranties or agreements regarding such Dolan Family Holder, the ownership of such Dolan Family Holder’s Common Equity Securities, the authorization, validity and binding effect of transaction documents executed by such Dolan Family Holder in connection with such registration and such Dolan Family Holder’s intended method or methods of distribution and any other representation required by law; provided that no Dolan Family Holder shall be required to make any representation or warranty to any person covered by the indemnity in Section 7(b) other than on a several (and not joint) basis, or ( iii ) furnish any indemnity to any person which is broader than the indemnity customarily furnished by selling security holders in underwritten offerings; provided that no Dolan Family Holder shall be required to furnish any indemnity broader than the indemnity furnished by such Dolan Family Holder in Section 7(b) to any person covered by the indemnity in Section 7(b), and ( y ) if the managing underwriter

 

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or underwriters of such offering informs the Dolan Family Holders in writing that the number of Shares which the Dolan Family Holders and the number of Shares which the Other Holders intend to include in such offering is sufficiently large so as to affect materially and adversely the success of such offering, the Shares to be offered for the account of the Dolan Family Holders and the Other Holders shall first be reduced pro rata to the extent necessary to reduce the total number of shares of Class A Common Stock to be included in such offering to the number recommended by such managing underwriter. In giving effect to the foregoing reduction, the respective number of the Shares to be offered for the account of Dolan Family Holders shall be reduced pro rata.

4. Holdback Agreements .

(a) Restrictions on Public Sale by Dolan Family Parties . To the extent not inconsistent with applicable law, each Dolan Family Party agrees not to offer publicly or effect any public sale or distribution of Common Equity Securities, including a sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation), during the seven days prior to, and during the 90-day period beginning on, the effective date of any registration statement filed by the Company pursuant to which any such shares or securities are being registered (except as part of such registration), if and to the extent requested by the Company in the case of a non-underwritten public offering or if and to the extent requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters in the case of an underwritten public offering.

(b) Restrictions on Public Sale by the Company and Others . The Company agrees ( i ) that during the seven days prior to, and during the 90-day period beginning on, the effective date of any registration statement filed at the request of a Dolan Family Party pursuant hereto, the Company will not offer publicly or effect any public sale or distribution of Common Equity Securities (other than any such sale or distribution of such securities in connection with any merger or consolidation of the Company or any subsidiary with, or the acquisition by the Company or a subsidiary of the capital stock or substantially all of the assets of, any other person or any offer or sale of such securities pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8), and ( ii ) that any agreement entered into after the date of this Agreement pursuant to which the Company issues or agrees to issue any privately placed Common Equity Securities shall contain a provision under which holders of such securities agree not to effect any public sale or distribution of any such securities during the periods described in (i) above, in each case including a sale pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor rule or regulation) under the Securities Act (except as part of any such registration, if permitted).

5. Registration Procedures .

In connection with any registration of the Shares owned by a Dolan Family Party contemplated hereby, the Company will as expeditiously as possible:

(a) Furnish to such Dolan Family Party, prior to filing a registration statement, copies of such registration statement as proposed to be filed, and thereafter such number of copies of such registration statement, each amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits thereto), the prospectus included in such registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus) and such other documents in such quantities as such Dolan Family Party may reasonably request from time to time in order to facilitate the disposition of the Shares.

(b) Use its reasonable best efforts to register or qualify the Shares being registered as contemplated hereby (the “ Registered Class A ”) under such other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as such Dolan Family Party reasonably requests and do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Dolan Family Party to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registered Class A; provided that the Company will not be required to ( i)  qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this paragraph (b), ( ii ) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction, or ( iii ) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction.

(c) Use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registered Class A 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 to enable such Dolan Family Party to consummate the disposition of such Registered Class A.

(d) Notify such Dolan Family Party at any time, ( i ) of any request by the Commission or any other federal or state governmental authority for amendments or supplements to a registration statement or related prospectus or for additional information, ( ii ) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, ( iii ) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any of the Registered Class A for sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose, and ( iv ) when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such registration statement contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and, except as otherwise provided in Section 1(c) hereof, the Company will, as expeditiously as practicable, prepare a supplement or amendment to such prospectus so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registered Class A, 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.

 

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(e) Use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement, or the lifting of any suspension of the qualification (or exemption from qualification) of any of the Registered Class A for sale in any jurisdiction at the earliest date reasonably practical.

(f) Cause all such Registered Class A to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange or on any other securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is then listed, provided that the applicable listing requirements are satisfied.

(g) Enter into customary agreements (including an underwriting agreement in customary form) and take such other actions as are reasonably requested by the relevant Dolan Family Party in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of the Registered Class A.

(h) Make available for inspection by such Dolan Family Party, any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by such Dolan Family Party or such underwriter (collectively, the “ Inspectors ”), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company (collectively, the “ Records ”) as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the officers, directors and employees of the Company to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection with such registration statement. Records which the Company determines, in good faith, to be confidential and which it notifies the Inspectors are confidential shall not be disclosed by the Inspectors unless ( i ) the disclosure of such Records is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the registration statement or ( ii ) the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction. Any Dolan Family Party shall use reasonable best efforts, prior to any disclosure by any such Inspector under clause (i) of the preceding sentence, to inform the Company that such disclosure is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the registration statement. Each Dolan Family Party further agrees that it will, upon learning that disclosure of Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction, give notice to the Company and allow the Company, at the expense of the Company, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed confidential.

(i) In the event such sale is pursuant to an underwritten offering, use its reasonable best efforts to ( i ) obtain a comfort letter from the independent public accountants for the Company in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by such letters as any Dolan Family Party reasonably requests and ( ii ) ensure that ( A ) the representations, warranties and covenants contained in the applicable underwriting agreement shall expressly be for the benefit of any Dolan Family Party participating in such sale, ( B ) the conditions to closing in said underwriting agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory to such Dolan Family Party and ( C ) to the extent customary, all comfort letters and opinions of counsel contemplated by said underwriting agreements are delivered to such Dolan Family Party on the closing date of the offering.

(j) Otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and have the registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable after filing.

The Company may require any Dolan Family Party to furnish to the Company such information regarding such Dolan Family Party as the Company may from time to time reasonably request in writing, in each case only as required by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.

Each Dolan Family Party agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 5(d) hereof, such Dolan Family Party will forthwith discontinue disposition of the Registered Class A pursuant to the registration statement covering such Registered Class A until such Dolan Family Party receives the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 5(d) hereof, and, if so directed by the Company, such Dolan Family Party will deliver to the Company (at the expense of the Company) all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Dolan Family Party’s possession, of the prospectus covering such Registered Class A current at the time of receipt of such notice. If interrupted by receipt of any such notice pursuant to Section 5(d), any 90-day period in respect of which the Company is required to maintain the effectiveness of a registration statement pursuant to Section 1(a) shall be extended by the number of days during which the interruption was in effect.

 

-5-


6. Registration Expenses .

Other than in the case of ( a ) a registration at the request of a Qualifying Creditor or ( b ) a demand registration under Section 1(a)(ii) after the second such registration (each registration referred to in clause (a) or (b), a “ Designated Registration ”), all expenses incident to the performance of or compliance with this Agreement by the Company, including, without limitation, all registration and filing fees, fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with blue sky qualifications of the Registered Class A), printing expenses, messenger and delivery expenses, internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registered Class A on the New York Stock Exchange or any other securities exchange on which such Class A Common Stock is then listed, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and its independent certified public accountants (including the expenses of any special audit or comfort letters required by or incident to such performance), securities acts liability insurance (if the Company elects to obtain such insurance), the fees and expenses of any special experts retained by the Company in connection with such registration, the fees and expenses of other persons retained by the Company, including transfer agents, trustees, depositories and registrars (all such expenses being herein called “ Registration Expenses ”), will be borne by the Company. In the case of a Designated Registration, all Registration Expenses other than internal expenses of the Company and securities acts liability insurance obtained by the Company at its election, shall be borne by the Qualifying Creditor or the Dolan Family Holders participating in the offering, as the case may be. The Company will not have any responsibility for any of the expenses of any Dolan Family Party incurred in connection with any registration statement hereunder, including, without limitation, underwriting discounts or commissions attributable to the sale of Registered Class A and fees and expenses of counsel for such Dolan Family Party.

7. Indemnification; Contribution .

(a) Indemnification by the Company . The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, ( i ) each Dolan Family Party, ( ii ) the directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, beneficiaries, trustees, members and affiliates of each Dolan Family Party, and the directors, officers, partners, employees and agents of each such affiliate, and ( iii ) each person who controls any of the foregoing (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act), and any investment adviser thereof, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, expenses (or actions or proceedings in respect thereof) or costs (including, without limitation, costs of investigation and reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements incurred by any such indemnified person in connection with enforcing its rights hereunder preparing, pursuing or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense, action or proceeding), including any of the foregoing incurred in settlement of any litigation commenced or threatened (collectively, “ Losses ”), joint or several, based upon or arising out of ( x ) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, summary prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto, ( y ) any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, or ( z ) any violation by the Company of any federal, state or common law rule or regulation applicable to the Company in connection with such registration, and the Company will reimburse each such indemnified party for any such Loss, except in each case insofar as any such Loss arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or omission made in any such registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, summary prospectus, amendment or supplement, or a violation of law or regulation in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such indemnified party expressly for use in the preparation thereof, it being understood that the information to be furnished to the Company for use in the preparation of any such document shall be limited only to the information specifically referenced in the penultimate sentence of Section 7(b). Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by such indemnified person and shall survive the Transfer of any Shares by any such indemnified person. The indemnity in this Section 7(a) shall not apply to Losses incurred by a person other than in his or her capacity as a selling security holder. In connection with an underwritten offering, the Company will indemnify the underwriters thereof, their officers and directors and each person who controls such underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of each Dolan Family Party.

(b) Indemnification by Dolan Family Parties . In connection with any registration statement contemplated hereby, each Dolan Family Party participating in any offer or sale pursuant to such registration statement will furnish to the Company in writing such information with respect to such Dolan Family Party as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, summary prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, severally, and not jointly, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company, its directors, officers, employees, agents and affiliates and the directors, officers, partners, employees and agents of each such affiliate and each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) against any Losses insofar as such Losses arise out of or are based upon ( i ) an untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any such registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, summary prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, to the extent that such untrue statement

 

-6-


or omission is contained in or omitted from any information with respect to such Dolan Family Party so furnished in writing by such Dolan Family Party expressly for use in the preparation of such registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, summary prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto, as the case may be, or ( ii ) any violation by such Dolan Family Party of any federal, state or common law rule or regulation applicable to such Dolan Family Party in connection with such registration. It is understood that the information to be furnished by a Dolan Family Party to the Company for use in the preparation of any such document shall be limited only to information regarding such Dolan Family Party, the ownership of such Dolan Family Party’s Common Equity Securities, such Dolan Family Party’s intended method or methods of distribution and any other information required by law. The liability of a Dolan Family Party under this Section 7(b) shall not exceed the amount of net proceeds received by such Dolan Family Party (net of underwriting discounts borne by such Dolan Family Party) from the sale of the Shares in the offering that is the subject of an indemnity claim under this Section 7(b).

(c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings . Any person entitled to indemnification hereunder agrees to give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party after the receipt by such person of any written notice of the commencement of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation or threat thereof made in writing for which such person will claim indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Agreement, provided that the failure of any indemnified party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnified party of its obligations under this Section 7, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is materially prejudiced by such failure to give notice. Unless in the reasonable judgment of such indemnified party, a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and the indemnifying party with respect to such claim, the indemnified party shall permit the indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party. If the indemnifying party is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim, it will not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim, in which event the indemnifying party shall be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of such additional counsel or counsels. No indemnifying party will be subject to any liability for any settlement made without its consent. No indemnifying party, in the defense of any such claim or litigation shall, except with the consent of the applicable indemnified party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.

(d) Indemnification Payments . Any indemnification required to be made by an indemnifying party pursuant to this Section 7 shall be made by periodic payments to the indemnified party during the course of the action or proceeding, as and when bills are received by such indemnifying party with respect to indemnifiable Losses incurred by such indemnified party.

(e) Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 from the indemnifying party is unavailable to an indemnified party hereunder in respect of any Losses or is insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party from all Losses covered thereby, 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 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, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such indemnifying party and indemnified parties shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact 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 statements or omissions. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 7(c), 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 7(e) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take into account 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.

Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, ( i ) no party shall be liable for contribution under this Section 7(e) except to the extent and under such circumstances as such party would have been liable to indemnify under this Section 7 if such indemnification were enforceable under applicable law and ( ii ) no Dolan Family Party (or related indemnified party) shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds received by such Dolan Family Party (net of underwriting discounts borne by such Dolan Family Party) from the sale of Shares in the offering that is the subject of the claim for contribution exceeds the amount of any damages which such Dolan Family Party (or related indemnified party) would have been required to pay by reason of the indemnity under this Section 7 if such indemnification was enforceable under applicable law.

 

 

-7-


If indemnification is available under this Section 7, the indemnifying parties shall indemnify each indemnified party to the full extent provided in Sections 7(a) and (b) without regard to the relative fault of said indemnifying party or indemnified party or any other equitable consideration provided for in this Section 7(e).

8. Participation in Underwritten Registrations . A Dolan Family Party may not participate in any underwritten registration hereunder or under the Dolan Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement or otherwise unless such Dolan Family Party ( a ) agrees to sell the Shares on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements with customary terms and conditions for a secondary offering approved by the persons 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, provided that none of the foregoing shall in any way limit the obligations of the Company under Section 7.

9. Miscellaneous .

(a) No Inconsistent Agreements . The Company will not hereafter enter into any agreement with respect to its securities which is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Dolan Family Parties in this Agreement.

(b) Amendments . This Agreement may not be amended, modified or altered except by a writing duly signed by the party against which such amendment or modification is sought to be enforced.

(c) Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, the Dolan Family Parties and the respective successors and permitted assigns of the Company and the Dolan Family Parties. This Agreement may not be assigned by either the Company or a Dolan Family Party without the prior written consent of the other party hereto; provided that the Company agrees that all transferees of all or substantially all of the Shares held by Dolan shall be accorded all of the registration rights of Dolan hereunder. The Company shall assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any entity that succeeds to all or substantially all of its assets, by merger or otherwise, including to any holding company that may be formed to be the parent of the Company, if such entity becomes the issuer of the securities then owned by the Dolan Family Holders.

(d) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

(e) Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not constitute a part hereof.

(f) Construction . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York without giving any effect to principles of conflicts of laws.

(g) Notices . Any notice required or desired to be delivered hereunder shall be ( i ) in writing, ( ii ) delivered by personal delivery, sent by commercial delivery service or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by facsimile or electronic mail, ( iii ) deemed to have been given on the date of personal delivery, the date set forth in the records of the delivery service or return receipt, or in the case of facsimile or electronic mail, upon dispatch, and ( iv ) addressed as designated on Schedule 1 hereto (or to such other address as the party entitled to notice shall hereafter designate in accordance with the terms hereof), with copies as designated on Schedule 1 hereto.

(h) Severability . If any provision of this Agreement or the application of any provision hereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected unless the provision held invalid shall substantially impair the benefits of the remaining portions of this Agreement.

(i) Entire Agreement . This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and is intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.

(j) Attorneys’ Fees . In any action or proceeding brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement, or where any provision hereof is validly asserted as a defense, the successful party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees in addition to any other available remedy.

(k) Effectiveness . This Agreement shall become effective on [            ], 2015, or if the Distribution is not consummated on that date, then it shall become effective on the date on which the Distribution is consummated, in each case without any further action of any of the parties hereto.

 

-8-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

MSG SPINCO, INC.
(to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company)
By:

 

Name:
Title:
CHARLES F. DOLAN

 

Individually, and as Trustee of the
Charles F. Dolan 2009 Revocable Trust
HELEN A. DOLAN

 

Individually, and as Trustee of the Helen A. Dolan 2009 Revocable Trust
MARY S. DOLAN

 

As Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trusts
DAVID M. DOLAN

 

As Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trusts

 

KATHLEEN M. DOLAN

 

As Trustee of the Tara Dolan 1989 Trust and the Ryan Dolan 1989 Trust
JAMES L. DOLAN

 

James L. Dolan, individually

[Signature Page to Family Affiliates Registration Rights Agreement (MSG Spinco)]


ANNEX A

DOLAN FAMILY AFFILIATES

 

Charles F. Dolan
Helen A. Dolan
Charles F. Dolan 2009 Revocable Trust
Helen A. Dolan 2009 Revocable Trust
Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trusts
Tara Dolan 1989 Trust
Ryan Dolan 1989 Trust
James L. Dolan

 

A-1


Annex B

Definitions

Acceptable Marital Trust ” means a marital trust the income of which is for the benefit of any spouse of any descendant of Dolan and the principal of which (including all shares of Class B Common Stock held by such trust) is for the sole benefit of any descendant of Dolan.

Class A Common Stock ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Class B Common Stock ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Collateral Stock ” means shares of Class B Common Stock that are the subject of a bona fide pledge or similar perfected security interest.

Commission ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 1(a) hereof.

Common Equity Securities ” means shares of any class of common stock, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of any class of common stock of the Company.

Company ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Creditor ” means any financial institution approved by the Company, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

Designated Registration ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6 hereof.

Distribution ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Dolan ” means Charles F. Dolan; such term does not include Mr. Dolan’s legal representatives or his estate.

Dolan Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement ” means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between the Company and the Charles F. Dolan Children Trusts, as the same may be amended, modified or amended and restated from time to time.

Dolan Consent ” means the prior written consent of Charles F. Dolan and at least two other members of the Dolan Family Committee, prior to the Transition Time, and, thereafter, the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes of the members of the Dolan Family Committee.

Dolan Family Affiliates ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Preamble hereof.

Dolan Family Committee ” means the Dolan Family Committee established pursuant to the MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company) Stockholders Agreement, dated as of [            ], 2015, by and among each of the holders of the Class B Common Stock, as the same may be amended, modified or amended and restated from time to time.

Dolan Family Holders ” means the Dolan Family Affiliates and any other Dolan Family Member who or that is a transferee of shares of Class B Common Stock from a Dolan Family Affiliate or other Dolan Family Member.

Dolan Family Member ” means Dolan, his spouse, any person related to Dolan by reason of being his ancestor or descendent (natural or adopted), any Acceptable Marital Trust, any entity (whether a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other entity of any kind) all of the equity or beneficial interests in which are owned or held by any of the foregoing persons, or any person (whether or not such person is one of the foregoing persons) who is a trustee for, or is acting on behalf of, any of such foregoing persons.

Dolan Family Parties ” means all Dolan Family Holders and any Qualifying Creditor.

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

Inspectors ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5(g) hereof.

 

B-1


Losses ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 7(a) hereof.

Market Price ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 1(d) hereof.

Materiality Notice ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 1(c) hereof.

MSG ” means The Madison Square Garden Company, a Delaware corporation.

MSG Class A Common Stock ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

MSG Class B Common Stock ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Other Holders ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2 hereof.

Permanent Incapacity ” means, with respect to an individual, any individual whose ability to receive and evaluate information effectively or to communicate decisions, or both, is impaired to such an extent that the individual permanently lacks the capacity to manage his or her financial resources, as determined by certification of one licensed physician.

Public Offering ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Qualifying Creditor ” means a Creditor who has, at the written request of a Dolan Family Holder, signed an instrument in form reasonably acceptable to the Company agreeing to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement. Any affiliate of a Qualifying Creditor who owns Collateral Stock shall be deemed to be the same person as the Qualifying Creditor for purposes of Section 1.

Records ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5(g) hereof.

Registered Class A ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5(b).

Registration Expenses ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6 hereof.

Rule 144 Threshold ” means the product of ( a ) the maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company that could be sold under Rule 144(e)(1) under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation) and ( b ) the applicable Market Price provided for in this Agreement.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Shares ” means ( i ) shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock acquired by any Dolan Family Holder in the Distribution, ( ii ) any shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock acquired by any Dolan Family Holder as a result of any stock split, stock dividend or other recapitalization with respect to any shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock acquired by any Dolan Family Holder in the Distribution or acquired as provided in this clause (ii) and ( iii ) shares of Class A Common Stock acquired upon conversion of Class B Common Stock acquired in the Distribution or acquired as provided in clause (ii).

Suspension of Effectiveness ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2(c) hereof.

Suspension of Filing ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 1(c) hereof.

Suspension of Offering ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 1(c) hereof.

Trading Day ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 1(d) hereof.

Transfer ” means a sale, transfer or other disposition.

Transition Time ” means the death or Permanent Incapacity of Charles F. Dolan.

 

B-2


Schedule 1

Notices

To the Company:

MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company)

Two Pennsylvania Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Attn: General Counsel

Facsimile:

E-mail:

To the Dolan Family Affiliates:

c/o Brian G. Sweeney

Cablevision Systems Corporation

1111 Stewart Avenue

Bethpage, NY 11714

Facsimile: (516) 803-1186

E-mail: bgsweeney@cablevision.com

With copies to (which shall not constitute notice):

Dolan Family Office LLC

340 Crossways Park Drive

Woodbury, New York 11797

Attn: Renzo Mori

Facsimile: (516) 364-4592

E-mail: rmori@dfollc.com

and

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

919 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Attn: Richard D. Bohm

Facsimile: (212) 909-6836

E-mail: rdbohm@debevoise.com

 

S-1

Exhibit 10.1

FORM OF

TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

MSG SPINCO, INC.

(TO BE RENAMED THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY)

AND

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

(TO BE RENAMED MSG NETWORKS INC.)

DATED AS OF [                    ], 2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  
ARTICLE I   
DEFINITIONS   

Section 1.1. General

     1   

Section 1.2. Reference; Interpretation

     3   
ARTICLE II   
SERVICES   

Section 2.1. Services

     3   

Section 2.2. Standard of Service

     3   

Section 2.3. Additional Services

     3   

Section 2.4. Representative

     4   
ARTICLE III   
LICENSES AND PERMITS   

Section 3.1. Licenses and Permits

     4   
ARTICLE IV   
PAYMENT   

Section 4.1. General

     4   

Section 4.2. Additional Expenses

     4   

Section 4.3. Invoices

     5   

Section 4.4. Failure to Pay

     5   

Section 4.5. Termination of Services

     6   
ARTICLE V   
INSURANCE MATTERS   

Section 5.1. Disclaimer

     6   

Section 5.2. Insurance Transition

     6   

Section 5.3. Claims Made Policies

     7   

Section 5.4. Audits and Adjustments

     7   

Section 5.5. No Assignment or Waiver

     7   

Section 5.6. No Limitation on Spinco Insurance

     7   

Section 5.7. Scope

     7   


     Page  
ARTICLE VI   
INDEMNIFICATION   

Section 6.1. Indemnification by Party Receiving Services

     7   

Section 6.2. Indemnification by Party Providing Services

     8   

Section 6.3. Third Party Claims

     8   

Section 6.4. Indemnification Payments

     10   

Section 6.5. Survival

     11   
ARTICLE VII   
COOPERATION; CONFIDENTIALITY; TITLE   

Section 7.1. Good Faith Cooperation; Consents

     11   

Section 7.2. Confidentiality

     11   

Section 7.3. Internal Use; Title, Copies, Return

     11   
ARTICLE VIII   
TERM   

Section 8.1. Duration

     12   

Section 8.2. Early Termination by Spinco

     12   

Section 8.3. Early Termination by MSG Networks

     12   

Section 8.4. Suspension Due to Force Majeure

     13   

Section 8.5. Consequences of Termination

     13   
ARTICLE IX   
RECORDS   

Section 9.1. Maintenance of Records

     13   
ARTICLE X   
DISPUTE RESOLUTION   

Section 10.1. Negotiation

     13   

Section 10.2. Continuity of Service and Performance

     14   

Section 10.3. Other Remedies

     14   
ARTICLE XI   
NOTICES   

Section 11.1. Notices

     14   
ARTICLE XII   
MISCELLANEOUS   

Section 12.1. Taxes

     15   

 

-ii-


     Page  

Section 12.2. Relationship of Parties

     15   

Section 12.3. Complete Agreement; Construction

     15   

Section 12.4. Counterparts

     15   

Section 12.5. Waivers

     15   

Section 12.6. Amendments

     15   

Section 12.7. Assignment

     15   

Section 12.8. Successors and Assigns

     16   

Section 12.9. Third Party Beneficiaries

     16   

Section 12.10. Governing Law

     16   

Section 12.11. Waiver of Jury Trial

     16   

Section 12.12. Specific Performance

     16   

Section 12.13. Severability

     16   

Section 12.14. Provisions Unaffected

     16   

Section 12.15. No Presumption

     16   

 

-iii-


Transition Services Agreement, dated as of [                    ], 2015 (this “ Agreement ”), between MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company), a Delaware corporation (“ Spinco ”), and The Madison Square Garden Company (to be renamed MSG Networks Inc.), a Delaware corporation (“ MSG Networks ”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Spinco and MSG Networks have entered into a Distribution Agreement, dated as of [                    ], 2015 (the “ Distribution Agreement ”), which sets forth the terms pursuant to which MSG Networks and its subsidiary MSG Holdings, L.P. (“ MSG Holdings ”), will transfer certain assets to Spinco and MSG Networks will distribute the common stock of Spinco to shareholders of MSG Networks (the “ Distribution ”); and

WHEREAS, in connection with the Distribution, and in order to ensure an orderly transition under the Distribution Agreement, it will be necessary for each of the parties to provide to the other the Services described herein for a transitional period;

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

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1. General. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below:

Ancillary Agreement ” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the Distribution Agreement.

Applicable Rate ” shall mean the Prime Rate (as defined below) plus three percent (3%) per annum.

Bankruptcy Event ” with respect to a party shall mean the filing of an involuntary petition in bankruptcy or similar proceeding against such party seeking its reorganization, liquidation or the appointment of a receiver, trustee or liquidator for it or for all or substantially all of its assets, whereupon such petition shall not be dismissed within sixty (60) days after the filing thereof, or if such party shall (i) apply for or consent in writing to the appointment of a receiver, trustee or liquidator of all or substantially all of its assets, (ii) file a voluntary petition or admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due, (iii) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (iv) file a petition or an answer seeking reorganization or an arrangement with its creditors or take advantage of any insolvency law with respect to itself as debtor, or (v) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency proceedings or any similar proceedings.

Business Day ” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banks in New York City, New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.


Change of Control ” of a company shall mean an event or series of events by which Dolan Family Interests shall cease at any time to have beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of shares of the capital stock of such company, having sufficient votes to elect (or otherwise designate) at such time a majority of the members of the board of directors of such company.

Dolan Family Interests ” shall mean (i) any Dolan Family Member, (ii) any trusts for the benefit of any Dolan Family Members, (iii) any estate or testamentary trust of any Dolan Family Member for the benefit of any Dolan Family Members, (iv) any executor, administrator, trustee, conservator or legal or personal representative of any Person or Persons specified in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above to the extent acting in such capacity on behalf of any Dolan Family Member or Members and not individually and (v) any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other similar entity, in each case 80% of which is owned and controlled by any of the foregoing or combination of the foregoing.

Dolan Family Members ” shall mean Charles F. Dolan, his spouse, his descendants and any spouse of any of such descendants.

Loss ” shall mean any damage, claim, loss, charge, action, suit, proceeding, deficiency, tax, interest, penalty and reasonable costs and expenses related thereto (including reasonable attorneys’ fees).

MSG Networks Services ” shall mean those transitional services, including any Additional Services, to be provided by MSG Networks to Spinco set forth on Schedule B hereto to assist Spinco in operating Spinco’s business following the Distribution. Services or actions of Overlap Individuals shall not be considered to be MSG Networks Services under this Agreement unless expressly agreed in writing by both parties to this Agreement.

Overlap Individuals ” shall mean Persons who are directors of both Spinco and MSG Networks or officers of both Spinco and MSG Networks if such officer is compensated by both companies.

Person ” shall mean any natural person, corporation, business trust, limited liability company, joint venture, association, company, partnership or government, or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Prime Rate ” shall mean the rate of interest per annum announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as its prime lending rate.

Services ” shall mean, collectively, the Spinco Services and the MSG Networks Services.

Spinco Services ” shall mean those transitional services, including any Additional Services, to be provided by Spinco to MSG Networks set forth on Schedule A hereto to assist MSG Networks in operating MSG Networks’ business following the Distribution. Services or actions of Overlap Individuals shall not be considered to be Spinco Services under this Agreement unless expressly agreed in writing by both parties to this Agreement.

 

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Third-Party ” shall mean any Person who is not a party to this Agreement.

Section 1.2. Reference; Interpretation. References in this Agreement to any gender include references to all genders, and references to the singular include references to the plural and vice versa. The words “ include ”, “ includes ” and “ including ” when used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “ without limitation .” Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Agreement to Articles, Sections and Schedules shall be deemed references to Articles and Sections of, and Schedules to, this Agreement. Unless the context otherwise requires, the words “ hereof ”, “ hereby ” and “ herein ” and words of similar meaning when used in this Agreement refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular Article, Section or provision of this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

SERVICES

Section 2.1. Services. (a) Spinco shall provide to MSG Networks each Spinco Service for the term set forth opposite the description of such Spinco Service in Schedule A. Additional Services may be provided to MSG Networks by Spinco as provided in Section 2.3. At its option and with the consent of MSG Networks (which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld), Spinco may cause any Spinco Service it is required to provide hereunder to be provided by any other Person or entity that is providing, or may from time to time provide, the same or similar services for Spinco.

(b) MSG Networks shall provide to Spinco each MSG Networks Service for the term set forth opposite the description of such MSG Networks Service in Schedule B. Additional Services may be provided by MSG Networks to Spinco as provided in Section 2.3. At its option and with the consent of Spinco (which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld), MSG Networks may cause any MSG Networks Service it is required to provide hereunder to be provided by any other Person or entity that is providing, or may from time to time provide, the same or similar services for MSG Networks.

Section 2.2. Standard of Service. Spinco and MSG Networks shall maintain sufficient resources to perform their respective obligations hereunder. In performing the Services, Spinco and MSG Networks shall provide substantially the same level of service and use substantially the same degree of care as their respective personnel provided and used in providing such Services prior to completion of the Distribution for itself (but in no event less than a reasonable degree of care), subject in each case to any provisions set forth on Schedule A or Schedule B with respect to each such Service. Each party shall provide reasonable assistance to the other party in migrating the applicable Services to the recipient of such Services.

Section 2.3. Additional Services. From time to time after the date hereof, the parties may identify additional services that one party will provide to the other party in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (the “ Additional Services ”). The parties shall

 

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cooperate and act in good faith to agree on the terms pursuant to which any such Additional Service shall be provided and to amend Schedule A or Schedule B, as applicable, in accordance with such terms. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither party shall have any obligation to agree to provide Additional Services.

Section 2.4. Representative. The parties shall each appoint a representative (each, a “ Representative ”) to facilitate communications and performance under this Agreement. Each party may treat an act of a Representative of another party as being authorized by such other party without inquiring behind such act or ascertaining whether such Representative had authority to so act. Each party shall have the right at any time and from time to time to replace its Representative by giving notice in writing to the other party. The initial representative of each party is as set forth on Schedule C.

ARTICLE III

LICENSES AND PERMITS

Section 3.1. Licenses and Permits. Each party warrants and covenants that all duties and obligations (including with respect to Spinco, all Spinco Services and with respect to MSG Networks, all MSG Networks Services) to be performed hereunder shall be performed in compliance with all material applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Each party shall obtain and maintain all material permits, approvals and licenses necessary or appropriate to perform its duties and obligations (including with respect to MSG Networks, the MSG Networks Services and with respect to Spinco, the Spinco Services) hereunder and shall at all times comply with the terms and conditions of such permits, approvals and licenses.

ARTICLE IV

PAYMENT

Section 4.1. General. (a) In consideration for the provision of each of the Spinco Services, MSG Networks shall pay to Spinco the fee calculated as set forth for such Spinco Service on Schedule A.

(b) In consideration for the provision of each of the MSG Networks Services, Spinco shall pay to MSG Networks the fee as calculated as set forth for such MSG Networks Service on Schedule B.

Section 4.2. Additional Expenses. (a) In addition to the fees payable in accordance with Section 4.1(a), MSG Networks shall reimburse Spinco for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including without limitation postage and other delivery costs, telephone, telecopy and similar expenses) incurred by Spinco with respect to Third Parties in connection with the provision of Spinco Services to MSG Networks pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or paid by Spinco on behalf of MSG Networks; provided that if Spinco expects to incur in respect of a Third Party in any month costs and expenses in excess of $25,000 and not already contemplated by Schedule A, Spinco shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide to MSG Networks prior to the first day of such month a written notice setting forth Spinco’s reasonable estimate of the expenses it expects to incur.

 

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(b) In addition to the fees payable for expenses in accordance with Section 4.1(b), Spinco shall reimburse MSG Networks for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including without limitation postage and other delivery costs, telephone, telecopy and similar expenses) incurred by Spinco with respect to Third Parties in connection with the provision of MSG Networks Services to Spinco pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or paid by MSG Networks on behalf of Spinco; provided that if MSG Networks expects to incur in respect of a Third Party in any month costs and expenses in excess of $25,000 and not already contemplated by Schedule B, MSG Networks shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide to Spinco prior to the first day of such a month written notice setting forth MSG Networks’ reasonable estimate of the expenses it expects to incur.

Section 4.3. Invoices. (a) Spinco will invoice MSG Networks in U.S. dollars: (i) as of the last day of each calendar month for any fees payable by MSG Networks in accordance with Section 4.1(a) for Spinco Services listed on Schedule A provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement during such month; (ii) as of the last day of each calendar month for any amounts payable by MSG Networks in accordance with Section 4.2(a) (and enclosing invoices from the relevant Third Parties); and (iii) as of the last day of each calendar month for any taxes (excluding income taxes) accrued with respect to the provision of Spinco Services to MSG Networks during such month. Spinco shall deliver or cause to be delivered to MSG Networks each such invoice within thirty (30) days following the last day of the calendar month to which such invoice relates. MSG Networks shall pay each such invoice received by electronic funds transfer as follows: in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), within twenty (20) Business Days of the date on which such invoice was received, and in the case of clause (iii), not later than one (1) Business Day prior to the due date for such tax payments; provided that Spinco delivers such invoice not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the due date for such tax payments.

(b) MSG Networks will invoice Spinco in U.S. dollars: (i) as of the last day of each calendar month for any fees payable by Spinco in accordance with Section 4.1(b) for MSG Networks Services listed on Schedule B provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement during such month; (ii) as of the last day of each calendar month for any amounts payable by Spinco in accordance with Section 4.2(b) (and enclosing invoices from such Third Parties); and (iii) as of the last day of each calendar month for any taxes (excluding income taxes) accrued with respect to the provision of MSG Networks Services to Spinco during such month. MSG Networks shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Spinco each such invoice within thirty (30) days following the last day of the calendar month to which such invoice relates. Spinco shall pay each such invoice received by electronic funds transfer: in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), within twenty (20) Business Days of the date on which such invoice was received, and in the case of clause (iii), not later than one (1) Business Day prior to the due date for such tax payments’ provided that MSG Networks delivers such invoice not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the due date for such tax payments.

Section 4.4. Failure to Pay. Any undisputed amount not paid when due shall be subject to a late payment fee computed daily at a rate equal to the Applicable Rate from the due date of such amount to the date such amount is paid. Each party agrees to pay the other party’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in collection of any amounts owed to such other party hereunder and

 

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not paid when due. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in the event either party fails to make a payment of any undisputed amount when due hereunder, and such failure continues for a period of thirty (30) days following delivery of notice to such non-paying party of such failure, the other party shall have the right to cease provision of such Services to such non-paying party until such overdue payment (and any applicable late payment fee accrued with respect thereto) is paid in full. Such right of the party providing services shall not in any manner limit or prejudice any of such party’s other rights or remedies in the event of the non-paying party’s failure to make payments when due hereunder, including without limitation any rights or remedies pursuant to Sections 6, 8 and 10.

Section 4.5. Termination of Services. In the event of a termination of Services pursuant to Section 8, with respect to the calendar month in which such Services cease to be provided, the recipient of such Services shall be obligated to pay a fee for such Services calculated as set forth on Schedule A or B, as applicable for the portion of the month prior to the termination. Where possible, the parties agree to work together cooperatively to seek to have terminations occur as of month ends, but this agreement shall not limit a party’s right to effect a termination in accordance with this agreement other than as of a month end.

ARTICLE V

INSURANCE MATTERS

Section 5.1. Disclaimer. Spinco does hereby, for itself and each of its subsidiaries, agree that MSG Networks and its subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers and employees shall not have any liability whatsoever as a result of the insurance policies and practices of MSG Networks and its affiliates as in effect at any time prior to the Distribution, including as a result of the level or scope of any such insurance, the creditworthiness of any insurance carrier, the selection, identity or performance of any third party administrator, the terms and conditions of any policy, the adequacy or timeliness of any notice to any insurance carrier with respect to any claim or potential claim or otherwise.

Section 5.2. Insurance Transition. MSG Networks agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the interest and rights of Spinco and each of its subsidiaries as of the date of the Distribution as insureds, additional named insureds or beneficiaries or in any other capacity under occurrence-based insurance policies and programs (and under claims-made policies and programs to the extent a claim has been submitted prior to the Distribution or later if so permitted by the terms of the applicable insurance policy and assuming that such policy is then in effect) of MSG Networks in respect of periods prior to the date of the Distribution to survive the Distribution for the period for which such interests and rights would have survived without regard to the transactions contemplated hereby to the extent permitted by such policies. In accordance with this Agreement, MSG Networks shall transition the administration of such insurance policies and programs to Spinco and Spinco shall pay the costs and fees of MSG Networks during such transition as provided in Article IV and Schedule B. Any proceeds received by MSG Networks or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates after the date of the Distribution under such policies and programs in respect of Spinco shall be for the benefit of Spinco.

 

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Section 5.3. Claims Made Policies. MSG Networks agrees that if it obtains or maintains any insurance coverage after the date of the Distribution for matters occurring prior to that time (e.g., a claims made directors and officers insurance policy) it will also obtain or maintain such coverage for Spinco and its subsidiaries, subject to Spinco’s payment of the fees and costs in connection therewith as provided in this Agreement.

Section 5.4. Audits and Adjustments. Spinco agrees that it will reimburse MSG Networks under this Agreement for any additional premiums or other amounts owing to any third party as a result of any audit or similar procedure by a third party, to the extent that such additional premiums or amounts owing relate to Spinco or any of its subsidiaries during the period Spinco or such subsidiaries were covered by the relevant insurance policy.

Section 5.5. No Assignment or Waiver. This Agreement is not intended as an attempted assignment of any policy of insurance or as a contract of insurance and shall not be construed to waive any right or remedy of MSG Networks in respect of any insurance policy or any other contract or policy of insurance.

Section 5.6. No Limitation on Spinco Insurance. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to restrict Spinco from acquiring at its own expense any other insurance policy in respect of any liabilities or covering any period.

Section 5.7. Scope. The provisions of this Article V shall not apply to insurance practices or policies relating to health and welfare plans or any other employee benefit arrangement. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Article V apply to insurance practices and policies relating to workers’ compensation and the foregoing sentence does not limit the application of Article V to such practices and policies.

ARTICLE VI

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 6.1. Indemnification by Party Receiving Services. (a) MSG Networks agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Spinco harmless from and against any Loss to which Spinco may become subject arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with the provision hereunder by Spinco of Spinco Services, other than Losses resulting from Spinco’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, MSG Networks shall not be liable under this Section 6.1 for any consequential, special or punitive damages (including but not limited to lost profits), except to the extent that such consequential, special or punitive damages relate to a Loss resulting from a Third Party Claim (as defined below).

(b) Spinco agrees to indemnify, defend and hold MSG Networks harmless from and against any Loss to which MSG Networks may become subject arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with the provision hereunder by MSG Networks of MSG Networks Services, other than Losses resulting from MSG Networks’ gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Spinco shall not be liable under this Section 6.1 for any consequential, special or punitive damages (including but not limited to lost profits), except to the extent that such consequential, special or punitive damages relate to a Loss resulting from a Third Party Claim (as defined below).

 

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Section 6.2. Indemnification by Party Providing Services. (a) Spinco agrees to indemnify, defend and hold MSG Networks harmless from and against any Loss to which MSG Networks may become subject arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with, the provision hereunder by Spinco of Spinco Services to MSG Networks where such Losses resulted from Spinco ’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Spinco shall not be liable under this Section 6.2 for any consequential, special or punitive damages (including but not limited to lost profits), except to the extent that such consequential, special or punitive damages relate to a Loss resulting from a Third Party Claim (as defined below).

(b) MSG Networks agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Spinco harmless from and against any Loss to which Spinco may become subject arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with the provision hereunder by MSG Networks of MSG Networks Services to Spinco where such Losses resulted from MSG Networks ’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, MSG Networks shall not be liable under this Section 6.2 for any consequential, special or punitive damages (including but not limited to lost profits), except to the extent that such consequential, special or punitive damages relate to a Loss resulting from a Third Party Claim (as defined below).

Section 6.3. Third Party Claims. (a) If a claim or demand is made against MSG Networks or Spinco (each, an “ Indemnitee ”) by any Third Party (a “ Third Party Claim ”) as to which such Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, such Indemnitee shall notify the party which is or may be required pursuant to Section 6.1 or Section 6.2 hereof to make such indemnification (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing, and in reasonable detail, of the Third Party Claim promptly and in any event by the date (the “ Outside Notice Date ”) that is the 15th Business Day after receipt by such Indemnitee of written notice of the Third Party Claim; provided , however, that failure to give such notification shall not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure (except that the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any expenses incurred during the period beginning immediately after the Outside Notice Date and ending on the date that the Indemnitee gives the required notice). Thereafter, the Indemnitee shall deliver to the Indemnifying Party, promptly (and in any event within ten Business Days) after the Indemnitee’s receipt thereof, copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third Party Claim.

(b) If a Third Party Claim is made against an Indemnitee, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to participate in the defense thereof and, if it so chooses and acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee therefor, to assume the defense thereof with counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party, provided , however, that such counsel is not reasonably objected to by the Indemnitee. Should the Indemnifying Party so elect to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall, within 30 days (or sooner if the nature of the Third Party Claim so requires), notify the Indemnitee of its intent to do so, and the

 

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Indemnifying Party shall thereafter not be liable to the Indemnitee for legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof; provided , however , that such Indemnitee shall have the right to employ counsel to represent such Indemnitee if, in such Indemnitee’s reasonable judgment, a conflict of interest between such Indemnitee and such Indemnifying Party exists in respect of such claim which would make representation of both such parties by one counsel inappropriate, and in such event the fees and expenses of such separate counsel shall be paid by such Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party assumes such defense, the Indemnitee shall have the right to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, subject to the proviso of the preceding sentence, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Indemnifying Party, it being understood that the Indemnifying Party shall control such defense. The Indemnifying Party shall be liable for the fees and expenses of counsel employed by the Indemnitee for any period during which the Indemnifying Party has failed to assume the defense thereof (other than during the period prior to the time the Indemnitee shall have given notice of the Third Party Claim as provided above). If the Indemnifying Party so elects to assume the defense of any Third Party Claim, all of the Indemnitees shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in the defense or prosecution thereof, including by providing or causing to be provided agreements, documents, books, records, files and witnesses as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving any request therefor from or on behalf of the Indemnifying Party, except to the extent that providing or causing the foregoing to be provided would constitute a waiver of any Indemnitee’s attorney-client privilege.

(c) If the Indemnifying Party acknowledges in writing responsibility under this Article VI for a Third Party Claim, then in no event will the Indemnitee admit any liability with respect to, or settle, compromise or discharge, any Third Party Claim without the Indemnifying Party’s prior written consent; provided , however , that the Indemnitee shall have the right to settle, compromise or discharge such Third Party Claim without the consent of the Indemnifying Party if the Indemnitee releases the Indemnifying Party from its indemnification obligation hereunder with respect to such Third Party Claim and such settlement, compromise or discharge would not otherwise adversely affect the Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party acknowledges in writing liability for a Third Party Claim, the Indemnitee will agree to any settlement, compromise or discharge of a Third Party Claim that the Indemnifying Party may recommend and that by its terms obligates the Indemnifying Party to pay the full amount of the liability in connection with such Third Party Claim and releases the Indemnitee completely in connection with such Third Party Claim and that would not otherwise adversely affect the Indemnitee. If an Indemnifying Party elects not to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim, or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election to do so as provided herein, such Indemnitee may compromise, settle or defend such Third Party Claim.

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Third Party Claim (and shall be liable for the fees and expenses of counsel incurred by the Indemnitee in defending such Third Party Claim) if the Third Party Claim seeks an order, injunction or other equitable relief or relief for other than money damages against the Indemnitee which the Indemnitee reasonably determines, after conferring with its counsel, cannot be separated from any related claim for money damages. If such equitable relief or other relief portion of the Third Party Claim can be so separated from that for money damages, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to assume the defense of the portion relating to money damages.

 

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(e) In the event and to the extent of payment by an Indemnifying Party to any Indemnitee in connection with any Third-Party Claim, such Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to and shall stand in the place of such Indemnitee as to any events or circumstances in respect of which such Indemnitee may have any right or claim relating to such Third-Party Claim against any claimant or plaintiff asserting such Third-Party Claim. Such Indemnitee shall cooperate with such Indemnifying Party in a reasonable manner, and at the cost and expense of such Indemnifying Party, in prosecuting any subrogated right or claim.

(f) MSG Networks and Spinco shall cooperate as may reasonably be required in connection with the investigation, defense and settlement of any Third-Party Claim. In furtherance of this obligation, the parties agree that if an Indemnifying Party chooses to defend or to compromise or settle any Third-Party Claim, Spinco or MSG Networks, as the case may be, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the other party, upon written request, their former and then current directors, officers, employees and agents and those of their subsidiaries as witnesses and any records or other documents within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available, to the extent that (i) any such Person, records or other documents may reasonably be required in connection with such defense, settlement or compromise and (ii) making such Person, records or other documents so available would not constitute a waiver of the attorney-client privilege of Spinco or MSG Networks, as the case may be. At the request of an Indemnifying Party, an Indemnitee shall enter into a reasonably acceptable joint defense agreement.

(g) The remedies provided in this Article VI shall be cumulative and shall not preclude assertion by any Indemnitee of any other rights or the seeking of any and all other remedies against any Indemnifying Party.

Section 6.4. Indemnification Payments. (a) Indemnification required by this Article VI shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or any Loss is incurred. If the Indemnifying Party fails to make an indemnification payment required by this Article VI within 30 days after receipt of a bill therefore or notice that a Loss has been incurred, the Indemnifying Party shall also be required to pay interest on the amount of such indemnification payment, from the date of receipt of the bill or notice of the Loss to, but not including the date of payment, at the Prime Rate.

(b) The amount of any claim by an Indemnitee under this Agreement shall be (i) reduced to reflect any actual tax savings or insurance proceeds received by any Indemnitee that result from the Losses that gave rise to such indemnity, and (ii) increased by an amount equal to any tax cost incurred by any Indemnitee that results from receipt of payments under this Article VI.

 

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Section 6.5. Survival. The parties’ obligations under this Article VI shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE VII

COOPERATION; CONFIDENTIALITY; TITLE

Section 7.1. Good Faith Cooperation; Consents. Each party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the other party in all matters relating to the provision and receipt of the Services. Such cooperation shall include, but not be limited to, exchanging information, providing electronic access to systems used in connection with the Services, performing true-ups and adjustments and obtaining all consents, licenses, sublicenses or approvals necessary to permit each party to perform its obligations hereunder. Spinco and MSG Networks shall maintain reasonable documentation related to the Services and cooperate with each other in making such information available as needed.

Section 7.2. Confidentiality. Each party shall keep confidential from Third Parties the Schedules to this Agreement and all non-public information received from the other party regarding the Services, including, without limitation, any information received with respect to products and services of Spinco or MSG Networks, and to use such information only for the purposes set forth in this Agreement unless (i) otherwise agreed to in writing by the party from which such information was received or (ii) required by applicable law or any securities exchange (in which case the parties shall cooperate in seeking to obtain a protective order or other arrangement pursuant to which the confidentiality of such information is preserved) . The covenants in this Article VII shall survive any termination of this Agreement for a period of three (3) years from the date such termination becomes effective.

Section 7.3. Internal Use; Title, Copies, Return. Except to the extent inconsistent with the express terms of the Distribution Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement other than this Agreement, each party agrees that:

(a) title to all systems used in performing any Service provided hereunder shall remain in the party providing such Service or its third party vendors; and

(b) to the extent the provision of any Service involves intellectual property, including without limitation software programs or patented or copyrighted material, or material constituting trade secrets, the recipient of such Service shall not copy, modify, reverse engineer, decompile or in any way alter any of such material, or otherwise use such material in a manner inconsistent with the terms and provisions of this Agreement, without the express written consent of the party providing such Service; and upon the termination of any Service, the recipient of such Service shall return to the party providing such Service, as soon as practicable, any equipment or other property of the party providing such Service relating to such Service which is owned or leased by the party providing such Service and is or was in its possession or control.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

TERM

Section 8.1. Duration. (a) Except as provided in Sections 4.5, 6.5, 7.2, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 and 8.5, the term of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof and shall continue in full force and effect with respect to each Service until the earlier of (i) the expiration of the term set forth opposite the description of such Service in Schedule A or B, as applicable, unless otherwise mutually agreed by the parties and (ii) the termination of such Service in accordance with Section 4.4 or 8.1(b).

(b) Each party acknowledges that the purpose of this Agreement is for Spinco to provide the Spinco Services to MSG Networks on an interim basis until MSG Networks can perform the Spinco Services for itself, and for MSG Networks to provide the MSG Networks Services to Spinco on an interim basis until Spinco can perform the MSG Networks Services for itself. As MSG Networks becomes self-sufficient or engages other sources to provide any Spinco Service, MSG Networks shall be entitled to release Spinco from providing any or all of the Spinco Services hereunder by delivering a written notice thereof to Spinco at least twenty (20) Business Days prior to the effective date of release of such Spinco Service(s). At the end of such twenty (20) Business Day period (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the parties), Spinco shall discontinue the provision of the Spinco Services specified in such notice and any such Spinco Services shall be excluded from this Agreement, and Schedule A shall be deemed to be amended accordingly. Spinco shall also be entitled to release MSG Networks from providing any or all of the MSG Networks Services hereunder by delivering a written notice thereof to MSG Networks at least twenty (20) Business Days prior to the effective date of release of such MSG Networks Service(s). At the end of such twenty (20) Business Day period (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the parties), MSG Networks shall discontinue the provision of the MSG Networks Services specified in such notice and any such MSG Networks Services shall be excluded from this Agreement, and Schedule B shall be deemed to be amended accordingly.

Section 8.2. Early Termination by Spinco. Spinco may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to MSG Networks under the following circumstances:

(a) if MSG Networks shall default in the performance of any of its material obligations under this Agreement, and such default or breach shall continue and not be remedied for a period of thirty (30) days after Spinco has given written notice to MSG Networks specifying such default and requiring it to be remedied;

(b) if a Bankruptcy Event has occurred with respect to MSG Networks; or

(c) if a Change of Control of MSG Networks has occurred.

Section 8.3. Early Termination by MSG Networks. MSG Networks may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to Spinco under the following circumstances:

(a) if Spinco shall default in the performance of any of its material obligations under this Agreement and such default shall continue and not be remedied for a period of thirty (30) days after MSG Networks has given written notice to Spinco specifying such default and requiring it to be remedied;

 

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(b) if a Bankruptcy Event has occurred with respect to Spinco; or

(c) if a Change of Control of Spinco has occurred.

Section 8.4. Suspension Due to Force Majeure. In the event the performance by either MSG Networks or Spinco of its duties or obligations hereunder is interrupted or interfered with by reason of any cause beyond its reasonable control including, but not limited to, fire, storm, flood, earthquake, explosion, war, strike or labor disruption, rebellion, insurrection, quarantine, act of God, boycott, embargo, shortage or unavailability of supplies, riot, or governmental law, regulation or edict (collectively, “ Force Majeure Events ”), the party affected by such Force Majeure Event shall not be deemed to be in default of this Agreement by reason of its non-performance due to such Force Majeure Event, but shall give notice to the other party of the Force Majeure Event and the fee provided for in Section 4.1 shall be equitably adjusted to reflect the reduced performance. In such event, the party affected by such Force Majeure Event shall resume the performance of its duties and obligations hereunder as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the Force Majeure Event.

Section 8.5. Consequences of Termination. In the event this Agreement expires or is terminated in accordance with this Article VIII, then (a) all Services to be provided will promptly cease, (b) each of Spinco and MSG Networks shall, upon request of the other party, promptly return or destroy all non-public confidential information received from the other party in connection with this Agreement (including the return of all information received with respect to the Services or products of Spinco or MSG Networks, as the case may be), without retaining a copy thereof (other than one copy for file purposes), and (c) each of Spinco and MSG Networks shall honor all credits and make any accrued and unpaid payment to the other party as required pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and no rights already accrued hereunder shall be affected.

ARTICLE IX

RECORDS

Section 9.1. Maintenance of Records. Each of the parties shall create and maintain full and accurate books in connection with the provision of the Services, and all other records relevant to this Agreement, and upon reasonable notice from the other party shall make available for inspection and copy by such other party’s agents such records during reasonable business hours.

ARTICLE X

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Section 10.1. Negotiation. In the event of a controversy, dispute or claim arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to the interpretation, performance, nonperformance, validity or breach of this Agreement or otherwise arising out of, or in any way related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, any claim based on contract, tort, statute or

 

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constitution (but excluding any controversy, dispute or claim arising out of any agreement relating to the use or lease of real property if any Third Party is a party to such controversy, dispute or claim) (collectively, “ Agreement Disputes ”), the management of the parties shall negotiate in good faith for a reasonable period of time to settle such Agreement Dispute, provided , however , that such reasonable period shall not, unless otherwise agreed by the parties in writing, exceed 30 days from the time the parties began such negotiations.

Section 10.2. Continuity of Service and Performance. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the parties will continue to provide service and honor all other commitments under this Agreement during the course of any form of dispute resolution with respect to all matters not subject to such dispute, controversy or claim.

Section 10.3. Other Remedies. Nothing in this Article X shall limit the right that any party may otherwise have to seek to obtain (a) preliminary injunctive relief in order to preserve the status quo pending the resolution of a dispute or (b) temporary or permanent injunctive relief from any breach of any provisions of this Agreement.

ARTICLE XI

NOTICES

Section 11.1. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall reference this Agreement and shall be emailed, hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice) and will be deemed given on the date on which such notice is received:

To Spinco:

MSG Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, The

Madison Square Garden Company)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

To MSG Networks:

The Madison Square Garden Company (or, after the applicable

name change, MSG Networks Inc.)

11 Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10001

Attention: President

 

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with a copy to:

MSG Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, The

Madison Square Garden Company)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

ARTICLE XII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 12.1. Taxes. Except as may otherwise be specifically provided herein, each party shall bear all taxes, duties and other similar charges (and any related interest and penalties) imposed as a result of its receipt of Services under this Agreement.

Section 12.2. Relationship of Parties. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed or construed by the parties or any third party as creating the relationship of principal and agent, partnership or joint venture between the parties, it being understood and agreed that no provision contained herein, and no act of the parties, shall be deemed to create any relationship between the parties other than the relationship of independent contractor nor be deemed to vest any rights, interest or claims in any third parties.

Section 12.3. Complete Agreement; Construction. This Agreement, including the Schedules hereto, shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any Schedule, the Schedule shall prevail. The rights and remedies of the parties herein provided shall be cumulative and in addition to any other or further remedies provided by law or equity.

Section 12.4. 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 such counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party.

Section 12.5. Waivers. The failure of any party to require strict performance by the other party of any provision in this Agreement will not waive or diminish that party’s right to demand strict performance thereafter of that or any other provision hereof.

Section 12.6. Amendments. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing by each of the parties.

Section 12.7. Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, by any party without the prior written consent of the other party, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void; provided that either party may assign this Agreement to a purchaser of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such party so long as such purchaser expressly assumes, in a written instrument in form reasonably satisfactory to the non-assigning party, the due and punctual performance or observance of every agreement and covenant of this Agreement on the part of the assigning party to be performed or observed.

 

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Section 12.8. Successors and Assigns. The provisions to this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

Section 12.9. Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the parties and shall not be deemed to confer upon any other Person any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.

Section 12.10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the State of New York.

Section 12.11. Waiver of Jury Trial. The parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 12.12. Specific Performance. Subject to Article X, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, the parties agree that the party who is or is to be thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief of its rights under this Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The parties agree that the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss, that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is hereby waived, and that any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are hereby waived.

Section 12.13. Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

Section 12.14. Provisions Unaffected. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall affect the rights and obligations of Spinco and MSG Networks pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

Section 12.15. No Presumption. Neither Spinco nor MSG Networks shall be deemed to be the drafter of this Agreement and no term or provision of this Agreement may be construed against any party on that basis.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the parties as of the date first herein above written.

 

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

(To be renamed MSG Networks Inc.)

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

MSG SPINCO, INC.

(To be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company)

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

17

Exhibit 10.2

 

 

 

FORM OF

TAX DISAFFILIATION AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY (TO BE RENAMED MSG

NETWORKS INC. )

AND

MSG SPINCO, INC. (TO BE RENAMED THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

COMPANY)

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SECTION 1.   

Definition of Terms

     2   
SECTION 2.   

Allocation of Taxes and Tax-Related Losses

     11   
  

2.1

   Allocation of Taxes      11   
  

2.2

   Allocation of Deconsolidation Taxes, Distribution Taxes and Transfer Taxes      12   
  

2.3

   Tax Payments      12   
SECTION 3.   

Preparation and Filing of Tax Returns

     12   
  

3.1

   Combined Returns      12   
  

3.2

   Separate Returns      13   
  

3.3

   Agent      13   
  

3.4

   Provision of Information      13   
  

3.5

   Special Rules Relating to the Preparation of Tax Returns      13   
  

3.6

   Refunds, Credits, Offsets, Tax Benefits      14   
  

3.7

   Carrybacks      15   
  

3.8

   Amended Returns      15   
  

3.9

   Compensatory Equity Interests      15   
SECTION 4.   

Tax Payments

     15   
  

4.1

   Payment of Taxes to Tax Authority      15   
  

4.2

   Indemnification Payments      15   
  

4.3

   Interest on Late Payments      16   
  

4.4

   Tax Consequences of Payments      16   
  

4.5

   Adjustments to Payments      16   
  

4.6

   Section 336(e) Election      17   
  

4.7

   Certain Final Determinations      17   
SECTION 5.   

Cooperation and Tax Contests

     18   
  

5.1

   Cooperation      18   
  

5.2

   Notices of Tax Contests      18   
  

5.3

   Control of Tax Contests      18   
  

5.4

   Cooperation Regarding Tax Contests      19   
SECTION 6.   

Tax Records

     19   
  

6.1

   Retention of Tax Records      19   
  

6.2

   Access to Tax Records      19   
  

6.3

   Confidentiality      19   

 

i


SECTION 7.   

Representations and Covenants

     20   
  

7.1

   Covenants of Networks and Spinco      20   
  

7.2

   Private Letter Ruling      20   
  

7.3

   Covenants of Spinco      20   
  

7.4

   Covenants of Networks      21   
  

7.5

   Exceptions      22   
  

7.6

   Injunctive Relief      22   
  

7.7

   Further Assurances      22   
SECTION 8.   

General Provisions

     23   
  

8.1

   Construction      23   
  

8.2

   Ancillary Agreements      23   
  

8.3

   Counterparts      23   
  

8.4

   Notices      23   
  

8.5

   Amendments      24   
  

8.6

   Assignment      24   
  

8.7

   Successors and Assigns      24   
  

8.8

   Change in Law      24   
  

8.9

   Authorization, Etc.      24   
  

8.10

   Termination      24   
  

8.11

   Subsidiaries      24   
  

8.12

   Third-Party Beneficiaries      24   
  

8.13

   Double Recovery      25   
  

8.14

   Titles and Headings      25   
  

8.15

   Governing Law      25   
  

8.16

   Waiver of Jury Trial      25   
  

8.17

   Severability      25   
  

8.18

   No Strict Construction; Interpretation      25   
SCHEDULE A      2   
SCHEDULE B      3   
SCHEDULE C      4   
SCHEDULE D      5   

 

ii


FORM OF TAX DISAFFILIATION AGREEMENT

THIS FORM OF TAX DISAFFILIATION AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) is dated as of [            ], 2015, by and between The Madison Square Garden Company (to be renamed MSG Networks Inc. after the Effective Time (as defined below)), a Delaware corporation (“ Networks ”), and MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company after the Effective Time), a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Networks (“ Spinco ” and, together with Networks, the “ Parties ”, and each, a “ Party ”). Unless otherwise indicated, all “Section” references in this Agreement are to sections of the Agreement.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Networks determined that, based on the Corporate Business Purposes (as defined below), it is in the best interests of Networks and its stockholders to separate the businesses of Spinco, all as more fully described in Spinco’s registration statement on Form 10, from Networks’ other businesses on the terms and conditions set forth in the Distribution Agreement between Networks and Spinco dated on or about the date hereof (the “ Distribution Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Regional MSG Holdings LLC (“ RMH ”) authorized the distribution to Networks, as the sole member of RMH, of all the Spinco Pre-Recapitalization Shares (as defined below) (the “ RMH Distribution ”) and has determined that, based on the Corporate Business Purposes, the RMH Distribution is in the best interests of RMH and its stockholder and has approved the Distribution Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Networks has authorized the distribution to the holders of the issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Networks ( Networks Class A Common Stock ) and Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Networks (“ Networks Class B Common Stock ” and, together with the Networks Class A Common Stock, the “ Networks Common Stock ”) as of the record date for the distribution of all the issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco (the “ Spinco Class A Common Shares ”) and Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco (the “ Spinco Class B Common Shares ”) (each such Spinco Class A Common Share and Spinco Class B Common Share is individually referred to as a “ Spinco Share ” and collectively referred to as the “ Spinco Shares ”), respectively, on the basis of one Spinco Share for every one share of Networks Common Stock (the “ Distribution ”);

WHEREAS, Networks and Spinco intend the MSGH Contribution (as defined below) to qualify as a transaction to which sections 351(a) and 1032(a) of the Code (as defined below) apply;

WHEREAS, Networks and Spinco intend the MSGH Distribution (as defined below) to qualify, with respect to Networks, as a distribution to which section 731(a) of the Code applies;

WHEREAS, Networks and Spinco intend the Recapitalization (as defined below) to qualify as a tax-free transaction under section 368(a)(1)(E) of the Code;


WHEREAS, Networks and Spinco intend the Distribution to qualify for the Tax-Free Status (as defined below);

WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Networks and Spinco have each determined that the Distribution and the other transactions contemplated by the Distribution Agreement, and the Ancillary Agreements (as defined below) are in furtherance of and consistent with the Corporate Business Purposes and, as such, are in the best interests of their respective companies and stockholders or sole stockholder, as applicable, and have approved the Distribution Agreement, and each of the Ancillary Agreements;

WHEREAS, the Parties set forth in the Distribution Agreement the principal arrangements between them regarding the separation of the Spinco Group (as defined below) from the Networks Group (as defined below); and

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to provide for and agree upon the allocation between the Parties of liabilities for Taxes (as defined below) arising prior to, as a result of, and subsequent to the Distribution, and to provide for and agree upon other matters relating to Taxes;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Definition of Terms . For purposes of this Agreement (including the recitals hereof), the following terms have the following meanings:

“Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Affiliate” as it applies to Spinco shall include the Spinco Company Entities.

“Agreed Treatment” means the treatment of (i) the MSGH Contribution as a transaction to which sections 351(a) and 1032(a) of the Code apply, (ii) the MSGH Distribution with respect to Networks as a distribution to which section 731(a) of the Code applies, (iii) the Recapitalization as a tax-free transaction to which section 368(a)(1)(E) of the Code applies, and (iv) the Distribution in accordance with the Tax-Free Status.

“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

“Ancillary Agreements” means the agreements encompassed by such term in the Distribution Agreement.

“Business Day” has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.

“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Combined Return” means a consolidated, combined or unitary Tax Return that includes, by election or otherwise, one or more members of the Networks Group and one or more members of the Spinco Group.

“Companies” means Networks and Spinco.

 

2


“Company” means Networks or Spinco, as the context requires.

“Compensatory Equity Interests” means options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other rights with respect to Networks Common Stock or Spinco Shares that are granted by Networks, Spinco or any of their respective Subsidiaries in connection with employee or director compensation or other employee benefits.

“Compensatory Equity Net Share Settlements” means “net share settlement” transactions with respect to Compensatory Equity Interests between either Party (or any of their respective Subsidiaries) on the one hand and the employee (or director, as the case may be) of such Party or the other Party (or any of their respective Subsidiaries) on the other hand, in each case pursuant to the terms of the relevant agreement with respect to such Compensatory Equity Interests.

“Contribution Agreement” means the Contribution Agreement between Networks, MSGH, and Spinco dated on or about the date hereof.

“Controlling Party” means, with respect to a Tax Contest, the Person that has responsibility, control and discretion in handling, defending, settling or contesting such Tax Contest.

“Corporate Business Purposes” means the Corporate Business Purposes as set forth in the Tax Opinion Representations (including any appendices thereto) and the “Reasons for the Distribution” in Spinco’s registration statement on Form 10.

“Deconsolidation Taxes” means any Taxes imposed on any member of the Networks Group or the Spinco Group as a result of or in connection with the MSGH Contribution, the MSGH Distribution and the Distribution (or any portion thereof), including, but not limited to, (i) MSGH Contribution Taxes, (ii) MSGH Distribution Taxes, and (iii) any Taxes imposed pursuant to or as a result of section 311 or 1502 of the Code or the Treasury Regulations thereunder (and under any applicable similar state, local or foreign law), but excluding any Transfer Taxes and Distribution Taxes.

“Disclosing Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.

“Distribution” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

“Distribution Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

“Distribution Date” has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.

“Distribution Taxes” means any Taxes arising from a Final Determination that the Distribution failed to be tax-free to Networks in accordance with the requirements of section 355 of the Code (including any Taxes resulting from the application of section 355(d) or (e) to the Distribution), or that any stock of Spinco failed to qualify as “qualified property” within the meaning of section 355(c)(2) of the Code (including as a result of the application of section 355(d) or 355(e) of the Code to the Distribution), and shall include any Taxes resulting from an election under section 336(e) of the Code in the circumstances set forth in Section 4.6 hereof.

 

3


“Due Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3.

“Effective Time” shall mean 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the Distribution Date.

“Employee Matters Agreement” means the Employee Matters Agreement by and between Networks and Spinco entered into on or about the date hereof.

“Escheat Liability” means any unclaimed property or escheat liability, including any interest, penalty, administrative charge, or addition thereto and further including all costs of responding to or defending against an audit, examination, or controversy with respect to such liability, imposed by or on behalf of a governmental entity with respect to any property or obligation (including, without limitation, uncashed checks to vendors, customers, or employees and non-refunded overpayments).

“Excess Taxes” means the excess of (x) the Taxes for which Networks Group is liable if an election is made pursuant to section 336(e) of the Code under Section 4.6 of this Agreement, over (y) the Taxes for which Networks Group is liable if such an election is not made, in each case taking into account the allocation of Taxes that is otherwise applicable in this Agreement but without regard to Section 4.6 hereof.

“Expert Law Firm” means a law firm nationally recognized for its expertise in the matter for which its opinion is sought.

“Fifty-Percent Equity Interest” means, in respect of any corporation (within the meaning of the Code), stock or other equity interests of such corporation possessing (i) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock or equity interests entitled to vote, or (ii) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value of shares of all classes of stock or of the total value of all equity interests.

“Filer” means the Company that is responsible for filing the applicable Tax Return pursuant to Sections 3.1 or 3.2.

“Final Determination” means a determination within the meaning of section 1313 of the Code or any similar provision of state or local Tax Law.

“Group” means the Networks Group or the Spinco Group, as the context requires.

“Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5.

“Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5.

“Interest Rate” means (x) the “Applicable Rate” as set forth in the Distribution Agreement, or (y) if higher and if with respect to a payment to indemnify for a Tax to which the “large corporate underpayment” provision within the meaning of section 6621(c) of the Code applies, such interest rate that would be applicable at such time to such “large corporate underpayment.”

 

4


“IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service.

“MSGH” means MSG Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.

“MSGH Contribution” means the contribution by MSGH to Spinco of (i) all of MSGH’s interests in the Spinco Company Entities and (ii) approximately $[            ] in cash, in exchange for the Spinco Pre-Recapitalization Shares.

“MSGH Contribution Gain” means any income or gain (including in respect of Schedule C) recognized upon the MSGH Contribution.

“MSGH Contribution Taxes” means any Taxes imposed on the MSGH Contribution Gain.

“MSGH Distribution” means the distribution by MSGH to RMH of all Spinco Pre-Recapitalization Shares received by MSGH pursuant to the MSGH Contribution.

“MSGH Distribution Gain” means any gain recognized by Networks upon the MSGH Distribution from the deemed sale or exchange of unrealized receivables or inventory items (as defined in section 751(c) and (d) of the Code, respectively) of MSGH.

“MSGH Distribution Taxes” means any Taxes imposed on the Networks Distribution Gain.

“Networks” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

“Networks Business” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Networks Business” in the Tax Opinion Representations that constitutes an active trade or business (within the meaning of section 355(b) of the Code) of the separate affiliated group of Networks.

“Networks Class A Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

“Networks Class B Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

“Networks Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

“Networks Group” has the meaning ascribed to the term “MSG Networks Group” in the Distribution Agreement.

“Networks Indemnified Party” includes each member of the Networks Group, each of their representatives and Affiliates, each of their respective directors, officers, managers and employees, and each of their heirs, executors, trustees, administrators, successors and assigns.

 

5


“Networks Restricted Action” means any action by Networks or any of its Subsidiaries inconsistent with the covenants set forth in Section 7.4(a); and, for the avoidance of doubt, an action shall be and remain a Networks Restricted Action even if Networks or any of its Subsidiaries is permitted to take such an action pursuant to Section 7.5(b).

“Networks Tainting Act” means any breach of a representation or covenant made by Networks in Section 7.1 of this Agreement or the taking of a Networks Restricted Action, if as a result of such breach or taking of a Networks Restricted Action a Final Determination is made that the Distribution failed to be tax-free by reason of (i) failing to qualify as a distribution described in section 355 of the Code, or (ii) any stock of Spinco failing to qualify as “qualified property” within the meaning of section 355(c)(2) of the Code (including as a result of the application of section 355(d) or 355(e) of the Code to the Distribution).

“Non-Controlling Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

“Non-Filer” means any Company that is not responsible for filing the applicable Tax Return pursuant to Sections 3.1 or 3.2.

“Other Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6(b).

“Party” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

“Parties” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

“Payment Date” means (x) with respect to any U.S. federal income tax return, the date on which any required installment of estimated taxes determined under section 6655 of the Code is due, the date on which (determined without regard to extensions) filing the return determined under section 6072 of the Code is required, and the date the return is filed, and (y) with respect to any other Tax Return, the corresponding dates determined under the applicable Tax Law.

“Periodic Taxes” means Taxes imposed on a periodic basis that are not based upon or related to income or receipts. Periodic Taxes include property Taxes and similar Taxes.

“Permitted Acquisition” means any acquisition (as a result of the Distribution) of Spinco Shares solely by reason of holding Networks Common Stock, but does not include such an acquisition if such Networks Common Stock, before such acquisition, was itself acquired in a manner to which the flush language of section 355(e)(3)(A) of the Code applies (thus causing, for the avoidance of doubt, section 355(e)(3)(A)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) of the Code not to apply).

“Person” means any individual, corporation, company, limited liability company, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity of any kind.

“Post-Distribution Period” means any Tax Year or other taxable period beginning after the Distribution Date and, in the case of any Straddle Period, that part of the Tax Year or other taxable period that begins at the beginning of the day after the Distribution Date.

 

6


“Pre-Distribution Period” means any Tax Year or other taxable period that ends on or before the Distribution Date and, in the case of any Straddle Period, that part of the Tax Year or other taxable period through the end of the day on the Distribution Date.

“Preparer” means the Company that is responsible for the preparation and filing of the applicable Tax Return pursuant to Sections 3.1 or 3.2.

“Recapitalization” means the issuance of all Spinco Shares to Networks in exchange for all of Networks’ Spinco Pre-Recapitalization Shares.

“Receiving Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.

“Responsible Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6(b).

“Restriction Period” means the period beginning on the Distribution Date and ending twenty-four (24) months after the Distribution Date.

“Ruling” means the private letter ruling that was issued to Networks in response to the Ruling Request.

“Ruling Request” means the request for ruling in connection with the Distribution filed by Networks with the IRS, as amended or supplemented, including any appendices and exhibits attached thereto or included therewith and including so much of the pre-submission materials submitted by Networks to the IRS, as related to the Distribution.

“Satisfactory Guidance” means either a ruling from the IRS or an Unqualified Opinion, in either case reasonably satisfactory to Networks or Spinco (as the context dictates) in both form and substance.

“Separate Return” means (a) in the case of any Tax Return required under relevant Tax Law to be filed by any member of the Networks Group (including any consolidated, combined or unitary Tax Return), any such Tax Return that does not include any member of the Spinco Group, and (b) in the case of any Tax Return required under relevant Tax Law to be filed by any member of the Spinco Group (including any consolidated, combined or unitary Tax Return), any such Tax Return that does not include any member of the Networks Group.

“Spinco” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

“Spinco Business” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Spinco Business” in the Tax Opinion Representations that constitutes an active trade or business (within the meaning of section 355(b) of the Code) of the separate affiliated group of Spinco.

“Spinco Class A Common Shares” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

“Spinco Class B Common Shares” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

7


“Spinco Company Entities” means, collectively, the entities listed on Schedule A of the Distribution Agreement.

“Spinco Group” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Spinco Group” in the Distribution Agreement.

“Spinco Indemnified Party” includes each member of the Spinco Group, each of their representatives and Affiliates, each of their respective directors, officers, managers and employees, and each of their heirs, executors, trustees, administrators, successors and assigns.

“Spinco Pre-Recapitalization Shares” means the single class of issued and outstanding common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco.

“Spinco Restricted Action” means any action by Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries inconsistent with the covenants set forth in Section 7.3; and, for the avoidance of doubt, an action shall be and remain a Spinco Restricted Action even if Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries is permitted to take such an action pursuant to Section 7.5(a).

“Spinco Shares” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

“Spinco Tainting Act” means a breach of the covenant made by Spinco in Section 7.1 of this Agreement or the taking of a Spinco Restricted Action, if as a result of such breach or taking of a Spinco Restricted Action a Final Determination is made that the MSGH Contribution failed to be tax-free by reason of the application of section 351(e) of the Code to the MSGH Contribution, or that the Distribution failed to be tax-free by reason of (i) failing to qualify as a distribution described in section 355 of the Code, or (ii) any stock of Spinco failing to qualify as “qualified property” within the meaning of section 355(c)(2) of the Code (including as a result of the application of section 355(d) or 355(e) of the Code to the Distribution).

“Straddle Period” means any taxable period beginning on or prior to, and ending after, the Distribution Date.

“Subsidiary” when used with respect to any Person, means (i)(A) a corporation a majority in voting power of whose share capital or capital stock with voting power, under ordinary circumstances, to elect directors is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or by such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, whether or not such power is subject to a voting agreement or similar encumbrance, (B) a partnership or limited liability company in which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, (1) in the case of a partnership, a general partner of such partnership with the power affirmatively to direct the policies and management of such partnership or (2) in the case of a limited liability company, the managing member or, in the absence of a managing member, a member with the power affirmatively to direct the policies and management of such limited liability company, or (C) any other Person (other than a corporation) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof, has or have (1) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the members of the governing body of such Person, whether or not such power is subject to a voting agreement or similar encumbrance, or (2) in the absence of such a governing body, at least a majority ownership interest or (ii) any other Person of which an aggregate of 50%

 

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or more of the equity interests are, at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by such Person and/or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Subsidiary” as it applies to Spinco shall include the Spinco Company Entities.

“Tax” or “Taxes” means any income, gross income, gross receipts, profits, capital stock, franchise, withholding, payroll, social security, workers’ compensation, employment, unemployment, disability, property, ad valorem, stamp, excise, severance, occupation, service, sales, use, license, lease, transfer, import, export, value added, alternative minimum, estimated or other similar tax (including any fee, assessment, or other charge in the nature of or in lieu of any tax) imposed by any Tax Authority, any Escheat Liability, abandoned, or unclaimed property law, and any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing, together with any reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred in defending against any such tax.

“Tax Adjustment” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7.

“Tax Authority” means, with respect to any Tax, the governmental entity or political subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof that imposes such Tax, and the agency, commission or authority (if any) charged with the assessment, determination or collection of such Tax for such entity or subdivision.

“Tax Benefit” means a reduction in the Tax liability of a taxpayer (or of the Group of which it is a member) for any taxable period. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, a Tax Benefit shall be deemed to have been realized or received from a Tax Item in a taxable period only if and to the extent that the Tax liability of the taxpayer (or of the Group of which it is a member) for such period, after taking into account the effect of the Tax Item on the Tax liability of such taxpayer in the current period and all prior periods, is less than it would have been if such Tax liability were determined without regard to such Tax Item.

“Tax Contest” means an audit, review, examination, or any other administrative or judicial proceeding with the purpose, potential or effect of redetermining Taxes of any member of either Group (including any administrative or judicial review of any claim for refund).

“Tax Counsel” means the advisors listed in Schedule A.

“Tax-Free Status” means the qualification of the Distribution (a) as a transaction described in section 355 of the Code, (b) as a transaction in which the stock of Spinco distributed by Networks is “qualified property” for purposes of sections 355(c)(2), 355(d) and 355(e) of the Code, and (c) a transaction in which shareholders of Networks will not recognize income, gain or loss upon the Distribution under section 355(a) of the Code (except with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares).

“Tax Item” means, with respect to any Tax, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit, adjustment in basis, or other attribute that may have the effect of increasing or decreasing any Tax.

 

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“Tax Law” means the law of any governmental entity or political subdivision thereof, and any controlling judicial or administrative interpretations of such law, relating to any Tax.

“Tax Opinion” means the opinion (or opinions) to be delivered by Tax Counsel to Networks in connection with the Distribution to the effect that (i) Networks will not recognize gain or loss upon the Distribution under section 355(c) of the Code, and (ii) shareholders of Networks will not recognize gain or loss upon the Distribution under section 355(a) of the Code, and no amount will be included in such shareholders’ income, except in respect of cash received in lieu of fractional shares of Spinco.

“Tax Opinion Representations” means the written and signed representations delivered to Tax Counsel in connection with the Tax Opinion.

“Tax Records” means Tax Returns, Tax Return work papers, documentation relating to any Tax Contests, and any other books of account or records required to be maintained under applicable Tax Laws (including but not limited to section 6001 of the Code) or under any record retention agreement with any Tax Authority.

“Tax Return” means any report of Taxes due, any claims for refund of Taxes paid, any information return with respect to Taxes, or any other similar report, statement, declaration, or document filed or required to be filed (by paper, electronically or otherwise) under any applicable Tax Law, including any attachments, exhibits, or other materials submitted with any of the foregoing, and including any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing.

“Tax Year” means, with respect to any Tax, the year, or shorter period, if applicable, for which the Tax is reported as provided under applicable Tax Law.

“Transactions” means the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement and the Distribution Agreement and includes, for the avoidance of doubt, (i) the MSGH Contribution, (ii) the MSGH Distribution, (iii) the Recapitalization, and (iv) the Distribution.

“Transfer Taxes” means all U.S. federal, state, local or foreign sales, use, privilege, transfer, documentary, gains, stamp, duties, recording, and similar Taxes and fees (including any penalties, interest or additions thereto) imposed upon any Party hereto or any of its Affiliates in connection with the Distribution.

“Transition Services Agreement” means the transition services agreement between Networks and Spinco dated on or about the date hereof.

“Treasury Regulations” means the regulations promulgated from time to time under the Code as in effect for the relevant Tax Year.

“Unqualified Opinion” means an unqualified “will” opinion of an Expert Law Firm that permits reliance by Networks or Spinco (as the context dictates). For the avoidance of doubt, an Unqualified Opinion must be based on factual representations and assumptions that are reasonably satisfactory to Networks or Spinco (as the context dictates).

 

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SECTION 2. Allocation of Taxes and Tax-Related Losses.

2.1 Allocation of Taxes. Except as provided in Section 2.2 (Allocation of Deconsolidation Taxes, Distribution Taxes and Transfer Taxes), Taxes shall be allocated as follows:

(a) Networks shall be liable for and shall be allocated (i) any Taxes attributable to members of the Networks Group for all periods, (ii) any Taxes attributable to members of the Spinco Group for any Pre-Distribution Period, other than the Taxes listed on Schedule D, and (iii) any Taxes listed on Schedule D to the extent that the amount of such Taxes is less than or equal to the amount listed on Schedule D.

(b) Spinco shall be liable for and shall be allocated (i) any Taxes attributable to members of the Spinco Group for any Post-Distribution Period, and (ii) any Taxes listed on Schedule D to the extent that the amount of such Taxes is in excess of the amount listed on Schedule D.

(c) In applying the provisions of Sections 2.1(a) and 2.1(b) (but subject to the provisions of Section 2.2):

(i) Any Taxes, other than Periodic Taxes, in respect of a Straddle Period shall be allocated between the Pre-Distribution Period and the Post-Distribution Period on a “closing of the books” basis by assuming that the books of the members of the Networks Group and the members of the Spinco Group were closed on the Distribution Date. Any Periodic Taxes in respect of a Straddle Period shall be allocated to the Pre-Distribution Period in an amount equal to such Periodic Taxes for the entire Straddle Period multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of calendar days in the period ending on the Distribution Date and the denominator of which is the number of calendar days in the entire period. The portion of any Periodic Taxes in respect of a Straddle Period not allocated to the Pre-Distribution Period shall be allocated to the Post-Distribution Period. For the avoidance of doubt, if a Party has prepaid Periodic Taxes that are allocated to the other Party under any provisions of this Agreement, the second Party shall reimburse the first Party to the extent so allocated.

(ii) Taxes attributable to any transaction or action taken by or with respect to any member of the Spinco Group before the Effective Time on the Distribution Date shall be allocated to the Pre-Distribution Period, and Taxes attributable to any transaction or action taken by or with respect to any member of the Spinco Group after the Effective Time on the Distribution Date shall be allocated to the Post-Distribution Period.

(iii) In determining the allocation of any Escheat Liability, the liability shall be allocated to the Party whose Group members actually hold (or are required to hold) the property subject to the Escheat Liability at the time a payment or remittance in respect of such liability is required to be made to the applicable governmental entity.

 

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2.2 Allocation of Deconsolidation Taxes, Distribution Taxes and Transfer Taxes . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:

(a) Any and all Deconsolidation Taxes shall be borne by Networks.

(b) Spinco shall indemnify and hold harmless each Networks Indemnified Party from and against any liability of Networks for Distribution Taxes to the extent such Distribution Taxes are attributable to a Spinco Tainting Act, provided , however , that Spinco shall have no obligation to indemnify any Networks Indemnified Party hereunder if there has occurred, prior to such Spinco Tainting Act, a Networks Tainting Act and such Distribution Taxes are attributable to such Networks Tainting Act. It is understood and agreed that, in determining the amounts payable under this Section 2.2(b), there shall be included all costs, expenses and damages associated with shareholders litigation or controversies and any amount paid by Networks in respect of the liability of its shareholders, whether paid to its shareholders or to any Tax Authority, in connection with liability that may arise to shareholders as a result of receiving or accruing an amount payable under this Section 2.2(b), and all reasonable costs and expenses associated with such payments.

(c) Networks shall indemnify and hold harmless each Spinco Indemnified Party from and against any liability of Spinco for Distribution Taxes to the extent that Spinco is not liable for such Taxes pursuant to Section 2.2(b).

(d) The Companies shall cooperate with each other and use their commercially reasonable efforts to reduce and/or eliminate any Transfer Taxes. If any Transfer Tax remains payable after application of the first sentence of this Section 2.2(d) and notwithstanding any other provision in this Section 2, all Transfer Taxes shall be allocated to Networks.

2.3 Tax Payments . Each Company shall be liable for and shall pay the Taxes allocated to it by this Section 2 either to the applicable Tax Authority or to the other Company in accordance with Section 4 and the other applicable provisions of this Agreement.

SECTION 3. Preparation and Filing of Tax Returns.

3.1 Combined Returns .

(a) Networks shall be responsible for preparing and filing (or causing to be prepared or filed) all Combined Returns for any Tax Year. For any such return, Spinco shall furnish any relevant information, including pro forma returns, disclosures, apportionment data and supporting schedules, relating to any member of the Spinco Group necessary for completing any such return in a format suitable for inclusion in such return, provided that Spinco shall have the right to review and approve items on such returns if and to the extent such items directly relate to Taxes for which Spinco would be liable under Section 2, such approval not to be unreasonably delayed, conditioned or withheld by Spinco.

 

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(b) For the period in which the Transition Services Agreement is in effect, Spinco shall assist in the preparation of any Tax Returns which may be requested by Networks in accordance with the terms of the Transition Services Agreement (even if, for the avoidance of doubt, the responsibility for preparation such Tax Return may be allocated to Networks under other provisions of this Agreement). Nothing in this Section 3.1(b) shall be construed to affect Networks’ right or responsibility to file the Tax Returns whose filing is allocated to Networks under other provisions of this Agreement.

3.2 Separate Returns .

(a) Tax Returns to be Prepared by Networks. Networks shall be responsible for preparing and filing (or causing to be prepared and filed) all Separate Returns which relate to one or more members of the Networks Group and for which Spinco is not responsible under Section 3.2(b).

(b) Tax Returns to be Prepared by Spinco. Spinco shall be responsible for preparing and filing (or causing to be prepared and filed) all Separate Returns which relate to one or more members of the Spinco Group for any Tax Year, provided , however , that in the case of such returns in respect of any Pre-Distribution Period or Straddle Period, Networks shall have the right to review and approve such returns, such approval not to be unreasonably delayed, conditioned or withheld by Networks.

3.3 Agent . Subject to the other applicable provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 5), Networks and Spinco (and their respective Affiliates) shall designate the other Party as its agent and attorney-in-fact to take such action (including execution of documents) as such other Party may deem reasonably appropriate in matters relating to the preparation or filing of any Tax Return described in Sections 3.1 and 3.2.

3.4 Provision of Information .

(a) Networks shall provide to Spinco, and Spinco shall provide to Networks, any information about members of the Networks Group or the Spinco Group, respectively, that the Preparer reasonably requires to determine the amount of Taxes due on any Payment Date with respect to a Tax Return for which the Preparer is responsible pursuant to Section 3.1 or 3.2 and to properly and timely file all such Tax Returns.

(b) If a member of the Spinco Group supplies information to a member of the Networks Group, or a member of the Networks Group supplies information to a member of the Spinco Group, and an officer of the requesting member intends to sign a statement or other document under penalties of perjury in reliance upon the accuracy of such information, then a duly authorized officer of the member supplying such information shall certify, to the best of such officer’s knowledge, the accuracy of the information so supplied.

3.5 Special Rules Relating to the Preparation of Tax Returns .

(a) In General . All Tax Returns that include any members of the Networks Group or Spinco Group, or any of their respective Affiliates, shall be prepared in a manner that is consistent with the Ruling Request, the Ruling, and the Tax Opinion (including, for the avoidance doubt, the Tax Opinion Representations). Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, all Tax Returns for which Networks has the right to prepare, review, approve or file under Sections 3.1 and 3.2 shall be prepared (x) in accordance with elections, Tax accounting methods and other practices used with respect to such Tax Returns filed prior to the

 

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Distribution Date (unless such past practices are not permissible under applicable law), or (y) to the extent any items are not covered by past practices (or in the event such past practices are not permissible under applicable Tax Law), in any reasonable manner, in accordance with the preparation, review, approval and filing responsibilities of Sections 3.1 and 3.2; provided , however , that (i) each Party agrees that the Tax Returns listed in Schedule B shall not be prepared in a manner inconsistent with the requirements set forth in this Section 3.5(a) provided that such Tax Returns are prepared in the manner described in Schedule B, and (ii) in each case of (x) and (y) to the extent that a change in such elections, methods or practices could not reasonably be expected to result in any adverse impact on Networks and would not be inconsistent with applicable law, such Tax Returns shall be prepared in accordance with reasonable practices selected by Spinco.

(b) Election to File Consolidated, Combined or Unitary Tax Returns . Subject to Spinco’s reasonable approval, Networks shall elect to file any Tax Return on a consolidated, combined or unitary basis, if such Tax Return would include at least one member of each Group and the filing of such Tax Return is elective under the relevant Tax Law.

3.6 Refunds, Credits, Offsets, Tax Benefits

(a) Any refunds, credits, or offsets with respect to Taxes allocated to Networks pursuant to this Agreement shall be for the account of Networks. Any refunds, credits or offsets with respect to Taxes allocated to Spinco pursuant to this Agreement shall be for the account of Spinco.

(b) Networks shall forward to Spinco, or reimburse Spinco for, any such refunds, credits or offsets, plus any interest received thereon, net of any Taxes incurred with respect to the receipt or accrual thereof and any expenses incurred in connection therewith, that are for the account of Spinco within fifteen (15) Business Days from receipt thereof by Networks or any of its Affiliates. Spinco shall forward to Networks, or reimburse Networks for, any refunds, credits or offsets, plus any interest received thereon, net of any Taxes incurred with respect to the receipt or accrual thereof and any expenses incurred in connection therewith, that are for the account of Networks within fifteen (15) Business Days from receipt thereof by Spinco or any of its Affiliates. Any refunds, credits or offsets, plus any interest received thereon, or reimbursements not forwarded or made within the fifteen (15) Business Day period specified above shall bear interest from the date received by the refunding or reimbursing party (or its Affiliates) through and including the date of payment at the Interest Rate (treating the date received as the Due Date for purposes of determining such interest). If, subsequent to a Tax Authority’s allowance of a refund, credit or offset, such Tax Authority reduces or eliminates such allowance, any refund, credit or offset, plus any interest received thereon, forwarded or reimbursed under this Section 3.6 shall be returned to the party who had forwarded or reimbursed such refund, credit or offset and interest upon the request of such forwarding party in an amount equal to the applicable reduction, including any interest received thereon.

 

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(c) For the avoidance of doubt, no Party shall be required to reimburse the other Party under this Section 3.6 for the use of a refund, credit or offset or other Tax Benefit, calculated by reference to the Tax allocated to the other Party, including but not limited to a “dividends received deduction” set forth under section 243 of the Code and an unincorporated business tax credit as currently provided by Section 11-604 of the New York City Administrative Code or any successor thereto, if such deduction, credit or offset is not available to reduce the Tax liability of such other Party for any Tax Year.

3.7 Carrybacks . To the extent permitted under applicable Tax Laws, the Spinco Group shall make the appropriate elections in respect of any Tax Returns to waive any option to carry back any net operating loss, any credits or any similar item from a Post-Distribution Period to any Pre-Distribution Period or to any Straddle Period. Any refund of or credit for Taxes resulting from any such carryback by a member of the Spinco Group that cannot be waived shall be payable to Spinco net of any Taxes incurred with respect to the receipt or accrual thereof and any expenses incurred in connection therewith.

3.8 Amended Returns . Any amended Tax Return or claim for Tax refund, credit or offset with respect to any member of the Networks Group or Spinco Group may be made only by the Company (or its Affiliates) responsible for filing the original Tax Return with respect to such member pursuant to Sections 3.1 or 3.2 (and, for the avoidance of doubt, subject to the same preparation, review, approval and filing rights set forth in Sections 3.1 or 3.2, to the extent applicable). Such Company (or its Affiliates) shall not, without the prior written consent of the other Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), file, or cause to be filed, any such amended Tax Return or claim for Tax refund, credit or offset to the extent that such filing, if accepted, is likely to increase the Taxes allocated to, or the Tax indemnity obligations under this Agreement of, such other Company for any Tax Year (or portion thereof); provided , however , that such consent need not be obtained if (i) the Company filing the amended Tax Return by written notice to the other Company agrees to indemnify the other Company for the incremental Taxes allocated to, or the incremental Tax indemnity obligation resulting under this Agreement to, such other Company as a result of the filing of such amended Tax Return, or (ii) such amended Tax Return is a Tax Return listed in Schedule B and prepared in the manner as described in Schedule B.

3.9 Compensatory Equity Interests . Matters relating to Taxes and/or Tax Items with respect to Compensatory Equity Interests shall be governed by the Employee Matters Agreement.

SECTION 4. Tax Payments.

4.1 Payment of Taxes to Tax Authority . Networks shall be responsible for remitting to the proper Tax Authority the Tax shown on any Tax Return for which it is responsible for filing pursuant to Section 3.1 or Section 3.2, and Spinco shall be responsible for remitting to the proper Tax Authority the Tax shown on any Tax Return for which it is responsible for filing pursuant to Section 3.2.

4.2 Indemnification Payments .

(a) Tax Payments Made by the Networks Group. If any member of the Networks Group is required to make a payment to a Tax Authority for Taxes allocated to Spinco under this Agreement, Spinco will pay the amount of Taxes allocated to it to Networks not later than the later of (i) five (5) Business Days after receiving notification requesting such amount, and (ii) five (5) Business

 

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Days prior to the date such payment is required to be made to such Tax Authority. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if any member of the Networks Group has made a prepayment of Periodic Taxes that are allocated to Spinco under this Agreement, Spinco will pay the amount of such Taxes allocated to it to Networks not later than thirty (30) Business Days after the Distribution Date.

(b) Tax Payments Made by the Spinco Group. If any member of the Spinco Group is required to make a payment to a Tax Authority for Taxes allocated to Networks under this Agreement, Networks will pay the amount of Taxes allocated to it to Spinco not later than the later of (i) five (5) Business Days after receiving notification requesting such amount, and (ii) five (5) Business Days prior to the date such payment is required to be made to such Tax Authority. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if any member of the Spinco Group has made a prepayment of Periodic Taxes that are allocated to Networks under this Agreement, Networks will pay the amount of such Taxes allocated to it to Spinco not later than thirty (30) Business Days after the Distribution Date.

4.3 Interest on Late Payments . Payments pursuant to this Agreement that are not made by the date prescribed in this Agreement or, if no such date is prescribed, not later than five (5) Business Days after demand for payment is made (the “Due Date”) shall bear interest for the period from and including the date immediately following the Due Date through and including the date of payment at the Interest Rate. Such interest will be payable at the same time as the payment to which it relates. Interest will be calculated on the basis of a year of 365 days and the actual number of days for which due.

4.4 Tax Consequences of Payments . For all Tax purposes and to the extent permitted by applicable Tax Law, the parties hereto shall treat any payment made pursuant to this Agreement as a capital contribution or a distribution, as the case may be, immediately prior to the Distribution.

4.5 Adjustments to Payments . The amount of any payment made pursuant to this Agreement shall be adjusted as follows:

(a) If the receipt or accrual of any indemnity amounts for which any Party hereto (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) is required to pay another Party (the “ Indemnified Party ”) under this Agreement causes, directly or indirectly, an increase in the taxable income of the Indemnified Party under one or more applicable Tax Laws, such payment shall be increased so that, after the payment of any Taxes with respect to the payment, the Indemnified Party shall have realized the same net amount it would have realized had the payment not resulted in taxable income. For the avoidance of doubt, any liability for Taxes due to an increase in taxable income described in the immediately preceding sentence shall be governed by this Section 4.5(a) and not by Section 2.2.

(b) To the extent that Taxes for which the Indemnifying Party is required to pay to the Indemnified Party pursuant to this Agreement gives rise to a deduction, credit or other Tax Benefit (including as a result of any election set forth in Section 4.6) to the Indemnified Party or any of its Affiliates, the amount of any payment made to the Indemnified Party by the Indemnifying Party

 

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shall be decreased by taking into account any resulting reduction in Taxes actually realized by the Indemnified Party or any of its Affiliates resulting from such Tax Benefit (including as a result of any election set forth in Section 4.6). If such a reduction in Taxes of the Indemnified Party occurs following the payment made to the Indemnified Party with respect to the relevant indemnified Taxes, the Indemnified Party shall promptly repay the Indemnifying Party the amount of such reduction when actually realized. If the Tax Benefit arising from the foregoing reduction of Taxes described in this Section 4.5(b) is subsequently decreased or eliminated, then the Indemnifying Party shall promptly pay the Indemnified Party the amount of the decrease in such Tax Benefit. This Section 4.5(b) shall not apply to the extent that Section 3.6(d) would also apply to cause recovery of the same amounts to the Indemnifying Party.

4.6 Section 336(e) Election .

(a) Networks and Spinco shall make a protective election under section 336(e) of the Code (and any similar election under state or local law) with respect to the Distribution in accordance with Treasury Regulations section 1.336-2(h) and (j) (and any applicable provisions under state and local law), provided that Spinco shall indemnify Networks for any cost to the Networks Group of making such an election (but it being understood that any such cost arising from Taxes shall be limited to Excess Taxes). Networks and Spinco shall cooperate in the timely completion and/or filings of such elections and any related filings or procedures (including filing or amending any Tax Returns to implement an election that becomes effective). This Section 4.6 is intended to constitute a binding, written agreement to make an election under section 336(e) of the Code with respect to the Distribution.

(b) If Taxes are allocated to a Party (the “ Responsible Party ”) as a result of any election set forth in Section 4.6, then to the extent that such Taxes give rise to a Tax Benefit, other than a refund, credit or offset as described in Section 3.6(b), to the other Party (the “ Other Party ”) or any of its Affiliates, and such Tax Benefit results in an actual reduction in Taxes (determined on a with and without basis) of the Other Party or any of its Affiliates in any Tax Year, the Other Party shall pay to the Responsible Party in the relevant Tax Year an amount equal to such reduction in Taxes (determined on a with and without basis); provided , however , that this provision shall not apply to the extent that the actual reduction in Taxes for the relevant Tax Year and any unpaid reduction in Taxes for all prior Tax Years is less than $50,000.

4.7 Certain Final Determinations . If an adjustment (a “Tax Adjustment”) pursuant to a Final Determination in a Tax Contest initiated by a Tax Authority results in a Tax greater than the Tax shown on the relevant Tax Return for any Pre-Distribution Period, the Indemnified Party shall pay to the Indemnifying Party an amount equal to any Tax Benefit as and when actually realized by such Indemnified Party as a result of such Tax Adjustment. The Parties agree that if an Indemnified Party is required to make a payment to an Indemnifying Party pursuant to this Section 4.7, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to set off the amount of such payment against any indemnity payments owed by the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnified Party, taking into account time value and similar concepts as appropriate.

 

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SECTION 5. Cooperation and Tax Contests.

5.1 Cooperation . In addition to the obligations enumerated in Sections 3.4 and 5.4, Networks and Spinco will cooperate (and cause their respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates to cooperate) with each other and with each other’s agents, including accounting firms and legal counsel, in connection with Tax matters, including provision of relevant documents and information in their possession and making available to each other, as reasonably requested and available, personnel (including officers, directors, employees and agents of the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates) responsible for preparing, maintaining, and interpreting information and documents relevant to Taxes, and personnel reasonably required as witnesses or for purposes of providing information or documents in connection with any administrative or judicial proceedings relating to Taxes.

5.2 Notices of Tax Contests . Each Company shall provide prompt notice to the other Company of any pending or threatened Tax audit, assessment or proceeding or other Tax Contest of which it becomes aware relating to (i) Taxes for which it is or may be indemnified by such other Company hereunder or (ii) Tax Items that may affect the amount or treatment of Tax Items of such other Company. Such notice shall contain factual information (to the extent known) describing any asserted Tax liability in reasonable detail and shall be accompanied by copies of any notice and other documents received from any Tax Authority in respect of any such matters; provided , however , that failure to give such notification shall not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except, and only to the extent that, the indemnifying Company shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure. Thereafter, the indemnified Company shall deliver to the indemnifying Company such additional information with respect to such Tax Contest in its possession that the indemnifying Company may reasonably request.

5.3 Control of Tax Contests .

(a) Controlling Party. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 5.3(b), each Filer (or the appropriate member of its Group) shall, at its own cost and expense, be the Controlling Party with respect to any Tax Contest involving a Tax reported (or that, it is asserted, should have been reported) on a Tax Return for which such Company is responsible for filing (or causing to be filed) pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt but subject to the other provisions of this Section 5.3(a), that Networks shall be the Controlling Party with respect to any Tax Contest involving Distribution Taxes), in which case any Non-Filer that could have liability under this Agreement for a Tax to which such Tax Contest relates shall be treated as the “ Non-Controlling Party .” Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, if a Non-Filer (x) acknowledges to the Filer in writing its full liability under this Agreement to indemnify for any Tax, and (y) provides to the Filer evidence (that is satisfactory to the Filer as determined in the Filer’s reasonable discretion) of the Non-Filer’s financial readiness and capacity to make such indemnity payment, then thereafter with respect to the Tax Contest relating solely to such Tax the Non-Filer shall be the Controlling Party (subject to Section 5.3(b)) and the Filer shall be treated as the Non-Controlling Party.

(b) Non-Controlling Party Participation Rights. With respect to a Tax Contest of any Tax Return that could result in a Tax liability that is allocated under this Agreement, (i) the Non-Controlling Party shall, at its own cost and expense, be entitled to participate in such Tax Contest and to provide comments and suggestions to the Controlling Party, such comments and suggestions not to be unreasonably rejected, (ii) the Controlling Party shall keep the Non-Controlling Party updated and informed, and shall

 

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consult with the Non-Controlling Party, (iii) the Controlling Party shall act in good faith with a view to the merits in connection with the Tax Contest, and (iv) the Controlling Party shall not settle or compromise such Tax Contest without the prior written consent of the Non-Controlling Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld).

5.4 Cooperation Regarding Tax Contests . The Parties shall provide each other with all information relating to a Tax Contest which is needed by the other Party or Parties to handle, participate in, defend, settle or contest the Tax Contest. At the request of any party, the other Parties shall take any action (e.g., executing a power of attorney) that is reasonably necessary in order for the requesting Party to exercise its rights under this Agreement in respect of a Tax Contest. Spinco shall assist Networks, and Networks shall assist Spinco, in taking any remedial actions that are necessary or desirable to minimize the effects of any adjustment made by a Tax Authority. The Indemnifying Party or Parties shall reimburse the Indemnified Party or Parties for any reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in complying with this Section 5.4.

SECTION 6. Tax Records.

6.1 Retention of Tax Records . Each of Networks and Spinco shall preserve, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to preserve, all Tax Records that are in their possession, and that could affect the liability of any member of the other Group for Taxes, for as long as the contents thereof may become material in the administration of any matter under applicable Tax Law, but in any event until the later of (x) the expiration of any applicable statute of limitations, as extended, and (y) seven years after the Distribution Date.

6.2 Access to Tax Records . Spinco shall make available, and cause its Subsidiaries to make available, to members of the Networks Group for inspection and copying the portion of any Tax Record in their possession that relates to a Pre-Distribution Period or Post-Distribution Period and which is reasonably necessary for the preparation, review, approval or filing of a Tax Return by a member of the Networks Group or any of their Affiliates or with respect to any Tax Contest with respect to such return. Networks shall make available, and cause its Subsidiaries to make available, to members of the Spinco Group for inspection and copying the portion of any Tax Record in their possession that relates to a Pre-Distribution Period and which is reasonably necessary for the preparation, review, approval or filing of a Tax Return by a member of the Spinco Group or any of their Affiliates or with respect to any Tax Contest with respect to such return.

6.3 Confidentiality. Each party hereby agrees that it will hold, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause its officers, directors, employees, accountants, counsel, consultants, advisors and agents to hold, in confidence all records and information prepared and shared by and among the Parties in carrying out the intent of this Agreement, except as may otherwise be necessary in connection with the filing of Tax Returns or any administrative or judicial proceedings relating to Taxes or unless disclosure is compelled by a governmental authority. Information and documents of one Party (the “ Disclosing Party ”) shall not be deemed to be confidential for purposes of this Section 6.3 to the extent that such information or document (i) is previously known to or in the possession of the other Party or Parties (the “ Receiving Party ”) and is not otherwise subject to a requirement to be kept confidential,

 

19


(ii) becomes publicly available by means other than unauthorized disclosure under this Agreement by the Receiving Party or (iii) is received from a third party without, to the knowledge of the Receiving Party after reasonable diligence, a duty of confidentiality owed to the Disclosing Party.

SECTION 7. Representations and Covenants.

7.1 Covenants of Networks and Spinco .

(a) Networks hereby covenants that, to the fullest extent permissible under U.S. federal income and state Tax Laws, it will, and will cause the members of the Networks Group to, treat the applicable Transactions in accordance with the Agreed Treatment. Spinco hereby covenants that, to the fullest extent permissible under U.S. federal income and state Tax Laws, it will, and will cause each Subsidiary of Spinco to, treat the applicable Transactions in accordance with the Agreed Treatment.

(b) Networks further covenants that, as of and following the date hereof, Networks shall not and shall cause the members of the Networks Group not to take any action that (or fail to take any action the omission of which) would be inconsistent with the applicable Transactions qualifying for the Agreed Treatment or that would preclude the applicable Transactions from qualifying for the Agreed Treatment.

(c) Spinco further covenants that, as of and following the date hereof, Spinco shall not and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to take any action that (or fail to take any action the omission of which) would be inconsistent with the applicable Transactions qualifying for the Agreed Treatment or that would preclude the applicable Transactions from qualifying for the Agreed Treatment.

7.2 Private Letter Ruling . Networks represents that it has provided Spinco with a copy of the Ruling and the Ruling Request submitted on or prior to the Distribution Date, and agrees to provide Spinco with copies of any additional documents submitted to the IRS relating to the Ruling Request and prepared after the Distribution Date prior to the submission of such documents to the IRS in connection with the Distribution.

7.3 Covenants of Spinco .

(a) Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 7.1, Spinco, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, agrees and covenants that Spinco and each of its Subsidiaries will not, directly or indirectly, during the Restriction Period, (i) take any action that would result in Spinco’s ceasing to be engaged in the active conduct of the Spinco Business with the result that Spinco is not engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business within the meaning of section 355(b)(2) of the Code, (ii) redeem or otherwise repurchase (directly or through an Affiliate of Spinco) any of Spinco’s outstanding stock, other than through stock purchases meeting the requirements of section 4.05(1)(b) of Revenue Procedure 96-30, 1996-1 C.B. 696 (but it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that no agreement or covenant under this Section 7.3(a)(ii) is being entered with respect to Compensatory Equity Net Share Settlements), (iii) amend the certificate of incorporation (or other organizational documents) of Spinco that would affect the relative voting rights of separate classes of Spinco’s stock or would convert one class of Spinco’s stock into another class of its stock,

 

20


(iv) liquidate (within the meaning of section 331 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder) or partially liquidate Spinco, (v) merge Spinco with any other corporation (other than in a transaction that does not affect the relative shareholding of Spinco shareholders), sell or otherwise dispose of (other than in the ordinary course of business) the assets of Spinco and its Subsidiaries, or take any other action or actions if such merger, sale, other disposition or other action or actions in the aggregate would have the effect that one or more Persons acquire (or have the right to acquire), directly or indirectly, as part of a plan or series of related transactions, assets representing one-half or more of the asset value of the Spinco Group, or (vi) take any other action or actions that in the aggregate would have the effect that one or more Persons acquire (or have the right to acquire), directly or indirectly, as part of a plan or series of related transactions, stock of Spinco representing a Fifty-Percent Equity Interest in Spinco (as determined for purposes of section 355(e) of the Code), other than a Permitted Acquisition.

7.4 Covenants of Networks .

(a) Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 7.1, Networks, on behalf of itself and each member of the Networks Group, agrees and covenants that Networks and each member of the Networks Group will not, directly or indirectly, during the Restriction Period, (i) take any action that would result in Networks’ ceasing to be engaged in the active conduct of the Networks Business with the result that Networks is not engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business within the meaning of section 355(b)(2) of the Code, (ii) redeem or otherwise repurchase (directly or through an Affiliate of Networks) any of Networks’ outstanding stock, other than through stock purchases meeting the requirements of section 4.05(1)(b) of Revenue Procedure 96-30, 1996-1 C.B. 696 (but it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that no agreement or covenant under this Section 7.4(a)(ii) is being entered with respect to Compensatory Equity Net Share Settlements), (iii) amend the certificate of incorporation (or other organizational documents) of Networks that would affect the relative voting rights of separate classes of Networks’ stock or would convert one class of Networks’ stock into another class of its stock, (iv) liquidate (within the meaning of section 331 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder) or partially liquidate Networks, (v) merge Networks with any other corporation (other than in a transaction that does not affect the relative shareholding of Networks shareholders), sell or otherwise dispose of (other than in the ordinary course of business) the assets of Networks and its Subsidiaries, or take any other action or actions if such merger, sale, other disposition or other action or actions in the aggregate would have the effect that one or more Persons acquire (or have the right to acquire), directly or indirectly, as part of a plan or series of related transactions, assets representing one-half or more of the asset value of the Networks Group, or (vi) take any other action or actions that in the aggregate would have the effect that one or more Persons acquire (or have the right to acquire), directly or indirectly, as part of a plan or series of related transactions, stock of Networks representing a Fifty-Percent Equity Interest in Networks (as determined for purposes of section 355(e) of the Code).

(b) Nothing in this Section 7 shall be construed to give Spinco or any Affiliates of Spinco any right to remedies other than indemnification for any increase in the actual Tax liability (and/or decrease in Tax Benefit) of Spinco or any Affiliate of Spinco that results from Networks Group’s failure to comply with the covenants and representations in this Section 7.

 

21


7.5 Exceptions .

(a) Exceptions with Respect to Spinco.

(i) Notwithstanding Section 7.3 above, Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries may take a Spinco Restricted Action if Networks consents in writing to such Spinco Restricted Action, or if Spinco provides Networks with Satisfactory Guidance concluding that such Spinco Restricted Action will not alter the Tax-Free Status of the Distribution in respect of Networks and Networks’ shareholders.

(ii) Spinco and each of its Subsidiaries agree that Networks and each Networks Affiliate are to have no liability for any Tax resulting from any Spinco Restricted Actions permitted pursuant to this Section 7.5(a) and, subject to Section 2.2, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Networks Indemnified Party against any such Tax. Spinco shall bear all costs incurred by it, and all reasonable costs incurred by Networks, in connection with requesting and/or obtaining any Satisfactory Guidance.

(b) Exceptions with Respect to Networks.

(i) Notwithstanding Section 7.4(a) above, Networks or any of its Subsidiaries may take a Networks Restricted Action if Spinco consents in writing to such Networks Restricted Action, or if Networks provides Spinco with Satisfactory Guidance concluding that such Networks Restricted Action will not alter the Tax-Free Status of the Distribution in respect of Spinco and Spinco’s shareholders.

(ii) Networks and each of its Subsidiaries agree that Spinco and each Spinco Affiliate are to have no liability for any Tax resulting from any Networks Restricted Actions permitted pursuant to this Section 7.5(b) and, subject to Section 2.2, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Spinco Indemnified Party against any such Tax. Networks shall bear all costs incurred by it, and all reasonable costs incurred by Spinco, in connection with requesting and/or obtaining any Satisfactory Guidance.

7.6 Injunctive Relief . For the avoidance of doubt, Networks shall have the right to seek injunctive relief to prevent Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries from taking any action that is not consistent with the covenants of the Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries under Section 7.1 or 7.3.

7.7 Further Assurances . For the avoidance of doubt, (i) neither Networks nor a member of the Networks Group shall take any action on the Distribution Date that would result in an increase of the actual Tax liability (and/or decrease of any Tax Benefit) of Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries, other than in the ordinary course of business, except for actions undertaken in connection with

 

22


the Distribution, which actions are described in the Ruling Request or the Ruling, and (ii) neither Spinco nor any of its Subsidiaries shall take any action on the Distribution Date that would result in an increase of the actual Tax liability (and/or decrease of any Tax Benefit) of Networks or a member of the Networks Group, other than in the ordinary course of business, except for actions undertaken in connection with the Distribution, which actions are described in the Ruling Request or the Ruling.

SECTION 8. General Provisions.

8.1 Construction . This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement (except insofar and to the extent that it specifically and expressly references the Distribution Agreement and any other Ancillary Agreement) between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter.

8.2 Ancillary Agreements . This Agreement is not intended to address, and should not be interpreted to address, the matters specifically and expressly covered by the Distribution Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement.

8.3 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 such counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Party.

8.4 Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall reference this Agreement and shall be hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the Parties at the following addresses (or at such other addresses for a Party as shall be specified by like notice) and will be deemed given on the date on which such notice is received:

To Networks:

The Madison Square Garden Company (or, after the applicable name change, MSG Networks Inc.)

11 Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10001

Attention: President

with copy to:

MSG Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, The Madison Square Garden Company)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

 

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To Spinco:

MSG Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, The Madison Square Garden Company)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

8.5 Amendments . This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the Parties.

8.6 Assignment . This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void; provided that, subject to compliance with Section 7, if applicable, either Party may assign this Agreement to a purchaser of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Party so long as such purchaser expressly assumes, in a written instrument in form reasonably satisfactory to the non-assigning Party, the due and punctual performance or observance of every agreement and covenant of this Agreement on the part of the assigning Party to be performed or observed.

8.7 Successors and Assigns . The provisions to this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

8.8 Change in Law . Any reference to a provision of the Code or any other Tax Law shall include a reference to any applicable successor provision or law.

8.9 Authorization, Etc . Each of the Parties hereto hereby represents and warrants that it has the power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, that this Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such Party, that this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Party and that the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Party does not contravene or conflict with any provision of law or the Party’s charter or bylaws or any agreement, instrument or order binding such Party.

8.10 Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Distribution by and in the sole discretion of Networks without the approval of Spinco or the stockholders of Networks. In the event of such termination, no Party shall have any liability of any kind to any other Party or any other Person. After the Distribution, this Agreement may not be terminated except by an agreement in writing signed by the Parties.

8.11 Subsidiaries . Each of the Parties shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any entity that is contemplated to be a Subsidiary of such Party after the Distribution Date.

8.12 Third-Party Beneficiaries . Except with respect to Networks Indemnified Parties and Spinco Indemnified Parties, and in each case, only where and as indicated herein, this Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates and should not be deemed to confer upon any other Person any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, cause of

 

24


action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement is not intended to confer upon any Spinco Indemnified Parties any rights or remedies against Spinco hereunder, and this Agreement is not intended to confer upon any Networks Indemnified Parties any rights or remedies against Networks hereunder.

8.13 Double Recovery . Nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer to or impose upon any Party a duplicative right, entitlement, obligation or recovery with respect to any matter arising out of the same facts and circumstances.

8.14 Titles and Headings . Titles and headings to Sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

8.15 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the State of New York.

8.16 Waiver of Jury Trial . The Parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

8.17 Severability . In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The Parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

8.18 No Strict Construction; Interpretation .

(a) Each of Networks and Spinco acknowledges that this Agreement has been prepared jointly by the Parties hereto and shall not be strictly construed against any Party hereto.

(b) The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”. The words “hereof”, “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein. The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such term. Any agreement, instrument or statute defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement, instrument or statute as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including (in the case of agreements or instruments) by waiver or consent and (in the case of statutes) by succession of comparable successor statutes and references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein. References to a Person are also to its permitted successors and assigns.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by the respective officers as of the date set forth above.

 

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
MSG SPINCO, INC.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

Exhibit 10.3

FORM OF

EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT

by and between

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

(TO BE RENAMED MSG NETWORKS INC.)

and

MSG SPINCO, INC.

(TO BE RENAMED THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY)

Dated as of [                    ], 2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1    Definitions    1
Section 1.2    General Interpretive Principles    8

ARTICLE II

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Section 2.1    Assumption and Retention of Liabilities; Related Assets    8
Section 2.2    Spinco Participation in MSG Networks Plans    10
Section 2.3    Service Recognition    10

ARTICLE III

U.S. QUALIFIED DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN

Section 3.1    Transfer of Cash Balance Pension Plan to Spinco.    12
Section 3.2    Cash Balance Pension Plan Freeze    12
Section 3.3    MSG Networks Participant Credit    12

ARTICLE IV

U.S. QUALIFIED DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS

Section 4.1    401(k) Plan    12
Section 4.2    Stock Investment Options    13
Section 4.3    Investments and Benefits Committee    13

ARTICLE V

NONQUALIFIED PLANS

Section 5.1    Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan    13
Section 5.2    Excess Retirement Plan.    14
Section 5.3    Excess 401(k) Savings Plan    14
Section 5.4    Transferred Employees    15
Section 5.5    No Separation from Service    15

ARTICLE VI

U.S. HEALTH AND WELFARE PLANS

Section 6.1    Health and Welfare Plans Maintained by MSG Networks Prior to the Distribution Date.    15
Section 6.2    Flexible Spending Accounts Plan    16
Section 6.3    Legal Plan    16
Section 6.4    COBRA and HIPAA    16

 

–i–


          Page
Section 6.5    Liabilities    17
Section 6.6    Time-Off Benefits    18
Section 6.7    Severance Pay Plans    18

ARTICLE VII

EQUITY COMPENSATION

Section 7.1    Equity Compensation    18
Section 7.2    Taxes and Withholding    19
Section 7.3    Cooperation    21
Section 7.4    SEC Registration    21
Section 7.5    Savings Clause    21

ARTICLE VIII

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS MATTERS

Section 8.1    Cash Incentive Awards    21
Section 8.2    Individual Arrangements    23
Section 8.3    Non-Competition    24
Section 8.4    Collective Bargaining    24
Section 8.5    Union Dues; Severance and Fringe Benefits    24
Section 8.6    Director Programs    24
Section 8.7    Sections 162(m)/409A    24
Section 8.8    2015 Administrative Bonus    24

ARTICLE IX

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 9.1    Indemnification    25

ARTICLE X

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

Section 10.1    Sharing of Information    25
Section 10.2    Reasonable Efforts/Cooperation    25
Section 10.3    Non-Termination of Employment; No Third-Party Beneficiaries    26
Section 10.4    Consent of Third Parties    26
Section 10.5    Access to Employees    26
Section 10.6    Beneficiary Designation/Release of Information/Right to Reimbursement    27
Section 10.7    Not a Change in Control    27

ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 11.1    Effect If Distribution Does Not Occur    27
Section 11.2    Complete Agreement; Construction    27
Section 11.3    Counterparts    27
Section 11.4    Survival of Agreements    27

 

–ii–


          Page
Section 11.5    Notices    27
Section 11.6    Waivers    28
Section 11.7    Amendments    28
Section 11.8    Assignment    28
Section 11.9    Successors and Assigns    28
Section 11.10    Subsidiaries    28
Section 11.11    Title and Headings    28
Section 11.12    Governing Law    28
Section 11.13    Waiver of Jury Trial    28
Section 11.14    Specific Performance    29
Section 11.15    Severability    29

 

–iii–


Exhibits

 

Exhibit A

MSG Networks Retained Retirement Plans

Exhibit B

Spinco Retained Retirement Plans

Exhibit C

MSG Networks Retained Multi-Employer Benefit Plans

Exhibit D

Spinco Retained Multi-Employer Benefit Plans

Exhibit E

MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plans

Exhibit F

MSG Networks Union Relationships

Exhibit G

Spinco Union Relationships

 

–iv–


FORM OF EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of [                    ], 2015, is by and between The Madison Square Garden Company (to be renamed MSG Networks Inc.), a Delaware corporation (“ MSG Networks ”), and MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company), a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG Networks (“ Spinco ,” and, together with MSG Networks, each, a “ Party ” and collectively, the “ Parties ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS , the Board of Directors of MSG Networks has determined that it is in the best interests of MSG Networks to separate the Spinco Business and the MSG Networks Business into two public companies, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Distribution Agreement (as defined below);

WHEREAS , in order to effectuate the foregoing, MSG Networks and Spinco have entered into a Distribution Agreement, dated as of [                    ], 2015 (the “ Distribution Agreement ”), pursuant to which and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the Spinco Business shall be separated from the MSG Networks Business, and all of the issued and outstanding Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco and Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco (collectively, the “ Spinco Common Stock ”) beneficially owned by MSG Networks shall be distributed (the “ Distribution ”) on a pro rata basis to the holders of the issued and outstanding Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of MSG Networks and Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of MSG Networks (collectively, the “ MSG Networks Common Stock ”); and

WHEREAS , MSG Networks and Spinco have agreed to enter into this Agreement for the purpose of allocating Assets, Liabilities and responsibilities with respect to certain employee compensation and benefit plans, programs and arrangements, and certain employment matters between and among them.

NOW , THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and of the respective agreements and covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1 Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

401(k) Plans ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.1 of this Agreement.

 

-1-


Action ” means any claim, demand, complaint, charge, action, cause of action, suit, countersuit, arbitration, litigation, inquiry, proceeding or investigation by or before any Governmental Authority or any arbitration or mediation tribunal.

Agreement ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble to this Agreement, including all the exhibits hereto, and all amendments made hereto from time to time.

Asset ” means any right, property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, of any kind, nature and description, whether accrued, contingent or otherwise, and wherever situated and whether or not carried or reflected, or required to be carried or reflected, on the books of any Person.

Cash Balance Pension Plan ” means the MSG Holdings, L.P. Cash Balance Pension Plan or any successor thereto.

COBRA ” means the continuation coverage requirements for “group health plans” under Title X of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended, and as codified in Section 4980B of the Code and Sections 601 through 608 of ERISA.

Code ” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Control ” means, as to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other interests, by contract or otherwise.

Distribution ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the recitals to this Agreement, as the same is further described in the Distribution Agreement.

Distribution Agreement ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the recitals to this Agreement.

Distribution Date ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Distribution Agreement.

DOL ” means the U.S. Department of Labor.

Effective Date ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.1(a) of this Agreement.

Equity Compensation ” means, collectively, the MSG Networks Options, MSG Networks RSUs, Spinco Options, and Spinco RSUs.

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

Fixed Performance Awards ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.1(a) of this Agreement.

 

-2-


Former MSG Networks Employee ” means:

 

  i. with respect to an individual whose MSG Networks Group employment terminated prior to the Distribution Date, any such individual whose last position was in the Media division (including, without limitation, Fuse); and

 

  ii. with respect to an individual whose MSG Networks Group employment terminated on or after the Distribution Date, any former employee of any member of the MSG Networks Group.

Any individual who is an employee of any member of the Spinco Group on the Distribution Date or a Former Spinco Employee shall not be a Former MSG Networks Employee.

Former Spinco Employee ” means:

 

  i. with respect to an individual whose MSG Networks Group employment terminated prior to the Distribution Date, any such individual whose last position was not in the Media division; and

 

  ii. with respect to an individual whose Spinco Group employment terminated on or after the Distribution Date, any former employee of any member of the Spinco Group.

Any individual who is an employee of any member of the MSG Networks Group on the Distribution Date or a Former MSG Networks Employee shall not be a Former Spinco Employee.

Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, local, foreign or international court, government, department, commission, board, bureau, agency, official, the NYSE, NASDAQ or other regulatory, administrative or governmental authority.

Group ” means the MSG Networks Group and/or the Spinco Group, as the context requires.

HIPAA ” means the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended.

Information ” shall mean all information, whether in written, oral, electronic or other tangible or intangible form, stored in any medium, including non-public financial information, studies, reports, records, books, accountants’ work papers, contracts, instruments, flow charts, data, communications by or to attorneys, memos and other materials prepared by attorneys and accountants or under their direction (including attorney work product) and other financial, legal, employee or business information or data.

IRS ” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Law ” means all laws, statutes and ordinances and all regulations, rules and other pronouncements of Governmental Authorities having the effect of law of the U.S., any foreign country, or any domestic or foreign state, province, commonwealth, city, country, municipality, territory, protectorate, possession or similar instrumentality, or any Governmental Authority thereof.

 

-3-


Liabilities ” means all debts, liabilities, obligations, responsibilities, Losses, damages (whether compensatory, punitive, or treble), fines, penalties and sanctions, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, foreseen or unforeseen, joint, several or individual, asserted or unasserted, accrued or unaccrued, known or unknown, whenever arising, including without limitation those arising under or in connection with any Law, Action, threatened Action, order or consent decree of any Governmental Authority or any award of any arbitration tribunal, and those arising under any contract, guarantee, commitment or undertaking, whether sought to be imposed by a Governmental Authority, private party, or a Party, whether based in contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute, or otherwise, and including any costs, expenses, interest, attorneys’ fees, disbursements and expense of counsel, expert and consulting fees, fees of third-party administrators and costs related thereto or to the investigation or defense thereof.

Loss ” means any claim, demand, complaint, damages (whether compensatory, punitive, consequential, treble or other), fines, penalties, loss, liability, payment, cost or expense arising out of, relating to or in connection with any Action.

MSG Networks ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble to this Agreement.

MSG Networks Business ” means all businesses and operations conducted by the MSG Networks Group from time to time, whether prior to, at or after the Distribution Date, other than the Spinco Business.

MSG Networks Common Stock ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the recitals to this Agreement.

MSG Networks Compensation Committee ” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of MSG Networks.

MSG Networks Director ” means any individual who is a current or former non-employee director of MSG Networks as of the Distribution Date.

MSG Networks Employee ” means any individual who, immediately following the Distribution Date, will be employed by MSG Networks or any member of the MSG Networks Group in a capacity considered by MSG Networks to be common law employment, including active employees and employees on vacation and approved leaves of absence (including maternity, paternity, family, sick, short-term or long-term disability leave, qualified military service under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, and leave under the Family Medical Leave Act and other approved leaves).

MSG Networks Flexible Spending Accounts Plan ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.2 of this Agreement.

 

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MSG Networks Group ” means, as of the Distribution Date, MSG Networks and each of its former and current Subsidiaries (or any predecessor organization thereof), and any corporation or entity that may become part of such Group from time to time thereafter. The MSG Networks Group shall not include any member of the Spinco Group.

MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plans ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.1(a) of this Agreement.

MSG Networks Liabilities ” means all Liabilities assumed or retained by any member of the MSG Networks Group pursuant to this Agreement.

MSG Networks Option ” means an option to buy MSG Networks Class A Common Stock granted pursuant to an MSG Networks Share Plan (including the options adjusted for the Distribution) and outstanding as of the Distribution Date.

MSG Networks Participant ” means any individual who, immediately following the Distribution Date, is an MSG Networks Employee, a Former MSG Networks Employee or a beneficiary, dependent or alternate payee of any of the foregoing.

MSG Networks Plan ” means any Plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by MSG Networks or any of its Subsidiaries, including the MSG Networks Retained Retirement Plans, MSG Networks Share Plans, MSG Networks Flexible Spending Accounts Plan, MSG Networks Retiree Medical Program, MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plans and MSG Networks Retained Multi-Employer Benefit Plans, but excluding the MSG Holdings, L.P. Cash Balance Pension Plan and the Retirement Plan for Licensed Ushers and Ticket Takers Local No. 176 of the Service Employees’ International Union, AFL-CIO.

MSG Networks Retained Multi-Employer Benefit Plans ” means the multi-employer plans that are listed on Exhibit C .

MSG Networks Retained Retirement Plans ” means the retirement plans that are listed on Exhibit A.

MSG Networks RSU ” means a restricted stock unit representing an unfunded and unsecured promise to deliver a share of MSG Networks Class A Common Stock, or cash or other property equal in value to the share of MSG Networks Class A Common Stock, that is granted pursuant to an MSG Networks Share Plan and outstanding as of the Distribution Date.

MSG Networks Share Plans ” means, collectively, any stock option or stock incentive compensation plan or arrangement, including equity award agreements, maintained before the Distribution Date for employees, officers or non-employee directors of MSG Networks or its Subsidiaries or affiliates, as amended.

MSG Networks Stock Investment Option ” means the unitized stock fund investment option offered under the MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Savings Plan, with a value based on the value of MSG Networks Common Stock and the cash liquidity component.

NASDAQ ” means The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.

 

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NYSE ” means the New York Stock Exchange.

Participating Company ” means MSG Networks and any Person (other than an individual) participating in an MSG Networks Plan.

Party ” and “ Parties ” shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the preamble to this Agreement.

Person ” means any natural person, corporation, business trust, limited liability company, joint venture, association, company, partnership or governmental, or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Plan ” means, with respect to an entity, each plan, program, arrangement, agreement or commitment that is an employment, consulting, non-competition or deferred compensation agreement, or an executive compensation, incentive bonus or other bonus, employee pension, profit-sharing, savings, retirement, supplemental retirement, stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, other equity-based compensation, severance pay, salary continuation, life, health, hospitalization, sick leave, vacation pay, disability or accident insurance plan, corporate-owned or key-man life insurance or other employee benefit plan, program, arrangement, agreement or commitment, including any “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), entered into, sponsored or maintained by such entity (or to which such entity contributes or is required to contribute).

Service Crediting Date ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.3(b)(i) of this Agreement.

Spinco ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble to this Agreement.

Spinco Business ” means all businesses and operations conducted by the Spinco Group from time to time, whether prior to, at or after the Distribution Date, including the businesses and operations conducted by the Spinco Group as more fully described in the Spinco Information Statement and excluding the MSG Networks Business.

Spinco Common Stock ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the recitals to this Agreement.

Spinco Director ” means any individual who is a current non-employee director of Spinco as of the Distribution Date.

Spinco Employee ” means any individual who, immediately following the Distribution Date, will be employed by Spinco or any member of the Spinco Group in a capacity considered by Spinco to be common law employment, including active employees and employees on vacation and approved leaves of absence (including maternity, paternity, family, sick, short-term or long-term disability leave, qualified military service under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, and leave under the Family Medical Leave Act and other approved leaves).

 

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Spinco Excess 401(k) Savings Plan ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.3(a) .

Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.1(a) .

Spinco Excess Retirement Plan ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.1(a) of this Agreement.

Spinco Flexible Spending Accounts Plan ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.2 of this Agreement.

Spinco Group ” means, as of the Distribution Date, Spinco and each of its former and current Subsidiaries (or any predecessor organization thereof), and any corporation or entity that may become part of such Group from time to time thereafter. The Spinco Group shall not include any member of the MSG Networks Group.

Spinco Health & Welfare Plans ” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.1 of this Agreement.

Spinco Information Statement ” means the definitive information statement distributed to holders of MSG Networks Common Stock in connection with the Distribution and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) as Exhibit 99.1 to the registration statement on Form 10 filed with the Commission to effect the registration of the Spinco Class A Common Shares pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or as an exhibit to a Form 8-K of Spinco.

Spinco Liabilities ” means all Liabilities assumed or retained by any member of the Spinco Group pursuant to this Agreement.

Spinco Option ” means an option to buy Spinco Class A Common Stock granted pursuant to a Spinco Share Plan and granted in connection with the Distribution.

Spinco Participant ” means any individual who, immediately following the Distribution Date, is a Spinco Employee, a Former Spinco Employee or a beneficiary, dependent or alternate payee of any of the foregoing.

Spinco Plan ” means any Plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any member of the Spinco Group, including the Spinco Retained Retirement Plans, Spinco Share Plans, Spinco Flexible Spending Accounts Plan, the Spinco Retiree Medical Program, Spinco Health & Welfare Plans and Spinco Retained Multi-Employer Benefit Plans.

Spinco Retained Multi-Employer Benefit Plans ” means the multi-employer plans that are listed on Exhibit D .

Spinco Retained Retirement Plans ” means the retirement plans that are listed on Exhibit B .

 

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Spinco RSU ” means a restricted stock unit representing an unfunded and unsecured promise to deliver a share of Spinco Class A Common Stock, or cash or other property equal in value to the share of Spinco Class A Common Stock, that is granted pursuant to a Spinco Share Plan and granted in connection with the Distribution.

Spinco Share Plans ” means the Spinco 2015 Employee Stock Plan, Spinco 2015 Stock Plan For Non-Employee Directors and any stock plan or stock incentive arrangement, including equity award agreements, entered into by Spinco in connection with the Distribution.

Spinco Stock Investment Option ” means the unitized stock fund investment option to be offered under the MSG Networks 401(k) Savings Plan, with a value based on the value of Spinco Common Stock and the cash liquidity component, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 4.2(b) .

Subsidiary ” has the same meaning as provided in the Distribution Agreement.

Transition Period ” means, with respect to each MSG Networks Plan in which any Spinco Group member is a Participating Company, the period of time beginning on the Distribution Date and ending on the date Spinco establishes a corresponding Plan and allows participation in such Plan, which shall be no later than the Effective Date. The Transition Period may be extended beyond the Effective Date if both Parties agree to the extension, and such agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld.

Transition Period End Date ” means the last day of each applicable Transition Period.

U.S. ” means the United States of America.

Section 1.2 General Interpretive Principles . Words in the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and words of one gender shall include the other gender, in each case, as the context requires. The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder,” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and references to Article, Section, paragraph and Exhibit are references to the Articles, Sections, paragraphs and Exhibits to this Agreement unless otherwise specified. The word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall mean “including, without limitation,” unless otherwise specified. Any reference to any federal, state, local or non-U.S. statute or Law shall be deemed to also refer to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context otherwise requires.

ARTICLE II

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Section 2.1 Assumption and Retention of Liabilities; Related Assets .

(a) As of the Distribution Date, except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement, MSG Networks shall, or shall cause one or more members of the MSG Networks Group to, assume or retain and MSG Networks hereby agrees to pay, perform, fulfill and discharge, in due course in full (i) all Liabilities under all MSG Networks Plans ( provided that, as between MSG Networks and Spinco, Spinco shall be responsible for certain of those Liabilities pursuant to Section 2.1(b) of this Agreement), (ii) all

 

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Liabilities with respect to the employment, retirement, service, termination of employment or termination of service of all MSG Networks Employees, Former MSG Networks Employees, MSG Networks Directors, their dependents and beneficiaries and other service providers (including any individual who is, or was, an independent contractor, temporary employee, temporary service worker, consultant, freelancer, agency employee, leased employee, on-call worker, incidental worker, or non-payroll worker of any member of the MSG Networks Group or in any other employment, non-employment, or retainer arrangement or relationship with any member of the MSG Networks Group), in each case to the extent arising in connection with or as a result of employment with or the performance of services for any member of the MSG Networks Group, and (iii) any other Liabilities expressly assumed by or retained by MSG Networks or any of its Subsidiaries under this Agreement, including liabilities retained pursuant to Article V of this Agreement. For purposes of clarification and the avoidance of doubt, (x) the Liabilities assumed or retained by the MSG Networks Group as provided for in this Section 2.1(a) are intended to be MSG Networks Liabilities as such term is defined in the Distribution Agreement, and (y) the Parties intend that such Liabilities assumed or retained by the MSG Networks Group include the retirement benefits and health and welfare plan benefits under the MSG Networks Plans for all MSG Networks Employees, Former MSG Networks Employees, their dependents, beneficiaries, alternate payees and surviving spouses.

(b) As of the Distribution Date, except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement, Spinco shall, or shall cause one or more members of the Spinco Group to, assume or retain and Spinco hereby agrees to pay, perform, fulfill and discharge, in due course in full (i) all Liabilities under all Spinco Plans, (ii) all Liabilities with respect to the employment, service, retirement, termination of employment or termination of service of all Spinco Employees, Former Spinco Employees, their dependents and beneficiaries and other service providers (including any individual who is, or was, an independent contractor, temporary employee, temporary service worker, consultant, freelancer, agency employee, leased employee, on-call worker, incidental worker, or non-payroll worker of any member of the Spinco Group or in any other employment, non-employment, or retainer arrangement or relationship with any member of the Spinco Group), and (iii) any other Liabilities expressly assumed or retained by Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries under this Agreement. For purposes of clarification and the avoidance of doubt, the Liabilities assumed or retained by the Spinco Group as provided for in this Section 2.1(b) are intended to be Spinco Liabilities as such term is defined in the Distribution Agreement.

(c) From time to time after the Distribution, Spinco shall promptly reimburse MSG Networks, upon MSG Networks’ presentation of such substantiating documentation as Spinco shall reasonably request, for the cost of any Liabilities satisfied by MSG Networks or its Subsidiaries that are, or that have been made pursuant to this Agreement, the responsibility of Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries.

(d) From time to time after the Distribution, MSG Networks shall promptly reimburse Spinco, upon Spinco’s presentation of such substantiating documentation as MSG Networks shall reasonably request, for the cost of any Liabilities satisfied by Spinco or its Subsidiaries that are, or that have been made pursuant to this Agreement, the responsibility of MSG Networks or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

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Section 2.2 Spinco Participation in MSG Networks Plans .

(a) During the Transition Period . Except for the MSG Networks Plans described in Articles III , V , VII and VIII herein, until the Transition Period End Date, Spinco and each member of the Spinco Group that presently participates in a particular MSG Networks Plan may continue to be a Participating Company in such MSG Networks Plan, and MSG Networks and Spinco shall take all necessary action to effectuate each such continuation. Spinco and each member of the Spinco Group shall pay MSG Networks for any Spinco Employee or Former Spinco Employee’s participation in the MSG Networks Plans.

(b) After the Transition Period . Except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement, effective as of the Transition Period End Date, Spinco and each member of the Spinco Group shall cease to be a Participating Company in the corresponding MSG Networks Plan, and MSG Networks and Spinco shall take all necessary action to effectuate each such cessation.

Section 2.3 Service Recognition .

(a) Pre-Distribution Service Credit . Spinco shall give each Spinco Participant full credit for purposes of eligibility, vesting, determination of level of benefits, and, to the extent applicable, benefit accruals under any Spinco Plan for such Spinco Participant’s service with any member of the MSG Networks Group prior to the Distribution Date to the same extent such service was recognized by the corresponding MSG Networks Plans immediately prior to the Distribution Date; provided , however , that such service shall not be recognized to the extent that such recognition would result in the duplication of benefits.

(b) Post-Distribution Service Crediting for the MSG Networks Retained Retirement Plans and Spinco Retained Retirement Plans . Each of MSG Networks and Spinco (acting directly or through their respective Subsidiaries) shall cause each of the MSG Networks Retained Retirement Plans and the Spinco Retained Retirement Plans, respectively, to provide the following service crediting rules effective as of the Distribution Date:

(i) If an MSG Networks Employee who participates in, or is eligible to participate but as of December 31, 2016 (the “ Service Crediting Date ”) is not participating in, any of the MSG Networks Retained Retirement Plans becomes employed by a member of the Spinco Group on or after the Distribution Date, but on or before the Service Crediting Date, and such MSG Networks Employee has been continuously employed by the MSG Networks Group from the Distribution Date through the date such MSG Networks Employee commences active employment with a member of the Spinco Group, then such MSG Networks Employee’s service with the MSG Networks Group following the Distribution Date shall be recognized for purposes of eligibility, vesting and level of benefits under the corresponding Spinco Retained Retirement Plans, in each case to the same extent as such MSG Networks Employee’s service with the MSG Networks Group was recognized under the corresponding MSG Networks Retained Retirement Plans, if any.

 

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(ii) If a Spinco Employee becomes employed by a member of the MSG Networks Group prior to the Service Crediting Date and such Spinco Employee is continuously employed by the Spinco Group from the Distribution Date through the date such Spinco Employee commences active employment with a member of the MSG Networks Group, then such Spinco Employee’s service with the Spinco Group following the Distribution Date shall be recognized for purposes of eligibility, vesting and level of benefits under the corresponding MSG Networks Retained Retirement Plans, in each case to the same extent as such Spinco Employee’s service with the Spinco Group was recognized under the corresponding Spinco Retained Retirement Plans, if any.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, for the period commencing on the Distribution Date until the Service Crediting Date, the MSG Networks Retained Retirement Plans and the Spinco Retained Retirement Plans (other than the Cash Balance Pension Plan) shall provide that no break in service occurs with respect to any MSG Networks Employee or Spinco Employee who is hired or rehired by any member of the Spinco Group or the MSG Networks Group after the termination of such MSG Networks Employee’s or Spinco Employee’s employment with either the MSG Networks Group or the Spinco Group within such period.

(iv) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the employment service with the MSG Networks Group or the Spinco Group shall not be double counted or result in duplicative benefits or service crediting under any MSG Networks Retained Retirement Plan or Spinco Retained Retirement Plan.

(c) Post-Distribution Service Crediting for the MSG Networks and Spinco Health & Welfare Plans .

(i) If an MSG Networks Employee who participates in any of the MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plans becomes employed by a member of the Spinco Group on or after the Distribution Date, but on or before the Service Crediting Date, and such MSG Networks Employee has been continuously employed by the MSG Networks Group from the Distribution Date through the date such MSG Networks Employee commences active employment with a member of the Spinco Group, then such MSG Networks Employee’s services with the MSG Networks Group following the Distribution Date shall be recognized for purposes of eligibility under the corresponding Spinco Health & Welfare Plans, in each case to the same extent as such MSG Networks Employee’s service with the MSG Networks Group was recognized under the corresponding MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plan.

(ii) If a Spinco Employee who participates in any of the Spinco Health & Welfare Plans becomes employed by a member of the MSG Networks Group on or after the Distribution Date, but on or before the Service Crediting Date, and such Spinco Employee has been continuously employed by the Spinco Group from the Distribution Date through the date such Spinco Employee commences active employment with a member of the MSG Networks Group, then such Spinco Employee’s services with the Spinco Group following the Distribution Date shall be recognized for purposes of eligibility under the corresponding MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plans, in each case to the same extent as such Spinco Employee’s service with the Spinco Group was recognized under the corresponding Spinco Health & Welfare Plans.

 

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ARTICLE III

U.S. QUALIFIED DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN

Section 3.1 Transfer of Cash Balance Pension Plan to Spinco . As of the Distribution Date, MSG Networks shall transfer to Spinco all of the assets in the trust underlying the Cash Balance Pension Plan, and Spinco shall assume and be responsible for all Liabilities under the Cash Balance Pension Plan. As of the Distribution Date, Spinco shall cause the Cash Balance Pension Plan (or a successor thereto) to recognize and maintain all existing elections, including beneficiary designations, payment form elections and rights of alternate payees under qualified domestic relations orders in existence prior to the Distribution Date.

Section 3.2 Cash Balance Pension Plan Freeze . The Parties acknowledge that prior to the Distribution Date, the Cash Balance Pension Plan (or a successor thereto) has been amended to (a) freeze the Cash Balance Pension Plan (or a successor thereto) to new participants and future benefit accruals effective as of December 31, 2015, (b) provide that, following the Distribution Date through December 31, 2015, service with either MSG Networks or Spinco shall count as continued service for all purposes under such plan (other than 2015 benefits accrual service for MSG Networks Employees and Former MSG Networks Employees, it being understood that 2015 benefits accrual service credit for such individuals is addressed in Section 3.3 ) and (c) provide that, following December 31, 2015, service with either MSG Networks or Spinco shall count as continued service for vesting and early retirement subsidies purposes under such plan.

Section 3.3 MSG Networks Participant Credit . At such time as Spinco allocates 2015 service credits to Cash Balance Pension Plan participants, Spinco shall cause the Cash Balance Pension Plan to credit each MSG Networks Participant with “Compensation” (as defined in the Cash Balance Pension Plan) in respect of calendar year 2015 equal to the “Compensation” earned by such MSG Networks Participant from January 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015, times a fraction (a) the numerator of which is the lesser of 365 or the number of days elapsed from January 1, 2015 through the date of the MSG Networks Participant’s termination of employment from the MSG Networks Group, and (b) the denominator of which is the number of days elapsed from January 1, 2015 through the Distribution Date.

ARTICLE IV

U.S. QUALIFIED DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS

Section 4.1 401(k) Plans . On or prior to the Distribution Date, MSG Networks and Spinco shall take all necessary actions to convert both of the MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Savings Plan and the MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Union Plan (collectively, the “ 401(k) Plans ”) into multiple employer plans and add Spinco as the sponsor and a contributing employer to such plans. On and after the Distribution Date, Spinco Participants who, immediately prior to the Distribution Date were participants in, or entitled to, future benefits under either of the 401(k) Plans shall continue to participate in such 401(k) Plan on the same terms and conditions as

 

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applied prior to the Distribution Date, as may be modified from time to time. On and after the Distribution Date, all contributions payable to the 401(k) Plans with respect to Spinco Participants, determined in accordance with the terms of the 401(k) Plans, ERISA and the Code, shall be paid by Spinco to the 401(k) Plans.

Section 4.2 Stock Investment Options .

(a) No deferrals, employee contributions, employer contributions or exchanges into the MSG Networks Stock Investment Option shall be permitted to be made by MSG Networks Participants or Spinco Participants following the Distribution Date. No deferrals, employee contributions, employer contributions or exchanges into the Spinco Stock Investment Option shall be permitted to be made by MSG Networks Participants or Spinco Participants following the Distribution Date.

(b) The 401(k) Plans will be amended as of the Distribution Date to: (i) create a Spinco Stock Investment Option; (ii) enable the Spinco Stock Investment Option to receive shares of Spinco Common Stock to be distributed in the Distribution on behalf of participants in the 401(k) Plans; and (iii) provide that, following the Distribution, no new amounts may be contributed to the MSG Networks Stock Investment Option or the Spinco Stock Investment Option, whether through employee contributions, employer contributions or exchanges.

Section 4.3 Investment and Benefits Committee . Effective as of the Distribution Date, Spinco shall establish an Investments and Benefits Committee, which will administer the 401(k) Plans. MSG Networks (through its Investment and Benefits Committee) will have mutually agreed representation for purposes of administering the 401(k) Plans.

ARTICLE V

NONQUALIFIED PLANS

Section 5.1 Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan .

(a) No later than the Distribution Date, Spinco shall establish and make payments pursuant to a non-qualified defined benefit pension plan (the “ Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan ”) to provide non-qualified retirement benefits to eligible Spinco Employees and shall assume the Liabilities of the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan relating to Spinco Employees. For the avoidance of doubt, Spinco shall not assume, and MSG Networks shall remain responsible for, any Liabilities of the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan relating to any individual who is no longer employed by the MSG Networks Group or the Spinco Group as of the Distribution Date.

(b) As of the effective date of the Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan, Spinco (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall cause the Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan to recognize and maintain all existing beneficiary designations with respect to Spinco Employees under the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan.

(c) The Parties agree that the Liabilities of the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan relating to Spinco Employees shall be transferred to the Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan effective as of the Distribution Date.

 

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(d) The Parties acknowledge that prior to the Distribution Date, the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan and the Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan have each been amended to freeze each respective plan to new participants and future benefit accruals effective as of December 31, 2015.

Section 5.2 Excess Retirement Plan .

(a) No later than the Distribution Date, Spinco shall establish and make payments pursuant to a non-qualified defined benefit pension plan (the “ Spinco Excess Retirement Plan ”) to provide non-qualified retirement benefits to eligible Spinco Employees and shall assume the Liabilities of the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Retirement Plan relating to Spinco Employees. For the avoidance of doubt, Spinco shall not assume, and MSG Networks shall remain responsible for, any Liabilities of the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Retirement Plan relating to any individual who is no longer employed by the MSG Networks Group or the Spinco Group as of the Distribution Date.

(b) As of the effective date of the Spinco Excess Retirement Plan, Spinco (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall cause the Spinco Excess Retirement Plan to recognize and maintain all existing beneficiary designations with respect to Spinco Employees under the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Retirement Plan.

(c) The Parties agree that, effective as of the Distribution Date, the Liabilities of the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Retirement Plan relating to Spinco Employees shall be transferred to the Spinco Excess Retirement Plan.

Section 5.3 Excess 401(k) Savings Plan .

(a) Establishment of the Spinco Excess 401(k) Savings Plan . No later than the Distribution Date, Spinco shall establish a defined contribution plan for the benefit of Spinco Employees (the “ Spinco Excess 401(k) Savings Plan ”) who, immediately prior to the effective date of the Spinco Excess 401(k) Savings Plan, were participants in, or entitled to, future benefits under the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess 401(k) Savings Plan.

(b) Transfer of MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess 401(k) Savings Plan Accounts . No later than the Distribution Date, MSG Networks shall cause the accounts in the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess 401(k) Savings Plan attributable to Spinco Employees to be transferred to the Spinco Excess 401(k) Savings Plan and Spinco shall cause the Spinco Excess 401(k) Savings Plan to accept such transfer of accounts in accordance with current practice and to assume and to fully perform, pay and discharge all Liabilities of the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess 401(k) Savings Plan relating to the accounts of Spinco Employees as of the effective date of the Spinco Excess 401(k) Savings Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, Spinco shall not assume, and MSG Networks shall remain responsible for, any Liabilities of the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess 401(k) Savings Plan relating to any individual who is no longer employed by the MSG Networks Group or the Spinco Group as of the Distribution Date.

(c) Continuation of Elections . As of the effective date of the Spinco Excess 401(k) Savings Plan, Spinco (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall cause the Spinco Excess 401(k) Savings Plan to recognize and maintain all elections, including

 

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deferral elections and beneficiary designations with respect to Spinco Employees under the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess 401(k) Savings Plan for the remainder of the period or periods for which such elections or designations are by their original terms applicable, to the extent such election or designation is available under the Spinco Excess 401(k) Savings Plan.

Section 5.4 Transferred Employees . Employees who transfer from MSG Networks to Spinco between the Distribution Date and the Service Crediting Date will not be eligible for an immediate distribution of their account balance from the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan, MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Retirement Plan or the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess 401(k) Savings Plan; instead, subject to compliance with any applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code, any such account balance shall be transferred to the Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan, Spinco Excess Retirement Plan or the Spinco Excess 401(k) Savings Plan on the date of transfer, and MSG Networks shall pay Spinco an amount equal to the vested account balance as of the transfer date within 30 days of such transfer date. Employees who transfer from Spinco to MSG Networks between the Distribution Date and the Service Crediting Date will not be eligible for an immediate distribution of their account balance from the Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan, Spinco Excess Retirement Plan or the Spinco Excess 401(k) Savings Plan; instead, subject to compliance with any applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code, any such account balance shall be transferred to the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan, MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Retirement Plan or the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess 401(k) Savings Plan on the date of transfer, and Spinco shall pay MSG Networks an amount equal to the vested account balance as of the transfer date within 30 days of such transfer date.

Section 5.5 No Separation from Service . The transactions provided for under this Agreement shall not constitute a separation from service or a termination of employment under the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan, MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Retirement Plan, the Spinco Excess Retirement Plans, the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess 401(k) Savings Plan or the Spinco Excess 401(k) Savings Plan, each of which shall provide that no distribution of retirement benefits shall be made to any Spinco Employee on account of these transactions.

ARTICLE VI

U.S. HEALTH AND WELFARE PLANS

Section 6.1 Health and Welfare Plans Maintained by MSG Networks Prior to the Distribution Date .

(a) Establishment of the Spinco Health & Welfare Plans . MSG Networks or one or more of its Subsidiaries maintain each of the health and welfare plans set forth on Exhibit E attached hereto (the “ MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plans ”) for the benefit of eligible MSG Networks Participants and Spinco Participants. Effective as of January 1, 2016 (the “ Effective Date ”), Spinco shall, or shall cause one of its Subsidiaries to, adopt health and welfare plans for the benefit of eligible Spinco Participants (collectively, the “ Spinco Health & Welfare Plans ”).

(b) Terms of Participation in Spinco Health & Welfare Plans . Spinco (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall cause all Spinco Health & Welfare Plans, if applicable, to (i) waive all limitations as to preexisting conditions, exclusions, and service conditions with respect to participation and coverage requirements applicable to Spinco Participants, other than limitations

 

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that were in effect with respect to Spinco Participants immediately prior to the Effective Date, (ii) waive any waiting period limitation or evidence of insurability requirement that would otherwise be applicable to a Spinco Participant immediately prior to the Effective Date to the extent such Spinco Participant had satisfied any similar limitation under the analogous MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plan, and (iii) in the case of self-insured Spinco Health & Welfare Plans, provide credit for all benefits paid to Spinco Participants under the MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plans for purposes of determining when such persons have reached their lifetime maximums under the Spinco Health & Welfare Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any Spinco Participant, Former Spinco Employee, or dependent thereof is confined to a facility for treatment as of the Effective Date, such persons nevertheless shall become covered under Spinco Health & Welfare Plans as of such date, and shall cease being covered under MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plans as of such date.

Section 6.2 Flexible Spending Accounts Plan . As of the Effective Date, Spinco (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall establish a flexible spending accounts plan (the “ Spinco Flexible Spending Accounts Plan ”) with features that are comparable to those contained in the flexible spending accounts plan maintained by MSG Networks for the benefit of Spinco Participants immediately prior to the Effective Date (the “ MSG Networks Flexible Spending Accounts Plan ”). Following the Effective Date, Spinco Participants that presently participate in the MSG Networks Flexible Spending Accounts Plan may submit, for reimbursement in accordance with the MSG Networks Flexible Spending Accounts Plan, claims for health costs incurred during the 2015 plan year and any applicable grace period thereafter, and MSG Networks shall be responsible for the payment of such claims. Spinco shall be entitled to retain the net positive balance, if any, of the Spinco Participants’ flexible spending accounts from the 2015 plan year. Spinco shall pay to MSG Networks the net negative balance, if any, of the Spinco Participants’ flexible spending accounts from the 2015 plan year. As of the Effective Date, Spinco shall be responsible for administering all reimbursement claims of Spinco Participants under the Spinco Flexible Spending Accounts Plan with respect to calendar year 2016 under the Spinco Flexible Spending Accounts Plan.

Section 6.3 Legal Plan . Any case initiated by a Spinco Participant under the MSG Networks Group Legal Plan prior to the Effective Date will continue under such plan until its completion regardless of whether the Spinco Participant enrolls in the Spinco Group Legal Plan after the Effective Date.

Section 6.4 COBRA and HIPAA . As of the Effective Date, Spinco (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall assume, or shall have caused the Spinco Health & Welfare Plans to assume, responsibility for compliance with the health care continuation coverage requirements of COBRA with respect to Spinco Participants who, as of the day prior to the Effective Date, were covered under an MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plan pursuant to COBRA or were eligible for COBRA under an MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plan and incur any COBRA claims after the Effective Date. MSG Networks shall be responsible for the claims incurred by Spinco Participants prior to the Effective Date, regardless of whether payments for such claims are made or due after the Effective Date. MSG Networks (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall be responsible for administering compliance with the certificate of creditable coverage requirements of HIPAA applicable to the MSG Networks Health & Welfare

 

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Plans with respect to Spinco Participants for the period ending on the Effective Date. The Parties hereto agree that neither the Distribution nor any transfers of employment directly from the MSG Networks Group to the Spinco Group or directly from the Spinco Group to the MSG Networks Group that occur before the Effective Date shall constitute a COBRA “qualifying event” for purposes of COBRA.

Section 6.5 Liabilities .

(a) Insured Benefits . With respect to employee welfare and fringe benefits that are provided through the purchase of insurance, MSG Networks shall cause the MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plans to fully perform, pay and discharge all claims of Spinco Participants that are incurred prior to the Effective Date (whether reported or unreported by the Effective Date) for the MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plans, and Spinco shall cause the Spinco Health & Welfare Plans to fully perform, pay and discharge all claims of Spinco Participants that are incurred on or after the Effective Date. With respect to claims of Spinco Participants that are incurred prior to the Effective Date (whether reported or unreported by the Effective Date), but after the Distribution Date, and paid by the MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plans, Spinco, as a Participating Company, shall pay MSG Networks for any administrative or other expenses.

(i) Long-Term Disability . Any Spinco Participant who is on long-term disability leave and receiving long-term disability benefits under the MSG Holdings L.P. Long Term Disability Plan as of the Effective Date shall continue to receive benefits under the MSG Holdings L.P. Long Term Disability Plan in accordance with the provisions of such Plan following the Effective Date.

(b) Self-Insured Benefits . With respect to employee welfare and fringe benefits that are provided on a self-insured basis, except as otherwise provided herein, Spinco (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall cause the Spinco Health & Welfare Plans and the Spinco Retiree Medical Program to fully perform, pay and discharge all claims of Spinco Participants after the Effective Date that are incurred on or after the Effective Date. Except as provided otherwise herein, Spinco shall reimburse MSG Networks for the administrative and other expenses related to self-insured benefit claims paid by the MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plans or MSG Networks that were incurred prior to the Effective Date (whether reported or unreported by the Effective Date).

(i) Short-Term Disability .

(A) Any Spinco Participant who is on short-term disability leave and receiving short-term disability benefits under the MSG Holdings L.P. Short Term Disability Plan as of the Effective Date shall continue to receive short-term disability benefits under the MSG Holdings L.P. Short Term Disability Plan. Spinco, as a Participating Company, shall reimburse MSG Networks for all administrative and other expenses paid by the MSG Holdings L.P. Short Term Disability Plan or MSG Networks after the Effective Date. Spinco shall continue to pay any short-term disability benefits owed to a Spinco Participant under the MSG Holdings L.P. Short Term Disability Plan.

 

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(B) Any Spinco Participant who is on a short-term disability leave as of the Effective Date, and who but for the transactions contemplated under the Distribution Agreement would have become eligible for long-term disability benefits in accordance with the provisions of the MSG Holdings L.P. Long Term Disability Plan, will continue to be eligible for long-term disability benefits under the MSG Holdings L.P. Long Term Disability Plan.

(c) Incurred Claim Definition . For purposes of this Section 6.5 , a claim or Liability is deemed to be incurred (i) with respect to medical, dental, vision and/or prescription drug benefits, upon the rendering of health services or provision of supplies giving rise to such claim or Liability; (ii) with respect to life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment and business travel accident insurance, upon the occurrence of the event giving rise to such claim or Liability; (iii) with respect to disability benefits, upon the date of an individual’s disability, as determined by the disability benefit insurance carrier or claim administrator, giving rise to such claim or Liability; and (iv) with respect to a period of continuous hospitalization (or any medical or other service or supply performed or provided during the period of continuous hospitalization), upon the date of admission to the hospital.

Section 6.6 Time-Off Benefits . Spinco shall credit each Spinco Participant with the amount of accrued but unused vacation time, sick time and other time-off benefits as such Spinco Participant had with the MSG Networks Group as of the Distribution Date or as of an employee’s transfer date for an MSG Networks Employee who becomes a Spinco Employee prior to the Service Crediting Date. MSG Networks shall credit each MSG Networks Participant with the amount of accrued but unused vacation time, sick time and other time-off benefits as of an employee’s transfer date for a Spinco Employee who becomes an MSG Networks Employee prior to the Service Crediting Date. Notwithstanding the above, Spinco shall not be required to credit any Spinco Participant and MSG Networks shall not be required to credit any MSG Networks Participant with any accrual to the extent that a benefit attributable to such vacation time, sick time and other time-off benefits is paid by the MSG Networks Group or Spinco Group, respectively.

Section 6.7 Severance Pay Plans . The Parties acknowledge and agree that the transactions contemplated by the Distribution Agreement will not constitute a termination of employment of any Spinco Participant for purposes of any policy, plan, program or agreement of MSG Networks or Spinco or any member of the MSG Networks Group or Spinco Group that provides for the payment of severance, separation pay, salary continuation or similar benefits in the event of a termination of employment.

ARTICLE VII

EQUITY COMPENSATION

Section 7.1 Equity Compensation . The Parties, including through instructions with their respective administrators and recordkeepers, shall use commercially reasonable efforts and shall cooperate in good faith to take all actions reasonably necessary or appropriate for the adjustment of the Equity Compensation under the MSG Networks Share Plans, for the issuance of the Equity Compensation under the Spinco Share Plans, and to coordinate the tax treatment of such Equity Compensation as set forth in this Article VII , all in a manner consistent with the resolutions adopted by the MSG Networks Compensation Committee in connection with the Distribution and the provisions of this Article VII .

 

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Section 7.2 Taxes and Withholding .

(a) Options .

(i) Exercise Price .

(A) Upon the exercise of an MSG Networks Option, whether by an MSG Networks Employee, Former MSG Networks Employee, MSG Networks Director, Spinco Employee, Former Spinco Employee or Spinco Director, the Parties shall take steps to ensure that the exercise price is delivered to MSG Networks.

(B) Upon the exercise of a Spinco Option, whether by an MSG Networks Employee, Former MSG Networks Employee, MSG Networks Director, Spinco Employee, Former Spinco Employee or Spinco Director, the Parties shall take steps to ensure that the exercise price is delivered to Spinco.

(ii) Taxes .

(A) Upon exercise of an MSG Networks Option or Spinco Option, the employer or, in the case of a Former MSG Networks Employee or Former Spinco Employee, the former employer of such holder shall fund any employer taxes.

(B) Upon exercise of an MSG Networks Option or Spinco Option, the Parties shall take steps to ensure that the applicable withholding amount is remitted in cash to the employer or, in the case of a Former MSG Networks Employee or Former Spinco Employee, the former employer of such holder.

(b) [ Intentionally Omitted .]

(c) Restricted Stock Units .

(i) Settlement .

(A) After the Distribution Date, MSG Networks shall be responsible for all Liabilities under MSG Networks RSUs, whether such MSG Networks RSUs are held by MSG Networks Employees, Former MSG Networks Employees, Spinco Employees, Former Spinco Employees and individuals who received such MSG Networks RSUs in their capacity as MSG Networks Directors. MSG Networks shall settle, and satisfy any dividend obligations with respect to, such MSG Networks

 

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RSUs in accordance with the terms of the Madison Square Garden 2010 Employee Stock Plan and the Madison Square Garden 2010 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

(B) After the Distribution Date, Spinco shall be responsible for all Liabilities under Spinco RSUs, whether such Spinco RSUs are held by MSG Networks Employees, Former MSG Networks Employees, Spinco Employees or Former Spinco Employees. Spinco shall settle, and satisfy any dividend obligations with respect to, such Spinco RSUs in accordance with the terms of the Spinco 2015 Employee Stock Plan.

(ii) Taxes .

(A) Upon settlement of any MSG Networks RSU or Spinco RSU, other than an MSG Networks RSU that is held by an individual who received such MSG Networks RSU in his capacity as an MSG Networks Director, the employer, or, in the case of a Former MSG Networks Employee or Former Spinco Employee, the former employer, of such holder shall fund any employer taxes.

(B) Upon settlement of any MSG Networks RSU or Spinco RSU, other than an MSG Networks RSU that is held by an individual who received such MSG Networks RSU in his capacity as an MSG Networks Director, the Parties shall take steps to ensure that the applicable withholding amount is remitted in cash to the employer, or, in the case of a Former MSG Networks Employee or Former Spinco Employee, the former employer of such holder.

(C) MSG Networks will be responsible for any tax reporting obligations associated with any MSG Networks RSUs that are held by an individual who received such MSG Networks RSU in his capacity as an MSG Networks Director.

(d) Tax Deductions . With respect to the Equity Compensation held by individuals who are MSG Networks Employees or MSG Networks Directors at the time the Equity Compensation becomes taxable and individuals who are Former MSG Networks Employees at such time, MSG Networks shall claim any federal, state and/or local tax deductions after the Distribution Date, and Spinco shall not claim such deductions. With respect to the Equity Compensation held by individuals who are employees of the Spinco Group at the time the Equity Compensation becomes taxable and individuals who are Former Spinco Employees at such time, Spinco shall claim any federal, state and/or local tax deductions after the Distribution Date, and MSG Networks shall not claim such deductions. If either MSG Networks or Spinco determines in its reasonable judgment that there is a substantial likelihood that a tax deduction that was assigned to MSG Networks or Spinco pursuant to this Section 7.2 will instead be available only to the other party (whether as a result of a determination by the IRS, a change in the Code or the regulations or guidance thereunder, or otherwise), it will notify the other party and both Parties will negotiate in good faith to resolve the issue in accordance with the following principle: the party entitled to the deduction shall pay to the other party an amount that places the other party in a financial position

 

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equivalent to the financial position the party would have been in had the party received the deduction as intended under this Section 7.2 . Such amount shall be paid within 90 days of filing the last tax return necessary to make the determination described in the preceding sentence.

Section 7.3 Cooperation . In addition to any cooperation principles governed by Article X , if, after the Distribution Date, MSG Networks or Spinco identify an administrative error in the individuals identified as holding Equity Compensation, the amount of Equity Compensation so held, the vesting level of such Equity Compensation, or any other similar error, MSG Networks and Spinco shall mutually cooperate in taking such actions as are necessary or appropriate to place, as nearly as reasonably practicable, the individual and MSG Networks and Spinco in the position in which they would have been had the error not occurred. Each of the Parties shall establish an appropriate administration system in order to handle in an orderly manner exercises of MSG Networks Options and Spinco Options and the settlement of MSG Networks RSUs and Spinco RSUs. Each of the Parties will work together to unify and consolidate all indicative data and payroll and employment information on regular timetables and make certain that each applicable entity’s data and records with respect to Equity Compensation are correct and updated on a timely basis. The foregoing shall include employment status and information required for tax withholding/remittance, compliance with trading windows and compliance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and other applicable Laws.

Section 7.4 SEC Registration . The Parties mutually agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain effective registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the long-term incentive awards to the extent any such registration statement is required by applicable Law.

Section 7.5 Savings Clause . The Parties hereby acknowledge that the provisions of this Article VII are intended to achieve certain tax, legal and accounting objectives and, in the event such objectives are not achieved, the Parties agree to negotiate in good faith regarding such other actions that may be necessary or appropriate to achieve such objectives.

ARTICLE VIII

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS MATTERS

Section 8.1 Cash Incentive Awards .

(a) Cooperation . The Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts and shall cooperate in good faith to take all actions reasonably necessary or appropriate to achieve the treatment of annual or long-term cash incentive awards established under the MSG Networks 2010 Cash Incentive Plan (or the comparable non-executive annual incentive plan maintained by MSG Networks) as approved by the MSG Networks Compensation Committee prior to the Distribution in accordance with the terms of such Plans and the award agreements issued thereunder, including as set forth in this Section 8.1 . The Parties acknowledge that the performance-based awards granted in MSG Networks’ fiscal years 2014 and 2015 (where the performance objective(s) relates to performance periods ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2017, respectively) (collectively, the “ Fixed Performance Awards ”) have been

 

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amended or, with respect to proxy-reported officers, the MSG Networks Compensation Committee has exercised its negative discretion, to provide that the awards will be paid at the target value of the performance award, with payment subject to the terms and conditions of the award and continued employment with either MSG Networks or Spinco through the date the performance award vests.

(b) Liability .

(i) Effective as of the Distribution Date and subject to Section 8.2(c) , Spinco shall assume or retain, as applicable, responsibilities for all Liabilities, and fully perform, pay and discharge all Liabilities when such Liabilities become due, relating to any annual or long-term cash incentive awards, or portion of any such incentive awards, including awards established under the MSG Networks 2010 Cash Incentive Plan (or the comparable non-executive annual incentive plan maintained by MSG Networks), that any Spinco Participant is eligible to receive with respect to any performance period that ends after the Distribution Date and, effective as of the Distribution Date, MSG Networks shall have no obligations with respect to any such incentive awards.

(A) As soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event within 30 days, following each date that Spinco pays a Fixed Performance Award to a Spinco Participant who, immediately prior to the Distribution, was (a) a “corporate” employee of MSG Networks, MSG Networks will pay to Spinco an amount equal to 33% of the liability accrued by MSG Networks with respect to such Spinco Participant’s Fixed Performance Award as of the Distribution Date, or (b) an advertising sales employee in the Media division of MSG Networks, MSG Networks will pay to Spinco an amount equal to the liability accrued by MSG Networks with respect to such Spinco Participant’s Fixed Performance Award as of the Distribution Date.

(B) As soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event within 30 days, following the date that Spinco pays an annual cash incentive award established with respect to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016 (“FY 2016”) under the MSG Networks 2010 Cash Incentive Plan (or the comparable non-executive annual incentive plan maintained by MSG Networks) to a Spinco Participant who, immediately prior to the Distribution, was (a) a “corporate” employee of MSG Networks, MSG Networks will pay to Spinco an amount equal to 33% of the liability accrued by MSG Networks with respect to such Spinco Participant’s annual award for FY 2016 as of the Distribution Date, or (b) an advertising sales employee in the Media division of MSG Networks, MSG Networks will pay to Spinco an amount equal to the liability accrued by MSG Networks with respect to such Spinco Participant’s annual award for FY 2016 as of the Distribution Date.

 

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(ii) MSG Networks acknowledges and agrees that, except as otherwise provided herein, it shall have full responsibility with respect to any Liabilities and the payment or performance of any obligations arising out of or relating to any incentive, commission or other similar compensatory arrangement previously provided by any member of the MSG Networks Group or Spinco Group to any MSG Networks Participant.

(iii) Spinco acknowledges and agrees that, except as otherwise provided herein, it shall have full responsibility with respect to any Liabilities and the payment or performance of any obligations arising out of or relating to any incentive, commission or other similar compensatory arrangement previously provided by any member of the MSG Networks Group or Spinco Group to any Spinco Participant.

(iv) Notwithstanding the foregoing, liabilities with respect to Fixed Performance Awards for executives dually employed by Spinco and MSG Networks following the Distribution shall be subject to Section 8.2(c) below.

Section 8.2 Individual Arrangements .

(a) MSG Networks Individual Arrangements . MSG Networks acknowledges and agrees that, except as otherwise provided herein, it shall have full responsibility with respect to any Liabilities and the payment or performance of any obligations arising out of or relating to any employment, separation, severance, consulting, non-competition, retention or other compensatory arrangement previously provided by any member of the MSG Networks Group or Spinco Group to any MSG Networks Participant.

(b) Spinco Individual Arrangements . Spinco acknowledges and agrees that, except as otherwise provided herein, it shall have full responsibility with respect to any Liabilities and the payment or performance of any obligations arising out of or relating to any employment, separation, severance, consulting, non-competition, retention or other compensatory arrangement previously provided by any member of the MSG Networks Group or Spinco Group to any Spinco Participant.

(c) Shared Executives . For purposes of this Agreement, for so long as any executive is employed by both MSG Networks and Spinco, such executive shall be considered to be a Spinco Employee with respect to all amounts and awards outstanding as of the Distribution Date except for amounts and awards explicitly retained by MSG Networks in writing. With respect to all such awards, MSG Networks shall pay to Spinco an amount equal to (a) 33% of the liability accrued by MSG Networks with respect to such award as of the Distribution Date, and (b) 30% of all liability accrued by Spinco with respect to such award after the Distribution Date. Such payment shall be made as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event within 30 days, following the date that Spinco pays out the applicable award to the executive.

(d) Effect of the Distribution on Severance . The Parties acknowledge and agree that the transactions contemplated by the Distribution Agreement will not constitute a termination of employment of any Spinco Participant for purposes of any policy, plan, program or agreement of MSG Networks or Spinco or any member of the MSG Networks Group or Spinco Group that provides for the payment of severance, separation pay, salary continuation or similar benefits in the event of a termination of employment.

 

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(e) Rangers Arrangements . As of the Distribution Date, Spinco shall assume the compensation and/or salary arrangements, and any agreements and assets related thereto, in respect of Glen Sather, Kevin Stevens, Jaromir Jagr and Bradley Richards.

Section 8.3 Non-Competition . For the purpose of any non-compete provision in any MSG Networks Plan or any award thereunder, Spinco shall not be regarded as a “competitive entity.” For the purpose of any non-compete provision in any Spinco Plan or any award thereunder, MSG Networks shall not be regarded as a “competitive entity.” This Section 8.3 shall apply only so long as MSG Networks and Spinco remain under common Control.

Section 8.4 Collective Bargaining . To the extent any provision of this Agreement is contrary to the provisions of any collective bargaining agreement to which MSG Networks or Spinco or any of their respective Subsidiaries is a party, the terms of such collective bargaining agreement shall prevail. Should any provisions of this Agreement be deemed to relate to a topic determined by an appropriate authority to be a mandatory subject of collective bargaining, MSG Networks or Spinco may be obligated to bargain with the union representing affected employees concerning those subjects.

Section 8.5 Union Dues; Severance and Fringe Benefits . MSG Networks and its Subsidiaries shall retain responsibility for the payment of dues and severance and fringe benefit payments on behalf of MSG Networks Employees with respect to the unions set forth on Exhibit F. Spinco and its Subsidiaries shall retain responsibility for the payment of dues and severance and fringe benefit payments on behalf of Spinco Employees with respect to the unions set forth on Exhibit G .

Section 8.6 Director Programs . MSG Networks shall retain responsibility for the payment of any fees and MSG Networks RSUs payable in respect of service on the MSG Networks Board of Directors that are payable but not yet paid as of the Distribution Date, and Spinco shall have no responsibility for any such payments (to an individual who is a member of the Spinco Board of Directors as of the Distribution Date or otherwise).

Section 8.7 Sections 162(m)/409A . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary (including the treatment of supplemental and deferred compensation plans, outstanding long-term incentive awards and annual incentive awards as described herein), the Parties agree to negotiate in good faith regarding the need for any treatment different from that otherwise provided herein to ensure that (i) a federal income tax deduction for the payment of such supplemental or deferred compensation or long-term incentive award, annual incentive award or other compensation is not limited by reason of Section 162(m) of the Code, and (ii) the treatment of such supplemental or deferred compensation or long-term incentive award, annual incentive award or other compensation does not cause the imposition of a tax under Section 409A of the Code.

Section 8.8 2015 Administrative Bonus . It is understood that Spinco is expected to pay administrative (non-management) bonuses for calendar year 2015 (each, an “Admin Bonus”) to eligible employees in December 2015. As soon as reasonably

 

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practicable, but in any event within 30 days, following the date that Spinco pays an Admin Bonus to a Spinco Employee who, immediately prior to the Distribution, was (a) a “corporate” employee of MSG Networks, MSG Networks will pay to Spinco an amount equal to 33% of the liability accrued by MSG Networks with respect to such Spinco Employee’s Admin Bonus as of the Distribution Date, or (b) an advertising sales employee in the Media division of MSG Networks, MSG Networks will pay to Spinco an amount equal to the liability accrued by MSG Networks with respect to such Spinco Employee’s Admin Bonus as of the Distribution Date.

ARTICLE IX

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 9.1 Indemnification . All Liabilities retained or assumed by or allocated to MSG Networks or the MSG Networks Group pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be “MSG Networks Liabilities” (as defined in the Distribution Agreement) for purposes of Article III of the Distribution Agreement, and all Liabilities retained or assumed by or allocated to Spinco or the Spinco Group pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be “Spinco Liabilities” (as defined in the Distribution Agreement) for purposes of Article III of the Distribution Agreement.

ARTICLE X

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

Section 10.1 Sharing of Information . MSG Networks and Spinco (acting directly or through their respective Subsidiaries) shall provide to the other and their respective agents and vendors all Information as the other may reasonably request to enable the requesting Party to administer efficiently and accurately each of its Plans, to assist Spinco in obtaining its own insurance policies to provide benefits under Spinco Plans, and to determine the scope of, as well as fulfill, its obligations under this Agreement; provided , however , that, in the event that any Party reasonably determines that any such provision of Information could be commercially detrimental to such Party or any member of its Group, violate any Law or agreement to which such Party or member of its Group is a party, or waive any attorney-client privilege applicable to such Party or member of its Group, the Parties shall provide any such Information and the Parties shall take all reasonable measures to comply with the obligations pursuant to this Section 10.1 in a manner that mitigates any such harm or consequence to the extent practicable, and the Parties agree to cooperate with each other and take such commercially reasonable steps as may be practicable to preserve the attorney-client privilege with respect to the disclosure of any such Information. Such Information shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, be provided in the format and at the times and places requested, but in no event shall the Party providing such Information be obligated to incur any out-of-pocket expenses not reimbursed by the Party making such request or make such Information available outside of its normal business hours and premises. Any Information shared or exchanged pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to the same confidentiality requirements set forth in Section 4.4 of the Distribution Agreement.

Section 10.2 Reasonable Efforts/Cooperation . Each of the Parties hereto will use its commercially reasonable efforts to promptly take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws and regulations to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including adopting plans

 

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or plan amendments. Each of the Parties hereto shall cooperate fully on any issue relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for which the other Party seeks a determination letter or private letter ruling from the IRS, an advisory opinion from the DOL or any other filing, consent or approval with respect to or by a Governmental Authority.

Section 10.3 Non-Termination of Employment; No Third-Party Beneficiaries . No provision of this Agreement or the Distribution Agreement shall be construed to create any right, or accelerate entitlement, to any compensation or benefit whatsoever on the part of any MSG Networks Employee or Spinco Employee or other future, present, or former employee of any member of the MSG Networks Group or Spinco Group under any MSG Networks Plan or Spinco Plan or otherwise. This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person or persons (including any employee or former employee of MSG Networks or Spinco or either of their respective Subsidiaries or any beneficiary or dependent thereof) any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement. No provision in this Agreement shall modify or amend any other agreement, plan, program, or document unless this Agreement explicitly states that the provision “amends” that other agreement, plan, program, or document. This shall not prevent the Parties entitled to enforce this Agreement from enforcing any provision in this Agreement, but no other person shall be entitled to enforce any provision in this Agreement on the grounds that it is an amendment to another agreement, plan, program, or document unless the provision is explicitly designated as such in this Agreement, and the person is otherwise entitled to enforce the other agreement, plan, program, or document. If a person not entitled to enforce this Agreement brings a lawsuit or other action to enforce any provision in this Agreement as an amendment to another agreement, plan, program, or document, and that provision is construed to be such an amendment despite not being explicitly designated as one in this Agreement, that provision in this Agreement shall be void ab initio , thereby precluding it from having any amendatory effect. Furthermore, nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer upon any employee or former employee of MSG Networks, Spinco or either of their respective Subsidiaries any right to continued employment, or any recall or similar rights to an individual on layoff or any type of approved leave.

Section 10.4 Consent of Third Parties . If any provision of this Agreement is dependent on the consent of any third party and such consent is withheld, the Parties hereto shall use their reasonable best efforts to implement the applicable provisions of this Agreement to the fullest extent practicable. If any provision of this Agreement cannot be implemented due to the failure of such third party to consent, the Parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to implement the provision in a mutually satisfactory manner.

Section 10.5 Access to Employees . Following the Distribution Date, MSG Networks and Spinco shall, or shall cause each of their respective Subsidiaries to, make available to each other those of their employees who may reasonably be needed in order to defend or prosecute any legal or administrative action (other than a legal action between any member of the MSG Networks Group and any member of the Spinco Group) to which any employee, director or Plan of the MSG Networks Group or Spinco Group is a party and which relates to their respective Plans prior to the Distribution Date.

 

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Section 10.6 Beneficiary Designation/Release of Information/Right to Reimbursement . To the extent permitted by applicable Law and except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, all beneficiary designations, authorizations for the release of information and rights to reimbursement made by or relating to Spinco Participants under MSG Networks Plans shall be transferred to and be in full force and effect under the corresponding Spinco Plans until such beneficiary designations, authorizations or rights are replaced or revoked by, or no longer apply to, the relevant Spinco Participant.

Section 10.7 Not a Change in Control . The Parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the transactions contemplated by the Distribution Agreement and this Agreement do not constitute a “change in control” for purposes of any MSG Networks Plan or Spinco Plan.

ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 11.1 Effect If Distribution Does Not Occur . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Distribution Agreement is terminated prior to the Distribution Date, then all actions and events that are, under this Agreement, to be taken or occur effective immediately prior to or as of the Distribution Date, or otherwise in connection with the Distribution, shall not be taken or occur except to the extent specifically agreed to in writing by MSG Networks and Spinco and neither Party shall have any Liability to the other Party under this Agreement.

Section 11.2 Complete Agreement; Construction . This Agreement, including the Exhibits, shall constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter.

Section 11.3 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 such counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Party.

Section 11.4 Survival of Agreements . Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, all covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Distribution Date.

Section 11.5 Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall reference this Agreement and shall be hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the Parties at the following addresses (or at such other addresses for a Party as shall be specified by like notice) and will be deemed given on the date on which such notice is received:

To MSG Networks:

The Madison Square Garden Company (or, after the applicable name change, MSG Networks Inc.)

11 Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10001

Attention: President

 

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To Spinco:

MSG Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, The Madison Square Garden Company) Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

Section 11.6 Waivers . The failure of any Party to require strict performance by any other Party of any provision in this Agreement will not waive or diminish that Party’s right to demand strict performance thereafter of that or any other provision hereof.

Section 11.7 Amendments . Subject to the terms of Sections 11.8 and 11.10 hereof, this Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the Parties.

Section 11.8 Assignment . This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void; provided that either Party may assign this Agreement to a purchaser (by merger, sale of assets or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Party so long as such purchaser expressly assumes, in a written instrument in form reasonably satisfactory to the non-assigning Party, the due and punctual performance or observance of every agreement and covenant of this Agreement on the part of the assigning Party to be performed or observed. Any arrangement in violation of the provisions of this Section 11.8 shall be void.

Section 11.9 Successors and Assigns . The provisions to this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

Section 11.10 Subsidiaries . Each of the Parties shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any entity that is contemplated to be a Subsidiary of such Party after the Distribution Date.

Section 11.11 Title and Headings . Titles and headings to Sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

Section 11.12 Governing Law . THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 11.13 Waiver of Jury Trial . The Parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement.

 

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Section 11.14 Specific Performance . From and after the Distribution, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the Party to this Agreement who is or is to be thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief of its rights under this Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that, from and after the Distribution, the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any Loss, that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is hereby waived, and that any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are hereby waived.

Section 11.15 Severability . In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The Parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

[signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY
(to be renamed MSG Networks Inc.)
By:

 

Name:
Title:
MSG SPINCO, INC.
(to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company)
By:

 

Name:
Title:

[Signature Page to Employee Matters Agreement]


Exhibit A

MSG Networks Retained Retirement Plans

MSG Holdings, L.P. Network Retirement Plan for Collective Bargaining Employees

MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Union Plan (as Participating Company)

MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Savings Plan (as Participating Company)

MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan

MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Retirement Plan

MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess 401(k) Savings Plan


Exhibit B

Spinco Retained Retirement Plans

MSG Holdings, L.P. Cash Balance Pension Plan

MSG Holdings, L.P. Retirement Plan for Licensed Ushers and Ticket Takers Local No. 176 of the Service Employees’ International Union, AFL-CIO

MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Union Plan (as fiduciary and Participating Company)

MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Savings Plan (as fiduciary and Participating Company)

Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan

Spinco Excess Retirement Plan

Spinco Excess 401(k) Savings Plan


Exhibit C

MSG Networks Retained Multi-Employer Benefit Plans

Multi-Employer Benefit Plans with respect to the following unions:

 

  1. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1212
  2. American Federation of Television & Radio Artists, AFTRA
  3. Directors Guild of America, DGA
  4. Theatrical Protective Union Local One, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
  5. Union Local 100, IATSE


Exhibit D

Spinco Retained Multi-Employer Benefit Plans

Multi-Employer Benefit Plans with respect to the following unions:

 

  1. Theatrical Protective Union Local One, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
  2. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 3
  3. International Union of Painters & Allied Trades, District Council 9
  4. International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 30
  5. Service Employees International Union, Local 32B/32J
  6. International Brotherhood of Firemen & Oilers, Local 56
  7. Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees International Union, Local 100
  8. IATSE & Moving Picture Technicians, Local 306
  9. IATSE & Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of U.S., its territories and Canada
  10. United Brotherhood of Carpenters, New York District Council, Local 608
  11. Treasurers & Ticket Sellers Local 751, IATSE
  12. Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 764, IATSE
  13. International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 817
  14. Associated Musicians of Greater New York, American Federation of Musicians, Local 802
  15. American Guild of Variety Artists, AGVA
  16. Actors Equity Association
  17. Local 798, IATSE
  18. Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, IATSE
  19. Theatrical Stage Employees Local 2 of IATSE and Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the U.S. and Canada
  20. Motion Picture Projectionists, Audio Visual Engineers & Computer Technicians, Local 110, IATSE
  21. Treasurers and Ticket Sellers Union, Local No. 750
  22. Theatrical Wardrobe Union Chicago, Local 769
  23. Teamsters Local Union, No. 714
  24. All qualified and nonqualified pension obligations related to the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League.


Exhibit E

MSG Networks Health & Welfare Plans

MSG Networks Medical Plan

MSG Networks Dental Plan

MSG Networks Vision Plan

MSG Networks Flex Spending Healthcare

MSG Networks Flex Spending Dependent Care

MSG Networks Group Legal Plan

MSG Networks Short Term Disability Plan

MSG Networks Long Term Disability Plan

MSG Networks Life and AD&D Plan

MSG Networks Employee Assistance Plan

MSG Networks Commuter Benefits Program

MSG Networks 529 College Savings Program


Exhibit F

MSG Networks Union Relationships

 

  1. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1212
  2. American Federation of Television & Radio Artists, AFTRA
  3. Directors Guild of America, DGA
  4. Theatrical Protective Union Local One, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
  5. Union Local 100, IATSE


Exhibit G

Spinco Union Relationships

 

  1. Theatrical Protective Union Local One, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
  2. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 3
  3. International Union of Painters & Allied Trades, District Council 9
  4. International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 30
  5. Service Employees International Union, Local 32B/32J
  6. International Brotherhood of Firemen & Oilers, Local 56
  7. Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees International Union, Local 100
  8. IATSE & Moving Picture Technicians, Local 306
  9. IATSE & Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of U.S., its territories and Canada
  10. United Brotherhood of Carpenters, New York District Council, Local 608
  11. Treasurers & Ticket Sellers Local 751, IATSE
  12. Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 764, IATSE
  13. International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 817
  14. Associated Musicians of Greater New York, American Federation of Musicians, Local 802
  15. American Guild of Variety Artists, AGVA
  16. Actors Equity Association
  17. Local 798, IATSE
  18. Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, IATSE
  19. Theatrical Stage Employees Local 2 of IATSE and Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the U.S. and Canada
  20. Motion Picture Projectionists, Audio Visual Engineers & Computer Technicians, Local 110, IATSE
  21. Treasurers and Ticket Sellers Union, Local No. 750
  22. Theatrical Wardrobe Union Chicago, Local 769
  23. Teamsters Local Union, No. 714
  24. National Basketball Association Players’ Association
  25. National Hockey League Players’ Association

Exhibit 10.4

Form of 2015 Employee Stock Plan

1. Purpose . The purpose of the 2015 Employee Stock Plan is to compensate employees of the Company and its Affiliates who are and have been largely responsible for the management and growth of the business of the Company and its Affiliates and to advance the interest of the Company by encouraging and enabling the acquisition of a personal proprietary interest in the Company by employees upon whose judgment and keen interest the Company and its Affiliates are largely dependent for the successful conduct of their operations. It is anticipated that such compensation and the acquisition of such proprietary interest in the Company will stimulate the efforts of such employees on behalf of the Company and its Affiliates, and strengthen their desire to remain with the Company and its Affiliates. It is also expected that such compensation and the opportunity to acquire such a proprietary interest will enable the Company and its Affiliates to attract and retain desirable personnel.

2. Definitions . When used in this Plan, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “Affiliate” shall mean (i) any Entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company or any other Affiliate and (ii) any Entity in which the Company owns at least five percent of the outstanding equity interest of such Entity.

(b) “Award” shall mean an Option, Right, Restricted Share or Restricted Stock Unit or other equity based award which is granted or made under the Plan.

(c) “Award Agreement” shall mean an agreement which may be entered into by a Participant under the Plan and the Company, setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to Awards granted to such Participant.

(d) “Board of Directors” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted at any time.

(e) “Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, as described in Section 3.

(f) “Company” shall mean MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company), a Delaware corporation.

(g) “Consent” shall mean (i) any listing, registration or qualification requirement in respect of an Award or Share with respect to any securities exchange or under any federal, state or local law, rule or regulation, (ii) any and all written agreements and representations by the Participant with respect to the disposition of Shares, or with respect to any other matter, which the Committee may deem necessary or desirable to comply with the terms of any such listing, registration or qualification requirement or to obtain an exemption therefrom, (iii) any and all other consents, clearances and approvals in respect of an action under the Plan by any governmental or other regulatory body or any stock exchange or self-regulatory agency, (iv) any and all consents by the Participant to (A) the Company’s supplying to any third party recordkeeper of the Plan such personal information as the Committee deems advisable to administer the Plan and (B) the Company’s imposing sales and transfer procedures and restrictions on Shares delivered under the Plan and (v) any and all other consents or authorizations required to comply with, or required to be obtained under law.


(h) “Entity” shall mean any business, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity.

(i) “Fair Market Value” on a specified date shall mean the closing price for a Share on the stock exchange, if any, on which such Shares are primarily traded, but if no Shares were traded on such date, the average of the bid and asked closing prices at which one Share is traded on the over-the-counter market, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange on which the Shares may be traded, or, if none of the above is applicable, the value of a Share as established by the Committee for such date using any reasonable method of valuation.

(j) “GAAP” shall mean accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

(k) “Internal Revenue Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(l) “Options” shall mean the stock options granted pursuant to Section 6 hereof.

(m) “Participant” shall mean any employee or former employee of the Company or any Affiliate who holds an outstanding Award granted under the Plan.

(n) “Performance Criteria” shall mean a goal or goals established by the Committee and measured over a period or periods selected by the Committee, such goal(s) to constitute a requirement that must be met in connection with the vesting, exercise and/or payment of an Award under the Plan as specified by the Committee. To the extent that an Award of Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units or another stock based award (other than Options and Rights) is intended to satisfy the requirements for deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, the payment of the Award will be conditioned on the satisfaction of one or more of the performance criteria listed below over a period or periods selected by the Compensation Committee. The performance criteria may be determined by reference to the performance of the Company, an Affiliate or a business unit, product, team, venue, production, event or service thereof or any combination of the foregoing. Such criteria may also be measured on a per customer, sponsor, basic or diluted share basis or any combination of the foregoing and may reflect absolute performance, incremental performance or comparative performance to other companies (or their products or services) determined on a gross, net, GAAP or non-GAAP basis, with respect to one or more of the following: (i) net or operating income or other measures of profit; (ii) measures of revenue; (iii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); (iv) cash flow, free cash flow, adjusted operating cash flow and similar measures; (v) return on equity, investment, assets or capital; (vi) gross or operating margins or savings; (vii) performance relative to budget, forecast or market expectations; (viii) market share or penetration, customer acquisition or retention, facilities utilization or attendance; (ix) sports team performance; (x) operating metrics relating to sales, sponsorships or customer service or satisfaction; (xi) capital spending management, facility maintenance, construction or renovation or

 

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product or service deployments; (xii) achievement of strategic business objectives such as acquisitions, dispositions or investments; (xiii) a specified increase in the fair market value of the Shares; (xiv) a specified increase in the private market value of the Company; (xv) the Share price; (xvi) earnings per share; and/or (xvii) total shareholder return.

(o) “Plan” shall mean this 2015 Employee Stock Plan, as amended from time to time.

(p) “Restricted Period” shall mean the period of time during which Restrictions shall apply to a Restricted Share, as determined by the Committee pursuant to Section 9 hereof.

(q) “Restricted Shares” shall mean the Shares awarded pursuant to Section 9 hereof that are subject to restrictions upon their sale, assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposal or encumbrance as determined by the Committee.

(r) “Restricted Stock Units” shall mean awards made pursuant to Section 10 hereof, each such unit representing an unfunded and unsecured promise to deliver a Share (or cash or other property equal in value to the Share).

(s) “Restrictions” shall mean the restrictions upon sale, assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposal or encumbrance on a Restricted Share as determined by the Committee in respect of an Award of a Restricted Share pursuant to Section 9 hereof.

(t) “Rights” shall mean stock appreciation rights granted pursuant to Section 7 of the Plan.

(u) “Share” shall mean a share of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share of the Company.

(v) “Subsidiary” shall mean any “subsidiary corporation,” as defined in Section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue Code.

3. Administration . (a) The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall consist of at least two members of the Board of Directors who shall be appointed by, and shall serve at the pleasure of, the Board of Directors. Except as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, the members of the Committee shall be “non-employee directors”, as defined in Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), and “outside directors” as defined in Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code; provided, however, that the failure of the Committee to be so comprised shall not cause any Award to be invalid. The Committee may delegate any of its powers under the Plan to a subcommittee of the Committee (which hereinafter shall also be referred to as the Committee). The Committee may also delegate to any person who is not a member of the Committee or to any administrative group within the Company, any of its powers, responsibilities or duties. In delegating its authority, the Committee shall consider the extent to which any delegation may cause Awards to fail to be deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code or to fail to meet the requirements of Rule 16(b)-3(d)(1) or Rule 16(b)-3(e) under the Exchange Act.

 

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(b) The Committee shall have full authority, subject to the terms of the Plan (including Section 19), to (a) exercise all of the powers granted to it under the Plan, (b) construe, interpret and implement the Plan and all Awards and Award Agreements, (c) prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules governing its own operations, (d) make all determinations necessary or advisable in administering the Plan, (e) correct any defect, supply any omission and reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan, (f) amend the Plan, (g) grant Awards and determine who shall receive Awards and the terms and conditions of such Awards, including, but not limited to, conditioning the exercise, vesting, payout or other term or condition of an Award on the achievement of Performance Criteria, (h) amend any outstanding Award in any respect, including, without limitation, to (1) accelerate the time or times at which the Award becomes vested or unrestricted or may be exercised or at which Shares are delivered under the Award (and, without limitation on the Committee’s rights, in connection with such acceleration, the Committee may provide that any Shares delivered pursuant to such Award shall be Restricted Shares, which are subject to vesting, transfer, forfeiture or repayment provisions similar to those in the Participant’s underlying Award) or (2) waive or amend any goals, restrictions, conditions or Performance Criteria (subject to the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, if applicable to the Award) applicable to such Award, or impose new goals or restrictions and (i) determine at any time whether, to what extent and under what circumstances and method or methods (1) Awards may be (A) settled in cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, (B) exercised or (C) canceled, forfeited or suspended or (2) Shares, other securities, cash, other Awards or other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award may be deferred either automatically or at the election of the participant or of the Committee. The enumeration of the foregoing powers is not intended and should not be construed to limit in any way the authority of the Committee under the Plan which is intended, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to be plenary. The Plan, and all such rules, regulations, determinations and interpretations, shall be binding and conclusive upon the Company, its stockholders and all Participants, and upon their respective legal representatives, heirs, beneficiaries, successors and assigns and upon all other persons claiming under or through any of them.

(c) No member of the Board of Directors or the Committee or any employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates (each such person a “Covered Person”) shall have any liability to any person (including, without limitation, any Participant) for any action taken or omitted to be taken or any determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Award. Each Covered Person shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees) that may be imposed upon or incurred by such Covered Person in connection with or resulting from any action, suit or proceeding to which such Covered Person may be a party or in which such Covered Person may be involved by reason of any action taken or omitted to be taken under the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by such Covered Person, with the Company’s approval, in settlement thereof, or paid by such Covered Person in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against such Covered Person; provided that, the Company shall have the right, at its own expense, to assume and defend any such action, suit or proceeding and, once the Company gives notice of its intent to assume the defense, the Company shall have sole control over such defense with counsel of the Company’s choice. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be available to a Covered Person to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction in a final judgment or other final adjudication, in either case, not subject to further appeal, determines that the acts or omissions of such Covered Person giving rise to the indemnification claim

 

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resulted from such Covered Person’s bad faith, fraud or willful criminal act or omission. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which Covered Persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or by-laws, as a matter of law, by agreement or otherwise, or any other power that the Company may have to indemnify such persons or hold them harmless.

4. Participants . Except as hereinafter provided, all employees of the Company and its Affiliates shall be eligible to receive Awards under the Plan, except that Options that are intended to qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code shall be granted only to employees of the Company or a Subsidiary. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to prevent the making of one or more Awards at the same or different times to the same employee.

5. Share Limitations .

(a) The Committee may make Awards under this Plan for up to an aggregate number of                 Shares, which may be either treasury Shares or authorized but unissued Shares. To the extent that (i) an Award shall be paid, settled or exchanged or shall expire, lapse, terminate or be cancelled for any reason, in whole or in part, without the issuance of Shares, (ii) any Shares under an Award are not issued because of payment or withholding obligations or (iii) Restricted Shares shall revert back to the Company prior to the lapse of the Restrictions or be applied by the Company for purposes of tax withholding obligations, then the Committee may also grant Awards with respect to such Shares or Restricted Shares. Awards payable only in cash or property other than Shares shall not reduce the aggregate remaining number of Shares with respect to which Awards may be made under the Plan and Shares relating to any other Awards that are settled in cash or property other than Shares, when settled, shall be added back to the aggregate remaining number of Shares with respect to which Awards may be made under the Plan. The maximum number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan shall be adjusted by the Committee as appropriate to account for the events provided for in Section 12 hereof. Any Shares with respect to which the Company becomes obligated to make Awards through the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an acquired entity, shall not count against the Shares available to be delivered pursuant to Awards under this Plan.

(b) In no event shall any Participant be granted Awards during any one (1) calendar year for, or that relate to, an aggregate number of Shares exceeding                 . The maximum number of Shares underlying Awards that may be granted to an individual in any one (1) calendar year under the Plan shall be adjusted by the Committee as appropriate to account for the events provided for in Section 12 hereof.

6. Options . Options granted under the Plan shall be either incentive stock options, within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, or non-qualified options, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

(a) Terms and Conditions . The form, terms and conditions of each Option shall be determined by the Committee and shall be set forth in an Award Agreement. Such terms and conditions may include, without limitation, provisions relating to the

 

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vesting and exercisability of such Options as well as the conditions or circumstances upon which such Options may be accelerated, extended, forfeited or otherwise modified. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, establish one or more conditions to the vesting or exercise of an Option including, without limitation, conditions the satisfaction of which are measured by Performance Criteria; provided that, if such Option is designated as an incentive stock option, then such condition or conditions shall not be inconsistent with Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. Unless the Award Agreement specifies that the Option is an incentive stock option, it shall be a non-qualified stock option. All or any part of any Options granted to any Participant may be made exercisable upon the occurrence of such special circumstances or events as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

(b) Exercise Price for Options . The exercise price per Share of the Shares to be purchased pursuant to any Option shall be fixed by the Committee at the time an Option is granted, but in no event shall it be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the day on which the Option is granted, except for Options granted pursuant to the Distribution in connection with outstanding MSG Networks stock options granted prior to the Distribution. Such exercise price shall thereafter be subject to adjustment as required by the Award Agreement relating to each Option or Section 12 hereof.

(c) Duration of Options . The duration of any Option granted under this Plan shall be for a period fixed by the Committee but shall, except as described in the next sentence, in no event be more than ten (10) years. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Award Agreement may provide that, in the event the Participant dies while the Option is outstanding, the Option will remain outstanding until the first anniversary of the Participant’s date of death, and whether or not such first anniversary occurs prior to or following the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Option was granted.

(d) Incentive Stock Options Granted to Ten Percent Stockholders . To the extent required by Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, no Option which is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option shall be granted under this Plan to any employee who, at the time the Option is granted, owns, or is considered owning, within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, shares possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or any Subsidiary, unless the exercise price under such Option is at least one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date such Option is granted and the duration of such option is no more than five (5) years.

(e) Initial Exercisability Limitation . The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time that an Option is granted) of the Shares with respect to incentive stock options granted in any calendar year under all stock option plans of the Company or any corporation which (at the time of the granting of such incentive stock option) was a parent or Subsidiary of the Company, or of any predecessor corporation of any such corporation, which are exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000, or, if different, the maximum allowed under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

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(f) Settlement of an Option . When an Option is exercised pursuant to Section 8 hereof, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may elect, in lieu of issuing Shares pursuant to the terms of the Option, to settle the Option by paying the Participant an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date the Option is exercised over the exercise price of the Option (the “Option Spread”) by (ii) the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. The amount payable to the Participant in these circumstances shall be paid by the Company either in cash or in Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the Option Spread, or a combination thereof, as the Committee shall determine at the time the Option is exercised or at the time the Option is granted.

7. Rights . The Committee may grant to employees the right to receive such number of Rights, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

(a) Terms and Conditions . The form, terms and conditions of each Right shall be determined by the Committee and shall be set forth in an Award Agreement. Such terms and conditions may include, without limitation, provisions relating to the vesting and exercisability of such Rights as well as the conditions or circumstances upon which such Rights may be accelerated, extended, forfeited or otherwise modified. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, establish one or more conditions to the vesting or exercise of a Right including, without limitation, conditions the satisfaction of which are measured by Performance Criteria. All or any part of any outstanding Rights granted to any Participant may be made exercisable upon the occurrence of such special circumstances or events as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

(b) Exercise Price for Rights . The exercise price of each Right shall be fixed by the Committee at the time a Right is granted, but in no event shall it be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the day on which the Right is granted. Such exercise price shall thereafter be subject to adjustment as required by the Award Agreement relating to each Right or Section 12 hereof.

(c) Duration of Rights . The duration of any Right granted under this Plan shall be for a period fixed by the Committee but shall, except as described in the next sentence, in no event be more than ten (10) years. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Award Agreement may provide that, in the event the Participant dies while the Right is outstanding, the Right will remain outstanding until the first anniversary of the Participant’s date of death, and whether or not such first anniversary occurs prior to or following the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Right was granted.

(d) Settlement of Rights . Upon the exercise of any Rights, the Participant shall be entitled to receive from the Company an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date the Rights are exercised over the exercise price of the related Right by (ii) the number of Shares to which such Rights are related. Such amount shall be paid in cash, in Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to such amount, or a combination of cash and Shares, as the Committee shall determine at the time the Right is exercised or at the time the Right is granted.

 

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8. Exercise of Options and Rights .

(a) An Option or Right shall be exercised by the delivery to any person who has been designated by the Company for the purpose of receiving the same, of a written notice duly signed by the Participant (or the representative of the estate or the heirs of a deceased Participant) to such effect (or electronic notice in a manner, if any, previously approved by the Company). Unless the Company chooses to settle an Option in cash, Shares or a combination thereof pursuant to Section 6(f) hereof, the Participant shall be required to deliver to the Company, within five (5) days of the delivery of the notice described above, either cash, a check payable to the order of the Company, Shares duly endorsed over to the Company (which Shares shall be valued at their Fair Market Value as of the date preceding the day of such exercise) or any combination of such methods of payment, which together amount to the full exercise price of the Shares purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Option. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Company may establish an electronic exercise program with a broker and the Company and the Participant may agree upon any other reasonable manner of providing for payment of the exercise price of the Option.

(b) Except to the extent the Committee chooses to settle any Option or Right in cash pursuant to Section 6(f) or 7(d) hereof, within a reasonable time after exercise of an Option or Right the Company shall either issue to the Participant a certificate representing the Shares purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Option or Right or credit the number of such Shares to a book-entry account. To the extent the Committee chooses to settle any Option or Right in cash pursuant to Section 6(f) or 7(d), within a reasonable time after exercise of an Option or Right the Company shall cause to be delivered to the person entitled thereto a payment for the amount payable pursuant to the exercise of the Option or Right.

9. Restricted Shares . The Committee may grant to employees the right to receive such number of Restricted Shares, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

(a) Issuance; Terms and Conditions . The form, terms and conditions of each Restricted Share shall be determined by the Committee and shall be set forth in an Award Agreement. Such terms and conditions may include, without limitation, the Restrictions upon such Restricted Shares, the dates as of which Restrictions upon such Restricted Shares will cease, and the conditions or circumstances upon which such Restricted Shares will be forfeited or otherwise modified. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, establish one or more Restrictions to the vesting of a Restricted Share that relate to the satisfaction of Performance Criteria.

(b) Payment of Par Value . To the extent a Participant is required by law to pay to the Company the par value of a Restricted Share, such Participant shall have forty-five (45) business days from the date of such grant to pay to the Company, in cash or by check, an amount equal to the par value of a Share multiplied by the number of Shares or Restricted Shares which have been granted to the employee by the Committee. In such instances, if the Participant fails to make payment to the Company for such Shares or Restricted Shares within forty-five (45) business days of the grant thereof, the Company shall withhold, or shall cause to be withheld, the amount of such payment from compensation otherwise due the employee from the Company or any Affiliate. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, a Participant’s prior service with the Company or any of its Affiliates shall be deemed sufficient

 

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consideration for such Restricted Shares and no payment therefore (including, without limitation, for the par value of the Restricted Shares) shall be due from the Participant. Subject to the provisions of Section 15 hereof, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall either issue to the employee a certificate representing such Restricted Shares or credit the number of such Restricted Shares to a book-entry account upon the payment due, if any, pursuant to this paragraph.

(c) Restriction on Shares . In no event shall a Restricted Share be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of or encumbered until the expiration of the Restricted Period which relates to such Restricted Share. All or any part of any outstanding Restricted Shares granted to any Participant may be vested in full and the Restrictions thereon shall lapse upon the occurrence of such special circumstances or events as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

(d) Forfeiture of Restricted Shares . If Restricted Shares are forfeited pursuant to the terms of the Plan or an Award Agreement, such Restricted Shares shall revert back and belong to the Company. In the event that any Restricted Shares should be forfeited by the Participant, revert back and belong to the Company, any stock certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Shares shall be cancelled and the Restricted Shares shall be returned to the treasury of the Company. Upon the reversion of such Restricted Shares, the Company shall repay to the employee or (in the case of death) to the representative of the employee’s estate, the full cash amount paid, if any, to the Company by the employee for such Restricted Shares pursuant to Section 9(b) hereof.

(e) Right to Vote and Receive Dividends on Restricted Shares . Each Participant shall, during the Restricted Period, be the beneficial and record owner of such Restricted Shares and shall have full voting rights with respect thereto. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, during the Restricted Period, all ordinary cash dividends (as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) paid upon any Restricted Share shall be retained by the Company for the account of the relevant Participant. Such dividends shall revert back to the Company if for any reason the Restricted Share upon which such dividends were paid reverts back to the Company. Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period, all such dividends made on such Restricted Share and retained by the Company will be paid to the relevant Participant.

10. Restricted Stock Units . The Committee may grant to employees such number of Restricted Stock Units as it may determine in its sole discretion.

(a) Terms and Conditions . The form, terms and conditions of each Restricted Stock Unit shall be determined by the Committee and shall be set forth in an Award Agreement. Such terms and conditions may include, without limitation, the conditions or circumstances upon which such Restricted Stock Unit will be paid, forfeited or otherwise modified, and the date or dates upon which any Shares, cash or other property shall be delivered to the Participant in respect of the Restricted Stock Units. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, establish one or more conditions to the vesting of a Restricted Stock Unit including, without limitation, conditions the satisfaction of which are measured by Performance Criteria. All or any part of any outstanding Restricted Stock Unit granted to any Participant may be vested in full or paid upon the occurrence of such special circumstances or events as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

 

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(b) Settlement of Restricted Stock Units . The Committee, in its sole discretion, may instruct the Company to pay on the date when Shares would otherwise be issued pursuant to a Restricted Stock Unit, in lieu of such Shares, a cash amount equal to the number of such Shares multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date when Shares would otherwise have been issued. If a Participant is entitled to receive other stock, securities or other property as a result of an adjustment, pursuant to Section 12 hereof, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may instruct the Company to pay, in lieu of such other stock, securities or other property, cash equal to the fair market value thereof as determined in good faith by the Committee. Until the delivery of such Shares, cash, securities or other property, the rights of a Participant with respect to a Restricted Stock Unit shall be only those of a general unsecured creditor of the Company.

(c) Right to Receive Dividends on Restricted Stock Units . Unless the Committee determines otherwise, during the period prior to payment of the Restricted Stock Unit, all ordinary cash dividends (as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) that would have been paid upon any Share underlying a Restricted Stock Unit had such Shares been issued shall be paid only at the time and to the extent such Restricted Stock Unit is vested.

11. Grant of Other Stock-Based Awards . The Committee may grant other types of equity-based or equity-related Awards (including unrestricted Shares) in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine. Such Awards may entail the transfer of actual Shares, or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts based on the value of Shares.

12. Certain Adjustments . (a) In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, forward or reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, share exchange, liquidation, dissolution or other similar corporate transaction or event affects Shares such that the failure to make an adjustment to an Award would not fairly protect the rights represented by the Award in accordance with the essential intent and principles thereof (each such event, an “Adjustment Event”), then the Committee shall, in such manner as it may determine to be equitable in its sole discretion, adjust any or all of the terms of an outstanding Award (including, without limitation, the number of Shares covered by such outstanding Award, the type of property to which the Award is subject and the exercise price of such Award). In determining adjustments to be made under this Section 12(a), the Committee may take into account such factors as it determines to be appropriate, including without limitation (i) the provisions of applicable law and (ii) the potential tax or accounting consequences of an adjustment (or not making an adjustment) and, in light of such factors or others, may make adjustments that are not uniform or proportionate among outstanding Awards.

(b) Fractional Shares or Securities . Any fractional shares or securities payable upon the exercise of an Award as a result of an adjustment pursuant to this Section 12 shall, at the election of the Committee, be payable in cash, Shares, or a combination thereof, on such bases as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion.

 

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13. No Rights of a Stockholder . A Participant shall not be deemed to be the holder of, or have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to, any Shares subject to Options, Rights or Restricted Stock Units unless and until the Company shall have issued and delivered Shares to the Participant and said Participant’s name shall have been entered as a stockholder of record on the books of the Company. Thereupon, such Participant shall have full voting, dividend and other ownership rights with respect to such Shares. The Company will not be obligated to issue or deliver any Shares unless and until all legal matters in connection with the issuance and delivery of Shares have been approved by the Company’s counsel and the Company’s counsel determines that all applicable federal, state and other laws and regulations have been complied with and all listing requirements for relevant stock exchanges have been met.

14. No Right to Continued Employment . Nothing in the Plan or in any Award Agreement shall confer upon any Participant the right to continued employment by the Company or any Affiliate or affect any right which the Company or any Affiliate may have to terminate such employment.

15. Issuance of Shares and Consents . If the Committee shall at any time determine that any Consent is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the granting of any Award, the delivery of Shares or the delivery of any cash, securities or other property under the Plan, or the taking of any other action, then such action shall not be taken, in whole or in part, unless and until such Consent shall have been effected or obtained to the full satisfaction of the Committee. Any stock certificate representing Restricted Shares shall contain an appropriate legend referring to the Plan and the Restrictions upon such Restricted Shares. Simultaneously with delivery of any stock certificate for Restricted Shares, the Company may cause a stop transfer order with respect to such certificate to be placed with the transfer agent of the Shares.

16. Withholding . If the Company or an Affiliate shall be required to withhold any amounts by reason of a federal, state or local tax laws, rules or regulations in respect of any Award, the Company or an Affiliate shall be entitled to deduct or withhold such amounts from any payments (including, without limitation Shares which would otherwise be issued to the Participant pursuant to the Award; provided that, to the extent desired for GAAP purposes, such withholding shall not exceed the statutory minimum amount required to be withheld) to be made to the Participant. In any event, the Participant shall make available to the Company or Affiliate, promptly when requested by the Company or such Affiliate, sufficient funds or Shares to meet the requirements of such withholding and the Company or Affiliate shall be entitled to take and authorize such steps as it may deem advisable in order to have such funds made available to the Company or Affiliate out of any funds or property due to the Participant.

17. Right of Offset . The Company shall have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver Shares, cash or other property under any Award that does not constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” pursuant to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code any outstanding amounts of whatever nature that the Participant then owes to the Company or any of its Affiliates.

 

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18. Non-Transferability of Awards . Unless the Committee shall permit (on such terms and conditions as it shall establish) an Award to be transferred to a member of the Participant’s immediate family or to a trust or similar vehicle for the benefit of members of the Participant’s immediate family (collectively, the “Permitted Transferees”), no Award shall be assignable or transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and except to the extent required by law, no right or interest of any Participant shall be subject to any lien, obligation or liability of the Participant. All rights with respect to Awards granted to a Participant under the Plan shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by such Participant or, if applicable, the Permitted Transferees.

19. Administration and Amendment of the Plan . The Board of Directors or the Committee may discontinue the Plan at any time and from time to time may amend or revise the terms of the Plan or any Award Agreement, as permitted by applicable law, except that it may not (a) make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to a Participant (other than if immaterial), without the consent of the Participant or (b) make any amendment or revision without the approval of the stockholders of the Company if such approval is required by the rules of an exchange on which Shares are traded. Consent of the Participant shall not be required solely pursuant to the previous sentence in respect of any adjustment made pursuant to Section 12(a) except to the extent the terms of an Award Agreement expressly refer to an Adjustment Event, in which case such terms shall not be amended in a manner unfavorable to a Participant (other than if immaterial) without such Participant’s consent.

20. Clawback . Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Plan, any Award which is subject to recovery under any law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement, will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement, or any clawback policy adopted by the Company.

21. No Repricing & Reloads . Unless otherwise approved by the stockholders of the Company, Options and Rights will not be repriced (other than in accordance with the adjustment provisions of Section 12), repurchased for cash on a date when the exercise price of such Option or Right is equal to or exceeds the Fair Market Value a Share or be subject to automatic reload provisions.

22. Effective Date . The Plan shall become effective upon the Distribution, subject to its approval by the stockholders of the Company prior to the Distribution.

23. Severability . If any of the provisions of this Plan or any Award Agreement is finally held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable (whether in whole or in part), such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent, but only to the extent, of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability and the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby; provided that, if any of such provisions is finally held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable because it exceeds the maximum scope determined to be acceptable to permit such provision to be enforceable, such provision shall be deemed to be modified to the minimum extent necessary to modify such scope in order to make such provision enforceable hereunder.

 

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24. Plan Headings . The headings in this Plan are for the purpose of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the provisions hereof.

25. Non-Uniform Treatment . The Committee’s determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among persons who receive, or are eligible to receive, Awards (whether or not such persons are similarly situated). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee shall be entitled, among other things, to make non-uniform and selective determinations, amendments and adjustments, and to enter into non-uniform and selective Award Agreements, as to the persons to receive Awards under the Plan, and the terms and provisions of Awards under the Plan.

26. Governing Law . The Plan and any Award Agreements shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.

27. Successors and Assigns . The terms of this Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns.

28. Duration . This Plan shall remain in effect until ten years from the Distribution unless sooner terminated by the Committee or the Board of Directors. Awards theretofore granted may extend beyond that date in accordance with the provisions of the Plan.

29. Distribution Issuance . (a) Notwithstanding Section 3 of the Plan, the Compensation Committee (the “MSG Networks Committee”) of the Board of Directors of MSG Networks may grant Awards with respect to outstanding equity awards of MSG Networks in connection with the distribution by MSG Networks to holders of its common stock of all of the outstanding Shares (such distribution, the “Distribution”). In this capacity, the MSG Networks Committee shall have full authority to grant Awards prior to, and in connection with, the Distribution and determine the recipients, terms and conditions of such Awards, and each member of the MSG Networks Committee shall be considered a “Covered Person” for purposes of Section 3(c) of the Plan. Following the Distribution, Awards granted by the MSG Networks Committee in connection with the Distribution shall be administered solely by the Committee in accordance with Section 3 of the Plan.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 6(b) and Section 7(b) of the Plan, the exercise price of each Option and Right granted by the MSG Networks Committee in connection with the Distribution may be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the day on which the Option or Right is granted, in order to preserve the intrinsic value of the outstanding MSG equity awards prior to the Distribution in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

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Exhibit 10.5

Form of 2015 Cash Incentive Plan

1. Purpose . The purposes of the 2015 Cash Incentive Plan are (a) to advance the interest of the Company and its shareholders by providing a means to motivate the employees of the Company and its Affiliates, upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts the continued success, growth and development of the Company is dependent; (b) to link the rewards of the employees of the Company and its Affiliates to the achievement of specific performance objectives and goals when so desired; (c) to assist the Company and its Affiliates in maintaining a competitive total compensation program that serves to attract and retain the most highly qualified individuals; and (d) to permit the grant and payment of awards that are deductible to the Company pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code when so desired.

2. Definitions . When used in this Plan, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “Affiliate” shall mean (i) any Entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company or any other Affiliate and (ii) any Entity in which the Company owns at least five percent of the outstanding equity interest of such Entity.

(b) “Annual Incentive Award” shall mean an annual incentive award to be earned (and therefore payable) in respect of a Participant’s performance over one Plan Year, granted pursuant to Section 6.

(c) “Award” shall mean a cash award which is granted or made under the Plan including an Annual Incentive Award and a Long-Term Incentive Award.

(d) “Board of Directors” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted at any time.

(e) “Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, as described in Section 3.

(f) “Company” shall mean MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company), a Delaware corporation.

(g) “Covered Employee” shall mean any employee of the Company or its subsidiaries who, in the discretion of the Committee, is likely to be a “covered employee” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code for the year in which an Award is payable and any employee of the Company or an Affiliate designated by the Committee as such, in its discretion, for purposes of an Award.

(h) “Entity” shall mean any business, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity.

(i) “GAAP” shall mean accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

(j) “Internal Revenue Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.


(k) “Long-Term Incentive Award” shall mean a long-term incentive award to be earned over a period extending beyond one Plan Year, granted pursuant to Section 5.

(l) “Participant” shall mean an employee of the Company or an Affiliate who is granted an Award by the Committee under the Plan.

(m) “Performance Criteria” shall mean a goal or goals established by the Committee and measured over a period or periods selected by the Committee, such goal(s) to constitute a requirement that must be met in connection with the vesting, exercise and/or payment of an Award under the Plan as specified by the Committee. To the extent that an Award is intended to satisfy the requirements for deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, the payment of the Award will be conditioned on the satisfaction of one or more of the performance criteria listed below over a period or periods selected by the Compensation Committee. The performance criteria may be determined by reference to the performance of the Company, an Affiliate or a business unit, product, team, venue, production, event or service thereof or any combination of the foregoing. Such criteria may also be measured on a per customer, sponsor, basic or diluted share basis or any combination of the foregoing and may reflect absolute performance, incremental performance or comparative performance to other companies (or their products or services) determined on a gross, net, GAAP or non-GAAP basis, with respect to one or more of the following: (i) net or operating income or other measures of profit; (ii) measures of revenue; (iii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); (iv) cash flow, free cash flow, adjusted operating cash flow and similar measures; (v) return on equity, investment, assets or capital; (vi) gross or operating margins or savings; (vii) performance relative to budget, forecast or market expectations; (viii) market share or penetration, customer acquisition or retention, facilities utilization or attendance; (ix) sports team performance; (x) operating metrics relating to sales, sponsorships or customer service or satisfaction; (xi) capital spending management, facility maintenance, construction or renovation or product or service deployments; (xii) achievement of strategic business objectives such as acquisitions, dispositions or investments; (xiii) a specified increase in the fair market value of the Company’s common stock; (xiv) a specified increase in the private market value of the Company; (xv) the price of the Company’s common stock; (xvi) earnings per share; and/or (xvii) total shareholder return.

(n) “Permitted Transferees” shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 9 hereof.

(o) “Plan” shall mean the 2015 Cash Incentive Plan, as it may be amended from time to time.

(p) “Plan Year” shall mean the Company’s fiscal year.

3. Administration .

(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall consist of at least two members of the Board of Directors who shall be appointed by, and shall serve at the pleasure of, the Board of Directors. Except as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, the members of the Committee shall be “outside directors” to the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue

 

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Code; provided, however, that the failure of the Committee to be so comprised shall not cause any Award to be invalid. The Committee may delegate any of its powers under the Plan to a subcommittee of the Committee (which hereinafter shall also be referred to as the Committee). The Committee may also delegate to any person who is not a member of the Committee or to any administrative group within the Company, any of its powers, responsibilities or duties. In delegating its authority, the Committee shall consider the extent to which any delegation may cause Awards to fail to be deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(b) The Committee shall have full authority, subject to the terms of the Plan (including Section 10), to (a) exercise all of the powers granted to it under the Plan, (b) construe, interpret and implement the Plan, grant terms and grant notices, and all Awards and Award certificates, (c) prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules governing its own operations, (d) make all determinations necessary or advisable in administering the Plan, (e) correct any defect, supply any omission and reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan, (f) amend the Plan, (g) grant Awards and determine who shall receive Awards and the terms and conditions of such Awards, including, but not limited to, conditioning the payout or other term or condition of an Award on the achievement of Performance Criteria, if so desired, (h) amend any outstanding Award in any respect including, without limitation, to (1) accelerate the time or times at which an Award is paid or (2) waive or amend any goals, restrictions, conditions or Performance Criteria (subject to the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, if applicable to the Award) applicable to such Award, or impose new goals or restrictions and (i) determine at any time whether, to what extent and under what circumstances and method or methods (1) Awards may be paid, canceled, forfeited or suspended or (2) amounts payable with respect to an Award may be deferred either automatically or at the election of the participant or of the Committee. The enumeration of the foregoing powers is not intended and should not be construed to limit in any way the authority of the Committee under the Plan which is intended, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to be plenary. The Plan, and all such rules, regulations, determinations and interpretations, shall be binding and conclusive upon the Company, its stockholders and all Participants, and upon their respective legal representatives, heirs, beneficiaries, successors and assigns and upon all other persons claiming under or through any of them.

(c) No member of the Board of Directors or the Committee or any employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates (each such person an “Affected Person”) shall have any liability to any person (including, without limitation, any Participant) for any action taken or omitted to be taken or any determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Award. Each Affected Person shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees) that may be imposed upon or incurred by such Affected Person in connection with or resulting from any action, suit or proceeding to which such Affected Person may be a party or in which such Affected Person may be involved by reason of any action taken or omitted to be taken under the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by such Affected Person, with the Company’s approval, in settlement thereof, or paid by such Affected Person in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against such Affected Person; provided that, the Company shall have the right, at its own expense, to assume and defend any such action, suit or proceeding and, once the Company gives notice of its intent to assume the defense, the Company shall have sole control over such defense with counsel of the Company’s choice. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be available to

 

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an Affected Person to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction in a final judgment or other final adjudication, in either case, not subject to further appeal, determines that the acts or omissions of such Affected Person giving rise to the indemnification claim resulted from such Affected Person’s bad faith, fraud or willful criminal act or omission. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which Affected Persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or by-laws, as a matter of law, by agreement or otherwise, or any other power that the Company may have to indemnify such persons or hold them harmless.

4. Participants . All employees of the Company or an Affiliate shall be eligible to receive Awards under the Plan. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to prevent the making of one or more Awards at the same or different times to the same employee.

5. Long-Term Incentive Awards .

(a) Terms and Conditions. The amount, form, terms and conditions of each Long-Term Incentive Award shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion and may be set forth in an Award certificate. Such terms and conditions may include, without limitation, the date or dates and the conditions or circumstances upon which such Award shall be paid to the Participant, forfeited or otherwise modified. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, establish one or more conditions to the entitlement of a Long-Term Incentive Award including, without limitation, conditions the satisfaction of which are measured by the achievement of Performance Criteria.

(b) Duration of Awards. The duration of any Long-Term Incentive Award granted under this Plan shall be for a period fixed by the Committee but shall in no event be more than ten years.

(c) Dollar Limitation. At the time a Long-Term Incentive Award is granted, the Committee shall determine whether it is intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. In no event shall any Covered Employee be granted, in any one Plan Year, Long-Term Incentive Awards intended to satisfy such requirements that provide for the maximum payment of an aggregate amount exceeding $10 million.

(d) Committee Certification. If the Company establishes conditions to the entitlement of a Long-Term Incentive Award relating to the achievement of Performance Criteria pursuant to Section 5(a), the Committee shall determine (in a writing consistent with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to any Covered Employee) whether the Performance Criteria have been met with respect to any affected Participant and, if they have, so certify and ascertain the amount of the applicable Long-Term Incentive Award. No such Long-Term Incentive Award will be paid until such certification is made by the Committee.

(e) Payment of Long-Term Incentive Awards. Long-Term Incentive Awards shall be payable as soon as practicable following the certification by the Committee described in Section 5(d). All or any part of any outstanding Long-Term Incentive Awards granted to any Participant shall be payable upon the occurrence of such special circumstances or events as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

 

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6. Annual Incentive Awards .

(a) Terms and Conditions. The amount, form, terms and conditions of each Annual Incentive Award shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion and may be set forth in an Award certificate. Such terms and conditions may include, without limitation, the date or dates and the conditions upon which such Award shall be paid to the Participant or forfeited. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, establish one or more conditions to the entitlement of an Annual Incentive Award including, without limitation, conditions the satisfaction of which are measured by the achievement of Performance Criteria.

(b) Dollar Limitation. At the time an Annual Incentive Award is granted, the Committee shall determine whether it is intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. In no event shall any Covered Employee be granted, in respect of performance in any one Plan Year, Annual Incentive Awards intended to satisfy such requirements in a maximum amount exceeding in the aggregate $10 million.

(c) Committee Certification. If the Company establishes conditions to the entitlement of an Annual Incentive Award relating to the achievement of Performance Criteria pursuant to Section 6(a), the Committee shall determine (in a writing consistent with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to any Covered Employee) whether the Performance Criteria have been met with respect to any affected Participant and, if they have, so certify and ascertain the amount of the applicable Annual Incentive Award. No Annual Incentive Award will be paid until such certification is made by the Committee.

(d) Payment of Annual Incentive Awards. Annual Incentive Awards shall be payable as soon as practicable following the certification by the Committee described in Section 6(c). All or any part of any outstanding Annual Incentive Awards granted to any Participant shall be payable upon the occurrence of such special circumstances or events as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

7. No Right to Continued Employment . Nothing in the Plan or in any Award certificate shall confer upon any Participant the right to continued employment by the Company or any Affiliate or affect any right which the Company or any Affiliate may have to terminate such employment.

8. Withholding . If the Company or an Affiliate shall be required to withhold any amounts by reason of federal, state or local tax laws, rules or regulations in respect of the payment of an Award to the Participant, the Company or an Affiliate shall be entitled to deduct or withhold such amounts from any cash payments made to the Participant. In any event, the Participant shall make available to the Company or Affiliate, promptly when requested by the Company or such Affiliate, sufficient funds to meet the requirements of such withholding and the Company or Affiliate shall be entitled to take and authorize such steps as it may deem advisable in order to have such funds made available to the Company or Affiliate out of any funds or property due to the Participant.

 

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9. Non-Transferability of Awards . Unless the Committee shall permit (on such terms and conditions as it shall establish) an Award to be transferred to a member of the Participant’s immediate family or to a trust or similar vehicle for the benefit of members of the Participant’s immediate family (collectively, the “Permitted Transferees”), no Award shall be assignable or transferable by a Participant except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and except to the extent required by law, no right or interest of any Participant shall be subject to any lien, obligation or liability of the Participant.

10. Administration and Amendment of the Plan . The Board of Directors or the Committee may discontinue the Plan at any time and from time to time may amend or revise the terms of the Plan, as permitted by applicable law, except that it may not amend or revise, in any manner unfavorable to a recipient (other than if immaterial), any Long-Term Incentive Award, without the consent of the recipient of that Long-Term Incentive Award.

11. Right of Offset . The Company shall have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver amounts under any Award that does not constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” pursuant to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code any outstanding amounts of whatever nature that the Participant then owes to the Company or any of its Affiliates.

12. Effective Date . The Plan shall become effective upon the Distribution, subject to its approval by the stockholders of the Company prior to the Distribution.

13. Severability . If any of the provisions of this Plan is finally held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable (whether in whole or in part), such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent, but only to the extent, of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability and the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby; provided, that, if any of such provisions is finally held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable because it exceeds the maximum scope determined to be acceptable to permit such provision to be enforceable, such provision shall be deemed to be modified to the minimum extent necessary to modify such scope in order to make such provision enforceable hereunder.

14. Plan Headings . The headings in this Plan are for the purpose of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the provisions hereof.

15. Non-Uniform Treatment . The Committee’s determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among persons who receive, or are eligible to receive, Awards (whether or not such persons are similarly situated). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee shall be entitled, among other things, to make non-uniform and selective determinations, amendments and adjustments, and to enter into non-uniform and selective Award certificates, as to the persons who receive Awards under the Plan, and the terms and provisions of Awards under the Plan.

16. Governing Law . All rights and obligations under the Plan shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws.

 

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17. Successors and Assigns . The terms of this Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns.

18. Final Issuance Date . No Awards shall be made under this Plan after five years from the distribution by The Madison Square Garden Company (to be renamed MSG Networks Inc.) to holders of its common stock of all of the outstanding Shares (such distribution, the “Distribution”).

 

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Exhibit 10.6

Form of 2015 Stock Plan For Non-Employee Directors

1. Purpose . The purposes of the 2015 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors are to attract and retain individuals who are not employees of the Company as members of the Board of Directors, by encouraging them to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company which is parallel to that of the stockholders of the Company.

2. Definitions . The following terms shall have the respective meanings assigned to them as used herein:

(a) “Award” shall mean an Option, Restricted Stock Unit and other stock-based award granted under the Plan.

(b) “Award Agreement” shall mean an agreement which may be entered into by a Participant and the Company, setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to Awards granted to such Participant.

(c) “Board of Directors” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted at any time.

(d) “Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, as described in Section 3.

(e) “Company” shall mean MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company), a Delaware corporation.

(f) “Consent” shall mean (i) any listing, registration or qualification requirement in respect of an Award or Share with respect to any securities exchange or under any federal, state or local law, rule or regulation, (ii) any and all written agreements and representations by the Participant with respect to the disposition of Shares, or with respect to any other matter, which the Committee may deem necessary or desirable to comply with the terms of any such listing, registration or qualification requirement or to obtain an exemption therefrom, (iii) any and all other consents, clearances and approvals in respect of an action under the Plan by any governmental or other regulatory body or any stock exchange or self-regulatory agency, (iv) any and all consents by the Participant to (A) the Company’s supplying to any third party recordkeeper of the Plan such personal information as the Committee deems advisable to administer the Plan and (B) the Company’s imposing sales and transfer procedures and restrictions on Shares delivered under the Plan and (v) any and all other consents or authorizations required to comply with, or required to be obtained under law.

(g) “Fair Market Value” on a specified date shall mean the closing price for a Share on the stock exchange, if any, on which such Shares are primarily traded, but if no Shares were traded on such date, the average of the bid and asked closing prices at which one Share is traded on the over-the-counter market, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange on which the Shares may be traded, or, if none of the above is applicable, the value of a Share as established by the Committee for such date using any reasonable method of valuation.


(h) “GAAP” shall mean accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

(i) “Non-Employee Director” shall mean a member of the Board of Directors who is not a current employee of the Company or its subsidiaries.

(j) “Option” shall mean an option granted pursuant to Section 6.1 of the Plan.

(k) “Participant” shall mean a Non-Employee Director who has been granted an Award under the Plan.

(l) “Plan” shall mean the 2015 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended from time to time.

(m) “Restricted Stock Unit” shall mean a restricted stock unit granted pursuant to Section 6.2 of the Plan, each such unit representing an unfunded and unsecured promise to deliver a Share (or cash or other property equal in value to the Share).

(n) “Share” shall mean a share of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share of the Company.

3. Plan Administration.

3.1 Committee . The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall consist of at least two members of the Board of Directors who shall be appointed by, and shall serve at the pleasure of, the Board of Directors. Except as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, the members of the Committee shall be “non-employee directors” under Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”); provided, however, that the failure of the Committee to be so comprised shall not cause any Award to be invalid. The Committee may delegate any of its powers under the Plan to a subcommittee of the Committee (which hereinafter shall also be referred to as the Committee). It is expected and permitted that members of the Committee shall be Participants.

3.2 Authority . The Committee shall have full authority, subject to the terms of the Plan (including Section 12), to (a) exercise all of the powers granted to it under the Plan, (b) construe, interpret and implement the Plan and all Awards and Award Agreements, (c) prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules governing its own operations, (d) make all determinations necessary or advisable in administering the Plan, (e) correct any defect, supply any omission and reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan, (f) amend the Plan, (g) grant Awards and determine who shall receive Awards and the terms and conditions of such Awards, (h) amend any outstanding Award in any respect, including, without limitation, to (1) accelerate the time or times at which the Award becomes vested or unrestricted or may be exercised or at which Shares are delivered under the Award (and, without limitation on the Committee’s rights, in connection with such acceleration, the Committee may provide that any Shares delivered pursuant to such Award shall be subject to vesting, transfer, forfeiture or repayment provisions similar to those in the Participant’s underlying Award) or (2) waive or amend any restrictions or conditions applicable to such Award, or impose new restrictions or conditions and (i) determine at any time whether, to what extent and under what circumstances and method or methods

 

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(1) Awards may be (A) settled in cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, (B) exercised or (C) canceled, forfeited or suspended or (2) Shares, other securities, cash, other Awards or other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award may be deferred either automatically or at the election of the Participant or of the Committee. The enumeration of the foregoing powers is not intended and should not be construed to limit in any way the authority of the Committee under the Plan which is intended, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to be plenary. The Plan, and all such rules, regulations, determinations and interpretations, shall be binding and conclusive upon the Company, its stockholders and all Participants, and upon their respective legal representatives, heirs, beneficiaries, successors and assigns and upon all other persons claiming under or through any of them.

3.3 Liability . No member of the Board of Directors or the Committee or any employee of the Company or any of its affiliates (each such person a “Covered Person”) shall have any liability to any person (including, without limitation, any Participant) for any action taken or omitted to be taken or any determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Award. Each Covered Person shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees) that may be imposed upon or incurred by such Covered Person in connection with or resulting from any action, suit or proceeding to which such Covered Person may be a party or in which such Covered Person may be involved by reason of any action taken or omitted to be taken under the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by such Covered Person, with the Company’s approval, in settlement thereof, or paid by such Covered Person in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against such Covered Person, provided that the Company shall have the right, at its own expense, to assume and defend any such action, suit or proceeding and, once the Company gives notice of its intent to assume the defense, the Company shall have sole control over such defense with counsel of the Company’s choice. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be available to a Covered Person to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction in a final judgment or other final adjudication, in either case, not subject to further appeal, determines that the acts or omissions of such Covered Person giving rise to the indemnification claim resulted from such Covered Person’s bad faith, fraud or willful criminal act or omission. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which Covered Persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or by-laws, as a matter of law, by agreement or otherwise, or any other power that the Company may have to indemnify such persons or hold them harmless.

4. Eligibility . All Non-Employee Directors are eligible for the grant of Awards. Non-Employee Directors of The Madison Square Garden Company (to be renamed MSG Networks Inc.) (“MSG Networks”) are also eligible for the grant of Shares in connection with the spin-off of the Company from MSG Networks in respect of their outstanding awards issued by MSG Networks.

5. Shares Subject to the Plan.

5.1 Number . The aggregate number of Shares that may be subject to Awards granted under this Plan shall not exceed                     , which may be either treasury Shares or authorized but unissued Shares. To the extent that (i) an Award shall be paid, settled or exchanged or shall expire, lapse, terminate or be cancelled for any reason without the issuance of Shares or (ii) any Shares

 

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under an Award are not issued because of payment or withholding obligations, then the Committee may also grant Awards with respect to such Shares. Awards payable only in cash or property other than Shares shall not reduce the aggregate remaining number of Shares with respect to which Awards may be made under the Plan and Shares relating to any other Awards that are settled in cash or property other than Shares, when settled, shall be added back to the aggregate remaining number of Shares with respect to which Awards may be made under the Plan. The maximum number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan shall be adjusted by the Committee as appropriate to account for the adjustments provided for in Section 5.2 hereof. Any Shares with respect to which the Company becomes obligated to make Awards through the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an acquired entity, shall not count against the Shares available to be delivered pursuant to Awards under this Plan.

5.2 Adjustment in Capitalization . In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, forward or reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, share exchange, liquidation, dissolution or other similar corporate transaction or event affects Shares such that the failure to make an adjustment to an Award would not fairly protect the rights represented by the Award in accordance with the essential intent and principles thereof (each such event, an “Adjustment Event”), then the Committee shall, in such manner as it may determine to be equitable in its sole discretion, adjust any or all of the terms of an outstanding Award (including, without limitation, the number of Shares covered by such outstanding Award, the type of property to which the Award is subject and the exercise price of such Award). In determining adjustments to be made under this Section 5.2, the Committee may take into account such factors as it determines to be appropriate, including without limitation (i) the provisions of applicable law and (ii) the potential tax or accounting consequences of an adjustment (or not making an adjustment) and, in light of such factors or others, may make adjustments that are not uniform or proportionate among outstanding Awards. Any fractional shares or securities payable upon the exercise of an Award as a result of an adjustment pursuant to this Section 5.2 shall, at the election of the Committee, be payable in cash, Shares, or a combination thereof, on such bases as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion.

6. Terms and Conditions of Awards.

6.1 Options.

6.1.1 Terms and Conditions . The form, terms and conditions of each Option shall be determined by the Committee and shall be set forth in an Award Agreement. Such terms and conditions may include, without limitation, provisions relating to the vesting and exercisability of such Options as well as the conditions or circumstances upon which such Options may be accelerated, extended, forfeited or otherwise modified; provided, however, that unless the Award Agreement states otherwise, all Options granted under the Plan shall be fully vested and exercisable on the date of grant. All or any part of any unexercised Options granted to any Participant, to the extent not otherwise exercisable, may be made exercisable upon the occurrence of such special circumstances or events as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

 

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6.1.2 Exercise Price . The exercise price per Share of the Shares to be purchased pursuant to each Option shall be fixed by the Committee at the time an Option is granted, but in no event shall it be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date on which the Option is granted. Such exercise price shall thereafter be subject to adjustment as required by the Award Agreement relating to each Option or Section 5.2 hereof.

6.1.3 Duration of Options . The duration of any Option granted under this Plan shall be for a period fixed by the Committee but shall, except as described in the next sentence, in no event be more than ten (10) years. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Award Agreement may provide that, in the event the Participant dies while the Option is outstanding, the Option will remain outstanding until the first anniversary of the Participant’s date of death, and whether or not such first anniversary occurs prior to or following the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Option was granted.

6.1.4 Written Notice for Exercise . An Option shall be exercised by the delivery to any person who has been designated by the Company for the purpose of receiving the same, of a written notice duly signed by the Participant (or the representative of the estate or the heirs of a deceased Participant) to such effect (or electronic notice in a manner, if any, previously approved by the Company).

6.1.5 Payment . Unless the Company chooses to settle an Option in cash, Shares or a combination thereof pursuant to Section 6.1.6 hereof, the Participant shall be required to deliver to the Company, within five (5) days of the delivery of the notice described above, either cash, a check payable to the order of the Company, Shares duly endorsed over to the Company (which Shares shall be valued at their Fair Market Value as of the date preceding the day of such exercise) or any combination of such methods, which together amount to the full exercise price of the Shares purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Option. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Company may establish an electronic exercise program with a broker and the Company and the Participant may agree upon any other reasonable manner of providing for payment of the exercise price of the Option. Except to the extent the Committee chooses to settle any Option in cash pursuant to Section 6.1.6 hereof, within a reasonable time after exercise of an Option the Company shall either issue to the Participant a certificate representing the Shares purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Option or credit the number of such Shares to a book-entry account. To the extent the Committee chooses to settle any Option in cash pursuant to Section 6.1.6, within a reasonable time after exercise of an Option, the Company shall cause to be delivered to the person entitled thereto a payment for the amount payable pursuant to the exercise of the Option.

6.1.6 Settlement of an Option . When an Option is exercised pursuant to Section 6.1.4 hereof, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may elect, in lieu of issuing Shares pursuant to the terms of the Option, to settle the Option by paying the Participant an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date the Option is exercised over the exercise price of the Option (the “Option Spread”) by (ii) the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. The amount payable to the Participant in these circumstances shall be paid by the Company either in cash or in Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the Option Spread, or a combination thereof, as the Committee shall determine at the time the Option is exercised or at the time the Option is granted.

 

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6.2 Restricted Stock Units.

6.2.1 Terms and Conditions . The form, terms and conditions of each Restricted Stock Unit shall be determined by the Committee and shall be set forth in an Award Agreement. Such terms and conditions may include, without limitation, the conditions or circumstances upon which such Restricted Stock Unit will be paid, forfeited or otherwise modified, and the date or dates upon which any Shares, cash or other property shall be delivered to the Participant in respect of the Restricted Stock Units; provided, however, that unless the Award Agreement states otherwise, all Restricted Stock Units granted under the Plan shall be fully vested on the date of grant and shall be payable on such date as determined by the Committee. All or any part of any Restricted Stock Units granted to any Participant, to the extent not otherwise paid, may be paid to the Participant upon the occurrence of such special circumstances or events as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

6.2.2 Settlement of Restricted Stock Units . The Committee, in its sole discretion, may instruct the Company to pay on the date when Shares would otherwise be issued pursuant to a Restricted Stock Unit, in lieu of such Shares, a cash amount equal to the number of such Shares multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date when Shares would otherwise have been issued. If a Participant is entitled to receive other stock, securities or other property as a result of adjustment, pursuant to Section 5.2 hereof, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may instruct the Company to pay, in lieu of such other stock, securities or other property, cash equal to the fair market value thereof as determined in good faith by the Committee. Until the delivery of such Shares, cash, securities or other property, the rights of a Participant with respect to a Restricted Stock Unit shall be only those of a general unsecured creditor of the Company.

6.2.3 Right to Receive Dividends on Restricted Stock Units . Unless the Committee determines otherwise, during the period prior to payment of the Restricted Stock Unit, all ordinary cash dividends (as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) that would have been paid upon any Share underlying a Restricted Stock Unit had such Shares been issued shall be paid only at the time and to the extent such Restricted Stock Unit is vested.

6.3 Grant of Other Stock-Based Awards . The Committee may grant other types of equity-based or equity-related Awards (including, without limitation, restricted Shares, unrestricted Shares and stock appreciation rights) in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine. Such Awards may entail the transfer of actual Shares, or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts based on the value of Shares.

7. No Rights of a Stockholder . A Participant shall not have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company with respect to the Shares subject to an Award unless and until such Shares have been issued and have been duly registered in the Participant’s name. Thereupon, such Participant shall have full voting, dividend and other ownership rights with

 

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respect to such Shares. The Company will not be obligated to issue or deliver any Shares unless and until all legal matters in connection with the issuance and delivery of Shares have been approved by the Company’s counsel and the Company’s counsel determines that all applicable federal, state and other laws and regulations have been complied with and all listing requirements for relevant stock exchanges have been met.

8. Compliance with Rule 16b-3 . It is the Company’s intent that the Plan comply in all respects with Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”). If any provision of the Plan is later found not to be in compliance with such Rule, the provision shall be deemed null and void. All actions with respect to Awards under the Plan shall be executed in accordance with the requirements of Section 16 of the Act, as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder. To the extent that any of the provisions contained herein do not conform with Rule 16b-3 of the Act or any amendments thereto or any successor regulation, then the Committee may make such modifications so as to conform the Plan and any Awards granted thereunder to the Rule’s requirements.

9. Consents . If the Committee shall at any time determine that any Consent is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the granting of any Award, the delivery of Shares or the delivery of any cash, securities or other property under the Plan, or the taking of any other action, then such action shall not be taken, in whole or in part, unless and until such Consent shall have been effected or obtained to the full satisfaction of the Committee.

10. Withholding . If the Company shall be required to withhold any amounts by reason of a federal, state or local tax laws, rules or regulations in respect of any Award, the Company shall be entitled to deduct or withhold such amounts from any payments (including, without limitation Shares which would otherwise be issued to the Participant pursuant to the Award; provided that, to the extent desired for GAAP purposes, such withholding shall not exceed the statutory minimum amount required to be withheld) to be made to the Participant. In any event, the Participant shall make available to the Company, promptly when requested by the Company, sufficient funds or Shares to meet the requirements of such withholding and the Company shall be entitled to take and authorize such steps as it may deem advisable in order to have such funds made available to the Company out of any funds or property due to the Participant.

11. Non-Transferability of Awards . Unless the Committee shall permit (on such terms and conditions as it shall establish) an Award to be transferred to a member of the Participant’s immediate family or to a trust or similar vehicle for the benefit of members of the Participant’s immediate family (collectively, the “Permitted Transferees”), no Award shall be assignable or transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and except to the extent required by law, no right or interest of any Participant shall be subject to any lien, obligation or liability of the Participant. All rights with respect to Awards granted to a Participant under the Plan shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by such Participant or, if applicable, the Permitted Transferees.

12. Administration and Amendment of Plan . The Board of Directors or the Committee may discontinue the Plan at any time and from time to time may amend or revise the terms of the Plan or any Award Agreement, as permitted by applicable law, except that it may not (a) make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to a Participant (other than if immaterial), without the

 

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consent of the Participant or (b) make any amendment or revision without the approval of the stockholders of the Company if such approval is required by the rules of an exchange on which Shares are traded. Consent of the Participant shall not be required solely pursuant to the previous sentence in respect of any adjustment made pursuant to Section 5.2 except to the extent the terms of an Award Agreement expressly refer to an Adjustment Event, in which case such terms shall not be amended in a manner unfavorable to a Participant (other than if immaterial) without such Participant’s consent.

13. No Repricing & Reloads . Unless otherwise approved by the stockholders of the Company, Options and stock appreciation rights will not be repriced (other than in accordance with the adjustment provisions of Section 5.2), repurchased for cash on a date when the exercise price of such Option or stock appreciation right is equal to or exceeds the Fair Market Value a Share or be subject to automatic reload provisions.

14. Effective Date . The Plan shall become effective upon the Distribution, subject to its approval by the stockholders of the Company prior to the Distribution.

15. Severability . If any of the provisions of this Plan or any Award Agreement is finally held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable (whether in whole or in part), such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent, but only to the extent, of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability and the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby; provided that, if any of such provisions is finally held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable because it exceeds the maximum scope determined to be acceptable to permit such provision to be enforceable, such provision shall be deemed to be modified to the minimum extent necessary to modify such scope in order to make such provision enforceable hereunder.

16. Plan Headings . The headings in this Plan are for the purpose of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the provisions hereof.

17. Non-Uniform Treatment . The Committee’s determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among Participants (whether or not such Participants are similarly situated). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee shall be entitled, among other things, to make non-uniform and selective determinations, amendments and adjustments, and to enter into non-uniform and selective Award Agreements, as to the terms and provisions of Awards under the Plan.

18. Governing Law . The Plan and any Award Agreements shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the state of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflicts of laws.

19. Successors and Assigns . The terms of the Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns.

20. Duration . This Plan shall remain in effect until ten years from the Distribution unless sooner terminated by the Committee or the Board of Directors. Awards theretofore granted may extend beyond that date in accordance with the provisions of the Plan.

 

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21. Distribution Issuance.

21.1 Notwithstanding Section 3 of the Plan, the Compensation Committee (the “MSG Networks Committee”) of the Board of Directors of MSG Networks may grant Awards with respect to outstanding equity awards of MSG Networks in connection with the distribution by MSG Networks to holders of its common stock of all of the outstanding Shares (such distribution, the “Distribution”). In this capacity, the MSG Networks Committee shall have full authority to grant Awards in connection with the Distribution and determine the recipients, terms and conditions of such Awards, and each member of the MSG Networks Committee shall be considered a “Covered Person” for purposes of Section 3.3 of the Plan.

21.2 Notwithstanding Section 6.1.2 of the Plan, the exercise price per Share of the Shares to be purchased pursuant to each Option granted by the MSG Networks Committee in connection with the Distribution may be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date on which the Option is granted, in order to preserve the intrinsic value of the outstanding MSG Networks equity awards prior to the Distribution in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

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Exhibit 10.7

 

 

 

FORM OF

STANDSTILL AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

MSG SPINCO, INC.

(TO BE RENAMED THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY)

AND

THE DOLAN FAMILY GROUP

 

 

 


FORM OF STANDSTILL AGREEMENT

Standstill Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of [            ], 2015, by and among MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company), a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), each of the members of the Dolan Family Group listed on Schedule I to this Agreement (the “ Dolan Family Parties ”) and, as and to the extent provided herein, their transferees, successors and assigns.

WITNESSETH :

WHEREAS, as of the date of this Agreement, the Dolan Family Parties own all of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock of The Madison Square Garden Company, par value $.01 per share (“ MSG Class B Common Stock ”), and also own shares of Class A Common Stock of The Madison Square Garden Company, par value $.01 per share (“ MSG Class A Common Stock ”);

WHEREAS, MSG intends to distribute (the “ Distribution ”) to the holders of MSG Class A Common Stock all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value (the “ Class A Common Stock ”), and to the holders of MSG Class B Common Stock all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value (the “ Class B Common Stock ” and, together with the Class A Common Stock, the “ Common Stock ”); and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Dolan Family Parties wish to provide for certain restrictions that will be applicable to the Dolan Family Parties following the Distribution, all as provided herein.

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

1. Standstill Agreement.

During the 12-month period beginning on the date the Distribution is consummated (the “ Distribution Date ”), the Dolan Family Parties shall obtain the prior approval of a majority of the Company’s Independent Directors prior to acquiring Common Stock of the Company through a tender offer that results in members of the Dolan Family Group beneficially owning more than 50% of the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company. For purposes of this Standstill Agreement, the term “ Independent Directors ” means the directors of the Company who have been determined by the Company’s Board of Directors to be independent directors for purposes of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards.

2. Transfers and Related Matters.

(a) Transfers . Each Dolan Family Party agrees that if at any time or from time to time prior to the first anniversary of the Distribution Date it desires to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly (including any transfer of equity or beneficial interests in an entity that is a Dolan Family Party or any other entity to which shares of Class B Common Stock may have been transferred, directly or indirectly) (a “ Transfer ”), any or all of its shares of Class B Common Stock to any Dolan Person (as defined below) who is not a Dolan Family Party, such Dolan Family Party shall, prior to the consummation of such Transfer, cause the transferee to execute a joinder agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (a “ Joinder ”), pursuant to which such transferee shall agree to be bound by the provisions of this Standstill Agreement as a Dolan Family Party. In addition, if prior to the first anniversary of the Distribution Date, any person becomes a member of the Dolan Family Group, the Dolan Family Parties shall cause such person to execute a Joinder. “ Dolan Person ” means any individual who is a member of the “immediate family” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of a Dolan Family Party; an entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, a Dolan Family Party; or a trust or estate in which a Dolan Family Party has an interest (including as a trustee or beneficiary).

(b) Legends . The Company may, at its election, require that any certificate representing shares of Class B Common Stock that are covered by this Standstill Agreement and that are issued prior to the first anniversary of the Distribution Date shall have endorsed thereon a legend which shall read substantially as follows:

“The shares represented by this certificate are held subject to the terms of a certain Standstill Agreement, dated [            ], 2015, by and among The Madison Square Garden Company (formerly MSG Spinco, Inc.) and the Dolan Family Group, as amended from time to time, a copy of which is on file with the Secretary of The Madison Square Garden Company, and such shares may not be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, directly or indirectly, except in accordance with the terms of such Standstill Agreement.”


Following the first anniversary of the Distribution Date, any stockholder may require the Company to remove the foregoing legend from any of such stockholder’s share certificates promptly after the surrender of any such certificate for such purpose.

3. Miscellaneous .

(a) Specific Performance . The Company and each Dolan Family Party acknowledge that it will be impossible to measure in money the damage to a party hereto if another party fails to comply with any of the obligations imposed by this Standstill Agreement, that every such obligation herein is material and that, in the event of any such failure, the non-breaching party will not have an adequate remedy at law or in damages. Accordingly, each party hereto consents to the issuance of an injunction or the enforcement of other equitable remedies against it without bond or other security, to compel performance by such party of all the terms hereof, and waives any defenses of (i) failure of consideration, (ii) breach of any other provision of this Agreement and (iii) availability of relief in damages.

(b) Amendments . This Standstill Agreement may not be amended, modified or altered except by a writing duly signed by the party against which such amendment or modification is sought to be enforced and with the consent of a majority of the Independent Directors.

(c) Successors and Assigns . This Standstill Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, the Dolan Family Parties and the respective successors and permitted assigns of the Company and the Dolan Family Parties. This Standstill Agreement may not be assigned by either the Company or a Dolan Family Party without the prior written consent of the other party hereto. The Company shall assign its rights and obligations hereunder (and no consent thereto shall be required under this Section 3(c)) to any entity that succeeds to all or substantially all of its assets, by merger or otherwise, including to any holding company that may be formed to be the parent of the Company, if such entity becomes the issuer of the securities then owned by the Dolan Family Parties.

(d) Termination . This Agreement shall terminate on the first anniversary of the date hereof, but a termination shall not affect any rights accrued prior to such termination.

(e) Counterparts . This Standstill Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

(f) Headings . The headings in this Standstill Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not constitute a part hereof.

(g) Construction . This Standstill Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York without giving any effect to principles of conflicts of laws.

(h) Notices . All notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given at the time when mailed by certified mail, addressed to the address below stated of the party to which notice is given, or to such changed address as such party may have fixed by notice:

To the Company:

MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company)

Two Pennsylvania Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Attn: General Counsel

To a Dolan Family Party:

c/o Brian G. Sweeney

Cablevision Systems Corporation

1111 Stewart Avenue

Bethpage, NY 11714

With copies to (which shall not constitute notice):

Dolan Family Office LLC

340 Crossways Park Drive

Woodbury, New York 11797

Attention: Renzo Mori

 

2


and

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

919 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Attention: Richard D. Bohm

provided , however , that any notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

(i) Severability . If any provision of this Standstill Agreement or the application of any provision hereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this Standstill Agreement and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected unless the provision held invalid shall substantially impair the benefits of the remaining portions of this Standstill Agreement.

(j) Entire Agreement . This Standstill Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and is intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.

(k) Attorneys’ Fees . In any action or proceeding brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement, or where any provision hereof is validly asserted as a defense, the successful party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees in addition to any other available remedy.

 

3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

MSG SPINCO, INC.

(to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company)

By:

 

Title:
CHARLES F. DOLAN, individually, and as Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Revocable Trust

 

By: Charles F. Dolan
HELEN A. DOLAN, individually, and as Trustee of the Helen A. Dolan 2009 Revocable Trust

 

By: Helen A. Dolan
JAMES L. DOLAN, individually

 

By: James L. Dolan
THOMAS C. DOLAN, individually

 

By: Thomas C. Dolan

 

PATRICK F. DOLAN, individually

 

By: Patrick F. Dolan
MARIANNE E. DOLAN WEBER, individually

 

By: Marianne Dolan Weber
DEBORAH A. DOLAN-SWEENEY, individually

 

By: Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney
KATHLEEN M. DOLAN, individually, and as a Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan Children Trusts FBO Kathleen M. Dolan, Deborah Dolan-Sweeney, Marianne Dolan Weber, Patrick F. Dolan, Thomas C. Dolan and James L. Dolan, the Ryan Dolan 1989 Trust and the Tara Dolan 1989 Trust

 

By: Kathleen M. Dolan

 

[Signature Page to MSG Spinco Standstill Agreement]


CHARLES F. DOLAN CHILDREN TRUST
FBO KATHLEEN M. DOLAN
CHARLES F. DOLAN CHILDREN TRUST
FBO JAMES L. DOLAN

 

By: Paul J. Dolan, Trustee
CHARLES F. DOLAN CHILDREN TRUST
FBO MARIANNE DOLAN WEBER
CHARLES F. DOLAN CHILDREN TRUST
FBO THOMAS C. DOLAN

 

By: Matthew J. Dolan, Trustee
CHARLES F. DOLAN CHILDREN TRUST
FBO DEBORAH DOLAN-SWEENEY
CHARLES F. DOLAN CHILDREN TRUST
FBO PATRICK F. DOLAN

 

By: Mary S. Dolan, Trustee

 

CFD 2009 FAMILY TRUST FBO

KATHLEEN M. DOLAN

CFD 2009 FAMILY TRUST FBO

DEBORAH A. DOLAN-SWEENEY

CFD 2009 FAMILY TRUST FBO

MARAIANNE E. DOLAN WEBER

CFD 2009 FAMILY TRUST FBO

PATRICK F. DOLAN

CFD 2009 FAMILY TRUST FBO

THOMAS C. DOLAN

 

By: Mary S. Dolan, Trustee

 

By: David M. Dolan, Trustee

 

[Signature Page to MSG Spinco Standstill Agreement]


SCHEDULE I

DOLAN FAMILY PARTIES

Charles F. Dolan, individually and as Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Revocable Trust

Helen A. Dolan, individually and as Trustee of the Helen A. Dolan 2009 Revocable Trust

James L. Dolan

Thomas C. Dolan

Patrick F. Dolan

Marianne Dolan Weber

Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney

Kathleen M. Dolan

Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Kathleen M. Dolan

Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney

Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Marianne Dolan Weber

Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Patrick F. Dolan

Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Thomas C. Dolan

Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO James L. Dolan

Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO Kathleen M. Dolan

Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney

Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO Marianne Dolan Weber

Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO Patrick F. Dolan

Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO Thomas C. Dolan

Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO James L. Dolan

Tara Dolan 1989 Trust

Ryan Dolan 1989 Trust


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF JOINDER

STANDSTILL JOINDER AGREEMENT

Reference is made to the Standstill Agreement, dated [            ], 2015, by and among The Madison Square Garden Company (formerly MSG Spinco, Inc.) and the Dolan Family Group (as amended from time to time, the “ Standstill Agreement ”).

The undersigned hereby agrees to be bound by the provisions of the Standstill Agreement as a Dolan Family Party (as defined in the Standstill Agreement).

 

 

Name: [                    ]

Exhibit 10.8

FORM OF INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

This INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT is made this [    ] day of [            ] (the “Agreement”) by and between MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company), a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and [                    ] (“Indemnitee”).

WHEREAS, Indemnitee is a [director][executive officer] of the Company and may also be serving or may serve in the future in another Position (as hereinafter defined) at an Affiliated Entity (as hereinafter defined);

WHEREAS, in consideration of the Indemnitee acting in the Position or Positions and assuming the responsibilities attendant to the Position or Positions, the Company desires to provide Indemnitee the rights to indemnification and payment or reimbursement of expenses described below;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement:

(a) “Change of Control” means, and shall be deemed to have occurred if, on or after the date of this Agreement, ( i ) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), other than ( A ) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its subsidiaries acting in such capacity, or ( B ) a corporation 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 the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 20% of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding Voting Securities at a time when Dolan Family Control does not exist, ( ii ) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the board of directors of the Company and any new director whose election by the board of directors of the Company or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (  2 3 ) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof at a time when Dolan Family Control does not exist, ( iii ) the stockholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation other than a merger or consolidation that would result in the Voting Securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into Voting Securities of the surviving entity) at least 80% of the total voting power represented by the Voting Securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, ( iv ) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) all or substantially all of its assets, or ( v ) the Company shall file or have filed against it, and such filing shall not be dismissed, any bankruptcy, insolvency or dissolution proceedings, or a trustee, administrator or creditors committee shall be appointed to manage or supervise the affairs of the Company.


(b) “Dolan Family Control” shall be deemed to exist if at the time, members of the immediate family, including descendants, of Charles F. Dolan or trusts or other family entities holding securities on their behalf, “beneficially own” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, securities of the Company representing more than 51% of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding Voting Securities.

(c) “Expenses” shall include all out of pocket fees, costs and expenses, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred if Indemnitee is involved in any manner (including, without limitation, as a party or a witness) in any Proceeding (as hereinafter defined) and the fees and costs incurred in seeking to enforce, interpret or construe an indemnification, reimbursement or payment right under this Agreement, the Company’s or any subsidiary’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, any other agreement to which Indemnitee and the Company or any of its subsidiaries are party, any vote of stockholders or directors of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), any other applicable law or any liability insurance policy or in connection with a determination contemplated by Section 5 of this Agreement.

(d) “Position” is (a) service as a director, officer, partner, trustee, fiduciary, manager or employee of the Company or of any other corporation, limited liability company, public limited company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, fund or other enterprise as to which the Company beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the voting power of equity or membership interests, or in the case of employee benefit plans, is sponsored or maintained by the Company or one of the foregoing (any of the foregoing, an “Affiliated Entity”) or (b) service at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, trustee, fiduciary, manager or employee of a corporation, limited liability company, public limited company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, fund or other enterprise which is not an Affiliated Entity (an “Unaffiliated Entity”), provided, however, that such request for service has been approved in writing by the Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof or by the Executive Chairman or Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

(e) “Proceeding” shall mean any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit, proceeding or procedure in which the Indemnitee is involved in any manner by reason of the fact of the Indemnitee’s Position or Positions, including, without limitation, as a party or a witness.

(f) “Undertaking” shall mean an undertaking by Indemnitee to repay Expenses if it shall ultimately be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction from which no appeal can be taken that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.

(g) “Voting Securities” means any securities of the Company that vote generally in the election of directors.

 

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Section 2. Indemnification — General . The Company shall indemnify, subject to the terms of this Agreement, Indemnitee against all judgments, awards, fines, ERISA excise taxes, penalties, amounts paid in settlement, liabilities and losses and shall pay or reimburse all Expenses incurred by Indemnitee, subject to the terms of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law in effect on the date hereof or as amended to increase the scope of permitted indemnification, if Indemnitee is involved in any manner (including, without limitation, as a party or a witness) in any Proceeding by reason of the fact of Indemnitee’s Position or Positions, including, without limitation, any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, but excluding any Proceeding initiated by Indemnitee other than (i) Proceedings initiated by Indemnitee which are consented to in advance in writing by the Company and (ii) counterclaims made by Indemnitee in a Proceeding which directly respond to and negate the affirmative claim made against Indemnitee in such Proceeding. In the event Indemnitee incurs Expenses or settles a Proceeding under circumstances in which the Company would have an obligation to indemnify Indemnitee for the Expenses or settlement amount, the Company may discharge its indemnification obligation by making payments on behalf of Indemnitee directly to the parties to whom such Expenses or settlement amounts are owed by Indemnitee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will also, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law in effect on the date hereof or as amended to increase the scope of permitted indemnification, indemnify, reimburse and pay Indemnitee for Expenses incurred in seeking to enforce, interpret or construe an indemnification, reimbursement or payment right under this Agreement, the Company’s or any subsidiary’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, any other agreement to which Indemnitee and the Company or any of its subsidiaries are party, any vote of stockholders or directors of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, the DGCL, any other applicable law or any liability insurance policy.

Section 3. Expenses . Upon receipt by the Company of an Undertaking by Indemnitee, the Company shall pay or reimburse Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with a Proceeding, any action or proceeding contemplated by the last sentence of Section 2 of this Agreement and any determination contemplated by Section 5 of this Agreement, in each case in advance of its final disposition. The Company shall not impose other conditions to advancement and shall not seek or agree to any order that would prohibit Indemnitee from enforcing such right to advancement. Such payment shall be made within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Company of a written request from Indemnitee requesting reimbursement or payment of such Expenses. Such request shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee. The burden of proving that the Company is not liable for reimbursement or payment of Expenses shall be on the Company.

Section 4. Limitations . The Company shall not indemnify Indemnitee (1) if such indemnification or payment would be prohibited under any applicable laws, rules or regulations, (2) for an accounting of profits arising from the purchase and sale by the Indemnitee of securities under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, or (3) for violations of Federal or state insider trading laws, unless, in each such case, Indemnitee has been successful on the merits, received the Company’s written consent prior to incurring an Expense or, after receiving the Company’s written consent to incurring the cost of settlement, settled the Proceeding. This Section 4 shall not limit the Company’s obligation to advance Expenses to Indemnitee pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement.

Section 5. Standard of Conduct . No claim for indemnification shall be paid by the Company unless it has been determined that Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was

 

- 3 -


unlawful, which is the standard of conduct set forth in Section 145 of the DGCL (as such, the “Standard of Conduct”, with such Standard of Conduct to be automatically revised to conform to any successor provision of the DGCL that is more favorable to Indemnitee) except that no indemnification shall be made with respect to any Proceeding by or in right of the Company as to which the Indemnitee shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company, except as determined by the court or other tribunal adjudicating the Proceeding. Unless (1) a Change of Control (as defined in Section 1 of this Agreement) shall have occurred, or (2) ordered by a court or other tribunal, such determinations of whether the Standard of Conduct has been satisfied shall be made by (A) a majority vote of the directors of the Company who are not parties to the Proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (B) by a committee of such directors designated by a majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (C) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (D) by stockholders of the Company. If a Change of Control has occurred, such determination of whether the Standard of Conduct has been satisfied shall be made by independent legal counsel in a written opinion to the Company and Indemnitee. Such independent legal counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). The Company shall pay the fees and expenses of the independent legal counsel and indemnify the independent legal counsel against any and all expenses (including attorneys’ fees), claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to its engagement and shall indemnify, reimburse and pay Indemnitee for Expenses incurred in connection with such determination. Indemnitee shall be deemed to have met the Standard of Conduct if the determination is not made by the Company within sixty days of receipt by the General Counsel of a written request by Indemnitee for indemnity. If the Indemnitee has been determined not to have met the Standard of Conduct, Indemnitee may commence litigation in any court in the State of Delaware having subject matter jurisdiction thereof and in which venue is proper seeking an initial de novo determination by the court or challenging any such determination or any aspect thereof, including the legal or factual bases therefor, and the Company hereby consents to service of process and agrees to appear in any such proceeding. Any determination under this Section 5 otherwise shall be conclusive and binding on the Company and Indemnitee. In no event shall a determination be a prerequisite to or affect the Company’s obligation to advance Expenses to Indemnitee pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement.

Section 6. Contribution . If the full indemnification and payment or reimbursement of Expenses provided by this Agreement may not be paid to Indemnitee because it has been finally adjudicated that such indemnification or payment or reimbursement of Expenses incurred by Indemnitee is prohibited by Delaware or other law, or if it has been determined as provided above that the Standard of Conduct has not been met, and if and to the extent that Indemnitee is not entitled to coverage under the Company’s directors and officers liability insurance policy, then in respect of any such actual or threatened Proceeding in which the Company or an Affiliated Entity is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), as determined:

(a) if no Change of Control has occurred, by (1) majority vote of the directors of the Company who are not parties to the Proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a committee of such directors designated by a majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by stockholders of the Company, or

(b) if a Change of Control has occurred, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion to the Company and Indemnitee (such independent legal counsel to be selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed)),

 

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the Company shall contribute to the amount of loss, liability or Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in such proportion as appropriate to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and any Affiliated Entity on the one hand and Indemnitee on the other hand from the transaction from which such Proceeding arose and (ii) the relative fault of the Company, any Affiliated Entity or Unaffiliated Entity, including other persons indemnified by the Company on the one hand, and Indemnitee on the other hand in connection with the events which resulted in such Proceeding, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the Company, any Affiliated Entity or Unaffiliated Entity, including other persons indemnified by the Company, on the one hand, and of Indemnitee on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent the circumstances resulting in such Proceeding. The Company acknowledges that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 6 were determined by pro rata allocation or any other method of allocation which does not take into account the foregoing equitable considerations.

Section 7. Defense of Claim . If any Proceeding asserted or commenced against Indemnitee is also asserted or commenced against the Company or an Affiliated Entity, the Company or the Affiliated Entity shall be entitled, except as otherwise provided herein below, to assume the defense thereof. After notice from the Company or any Affiliated Entity to Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense of any such Proceeding, Indemnitee shall have the right to employ Indemnitee’s own counsel in such Proceeding, but the Expenses of such counsel incurred after notice from the Company or any Affiliated Entity to Indemnitee of its assumption of the defense thereof shall be at the expense of Indemnitee and the Company shall not be obligated to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any Expenses subsequently incurred by Indemnitee in connection therewith other than reasonable costs of investigation and reasonable travel and lodging expenses arising out of Indemnitee’s participation in the defense of such Proceeding, unless (i) otherwise notified by the Company, (ii) Indemnitee’s counsel shall have reasonably concluded and so notified the Company that there is a conflict of interest between the Company or any Affiliated Entity and Indemnitee in the conduct of defense of such Proceeding, or (iii) the Company or any Affiliated Entity shall not in fact have employed counsel to assume the defense of such Proceeding, in any of which cases the Expenses of Indemnitee in such Proceeding shall be reimbursed or paid by the Company. The Company or any Affiliated Entity shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Company by its stockholders or as to which Indemnitee’s counsel shall have made the conclusion set forth in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence of this Section 7.

Section 8. Settlement . The Company will not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee, which may be provided or withheld in Indemnitee’s sole discretion, effect any settlement of any Proceeding against Indemnitee unless such settlement solely involves the payment of money by persons other than Indemnitee and includes an unconditional release of Indemnitee from all liability arising from or relating to any matters that are the subject of such Proceeding. The Company shall not be obligated to indemnify Indemnitee against amounts paid in settlement of a Proceeding against Indemnitee if such settlement is effected by Indemnitee without the Company’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

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Section 9. Duration of Agreement . This Agreement will be considered to be in effect on the first day of the Indemnitee’s Position or Positions, even if such date occurs prior to the date of this Agreement, and will continue for so long as Indemnitee may be subject to any possible Proceeding by reason of the fact of Indemnitee’s Position or Positions, whether or not Indemnitee ceases to hold such Position or Positions.

Section 10. Confidentiality . Except as required by law or as otherwise becomes public (other than in violation of this Agreement) or as communicated to Indemnitee’s counsel or to Indemnitee’s or the Company’s insurer, in seeking indemnification or reimbursement or payment of Expenses hereunder, Indemnitee agrees to keep confidential any information that arises in connection with this Agreement, including but not limited to, claims for indemnification or payment or reimbursement of Expenses, amounts paid or payable under this Agreement and any communications between the Indemnitee and the Company.

Section 11. Applicability to Other Indemnification Provisions . This Agreement is entered into pursuant to Section 145(f) of the DGCL and to the fullest extent permitted by law shall be in addition to indemnification and reimbursement or payment of Expenses provided by the DGCL. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company shall apply this Agreement in considering requests for indemnification or reimbursement or payment of Expenses under its certificate of incorporation, by-laws, or any other agreement or undertaking of the Company or similar constituent documents of an Affiliated Entity that provides rights to indemnification or reimbursement or payment of Expenses.

Section 12. No Duplication of Payments . The Company shall indemnify and pay or reimburse Expenses of the Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, provided , however , that the Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment to under this Agreement to the extent that Indemnitee (i) is otherwise entitled to receive reimbursement or payment of amounts otherwise payable hereunder from an Unaffiliated Entity (including insurance maintained by an Unaffiliated Entity) as a result of Indemnitee’s Position or Positions at or with respect to an Unaffiliated Entity, (ii) receives payment or reimbursement under an insurance policy maintained by the Company or by or out of a fund created by the Company and under the control of a trustee or otherwise, or (iii) receives payment from other sources provided by the Company. If Indemnitee has a right of recovery from an Unaffiliated Entity (including Insurance maintained by the Unaffiliated Entity), Indemnitee shall take all actions reasonably necessary to recover payment (or insurance) from the Unaffiliated Entity before seeking payment from the Company under this Agreement, including initiating a civil, criminal, administrative or investigation action, suit, proceeding or procedure; provided, however, that to the extent recovery of such payment requires meeting a prior deductible or other financial outlay, such payment or financial outlay shall be deemed to be an Expense hereunder.

Section 13. Insurance . To the extent the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing directors and officers liability insurance, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies, in accordance with and subject to its or their terms, to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any member of the Board.

Section 14. Subrogation . In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee under any insurance policy held by the Company or an Affiliated Entity or otherwise. Indemnitee shall execute all documents reasonably required and shall do everything reasonably necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the Company to effectively bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

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Section 15. Notice by Indemnitee . Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Company in writing in accordance with Section 21 of this Agreement upon the earlier of (a) becoming aware of a Proceeding where indemnity or reimbursement or payment of Expenses may be sought or (b) receiving or being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information, inquiry or other document relating to any Proceeding which may be subject to indemnification or reimbursement or payment of Expenses covered hereunder. As a condition to indemnification or reimbursement or payment of Expenses, any demand for payment by Indemnitee hereunder shall be in writing.

Section 16. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, inoperative or unenforceable as applied to any particular Proceeding or in any particular jurisdiction, for any reason, such circumstances shall not have the effect of rendering the provision in question invalid, inoperative or unenforceable in any other distinguishable Proceeding or jurisdiction, or of rendering any other provision or provisions herein contained invalid, inoperative or unenforceable to any extent whatsoever. The invalidity, inoperability or unenforceability of any one or more phrases, sentences, clauses or sections contained in this Agreement shall not affect any other remaining part of this Agreement.

Section 17. Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, Indemnitee and Indemnitee’s heirs, personal representatives, executors and administrators and upon the Company and its successors and assigns.

Section 18. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

Section 19. Headings . The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

Section 20. Modification and Waiver . No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 21. Notices . All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (i) delivered by hand, on the date delivered, (ii) mailed by certified or registered mail, with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is mailed or (iii) sent by guaranteed overnight courier service, with postage prepaid, on the business day after the date on which it is sent:

 

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(a) If to Indemnitee, to the address set forth on the signature page of this Agreement;

(b) If to the Company, to:

MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Attention: General Counsel

or to such other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company or to the Company by Indemnitee, as the case may be.

Section 22. Governing Law . The parties agree that this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware.

Section 23. Venue . Any Proceeding relating to or arising from this Agreement, including without limitation, any Proceeding regarding indemnification or reimbursement or payment of Expenses arising out of this Agreement, shall only be brought and heard in the Chancery Court in and for the State of Delaware, and may not be brought in any other judicial forum.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

MSG SPINCO, INC.
(to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company)
By:

 

Name:
Title:

 

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY:

 

 

Name: [Insert Name of Indemnitee]
Address: [Insert Address of Indemnitee]

 

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Exhibit 10.9

FORM OF NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR AWARD AGREEMENT

[Full Name]

[Date]

Dear [First Name]:

Pursuant to the MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company) (the “ Company ”) 2015 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “ Plan ”), you have been granted, effective as of [                    ], [        ] restricted stock units (“ Units ”) (such grant, the “ Award ”). The Units are granted subject to the terms and conditions set forth below and in the Plan:

1. RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS:

1.1 Each Unit shall represent a fully vested unfunded, unsecured promise by the Company to deliver to you (or, if applicable, to an Approved Transferee in accordance with Section 2 below) one share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (“ Share ”) or, in the sole discretion of the Committee pursuant to Section 6.2.2 of the Plan, cash equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share, on the first business day after the expiration of 90 days following the date on which you terminate your service as a member of the Board of Directors (the “ Delivery Date ”).

1.2 Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, if you die prior to the Delivery Date, the Shares (or cash in lieu of all or any portion thereof) corresponding to your outstanding Units shall be delivered as soon as practicable thereafter to your estate (or, if applicable, to an Approved Transferee in accordance with Section 2 below).

1.3 Prior to the Delivery Date, at or promptly after the time of distribution of any ordinary cash dividend paid by the Company in respect of the Shares, the record date for which occurs on or after the date hereof, you (or, if applicable, an Approved Transferee in accordance with Section 2 below) shall be entitled to receive an amount in cash equal to such ordinary cash dividend payment that would have been made in respect of the Shares underlying the Units, as if the Shares had been actually delivered.

1.4 Any recapitalization, change in control or going private transaction of the Company shall be treated as a “similar corporate transaction” for purposes of Section 5.2 of the Plan.

2. The Units (or any rights and obligations thereunder) granted to you may not be sold, exchanged, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and all such Units (and any rights thereunder) shall be exercisable during your lifetime only by you or your legal representative. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, (a) the Units may be transferred to a trust or similar vehicle for the benefit of a member of your immediate family, so long as (1) you remain a trustee or co-trustee of the trust, and (2) you provide the Company with at least three (3) business days advanced written notice of any such transfer (an “Approved Transferee”), and


(b) the Committee may permit, under such terms and conditions that it deems appropriate in its sole discretion, you to transfer any Unit to any other person or entity that the Committee so determines. Any assignment in violation of the provisions of this Section or Section 11 of the Plan shall be void.

3. It is the Company’s intent that the Award granted comply in all respects with Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Act ”). All actions with respect to Units under the Plan shall be executed in accordance with the requirements of Section 16 of the Act, as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder. To the extent that any of the provisions contained herein do not conform with Rule 16b-3 of the Act or any amendments thereto or any successor regulation, then the Committee may make such modifications so as to conform the Units granted thereunder to the Rule’s requirements.

4. If the Company shall be required to withhold any amounts by reason of any federal, state or local tax laws, rules or regulations in respect of the Units, you shall make available to the Company, promptly when requested by the Company, sufficient funds to meet the requirements of such withholding and the Company shall be entitled to take and authorize such steps as it may deem advisable in order to have such funds available to the Company out of any funds or property to become due to you.

5. It is the Company’s intent that the Award comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“ Section 409A ”) and that the Award be administered and interpreted accordingly. If and to the extent that any payment or benefit under the Award is determined by the Company to constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A and is payable to you by reason of your termination of employment, then (a) such payment or benefit shall be made or provided to you only upon a “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Section 409A under applicable regulations and (b) if you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by the Company), such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided before the date that is six months after the date of your separation from service (or earlier death). Notwithstanding any provision of Sections 3.2, 7 or 9 of the Plan to the contrary, any amendment to the terms of any outstanding Award or any delay in the issuance or delivery of Shares shall comply with Section 409A.

6. The Units granted by this Award are being issued pursuant and subject to the Plan. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings given to such terms that are defined in the Plan.

7. Execution of this Agreement by the Company and/or by you may be in the form of an electronic, manual or similar signature, and such signature shall be treated as an original signature for all purposes.

 

MSG SPINCO, INC.
By:

 

Name
Title:

 

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By your signature, you (i) acknowledge that a complete copy of the Plan and this Agreement have been made available to you and (ii) agree to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement.

 

By:

 

Name
Title:

 

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Exhibit 10.10

FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS AGREEMENT

Dear [Participant Name]:

Pursuant to 2015 Employee Stock Plan (the “ Plan ”), you have been selected by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (as more fully described in Section 11, the “ Committee ”) of MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company) (the “ Company ”), effective as of [Grant Date] (the “ Grant Date ”) to receive [#RSUs] restricted stock units (“ Units ”). The Units are granted subject to the terms and conditions set forth below and in the Plan.

Capitalized terms used but not defined in this agreement (this “ Agreement ”) have the meanings given to them in the Plan. The Units are subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:

1. Awards . Each Unit shall represent an unfunded, unsecured promise by the Company to deliver to you one share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (“ Share ”) on the Delivery Date. In accordance with Section 10(b) of the Plan, in the discretion of the Committee, in lieu of all or any portion of the Shares otherwise deliverable in respect of your Units, the Company may deliver a cash amount equal to the number of such Shares multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date when Shares would otherwise have been issued, as determined by the Committee.

2. Vesting . Subject to your continuous employment with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, one-third of your Units will vest on each of the first three anniversaries of the Grant Date (each, a “ Vesting Date ”); provided that fractional Units eligible to vest on each of the first two Vesting Dates will be rounded up to the nearest whole Unit. Subject to Sections 3 and 4, none of your Units will vest and you will forfeit all of them if you do not remain continuously employed with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries from the Grant Date through each respective Vesting Date [provided the Performance Criteria set forth in Annex 2 attached hereto have been satisfied as of the applicable Vesting Date, as determined by the Committee. If the Performance Criteria have not been satisfied as of a Vesting Date, then the Units that otherwise would have vested on such Vesting Date will remain unvested, and will vest on the next Vesting Date, provided the Performance Criteria have been satisfied as of that Vesting Date, as determined by the Committee.] 1

3. Vesting in the Event of Death and Other Circumstances . If your employment is terminated as a result of your death, all of the unvested Units will vest as of the termination date. If your employment is terminated for other reasons, the Committee may, in its sole discretion determine to vest all or a portion of the unvested Units (but shall be under no obligation to consider doing so).

4. Change of Control/Going Private Transaction . As set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto, your entitlement to the Units may be affected in the event of a Change of Control of the Company or a going-private transaction (each as defined in Annex 1 attached hereto).

 

1   To be included for proxy reported officers.


5. Transfer Restrictions . You may not transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the Units, other than to the extent provided in the Plan.

6. Right to Vote and Receive Dividends . You shall not be deemed to be the holder of, or have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to any Units unless and until the Company shall have issued and delivered Shares to you and your name shall have been entered as a stockholder of record on the books of the Company. Pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Plan, all ordinary (as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) cash dividends that would have been paid upon any Shares underlying your Units had such Shares been issued will be retained by the Company for your account until your Units vest and such dividends will be paid to you (without interest) on the applicable Delivery Date to the extent that your Units vest.

7. Tax Representations and Tax Withholding . You hereby acknowledge that you have reviewed with your own tax advisors the federal, state and local tax consequences of receiving the Units. You hereby represent to the Company that you are relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company, its Affiliates or any of their respective agents. If, in connection with the Units, the Company is required to withhold any amounts by reason of any federal, state or local tax, such withholding shall be effected in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan.

8. Section 409A . It is the Company’s intent that payments under this Agreement shall comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”) to the extent applicable, and that the Agreement be administered accordingly. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or any employment agreement you have entered into with the Company, to the extent that any payment or benefit under this Agreement is determined by the Company to constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A and is payable to you by reason of termination of your employment, then (a) such payment or benefit shall be made or provided to you only upon a “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Section 409A under applicable regulations and (b) if you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by the Company), such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided before the date that is six months after the date of your separation from service (or your earlier death). Each payment under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment under Section 409A.

9. Delivery . Subject to Sections 7, 10 and 13 and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Shares will be delivered in respect of vested Units (if any) on the first to occur of the following events (i) to you on or promptly after the applicable Vesting Date (but in no case more than 15 days after such date), (ii) in the event of your death to your estate after your death and during the calendar year in which your death occurs (or such later date as may be permitted under Section 409A) and (iii) in the event of any other termination of your employment (including pursuant to the provisions of Annex 1 ) to you on the ninetieth (90th) day following termination of your employment (the “ Delivery Date ”). Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, delivery of the Shares at the Delivery Date will be by book-entry credit to an account in your name that the Company has established at a custody agent (the “ custodian ”). The Company’s transfer agent, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. shall act as the custodian of the Shares; however , the Company may in its sole discretion appoint another custodian to replace Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. On the Delivery Date, if you have complied with your obligations under this Agreement and provided that your tax obligations with respect to the vested Units are appropriately satisfied, we will instruct the custodian to electronically transfer your Shares to a brokerage or other account on your behalf (or make such other arrangements for the delivery of the Shares to you as we reasonably determine).

 

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10. Right of Offset . You hereby agree that the Company shall have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Class A Common Stock, cash or other property under this Agreement to the extent that it does not constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” pursuant to Section 409A, any outstanding amounts of whatever nature that you then owe to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

11. The Committee . For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company or any replacement committee established under, and as more fully defined in, the Plan.

12. Committee Discretion . The Committee has full discretion with respect to any actions to be taken or determinations to be made in connection with this Agreement, and its determinations shall be final, binding and conclusive.

13. Amendment . The Committee reserves the right at any time to amend the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, except that the Committee shall not make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to you (other than if immaterial), without your consent. No consent shall be required for amendments made pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan, except that, for purposes of Section 19 of the Plan, Section 4 and Annex 1 of this Agreement are deemed to be “terms of an Award Agreement expressly refer[ring] to an Adjustment Event.” Any amendment of this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by an authorized member of the Committee or a person or persons designated by the Committee.

14. Units Subject to the Plan . The Units covered by this Agreement are subject to the Plan.

15. Subsidiaries . For purposes of this Agreement, “ Subsidiaries ” shall mean any entities that are controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company, or in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the equity interests.

16. Entire Agreement . Except for any employment agreement between you and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in effect as of the date of the grant hereof (as such employment agreement may be modified, renewed or replaced), this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding and agreement of you and the Company with respect to the Units covered hereby and supersede all prior understandings and agreements. Except as provided in Sections 8 and 15, in the event of a conflict among the documents with respect to the terms and conditions of the Units covered hereby, the documents will be accorded the following order of authority: the terms and conditions of the Plan will have highest authority followed by the terms and conditions of your employment agreement, if any, followed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

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17. Successors and Assigns . The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company and its successors and assigns.

18. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be deemed to be made under, and in all respects be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflict of law principles.

19. Jurisdiction and Venue . You irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the Federal courts of the United States located in the Southern District of the State of New York in respect of the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement, and hereby waive, and agree not to assert, as a defense that you are not subject thereto or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate. You agree that the mailing of process or other papers in connection with any action or proceeding in any manner permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service.

20. Waiver . No waiver by the Company at any time of any breach by you of, or compliance with, any term or condition of this Agreement or the Plan to be performed by you shall be deemed a waiver of the same term or condition, or of any similar or any dissimilar term or condition, whether at the same time or at any prior or subsequent time.

21. Severability . The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or condition hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other terms and conditions set forth herein.

22. Exclusion from Compensation Calculation . By acceptance of this Agreement, you shall be deemed to be in agreement that the Units covered hereby shall be considered special incentive compensation and will be exempt from inclusion as “wages” or “salary” in pension, retirement, life insurance and other employee benefits arrangements of the Company and its Affiliates, except as determined otherwise by the Company. In addition, each of your beneficiaries shall be deemed to be in agreement that all such shares be exempt from inclusion in “wages” or “salary” for purposes of calculating benefits of any life insurance coverage sponsored by the Company or any of its Affiliates.

23. No Right to Continued Employment . Nothing contained in this Agreement or the Plan shall be construed to confer on you any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Affiliate, or derogate from the right of the Company or any Affiliate, as applicable, to retire, request the resignation of, or discharge you, at any time, with or without cause.

24. Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for purposes of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

25. Effective Date . Upon execution by you, this Agreement shall be effective from and as of the Grant Date.

 

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26. Signatures . Execution of this Agreement by the Company may be in the form of an electronic, manual or similar signature (including, without limitation, an electronic acknowledgement of acceptance), and such signature shall be treated as an original signature for all purposes.

 

MSG SPINCO, INC.
By:

 

Name:
Title:

By your electronic acknowledgement of acceptance, you (i) acknowledge that a complete copy of the Plan and an executed original of this Agreement have been made available to you and (ii) agree to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement.

 

By:

 

Name:
Title:

 

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Annex 1

RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS AGREEMENT

In the event of a “Change of Control” of the Company or a “going private transaction,” as defined below, your entitlement to Units shall be as follows:

1. If the Company or the “surviving entity,” as defined below (if any), has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, the Committee shall, no later than the effective date of the transaction which results in a Change of Control or going private transaction, deem the Performance Criteria to be satisfied and either (A) convert your unvested Units into an amount of cash equal to (i) the number of your unvested Units multiplied by (ii) the “offer price per share,” the “acquisition price per share” or the “merger price per share,” each as defined below, whichever of such amounts is applicable or (B) arrange to have the Surviving Entity grant to you an award of restricted stock units (or partnership units) for shares of the surviving entity on the same terms and with a value equivalent to your unvested Units which will, in the good faith determination of the Committee, provide you with an equivalent profit potential.

2. If the Company or the Surviving Entity does not have shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, the Committee shall deem the Performance Criteria to be satisfied and convert your unvested Units into an amount of cash equal to the amount calculated as per Paragraph 1(A) above.

3. Provided that you remain continuously employed with the Company, one of its Subsidiaries or the Surviving Entity through the date of the earliest event described in any of (a), (b) or (c) below, any award provided for in Paragraph 1(A) or 2 shall become payable to you (or your estate), and any substitute restricted stock unit award of the Surviving Entity provided in Paragraph 1(B) shall vest, at the earlier of (a) each applicable date on which your Units would otherwise have vested had they continued in effect, (b) the date of your death, or (c) the date on which your employment with the Company, one of its Subsidiaries or the Surviving Entity is terminated (i) by the Company, one of its Subsidiaries or the Surviving Entity other than for Cause, (ii) by you for “good reason,” as defined below or (iii) by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after the effective date of the Change of Control or going private transaction; provided that clause (iii) herein shall not apply in the event that your rights in the Units are converted into a right to receive an amount of cash in accordance with Paragraph 1(A). The amount payable in cash shall be payable together with interest from the effective date of the Change of Control or going private transaction until the date of payment at (a) the weighted average cost of capital of the Company immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Change of Control or going private transaction, or (b) if the Company (or the Surviving Entity) sets aside the funds in a trust or other funding arrangement, the actual earnings of such trust or other funding arrangement.

 

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4. As used herein,

Cause ” means your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or any of its Affiliates, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere , or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.

Change of Control ” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, of the power to direct the management of the Company or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).

Surviving Entity ” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all of the Company’s assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction). If any such entity is at least majority-owned, directly or indirectly, by any entity (a “parent entity”) which has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or the over-the-counter market, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the Surviving Entity provided that it there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of the Company’s assets shall be deemed to be the Surviving Entity.

Going private transaction ” means a transaction involving the purchase of Company securities described in Rule 13e-3 to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

Good reason ” means

a. without your express written consent any reduction in your base salary or target bonus opportunity, or any material impairment or material adverse change in your working conditions (as the same may from time to time have been improved or, with your written consent, otherwise altered, in each case, after the Grant Date) at any time after or within ninety (90) days prior to the Change of Control including, without limitation, any material reduction of your other compensation, executive perquisites or other employee benefits (measured, where applicable, by level or participation or percentage of award under any plans of the Company), or material impairment or material adverse change of your level of responsibility, authority, autonomy or title, or to your scope of duties;

b. any failure by the Company to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an insubstantial or inadvertent failure remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you;

c. the Company’s requiring you to be based at any office or location more than thirty-five (35) miles from your location immediately prior to such event except for travel reasonably required in the performance of your responsibilities; or

 

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d. any failure by the Company to obtain the assumption and agreement to perform this Agreement by a successor as contemplated by Paragraph 1.

Offer price per share ” shall mean, in the case of a tender offer or exchange offer which results in a Change of Control or going private transaction (an “ Offer ”), the greater of (i) the highest price per share of common stock paid pursuant to the Offer, or (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of a Change of Control or going private transaction. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock in the Offer shall be valued in determining the Offer Price per Share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity making such offer or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.

Merger price per share ” shall mean, in the case of a merger, consolidation, sale, exchange or other disposition of assets that results in a Change of Control or going private transaction (a “ Merger ”), the greater of (i) the fixed or formula price for the acquisition of shares of common stock occurring pursuant to the Merger, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such Change of Control or going private transaction. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock pursuant to the Merger shall be valued in determining the merger price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity which is a party with the Company to the Merger, or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.

Acquisition price per share ” shall mean the greater of (i) the highest price per share stated on the Schedule 13D or any amendment thereto filed by the holder of twenty percent (20%) or more of the Company’s voting power which gives rise to the Change of Control or going private transaction, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such Change of Control or going private transaction.

 

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Annex 2

MSG Spinco, Inc. Performance Criteria

 

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Exhibit 10.11

FORM OF PERFORMANCE RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS AGREEMENT

Dear [Participant Name]:

Pursuant to the 2015 Employee Stock Plan (the “ Plan ”), you have been selected by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (as more fully described in Section 12, the “ Committee ”) of MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company) (the “ Company ”), effective as of [Grant Date] (the “Grant Date”) to receive a performance restricted stock unit award (the “ Award ”). The Award is granted subject to the terms and conditions set forth below and in the Plan.

Capitalized terms used but not defined in this agreement (this “ Agreement ”) have the meanings given to them in the Plan. The Award is subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:

1. Awards . In accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the target amount of your contingent Award is [#RSUs] restricted stock units (the “ Target Award ”), which number of units may be increased or decreased to the extent the performance criteria (the “ Objectives ”) set forth in Annex 2 attached hereto have been attained in respect of the period from July 1, [            ] through June 30, [            ] (the “ Performance Period ”). Each unit shall represent an unfunded, unsecured promise by the Company to deliver to you one share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (“ Share ”) on the Delivery Date. The Award, calculated in accordance with Annex 2 attached hereto, will vest upon the date on which the Committee (as defined in Section 12 below) determines the Company’s performance against the Objectives (the “ Vesting Date ”) provided , that you have remained in the continuous employ of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries from the Effective Date through the Vesting Date. In accordance with Section 10(b) of the Plan, in the discretion of the Committee, in lieu of all or any portion of the Shares otherwise deliverable in respect of your Award, the Company may deliver a cash amount equal to the number of such Shares multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date when Shares would otherwise have been issued, as determined by the Committee.

2. Vesting . Subject to Sections 3 and 4, if, on or prior to the Vesting Date, your continuous employment by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries ends for any reason, other than as a result of your death, then you will automatically forfeit all of your rights and interest in the Award regardless of whether the Objectives are attained.

3. Vesting in the Event of Death . If, prior to July 1, [            ] , your employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is terminated as a result of your death, then a prorated portion of the Target Award, determined based on the number of months of your employment completed prior to such termination during the period commencing on July 1, [            ] and ending on June 30, [            ], will vest as of the termination date. If, after June 30, [            ] but prior to the Vesting Date, your employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is terminated as a result of your death, then your estate will receive the Award, if any, to which you would have been entitled on the Vesting Date had your employment not been so terminated.


4. Change of Control/Going Private Transaction . As set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto, your entitlement to the Award may be affected in the event of a Change of Control of the Company or a going-private transaction (each as defined in Annex 1 attached hereto).

5. Transfer Restrictions . You may not transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the units, other than to the extent provided in the Plan.

6. Unfunded Obligation . The Plan will at all times be unfunded and, except as set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto, no provision will at any time be required to be made with respect to segregating any assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for payment of any benefits under the Plan, including, without limitation, those covered by this Agreement. Your right or that of your estate to receive delivery or payment under this Agreement shall be an unsecured claim against the general assets of the Company, including any rabbi trust established pursuant to Annex 1 . Neither you nor your estate shall have any rights in or against any specific assets of the Company other than the assets held by the rabbi trust established pursuant to Annex 1 .

7. Right to Vote and Receive Dividends . You shall not be deemed to be the holder of, or have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to any units unless and until the Company shall have issued and delivered Shares to you and your name shall have been entered as a stockholder of record on the books of the Company. Pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Plan, all ordinary (as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) cash dividends that would have been paid upon any Shares underlying your units had such Shares been issued will be retained by the Company for your account until your units vest and such dividends will be paid to you (without interest) on the Delivery Date to the extent that your units vest.

8. Tax Representations and Tax Withholding . You hereby acknowledge that you have reviewed with your own tax advisors the federal, state and local tax consequences of receiving the units. You hereby represent to the Company that you are relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company, its Affiliates or any of their respective agents. If, in connection with the units, the Company is required to withhold any amounts by reason of any federal, state or local tax, such withholding shall be effected in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan.

9. Section 409A . It is the Company’s intent that payments under this Agreement shall comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“ Section 409A ”) to the extent applicable, and that the Agreement be administered accordingly. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or any employment agreement you have entered into with the Company, to the extent that any payment or benefit under this Agreement is determined by the Company to constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A and is payable to you by reason of termination of your employment, then (a) such payment or benefit shall be made or provided to you only upon a “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Section 409A under applicable regulations and (b) if you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by the Company), such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided before the date that is six months after the date of your separation from service (or your earlier death). Each payment under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment under Section 409A.

 

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10. Delivery . Subject to Sections 8, 11 and 14 and Annex 1 and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Shares will be delivered in respect of vested units (if any) on the first to occur of the following events (i) to you on or promptly after the Vesting Date (but in no case more than 15 days after such date) and (ii) in the event of your death to your estate after your death and during the calendar year in which your death occurs (or such later date as may be permitted under Section 409A) (the “ Delivery Date ”). Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, delivery of the Shares at the Delivery Date will be by book-entry credit to an account in your name that the Company has established at a custody agent (the “ custodian ”). The Company’s transfer agent, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. shall act as the custodian of the Shares; however , the Company may in its sole discretion appoint another custodian to replace Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. On the Delivery Date, if you have complied with your obligations under this Agreement and provided that your tax obligations with respect to the vested units are appropriately satisfied, we will instruct the custodian to electronically transfer your Shares to a brokerage or other account on your behalf (or make such other arrangements for the delivery of the Shares to you as we reasonably determine).

11. Right of Offset . You hereby agree that the Company shall have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Class A Common Stock, cash or other property under this Agreement to the extent that it does not constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” pursuant to Section 409A, any outstanding amounts of whatever nature that you then owe to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

12. The Committee . For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company or any replacement committee established under, and as more fully defined in, the Plan.

13. Committee Discretion . The Committee has full discretion with respect to any actions to be taken or determinations to be made in connection with this Agreement, and its determinations shall be final, binding and conclusive.

14. Amendment . The Committee reserves the right at any time to amend the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, except that the Committee shall not make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to you (other than if immaterial), without your consent. No consent shall be required for amendments made pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan, except that, for purposes of Section 19 of the Plan, Section 4 and Annex 1 of this Agreement are deemed to be “terms of an Award Agreement expressly refer[ring] to an Adjustment Event.” Any amendment of this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by an authorized member of the Committee or a person or persons designated by the Committee.

15. Units Subject to the Plan . The units covered by this Agreement are subject to the Plan.

 

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16. Subsidiaries . For purposes of this Agreement, “Subsidiaries” shall mean any entities that are controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company, or in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the equity interests.

17. Entire Agreement . Except for any employment agreement between you and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in effect as of the date of the grant hereof (as such employment agreement may be modified, renewed or replaced), this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding and agreement of you and the Company with respect to the units covered hereby and supersede all prior understandings and agreements. Except as provided in Sections 9 and 16, in the event of a conflict among the documents with respect to the terms and conditions of the units covered hereby, the documents will be accorded the following order of authority: the terms and conditions of the Plan will have highest authority followed by the terms and conditions of your employment agreement, if any, followed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

18. Successors and Assigns . The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company and its successors and assigns.

19. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be deemed to be made under, and in all respects be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflict of law principles.

20. Jurisdiction and Venue . You irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the Federal courts of the United States located in the Southern District of the State of New York in respect of the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement, and hereby waive, and agree not to assert, as a defense that you are not subject thereto or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate. You agree that the mailing of process or other papers in connection with any action or proceeding in any manner permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service.

21. Waiver . No waiver by the Company at any time of any breach by you of, or compliance with, any term or condition of this Agreement or the Plan to be performed by you shall be deemed a waiver of the same term or condition, or of any similar or any dissimilar term or condition, whether at the same time or at any prior or subsequent time.

22. Severability . The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or condition hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other terms and conditions set forth herein.

23. Exclusion from Compensation Calculation . By acceptance of this Agreement, you shall be deemed to be in agreement that the units covered hereby shall be considered special incentive compensation and will be exempt from inclusion as “wages” or “salary” in pension, retirement, life insurance and other employee benefits arrangements of the Company and its Affiliates, except as determined otherwise by the Company. In addition, each of your beneficiaries shall be deemed to be in agreement that all such shares be exempt from inclusion in “wages” or “salary” for purposes of calculating benefits of any life insurance coverage sponsored by the Company or any of its Affiliates.

 

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24. No Right to Continued Employment . Nothing contained in this Agreement or the Plan shall be construed to confer on you any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Affiliate, or derogate from the right of the Company or any Affiliate, as applicable, to retire, request the resignation of, or discharge you, at any time, with or without cause.

25. Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for purposes of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

26. Effective Date . Upon execution by you, this Agreement shall be effective from and as of the Grant Date.

27. Signatures . Execution of this Agreement by the Company may be in the form of an electronic, manual or similar signature (including, without limitation, an electronic acknowledgement of acceptance), and such signature shall be treated as an original signature for all purposes.

 

MSG SPINCO, INC.
By:

 

Name:
Title:

By your electronic acknowledgement of acceptance, you (i) acknowledge that a complete copy of the Plan and an executed original of this Agreement have been made available to you and (ii) agree to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement.

 

By:

 

Name:
Title:

 

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Annex 1

PERFORMANCE RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS AGREEMENT

1. In the event of a “going private transaction,” as defined below, your entitlement to the Award shall be as follows:

(A) The Committee shall, no later than the effective date of the transaction which results in a going private transaction, deem the Objectives to be satisfied at the target level and convert your Target Award into an amount of cash equal to (i) the number of your unvested units multiplied by (ii) the “offer price per share,” the “acquisition price per share” or the “merger price per share,” each as defined below, whichever of such amounts is applicable.

(B) Provided that you remain continuously employed with the Company, one of its Subsidiaries or the Surviving Entity through the date of the earliest event described in any of (i), (ii) or (iii) below, any award provided for in Paragraph 1(A) shall become payable to you (or your estate) at or promptly after (but in no event more than 15 days after) the earlier of (i) the date on which your Award would otherwise have vested had it continued in effect, (ii) the date of your death, or (iii) the date on which your employment with the Company, one of its Subsidiaries or the Surviving Entity is terminated (a) by the Company, one of its Subsidiaries or the Surviving Entity other than for Cause (as defined below) or (b) by you for “good reason,” (as defined below). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if you become entitled to payment of an award by virtue of a termination in accordance with (iii)(a) or (iii)(b) of this Paragraph 1(B) and are determined by the Company to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“ Section 409A of the IRC ”), the award shall be paid to you on the earlier of: (i) July 1, [        ], (ii) the date that is six months from your date of employment termination and (iii) any other date on which such payment or any portion thereof would be a permissible distribution under Section 409A of the IRC. In the event of such a determination, the Company shall promptly following the date of your employment termination set aside such amount for your benefit in a “rabbi trust” that satisfies the requirements of Revenue Procedure 92-64, and on a monthly basis shall deposit into such trust interest in arrears (compounded quarterly at the rate provided below) until such time as such amount, together with all accrued interest thereon, is paid to you in full pursuant to the previous sentence; provided , that no payment will be made to such rabbi trust if it would be contrary to law or cause you to incur additional tax under Section 409A of the IRC. The initial interest rate shall be the average of the one-year LIBOR fixed rate equivalent for the ten business days prior to the date of your employment termination.

2. In the event of a “Change of Control” of the Company, as defined below, provided you have remained continuously employed with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries through the effective date of the transaction that results in the Change of Control, you will be entitled to the payment of the Target Award whether or not the Objectives have been attained.

 

  (A) If the actual Change of Control:

 

  (i) is a permissible distribution event under Section 409A of the IRC or payment of the Award promptly upon such event is otherwise permissible under Section 409A of the IRC (including, for the avoidance of doubt, by reason of the inapplicability of Section 409A of the IRC to the Award), then the Target Award shall be paid to you by the Company promptly following the Change of Control; or

 

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  (ii) is not a permissible distribution event under Section 409A of the IRC and payment of the Award promptly upon such event is not otherwise permissible under Section 409A of the IRC, then:

 

  (a) (1) if the Company or the Surviving Entity has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, then the Committee shall, no later than the effective date of the Change of Control, either (i) convert your Target Award into an amount of cash equal to (a) the number of your unvested units multiplied by (b) the “offer price per share,” the “acquisition price per share” or the “merger price per share,” each as defined below, whichever of such amounts is applicable or (ii) arrange to have the Surviving Entity grant to you an award of restricted stock units (or partnership units) for shares of the surviving entity on the same terms and with a value equivalent to your Target Award which will, in the good faith determination of the Committee, provide you with an equivalent profit potential or

 

       (2) if the Company or the Surviving Entity does not have shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, then the Award will be treated in accordance with Paragraph 1(A) above;

 

  (b) any cash award or substitute restricted stock unit award of the Surviving Entity provided for in Paragraph 2(A)(ii)(a) will be fully vested and will be paid to you (or your estate), at the earliest to occur of: (1) any subsequent date on which you are no longer employed by the Company, one of its Subsidiaries or the Surviving Entity for any reason other than termination of your employment by one of such entities for Cause (provided that if you are determined by the Company to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of the IRC, six months from such date), (2) any other date on which such payment or any portion thereof would be a permissible distribution under Section 409A of the IRC, or (3) July 1, [            ].

 

  (c)

the Company shall promptly following the Change of Control set aside cash (or shares in the event a substitute restricted stock unit award is made) for your benefit in a “rabbi trust” that satisfies the requirements of Revenue Procedure 92-64, and on a monthly basis shall deposit into such trust interest in arrears (compounded quarterly at the rate provided below) until such time as such amount, together with all accrued interest thereon, is paid to

 

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  you in full pursuant to Paragraph 2(A)(ii)(b) above); provided , that no payment will be made to such rabbi trust if it would be contrary to law or cause you to incur additional tax under Section 409A of the IRC. The initial interest rate shall be the average of the one-year LIBOR fixed rate equivalent for the ten business days prior to the date of the Change of Control and shall adjust annually based on the average of such rate for the ten business days prior to each anniversary of the Change of Control.

3. As used herein,

Cause ” means your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or any of its Affiliates, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere , or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.

Change of Control ” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, of the power to direct the management of the Company or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).

Surviving Entity ” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all of the Company’s assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction). If any such entity is at least majority-owned, directly or indirectly, by any entity (a “parent entity”) which has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or the over-the-counter market, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the Surviving Entity provided that it there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of the Company’s assets shall be deemed to be the Surviving Entity.

Going private transaction ” means a transaction involving the purchase of Company securities described in Rule 13e-3 to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

Good reason ” means

a. without your express written consent any reduction in your base salary or target bonus opportunity, or any material impairment or material adverse change in your working conditions (as the same may from time to time have been improved or, with your written consent, otherwise altered, in each case, after the Grant Date) at any time after or within ninety

 

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(90) days prior to the Change of Control including, without limitation, any material reduction of your other compensation, executive perquisites or other employee benefits (measured, where applicable, by level or participation or percentage of award under any plans of the Company), or material impairment or material adverse change of your level of responsibility, authority, autonomy or title, or to your scope of duties;

b. any failure by the Company to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an insubstantial or inadvertent failure remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you;

c. the Company’s requiring you to be based at any office or location more than thirty-five (35) miles from your location immediately prior to such event except for travel reasonably required in the performance of your responsibilities; or

d. any failure by the Company to obtain the assumption and agreement to perform this Agreement by a successor as contemplated by Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2(A)(ii)(a).

Offer price per share ” shall mean, in the case of a tender offer or exchange offer which results in a Change of Control or going private transaction (an “ Offer ”), the greater of (i) the highest price per share of common stock paid pursuant to the Offer, or (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of a Change of Control or going private transaction. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock in the Offer shall be valued in determining the Offer Price per Share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity making such offer or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.

Merger price per share ” shall mean, in the case of a merger, consolidation, sale, exchange or other disposition of assets that results in a Change of Control or going private transaction (a “ Merger ”), the greater of (i) the fixed or formula price for the acquisition of shares of common stock occurring pursuant to the Merger, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such Change of Control or going private transaction. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock pursuant to the Merger shall be valued in determining the merger price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity which is a party with the Company to the Merger, or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.

Acquisition price per share ” shall mean the greater of (i) the highest price per share stated on the Schedule 13D or any amendment thereto filed by the holder of twenty percent (20%) or more of the Company’s voting power which gives rise to the Change of Control or going private transaction, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such Change of Control or going private transaction.

 

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Annex 2

The Madison Square Garden Company Objectives

 

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Exhibit 10.12

FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS AGREEMENT

Dear [Participant Name]:

Pursuant to The Madison Square Garden Company 2010 Employee Stock Plan, on [        ] (the “ Grant Date ”), you were granted restricted stock units, each of which represents an unfunded, unsecured promise by The Madison Square Garden Company (to be renamed MSG Networks Inc.) (“ MSG ”) to deliver to you one share of MSG Class A Common Stock. In conjunction with the spin-off of MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company) (the “ Company ”) from MSG on [                    ] (the “ Distribution Date ”), and pursuant to the Company’s 2015 Employee Stock Plan (the “ Plan ”), you are receiving the award described in this Restricted Stock Units Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) of [        ] restricted stock units (the “ Units ”), each of which represents an unfunded, unsecured promise by the Company to deliver to you one share of MSG Spinco, Inc. Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (“ Share ”).

Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Plan. The Units are subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:

1. Awards . Each Unit shall represent an unfunded, unsecured promise by the Company to deliver to you one Share on the Delivery Date. In accordance with Section 10(b) of the Plan, in the discretion of the Committee, in lieu of all or any portion of the Shares otherwise deliverable in respect of your Units, the Company may deliver a cash amount equal to the number of such Shares multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date when Shares would otherwise have been issued, as determined by the Committee.

2. Vesting . Subject to Sections 3 and 4, none of your Units will vest and you will forfeit all of them if you do not remain continuously employed with the MSG Spinco, Inc. Group or the MSG Group (each as defined below) from the Grant Date through the third anniversary of the Grant Date (the “ Vesting Date ”) [; provided that the Performance Criteria set forth in Annex 2 attached hereto have been satisfied as of the Vesting Date, as determined by the Committee.] 1

For purposes of this Agreement, the “ MSG Group ” means The Madison Square Garden Company (to be renamed MSG Networks Inc.) and any of its subsidiaries. The “ MSG Spinco, Inc. Group ” means MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company) and any of its subsidiaries.

For purposes of this Agreement, if you are employed by the MSG Group, your “ Employer ” means The Madison Square Garden Company; if you are employed by the MSG Spinco, Inc. Group, your “ Employer ” means MSG Spinco, Inc.; and if you are employed by both the MSG Group and the MSG Spinco, Inc. Group, your “ Employer ” shall mean The Madison Square Garden Company.

 

1   To be included for proxy reported officers.


3. Vesting in the Event of Death and Other Circumstances . If your employment is terminated as a result of your death, all of the Units will vest as of the termination date. If your employment is terminated for other reasons, the Committee may, in its sole discretion determine to vest all or a portion of the Units (but shall be under no obligation to consider doing so).

4. Change of Control/Going Private Transaction . As set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto, your entitlement to the Units may be affected in the event of a MSG Change of Control or going-private transaction or a MSG Spinco, Inc. Change of Control or going private transaction (each as defined in Annex 1 attached hereto).

5. Transfer Restrictions . You may not transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the Units, other than to the extent provided in the Plan.

6. Right to Vote and Receive Dividends . You shall not be deemed to be the holder of, or have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to any Units unless and until the Company shall have issued and delivered Shares to you and your name shall have been entered as a stockholder of record on the books of the Company. Pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Plan, all ordinary (as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) cash dividends that would have been paid upon any Shares underlying your Units had such Shares been issued will be retained by the Company for your account until your Units vest and such dividends will be paid to you (without interest) on the Delivery Date to the extent that your Units vest.

7. Tax Representations and Tax Withholding . You hereby acknowledge that you have reviewed with your own tax advisors the federal, state and local tax consequences of receiving the Units. You hereby represent to the MSG Spinco, Inc. Group and the MSG Group that you are relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company, its Affiliates or any of their respective agents. If, in connection with the Units, your Employer is required to withhold any amounts by reason of any federal, state or local tax, such withholding shall be effected in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan.

8. Section 409A . It is the Company’s intent that payments under this Agreement shall comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”) to the extent applicable, and that the Agreement be administered accordingly. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or any employment agreement you have entered into with the Company, to the extent that any payment or benefit under this Agreement is determined by your Employer to constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A and is payable to you by reason of termination of your employment, then (a) such payment or benefit shall be made or provided to you only upon a “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Section 409A under applicable regulations and (b) if you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by your Employer), such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided before the date that is six months after the date of your separation from service (or your earlier death). Each payment under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment under Section 409A.

9. Delivery . Subject to Sections 7, 10 and 13 and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Shares will be delivered in respect of vested Units (if any) on the first to occur of the following events (i) to you on or promptly after the Vesting Date

 

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(but in no case more than 15 days after such date), (ii) in the event of your death to your estate after your death and during the calendar year in which your death occurs (or such later date as may be permitted under Section 409A) and (iii) in the event of any other termination of your employment (including pursuant to the provisions of Annex 1 ) to you on the ninetieth (90th) day following termination of your employment (the “ Delivery Date ”). Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, delivery of the Shares at the Delivery Date will be by book-entry credit to an account in your name that the Company has established at a custody agent (the “ custodian ”). The Company’s transfer agent, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. shall act as the custodian of the Shares; however , the Company may in its sole discretion appoint another custodian to replace Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. On the Delivery Date, if you have complied with your obligations under this Agreement and provided that your tax obligations with respect to the vested Units are appropriately satisfied, we will instruct the custodian to electronically transfer your Shares to a brokerage or other account on your behalf (or make such other arrangements for the delivery of the Shares to you as we reasonably determine).

10. Right of Offset . You hereby agree that the Company shall have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Class A Common Stock, cash or other property under this Agreement to the extent that it does not constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” pursuant to Section 409A, any outstanding amounts of whatever nature that you then owe to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

11. The Committee . For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company or any replacement committee established under, and as more fully defined in, the Plan.

12. Committee Discretion . The Committee has full discretion with respect to any actions to be taken or determinations to be made in connection with this Agreement, and its determinations shall be final, binding and conclusive.

13. Amendment . The Committee reserves the right at any time to amend the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, except that the Committee shall not make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to you (other than if immaterial), without your consent. No consent shall be required for amendments made pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan, except that, for purposes of Section 19 of the Plan, Section 4 and Annex 1 of this Agreement are deemed to be “terms of an Award Agreement expressly refer[ring] to an Adjustment Event.” Any amendment of this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by an authorized member of the Committee or a person or persons designated by the Committee.

14. Units Subject to the Plan . The Units covered by this Agreement are subject to the Plan.

15. Subsidiaries . For purposes of this Agreement, “Subsidiaries” shall mean any entities that are controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company, or in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the equity interests.

 

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16. Entire Agreement . Except for any employment agreement between you and the MSG Spinco, Inc. Group or the MSG Group in effect as of the date of the grant hereof (as such employment agreement may be modified, renewed or replaced), this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding and agreement of you and the Company with respect to the Units covered hereby and supersede all prior understandings and agreements. Except as provided in Sections 8 and 15, in the event of a conflict among the documents with respect to the terms and conditions of the Units covered hereby, the documents will be accorded the following order of authority: the terms and conditions of the Plan will have highest authority followed by the terms and conditions of your employment agreement, if any, followed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

17. Successors and Assigns . The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company and its successors and assigns.

18. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be deemed to be made under, and in all respects be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflict of law principles.

19. Jurisdiction and Venue . You irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the Federal courts of the United States located in the Southern District of the State of New York in respect of the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement, and hereby waive, and agree not to assert, as a defense that you are not subject thereto or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate. You agree that the mailing of process or other papers in connection with any action or proceeding in any manner permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service.

20. Waiver . No waiver by the Company at any time of any breach by you of, or compliance with, any term or condition of this Agreement or the Plan to be performed by you shall be deemed a waiver of the same term or condition, or of any similar or any dissimilar term or condition, whether at the same time or at any prior or subsequent time.

21. Severability . The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or condition hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other terms and conditions set forth herein.

22. Exclusion from Compensation Calculation . By acceptance of this Agreement, you shall be deemed to be in agreement that the Units covered hereby shall be considered special incentive compensation and will be exempt from inclusion as “wages” or “salary” in pension, retirement, life insurance and other employee benefits arrangements of your Employer, except as determined otherwise by your Employer. In addition, each of your beneficiaries shall be deemed to be in agreement that all such shares be exempt from inclusion in “wages” or “salary” for purposes of calculating benefits of any life insurance coverage sponsored by your Employer.

 

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23. No Right to Continued Employment . Nothing contained in this Agreement or the Plan shall be construed to confer on you any right to continue in the employ of

the MSG Spinco, Inc. Group or the MSG Group, or derogate from the right of the MSG Spinco, Inc. Group or the MSG Group, to retire, request the resignation of, or discharge you, at any time, with or without cause.

24. Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for purposes of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

25. Effective Date . Upon execution by you, this Agreement shall be effective from and as of the Grant Date.

26. Signatures . Execution of this Agreement by the Company may be in the form of an electronic, manual or similar signature (including, without limitation, an electronic acknowledgement of acceptance), and such signature shall be treated as an original signature for all purposes.

 

MSG SPINCO, INC.
By:  
Name:
Title:

By your electronic acknowledgement of acceptance, you (i) acknowledge that a complete copy of the Plan and an executed original of this Agreement have been made available to you and (ii) agree to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement.

 

By:  
Name:
Title:

 

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Annex 1

RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS AGREEMENT

1. In the event of a “MSG Spinco, Inc. Change of Control” or a “going private transaction” with respect to the Company, as defined below, your entitlement to Units shall be as follows:

a. If the Company or the “MSG Spinco, Inc. Surviving Entity,” as defined below (if any), has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, the Committee shall, no later than the effective date of the transaction which results in a MSG Spinco, Inc. Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, deem the Performance Criteria to be satisfied and either (A) convert your unvested Units into an amount of cash equal to (i) the number of your unvested Units multiplied by (ii) the “offer price per share,” the “acquisition price per share” or the “merger price per share,” each as defined below, whichever of such amounts is applicable or (B) arrange to have the MSG Spinco, Inc. Surviving Entity grant to you an award of restricted stock units (or partnership units) for shares of the MSG Spinco, Inc. Surviving Entity on the same terms and with a value equivalent to your unvested Units which will, in the good faith determination of the Committee, provide you with an equivalent profit potential.

b. If the Company or the MSG Spinco, Inc. Surviving Entity does not have shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, the Committee shall deem the Performance Criteria to be satisfied and convert your unvested Units into an amount of cash equal to the amount calculated as per Paragraph 1(a)(A) above.

c. Provided that you remain continuously employed with the MSG Spinco, Inc. Group, the MSG Group or the MSG Spinco, Inc. Surviving Entity through the date of the earliest event described in any of (a), (b) or (c) below, any award provided for in Paragraph 1(A) or 2 shall become payable to you (or your estate), and any substitute restricted stock unit award of the MSG Spinco, Inc. Surviving Entity provided in Paragraph 1(a)(B) shall vest, at the earlier of (a) the date on which your Units would otherwise have vested had they continued in effect, (b) the date of your death, or (c) if, immediately prior to termination you were an employee of the MSG Spinco, Inc. Group, the date on which your employment with the MSG Spinco, Inc. Group or the MSG Spinco, Inc. Surviving Entity is terminated (i) by the Company, one of its Subsidiaries or the MSG Spinco, Inc. Surviving Entity other than for Cause, (ii) by you for “good reason,” as defined below or (iii) by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after the effective date of the MSG Spinco, Inc. Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company; provided that clause (iii) herein shall not apply in the event that your rights in the Units are converted into a right to receive an amount of cash in accordance with Paragraph 1(a)(A). The amount payable in cash shall be payable together with interest from the effective date of the MSG Spinco, Inc. Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company until the date of payment at (a) the weighted average cost of capital of the Company

 

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immediately prior to the effectiveness of the MSG Spinco, Inc. Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, or (b) if the Company (or the MSG Spinco, Inc. Surviving Entity) sets aside the funds in a trust or other funding arrangement, the actual earnings of such trust or other funding arrangement.

2. In the event of a “MSG Change of Control” or a “going private transaction” with respect to MSG, as defined below, and if immediately prior to such MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to MSG you were an employee of the MSG Group, your entitlement to the Units shall be as follows:

Your Units shall vest at the earlier of (a) the date on which your Units would otherwise have vested had they continued in effect, (b) the date of your death, or (c) the date on which your employment with the MSG Group or the MSG Surviving Entity is terminated (i) by MSG, one of its Subsidiaries or the MSG Surviving Entity other than for Cause, (ii) by you for “good reason,” or (iii) by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after the effective date of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to MSG.

3. As used herein,

Acquisition price per share ” shall mean the greater of (i) the highest price per share stated on the Schedule 13D or any amendment thereto filed by the holder of twenty percent (20%) or more of the Company’s voting power which gives rise to the MSG Spinco, Inc. Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such MSG Spinco, Inc. Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company.

Cause ” means your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against your Employer, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.

Going private transaction ” means a transaction involving the purchase of Company or MSG, as applicable, securities described in Rule 13e-3 to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

Good reason ” means

a. without your express written consent any reduction in your base salary or target bonus opportunity, or any material impairment or material adverse change in your working conditions (as the same may from time to time have been improved or, with your written consent, otherwise altered, in each case, after the Distribution Date) at any time after or within ninety (90) days prior to the MSG Spinco, Inc. Change of Control or MSG Change of Control, as applicable, including, without limitation, any material reduction of your other compensation, executive perquisites or other employee benefits

 

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(measured, where applicable, by level or participation or percentage of award under any plans of the Company or MSG, as applicable), or material impairment or material adverse change of your level of responsibility, authority, autonomy or title, or to your scope of duties;

b. any failure by your Employer to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an insubstantial or inadvertent failure remedied by your Employer promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you;

c. your Employer’s requiring you to be based at any office or location more than thirty-five (35) miles from your location immediately prior to such event except for travel reasonably required in the performance of your responsibilities; or

d. with respect to the Company only, any failure by the Company to obtain the assumption and agreement to perform this Agreement by a successor as contemplated by Paragraph 1.

Merger price per share ” shall mean, in the case of a merger, consolidation, sale, exchange or other disposition of assets that results in a MSG Spinco, Inc. Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (a “ Merger ”), the greater of (i) the fixed or formula price for the acquisition of shares of common stock occurring pursuant to the Merger, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such MSG Spinco, Inc. Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock pursuant to the Merger shall be valued in determining the merger price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity which is a party with the Company to the Merger, or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.

MSG Change of Control ” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by MSG, of the power to direct the management of MSG or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).

MSG Spinco, Inc. Change of Control ” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, of the power to direct the management of the Company or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).

 

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MSG Spinco, Inc. Surviving Entity ” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all of the Company’s assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction). If any such entity is at least majority-owned, directly or indirectly, by any entity (a “parent entity”) which has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or the over-the-counter market, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the MSG Spinco, Inc. Surviving Entity provided that if there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of the Company’s assets shall be deemed to be the MSG Spinco, Inc. Surviving Entity.

MSG Surviving Entity ” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all of MSG’s assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction). If any such entity is at least majority-owned, directly or indirectly, by any entity (a “parent entity”) which has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or the over-the-counter market, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the MSG Surviving Entity provided that it there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of MSG’s assets shall be deemed to be the MSG Surviving Entity.

Offer price per share ” shall mean, in the case of a tender offer or exchange offer which results in a MSG Spinco, Inc. Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (an “ Offer ”), the greater of (i) the highest price per share of common stock paid pursuant to the Offer, or (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of a MSG Spinco, Inc. Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock in the Offer shall be valued in determining the Offer Price per Share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity making such offer or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.

 

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Exhibit 10.13

FORM OF OPTION AGREEMENT

Dear                     :

Pursuant to The Madison Square Garden Company 2010 Employee Stock Plan, on [        ] (the “ Grant Date ”), you were granted options to purchase shares of The Madison Square Garden Company (to be renamed MSG Networks Inc.) (“ MSG ”) Class A Common Stock. In conjunction with the spin-off of MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company) (the “ Company ”) from MSG on [            ] (the “ Distribution Date ”), and pursuant to the Company’s 2015 Employee Stock Plan (the “ Plan ”), you are receiving the award described in this Option Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) of nonqualified stock options (the “ Options ”) to purchase [            ] shares of MSG Spinco, Inc. Class A common stock (the “ Class A Common Stock ”) at a price of [$        ] per share.

Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Plan. The Options are granted subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:

1. Vesting . The Options are vested and exercisable as of the date hereof.

2. Exercise . You may exercise the Options by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Company, or by following such procedures as established by the Company, specifying the number of shares of Class A Common Stock as to which the Options are being exercised (the “ Exercise Notice ”), together with a copy of this Agreement. Unless the Company chooses to settle such exercise in cash, shares of Class A Common Stock, or a combination thereof pursuant to Section 3, you will be required to deliver to the Company, or such person as the Company may designate, within such time period as the Company may require, payment in full of the exercise price due on account of such exercise. You may pay the exercise price by cash, by certified check, by surrendering shares of Class A Common Stock or by any combination thereof. Class A Common Stock used to pay the exercise price pursuant to this Section 2 will be valued at the Fair Market Value as of the day preceding the date of exercise.

3. Option Spread . Upon receipt of the Exercise Notice, the Company may elect, in lieu of issuing shares of Class A Common Stock, to settle the exercise covered by such notice by paying you an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of one (1) share of Class A Common Stock on the date of exercise over the per share exercise price of the Options (the “ Option Spread ”) by (ii) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock specified in the Exercise Notice. The amount payable to you in these circumstances may be paid by the Company either in cash or in shares of Class A Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the Option Spread, or a combination thereof, as the Company shall determine. Class A Common Stock used to pay the Option Spread pursuant to this Section 3 will be valued at the Fair Market Value as of the day the Exercise Notice is received by the Company.

4. Expiration . The Options will terminate automatically and without further notice on [            ], or at any of the following dates, if earlier:

(a) ninety (90) days following the date upon which you are no longer employed by your Employer due to you terminating your employment for any reason (other than (i) a termination by reason of your Disability or Retirement, (ii) a termination by


you for Good Reason (as defined in Appendix 1 to this Agreement) within three (3) years of a MSG Spinco Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, (iii) a termination by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after the effective date of a MSG Spinco Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, or (iv) a termination as a result of your employment transferring between MSG and the Company while MSG and the Company remain Affiliates); and

(b) the date upon which your employment with your Employer is terminated for Cause.

For the avoidance of doubt, Section 4(a) above applies only to a termination of your employment by you (other than as set forth therein) and shall not apply to any termination of your employment by your Employer.

Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Section 4, in the event of your death during the period that your Options are exercisable, whether death occurs before or after you cease employment, the Options that are exercisable at the time of your death shall remain exercisable by your estate or beneficiary until the later of the first (1st) anniversary of your death and             .

For purposes of this Agreement, the “ MSG Group ” means The Madison Square Garden Company (to be renamed MSG Networks Inc.) and any of its subsidiaries. The “ MSG Spinco Group ” means MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company) and any of its subsidiaries. The “ AMC Group ” means AMC Networks Inc. and any of its subsidiaries. The “ Cablevision Group ” means Cablevision Systems Corporation and any of its subsidiaries.

For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” means, as determined by the compensation committee of your Employer, your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against your Employer, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere , or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.

For purposes of this Agreement, “ Disability ” means your inability to perform for six (6) continuous months substantially all the essential duties of your occupation, as determined by the compensation committee of your Employer.

For purposes of this Agreement, if you are employed by the MSG Group, your “ Employer ” means The Madison Square Garden Company (to be renamed MSG Networks Inc.); if you are employed by the MSG Spinco Group, your “ Employer ” means MSG Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed The Madison Square Garden Company); if you are employed by the AMC Group, your “ Employer ” means AMC Networks Inc.; and if you are employed by the Cablevision Group, your “ Employer ” means Cablevision Systems Corporation. If you are employed by both the MSG Group and the MSG Spinco Group, your “ Employer ” shall mean The Madison Square Garden Company (to be renamed MSG Networks Inc.). If you are employed by both the Cablevision Group and any of the MSG Group, the MSG Spinco Group and/or the AMC Group, your “ Employer ” shall mean Cablevision Systems Corporation.

 

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For purposes of this Agreement, “ Retirement ” means the voluntary termination by you of your employment with your Employer at such time as (i) you have attained at least the age of fifty-five (55) and (ii) you have been employed by the MSG Spinco Group, the MSG Group, the AMC Group and/or the Cablevision Group for at least five (5) years in the aggregate, provided that your Employer, may nevertheless decide, in its sole discretion, not to treat your termination of employment as a “Retirement” hereunder. Treatment of your termination of employment as a “Retirement” hereunder shall be further subject to your execution (and the effectiveness) of a retirement agreement to your Employer’s satisfaction, including, without limitation (to the extent desired by your Employer), non-compete, non-disparagement, non-solicitation, confidentiality and further cooperation obligations/restrictions on you as well as a general release by you of your Employer. The above definition of “Retirement” is solely for purposes of this Agreement and shall not, in any way, create or imply any obligations of the MSG Spinco Group, the MSG Group, the AMC Group or the Cablevision Group (under any other agreement or otherwise) with respect to any such termination of your employment.

5. Change of Control/Going Private Transaction . As set forth in Appendix 1 attached hereto, the Options may be affected in the event of a MSG Spinco Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (each as defined in Appendix 1 attached hereto).

6. Tax Representations and Tax Withholding . You hereby acknowledge that you have reviewed with your own tax advisors the federal, state and local tax consequences of exercising the Options and receiving shares of Class A Common Stock and cash. You hereby represent to the MSG Spinco Group, the MSG Group, the AMC Group and the Cablevision Group that you are relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the MSG Spinco Group, the MSG Group, the AMC Group, the Cablevision Group, any of their respective Affiliates or any of their respective agents.

If, in connection with the exercise of the Options, your Employer is required to withhold any amounts by reason of any federal, state or local tax, such withholding shall be effected in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan.

7. Section 409A . It is the intent that payments under this Agreement are exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and that the Agreement be administered accordingly. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if and to the extent that any payment or benefit under this Agreement is determined by your Employer to constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code (“ Section 409A ”) and is payable to you by reason of your termination of employment, then (a) such payment or benefit shall be made or provided to you only upon a “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Section 409A under applicable regulations and (b) if you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by your Employer), such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided before the date that is six months after the date of your separation from service (or your earlier death).

 

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8. Transfer Restrictions . You may not transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the Options, other than to the extent provided in the Plan.

9. Non-Qualification as ISO . The Options are not intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422A of the Code.

10. Securities Law Acknowledgments . You hereby acknowledge and confirm to the MSG Spinco Group, the MSG Group, the AMC Group and the Cablevision Group that (i) you are aware that the shares of Class A Common Stock are publicly-traded securities and (ii) the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Options may not be sold or otherwise transferred unless such sale or transfer is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the securities laws of any applicable state or other jurisdiction, or is exempt from such registration.

11. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be deemed to be made under, and in all respects shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

12. Jurisdiction and Venue . You hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the Federal courts of the United States of America located in the Southern District and Eastern District of the State of New York in respect of the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement, and hereby waive, and agree not to assert, as a defense that you are not subject thereto or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate. You hereby agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in any manner as may be permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.

13. Right of Offset . You hereby agree that the Company shall have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Class A Common Stock, cash or other property under this Agreement to the extent that it does not constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” pursuant to Section 409A, any outstanding amounts of whatever nature that you then owe to the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.

14. The Committee . For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company or any replacement committee established under, and as more fully defined in, the Plan.

15. Committee Discretion . The Committee has full discretion with respect to any actions to be taken or determinations to be made in connection with this Agreement, and its determinations shall be final, binding and conclusive.

16. Amendment . The Committee reserves the right at any time to amend the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, except that the Committee shall not make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to you (other than if immaterial), without your consent. No consent shall be required for amendments made pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan, except that, for purposes of Section 19 of the Plan, Section 5 and Appendix 1 of this Agreement are deemed to be “terms of an Award Agreement expressly referring to an Adjustment Event.” Any amendment of this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by an authorized member of the Committee or a person or persons designated by the Committee.

 

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17. Options Subject to the Plan . The Options granted by this Agreement are subject to the Plan.

18. Entire Agreement . Except for any employment agreement between you and the MSG Spinco Group, the MSG Group, the AMC Group and/or the Cablevision Group in effect as of the date of the grant hereof (as such employment agreement may be modified, renewed or replaced, provided that such modification, renewal or replacement shall not extend the time any Options may be exercised or accelerate the vesting of any Options beyond the time provided herein or in such original employment agreement), this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding and agreement of you and the Company with respect to the Options covered hereby and supersede all prior understandings and agreements. In the event of a conflict among the documents with respect to the terms and conditions of the Options covered hereby, the documents will be accorded the following order of authority: the terms and conditions of the Plan will have highest authority followed by the terms and conditions of your employment agreement, if any, followed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

19. Successors and Assigns . The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company and its successors and assigns.

20. Waiver . No waiver by the Company at any time of any breach by you of, or compliance with, any term or condition of this Agreement or the Plan to be performed by you shall be deemed a waiver of the same, any similar or any dissimilar term or condition at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

21. Severability . The terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or condition hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other terms and conditions set forth herein.

22. Exclusion from Compensation Calculation . By acceptance of this Agreement, you shall be considered in agreement that all shares of Class A Common Stock and cash received upon each exercise of the Options shall be considered special incentive compensation and will be exempt from inclusion as “wages” or “salary” in pension, retirement, life insurance and other employee benefits arrangements of your Employer. In addition, each of your beneficiaries shall be deemed to be in agreement that all such shares of Class A Common Stock and cash be exempt from inclusion in “wages” or “salary” for purposes of calculating benefits of any life insurance coverage sponsored by your Employer.

23. No Right to Continued Employment . Nothing contained in this Agreement or the Plan shall be construed to confer on you any right to continue in the employ of the MSG Spinco Group, the MSG Group, the AMC Group or the Cablevision Group, or derogate from the right of the MSG Spinco Group, the MSG Group, the AMC Group or the Cablevision Group, to retire, request the resignation of, or discharge you, at any time, with or without cause.

 

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24. Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for purposes of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

25. Effective Date . Upon execution by you, this Agreement shall be effective from and as of the Distribution Date.

26. Signatures . Execution of this Agreement by the Company may be in the form of an electronic, manual or similar signature (including, without limitation, an electronic acknowledgement of acceptance), and such signature shall be treated as an original signature for all purposes.

 

MSG SPINCO, INC.

By:

 

Name:
Title:

By your electronic signature, you (i) acknowledge that a complete copy of the Plan and an executed original of this Agreement have been made available to you and (ii) agree to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement.

 

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APPENDIX 1

TO

STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT

1. In the event of a “ MSG Spinco Change of Control ” or a “ going private transaction ” with respect to the Company, as defined below, your entitlement to exercise the Options shall be as follows:

a. If the Company or the “ MSG Spinco Surviving Entity ,” as defined below, has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, the Committee shall, to the extent that the Options have not been exercised and have not expired (the “ Outstanding Options ”), no later than the effective date of the transaction which results in a MSG Spinco Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company either (A) convert your rights in the Outstanding Options into a right to receive an amount of cash equal to (i) the number of common shares subject or relating to the Outstanding Options multiplied by (ii) the excess of (x) the “ offer price per share ,” the “ acquisition price per share ” or the “ merger price per share ,” each as defined below, whichever of such amounts is applicable, over (y) the exercise price of the shares subject or relating to the Outstanding Options, or (B) arrange to have the MSG Spinco Surviving Entity grant to you in substitution for your Outstanding Options an award of options for shares of common stock (or partnership units) of the MSG Spinco Surviving Entity on the same terms with a value equivalent to the Outstanding Options and which will, in the good faith determination of the Committee, provide you with an equivalent profit potential.

b. If the Company or the MSG Spinco Surviving Entity does not have shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, the Committee shall convert your rights in the Outstanding Options into a right to receive an amount of cash equal to the amount calculated as per Section 1(a)(A) above.

c. The cash award provided in Section 1(a) or 1(b) shall become payable to you promptly following the effective date of the MSG Spinco Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, and the substitute options of the MSG Spinco Surviving Entity provided in Section 1(a) shall be immediately exercisable on the grant date.

2. As used herein,

Acquisition price per share ” shall mean the greater of (i) the highest price per share stated on the Schedule 13D or any amendment thereto filed by the holder of twenty percent (20%) or more of the Company’s voting power which gives rise to the MSG Spinco Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such MSG Spinco Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company.

 

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Going private transaction ” means a transaction involving the purchase of Company securities described in Rule 13e-3 to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

Good Reason ” means

(i) without your express written consent any reduction in your base salary or bonus potential, or any material impairment or material adverse change in your working conditions (as the same may from time to time have been improved or, with your written consent, otherwise altered, in each case, after the Distribution Date) at any time after or within ninety (90) days prior to a MSG Spinco Change of Control, including, without limitation, any material reduction of your other compensation, executive perquisites or other employee benefits (measured, where applicable, by level or participation or percentage of award under any plans of the Company), or material impairment or material adverse change of your level of responsibility, authority, autonomy or title, or to your scope of duties;

(ii) any failure by your Employer to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an insubstantial or inadvertent failure remedied by your Employer, promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you;

(iii) your Employer’s requiring you to be based at any office or location more than thirty-five (35) miles from your location immediately prior to such event except for travel reasonably required in the performance of your responsibilities; or

(iv) with respect to the Company only, any failure by the Company to obtain the assumption and agreement to perform this Agreement by a successor as contemplated by Section 1, if applicable.

Merger price per share ” shall mean, in the case of a merger, consolidation, sale, exchange or other disposition of assets that results in a MSG Spinco Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (a “ Merger ”), the greater of (i) the fixed or formula price for the acquisition of shares of common stock occurring pursuant to the Merger, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such MSG Spinco Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock pursuant to the Merger shall be valued in determining the merger price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity which is a party with the Company to the Merger, or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.

Offer price per share ” shall mean, in the case of a tender offer or exchange offer which results in a MSG Spinco Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (an “ Offer ”), the greater of (i) the highest price per share of

 

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common stock paid pursuant to the Offer, or (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of a MSG Spinco Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock in the Offer shall be valued in determining the Offer Price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity making such offer or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.

MSG Spinco Change of Control ” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, of the power to direct the management of the Company or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).

MSG Spinco Surviving Entity ” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all of the Company’s assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction). If any such entity is at least majority-owned, directly or indirectly, by any entity (a “parent entity”) which has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or the over-the-counter market, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the MSG Spinco Surviving Entity provided that if there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of the Company’s assets shall be deemed to be the MSG Spinco Surviving Entity.

 

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Exhibit 10.14

Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The omissions have been indicated by asterisks (“*****”), and the omitted text has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

RCPI TRUST,

Landlord

and

RADIO CITY PRODUCTION LLC,

Tenant

 

 

LEASE

 

 

Premises: Radio City Music Hall and

Portions of 1270 Avenue of the Americas and

50 Rockefeller Plaza

 

 

New York, New York

Dated: December 4, 1997

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE 1 BASIC LEASE PROVISIONS

  1   

ARTICLE 2 PREMISES; TERM; RENT

  3  

ARTICLE 3 USE AND OCCUPANCY

  3  

ARTICLE 4 CONDITION OF THE PREMISES

  5  

ARTICLE 5 ALTERATIONS

  5  

ARTICLE 6 FLOOR LOAD

  8  

ARTICLE 7 REPAIRS

  8  

ARTICLE 8 INCREASES IN REAL ESTATE TAXES

  10  

ARTICLE 9 REQUIREMENTS OF LAW

  12  

ARTICLE 10 QUIET ENJOYMENT

  14  

ARTICLE 11 SUBORDINATION

  14  

ARTICLE 12 SERVICES

  16  

ARTICLE 13 INSURANCE; PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGE; REIMBURSEMENT

  18  

ARTICLE 14 DESTRUCTION-FIRE OR OTHER CAUSE

  20  

ARTICLE 15 EMINENT DOMAIN

  22  

ARTICLE 16 ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

  23  

ARTICLE 17 ELECTRICITY

  26  

ARTICLE 18 ACCESS TO PREMISES

  27  

ARTICLE 19 DEFAULT

  28  

ARTICLE 20 REMEDIES AND DAMAGES

  29  

ARTICLE 21 LANDLORD’S RIGHT TO CURE; REIMBURSEMENT

  30  

ARTICLE 22 NO REPRESENTATIONS BY LANDLORD; LANDLORD’S APPROVAL

  31  

ARTICLE 23 END OF TERM

  31  

ARTICLE 24 NO SURRENDER; NO WAIVER

  32  

ARTICLE 25 WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY

  32  

ARTICLE 26 INABILITY TO PERFORM

  32  

ARTICLE 27 NOTICES

  33  

ARTICLE 28 RULES AND REGULATIONS

  33  

ARTICLE 29 PARTNERSHIP TENANT

  33  

ARTICLE 30 VAULT SPACE

  34  

ARTICLE 31 LANDLORD’S AGENT

  34  

ARTICLE 32 INDEMNITY

  35  

ARTICLE 33 ADJACENT EXCAVATION; SHORING

  36  

ARTICLE 34 TAX STATUS OF BENEFICIAL OWNERS

  36  

ARTICLE 35 GUARANTY

  36  

ARTICLE 36 RENEWAL OPTION

  36  

ARTICLE 37 RETAIL SPACE RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER

  37  

ARTICLE 38 DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURE

  39  

ARTICLE 39 MUSIC HALL COVENANTS

  40  

ARTICLE 40 VIP CLUB

  42  

ARTICLE 41 STUDIO APARTMENT

  42  

ARTICLE 42 MISCELLANEOUS

  43  

 

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EXHIBITS:

 

A-1 - MUSIC HALL FLOOR PLAN
A-2 - 1270 SPACE FLOOR PLAN
A-3 - 50 ROCK SPACE FLOOR PLAN
A-4 - RETAIL SPACE #1
A-5 - OFFER SPACE #1
A-6 - OFFER SPACE #2
A-7 - INTENTIONALLY OMITTED
A-8 - DISPLAY WINDOW SPACE
B - DEFINITIONS
C - NBC RESTRICTIONS
D-1 - CHILLED WATER SPECIFICATION FOR 1270 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
D-2 - 1270 SPACE CHILLED WATER SPECIFICATION
E - INTENTIONALLY OMITTED
F - RETAIL OFFER SPACE COVENANTS
G - STUDIO APARTMENT FLOOR PLAN
H - RULES AND REGULATIONS

SCHEDULES:

 

1 - FIXED RENT (EXCEPT FOR RETAIL SPACE) FROM 10/98-2/01
2 - PERCENTAGE RENT
3 - RETAIL OPERATING EXPENSE PAYMENT
4 - LANDLORD’S MUSIC HALL PROPERTY
5 - LANDLORD’S STUDIO APARTMENT PROPERTY
6 - GUARANTY

 

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INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS

 

TERM

  

SECTION

50 Rock Space    1
1270 Space    1
Abatement Notice    12.5
Acceptance Notice    37.1
Acceptance Period    37.1
Actual Performances    39.10(a)
Additional Rent    1
Adverse Event    34
Ancillary Buildings    1
Ancillary Space Alterations    5.1(b)
Annual Statement    Schedule 2(b)(ii)
Appraiser    37.6
Base Operating Year    Schedule 3(a)(ii)
Base Tax Factor    8.1(a)
Base Tax Year    1
Basic 1270 Space    3.2(b)
Buildings    1
Cash Flow    16.5(a)
Center Tax Area    8.1(b)
Central Plant    Exhibit D-1
Club    40.1
Cost of Operation and Maintenance    Schedule 3(a)(ii)
Commencement Date    1
Commission    5.1(f)
Condominium Declaration    11.3
Cost Per Kilowatt Hour    17.1(a)
Declaration    3.4
Decorative Alterations    5.1(b)
Dispute Resolution Procedure    38.1
DOJ Letter    9.1(d)
Entertainment Space    Schedule 1(d)(i)
Essential Service    12.5
Event of Default    19.1
Execution Date    3.2(b)
Expanded Restricted Area    39.10(b)(ii)
Expiration Date    1
*****    *****
Fixed Rent    1
Garden    1
Grand Tour    3.2(a)

 

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INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS

 

TERM

  

SECTION

Gross Revenues    Schedule 1(d)(i)
HVAC    3.2(c)
Initial Expiration Date    1
Insured Parties    13.1(c)
IP Agreement    3.3(c)
IP Rights    3.3(c)
Landlord    preamble
Landlord’s Agent    1
Landlord’s Determination    37.1
Landlord’s Music Hall Property    5.3(c)
Landlord’s Statement    8.1(c)
Lease Modification    3.2(a)
Losses    32.1(b)
Mechanical Space    3.2(b)
Mechanical Space Availability Date    3.2(c)
Mechanical Space Outside Delivery Date    3.2(c)
Members    40.1
MSG    5.1(d)
Music Hall    1
Music Hall Alterations    5.1(a)
Net Worth    16.5(a)
New Tenant    23.2(b)
Non-Disturbance Agreement    11.5
O.E. Share    Schedule 3(a)(i)
Off Period    Exhibit D-1(a)
Offer Notice    37.1
Offer Option    37.1
Offer Space    37.1
Offer Space Commencement Date    37.4
Overtime Periods    12.1(a)
Partners    29.1
Partnership Tenant    29.1
Percentage Rent    Schedule 2(a)
Percentage Rent Rate    Schedule 2(a)
Performance Failure    39.10(a)
Permitted Capacity    17.1(a)
Permitted Uses    1
Policy    13.1(c)
Premises    1
Quarterly Statement    Schedule 2(b)(i)
RCMHPI    3.2(a)

 

iv


INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS

 

TERM

  

SECTION

RCP    3.2(a)
RCPI    3.2(a)
Refrigeration Plant    7.2(b)
Related Entity    16.5(a)
Renewal Notice    36.1
Renewal Term    36.1
Renewal Term Commencement Date    36.1
Rent    1
Rent Commencement Date    1
Restoration Opinion    14.2
Restricted Area    39.10(b)(i)
Restrictions    3.4
Retail HVAC Work    3.2(c)
Retail Operating Expense Payment    2.5
Retail Space    1
Retail Space #1    1
RGI    3.3(c)
Specialty Alterations    5.3(a)
Studio Apartment    41.1
Studio Apartment Non-Removable Property    41.2
Studio Apartment Removable Property    41.2
Tax Factor    8.1(e)
Tax Year    8.1(f)
Taxes    8.1(d)
Tenant    preamble
Tenant’s 50 Rock Area    1
Tenant’s 1270 Area    1
Tenant’s Area    1
Tenant’s Determination    37.6
Tenant’s Music Hall Area    1
Tenant’s Retail Space Area    1
Tenant’s Tax Payment    8.2(a)
Term    1
Theater Use Day    39.10(a)
Transfer    42.2
Transfer of Control    16.5(a)

 

v


Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The omissions have been indicated by asterisks (“*****”), and the omitted text has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

LEASE

THIS LEASE is made as of the 4th day of December, 1997, between RCPI TRUST , a Delaware business trust having an office c/o Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P., 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10111 (“ Landlord ”), and RADIO CITY PRODUCTIONS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company having an office at 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 (“ Tenant ”).

Landlord and Tenant hereby covenant and agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

BASIC LEASE PROVISIONS

 

MUSIC HALL The building, fixtures, equipment and other improvements and appurtenances now located or hereafter erected, located or placed upon the land on which Radio City Music Hall is situated, substantially as shown on Exhibit A-1 , but excluding the building, fixtures, equipment and other improvements and appurtenances known as 1270 Avenue of the Americas.
1270 SPACE The mezzanine level of 1270 Avenue of the Americas, substantially as shown on Exhibit A-2 .
50 ROCK SPACE A portion of the concourse level and a portion of the subconcourse level of 50 Rockefeller Plaza, substantially as shown on Exhibit A-3 .
RETAIL SPACE #1 A portion of the ground floor of 1270 Avenue of the Americas as well as storage space located on the 5th floor of 1270 Avenue of the Americas, substantially as shown on Exhibit A-4 .
RETAIL SPACE Retail Space #1 and any additional retail space leased by Tenant pursuant to Article 37 if, as and when such retail space is so leased.
ANCILLARY SPACE The 1270 Space, the 50 Rock Space and the Retail Space, collectively.
PREMISES The Music Hall and the Ancillary Space, collectively.
BUILDINGS The Music Hall, 1270 Avenue of the Americas and 50 Rockefeller Plaza, individually and collectively.
ANCILLARY BUILDINGS 1270 Avenue of the Americas and 50 Rockefeller Plaza, collectively.
EXECUTION DATE December 4, 1997.
COMMENCEMENT DATE March 1, 1998.
RENT COMMENCEMENT DATE As to the Music Hall, the 1270 Space and the 50 Rock Space, October 1, 1998 and as to Retail Space #1, the Commencement Date.
INITIAL EXPIRATION DATE February 28, 2023.
EXPIRATION DATE February 28, 2023, or if the Term shall be extended in accordance with Article 36 , February 28, 2033.
TERM The period commencing on the Commencement Date and ending on the Expiration Date or sooner termination of this Lease as provided herein.


PERMITTED USES (a) In the case of the Music Hall, activities consistent with the character and reputation of the Music Hall and the Center (as hereinafter defined) as a first-class, mixed use, urban office, retail and entertainment center consistent with the nature of activities conducted at the Music Hall during the 5-year period immediately preceding the Execution Date, including production, management, presentation and exhibition of motion pictures, live stage plays (musical and otherwise), concerts, recitals, readings, parties, broadcasts, live or taped television shows and other live or taped presentations, theatrical or otherwise, industrial shows, conventions, the retail sale of food, beverages, including alcoholic beverages (to the extent permitted by applicable Requirements) and merchandise associated with all of the foregoing uses, tours of the Premises, and ancillary office uses; (b) in the case of the 1270 Space, a first-class club with a capacity to serve first-class, high quality food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages (to the extent permitted by applicable Requirements) to its patrons (which may include a full kitchen) and which shall be designed to cater primarily to patrons of the Music Hall and to operate in conjunction with the activities permitted to take place therein as provided in subparagraph (a) above and ancillary office uses; (c) in the case of the 50 Rock Space, uses ancillary to the Music Hall, including (i) a back stage facility in connection with Music Hall activities and (ii) storage space and (d) in the case of Retail Space #1, (i) the sale of retail merchandise related to (A) the Music Hall and events staged at the Music Hall and (B) Madison Square Garden (the “ Garden ”) and events staged at the Garden (which may include merchandise bearing the name and likeness of professional athletic teams whose so-called “home games” are played at the Garden), (ii) the sale of tickets for tours of the Music Hall, (iii) the sale at retail of candy, newspaper and magazines, (iv) the sale of merchandise which prominently features New York City; provided that the merchandise described in this clause (iv) may not account for more than 10% of the exhibition area in the retail portion of Retail Space #1 and (v) with respect to the storage portion of Retail Space #1, solely storage use.
BASE TAX YEAR The Tax Year commencing on July 1, 1998 and ending on June 30, 1999.
TENANT’S AREA 569,063 rentable square feet.
TENANT’S MUSIC HALL AREA 548,250 rentable square feet.
TENANT’S 1270 AREA 10,000 rentable square feet.
TENANT’S 50 ROCK AREA ± 10,000 rentable square feet.
TENANT’S RETAIL SPACE AREA 813 rentable square feet, which may be increased pursuant to Article 37 .
FIXED RENT (a) For the Music Hall, the 1270 Space and the 50 Rock Space, ***** per annum (***** per month) for the period commencing on the Rent Commencement Date and ending on the Initial Expiration Date and (b) for Retail Space #1, (i) ***** per annum (***** per month) for the period commencing on the Commencement Date and ending on the day immediately preceding the 5 th anniversary of the Commencement Date, both dates inclusive; (ii) ***** per annum (***** per month) for the period commencing on the 5 th anniversary of the Commencement Date and ending on the day immediately preceding the 10 th anniversary of the Commencement Date, both dates inclusive; (iii) ***** per annum (***** per month) for the period commencing on the 10 th anniversary of the Commencement Date and ending on the day immediately preceding the 15 th anniversary of the Commencement Date, both dates inclusive; (iv) ***** per annum (***** per month) for the period commencing on the 15 th anniversary of the Commencement Date and ending on the day immediately preceding the 20 th anniversary of the Commencement Date, both dates inclusive; and (v) ***** per annum (***** per month) for the period commencing on the 20 th anniversary of the Commencement Date and ending on the Initial Expiration Date.

 

2


ADDITIONAL RENT All sums other than Fixed Rent payable by Tenant to Landlord under this Lease, including Tenant’s Tax Payment, the Retail Operating Expense Payment, Percentage Rent, payments for failing to comply with, and as set forth in, Section 39.10 , late charges, overtime or excess service charges and other charges, and interest and other costs related to Tenant’s failure to perform any of its obligations under this Lease.
RENT Fixed Rent and Additional Rent, collectively.
LANDLORD’S AGENT Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P., or any other Person designated by Landlord from time to time as Landlord’s Agent.
GUARANTOR Madison Square Garden, L.P. (“ MSG ”) or any transferee pursuant to a Transfer of Control (as defined in Section 16.5 ) which shall satisfy the requirements set forth in Article 35 .

All capitalized terms used in the text of this Lease without definition are defined in this Article 1 or in Exhibit B . In the event of any inconsistency between a capitalized term defined in the text of this Lease and the definition contained in this Article 1, the text of this Lease shall control.

ARTICLE 2

PREMISES; TERM; RENT

Section 2.1 Lease of Premises . Subject to the terms of this Lease, Landlord leases to Tenant and Tenant leases from Landlord the Premises for the Term.

Section 2.2 Payment of Rent . Tenant shall pay to Landlord, without notice or demand, and without any set-off, counterclaim, abatement or deduction whatsoever, except as may be expressly set forth in this Lease, in lawful money of the United States by wire transfer of funds to Landlord’s account, as designated by Landlord, or, at Landlord’s option, by check drawn upon a bank reasonably approved by Landlord: (i) Fixed Rent in equal monthly installments, in advance, on the first day of each calendar month during the Term, commencing on the Rent Commencement Date and (ii) Additional Rent, at the times and in the manner set forth in this Lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, provided no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, during the period beginning on October 1, 1998 and ending on February 28, 2001, Tenant shall pay Fixed Rent with respect to the Music Hall, the 1270 Space and the 50 Rock Space in accordance with Schedule 1 annexed hereto.

Section 2.3 Interest . If Tenant shall fail to pay any installment or other payment of Rent within three (3) days after the same shall be due, interest shall accrue on such installment or payment as a late charge, from the date such installment or payment became due until the date paid, at the Interest Rate.

Section 2.4 Percentage Rent . In addition to Fixed Rent, Tenant agrees to pay to Landlord as Additional Rent a percentage of Tenant’s “Gross Revenues” in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth on Schedule 2 annexed hereto.

Section 2.5 Retail Space #1 Operating Expenses . Tenant shall pay to Landlord as Additional Rent an amount (the “ Retail Operating Expense Payment ”) payable in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth on Schedule 3 annexed hereto.

ARTICLE 3

USE AND OCCUPANCY

Section 3.1 (a)  Permitted Uses . Tenant shall use and occupy the Premises for the Permitted Uses and for no other purpose. Tenant shall not use or occupy or permit the use or occupancy of any part of the Premises in a manner constituting a Prohibited Use. If Tenant uses the Premises for a purpose which constitutes a Prohibited Use or violates any Requirement, or which causes the Buildings to be in violation of any Requirement, Tenant shall promptly discontinue such use upon notice of such violation. If, upon notice to Tenant, Landlord asserts that Tenant or any Tenant Party is using the Premises for a Prohibited Use and Tenant in good faith contests such assertion, then Tenant and/or such Tenant Party shall have the right to continue to use the Premises for such contested use while the matter shall be resolved by the Dispute Resolution Procedure provided for in Article 38 , provided that if Landlord, in its good faith judgment, deems that such Prohibited Use shall violate any Requirement or materially and adversely affect any of the Buildings or the

 

3


occupancy of any tenants in the Buildings, Tenant shall discontinue such Prohibited Use immediately upon receipt from Landlord of notice to such effect unless and until such arbitration shall be determined in Tenant’s favor.

(b) Licenses and Permits . Tenant, at its expense, shall obtain and at all times maintain and comply with the terms and conditions of all licenses and permits required for the lawful conduct of the Permitted Uses in the Premises and for the operation of the Refrigeration Plant in the Music Hall. Landlord shall reasonably cooperate with Tenant in connection with Tenant’s obtaining such licenses and permits and Tenant shall pay to Landlord all of Landlord’s actual, reasonable, third party, out of pocket costs and expenses with respect thereto.

Section 3.2 Delivery of Premises .

(a) Music Hall and Retail Space #1 . Tenant hereby acknowledges and agrees that an Affiliate of Tenant, Radio City Productions, Inc. (“ RCPI ”), currently occupies (i) the Music Hall pursuant to a lease dated July 1, 1982 between Radio City Music Hall Productions, Inc. (“ RCMHPI ”) and Rockefeller Center Properties (“ RCP ”) as amended by the Lease Modification Agreement, dated as of July 17, 1996 by and between RCP, RCMHPI and The Grand Tour, LLC (“ Grand Tour ”) (the “ Lease Modification ”) and (ii) Retail Space #1 pursuant to a lease dated September 26, 1994 between RCMHPI and RCP, as amended by (A) Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 1994 by and between RCP and RCMHPI, (B) Assignment with Consent and Release, dated as of December 8, 1994 between RCMHPI, Grand Tour and RCP, (C) Supplemental Indenture, dated January 20, 1995 by and between RCMHPI and RCP, (D) Supplemental Indenture, dated January 22, 1996 by and between RCP and Grand Tour and (E) the Lease Modification. Accordingly, Landlord shall be deemed to have delivered possession and Tenant shall be deemed to have accepted possession of the Music Hall and Retail Space #1 for all purposes on the Commencement Date.

(b) 1270 Space . The 1270 Space, including the mechanical room located in the 1270 Space as shown on Exhibit A-2 (the “ Mechanical Space ”) shall be delivered to Tenant on the date which is the later of (i) the Commencement Date and (ii) the date which is 120 days following the Execution Date (the “ 1270 Delivery Date ”). If, for any reason whatsoever, there shall be a delay in the delivery of possession of the 1270 Space to Tenant, neither Landlord nor Landlord’s Agent shall have any liability for such delay and the Rent Commencement Date shall not be affected thereby, except that (A) for each day that Landlord fails to deliver the 1270 Space following the 1270 Delivery Date, the Rent Commencement Date (with respect to the 1270 Space only) shall be postponed by one (1) day; provided that such 1-day postponement shall not apply to the extent that any such delay in delivery was due to a Tenant Delay and (B) for each day that Landlord fails to deliver the 1270 Space following the 60th day after the 1270 Delivery Date, then the Rent Commencement Date (with respect to the 1270 Space only) shall be postponed, in addition to the postponement under clause (A) above, by one (1) additional day; provided that such additional 1-day postponement shall not apply to the extent that any such delay in delivery was due to a Tenant Delay or an Unavoidable Delay. For purposes hereof, the Fixed Rent attributable to the 1270 Space shall be computed at the rate of ***** per square foot per annum. Any installations and equipment remaining in the Mechanical Space after the 1270 Delivery Date shall be deemed abandoned by Landlord and Tenant may, at its option, either retain or dispose of such equipment. If the date on which Landlord anticipates delivering the 1270 Space to Tenant is later than the 1270 Delivery Date, Landlord shall provide Tenant with not less than five (5) Business Days’ notice of the date (the “ 1270 Space Availability Date ”) on which Landlord anticipates delivering possession of the 1270 Space to Tenant. If such 1270 Space Availability Date is postponed, Landlord shall notify Tenant and shall specify in such notice the new anticipated 1270 Space Availability Date.

(d) Section 223-a . The provisions of this Article are intended to constitute “an express provision to the contrary” within the meaning of Section 223-a of the New York Real Property Law or any successor Requirement.

Section 3.3 Use of Building Name . (a) Neither Tenant nor any occupant of the Premises shall use the phrase “Rockefeller Center”, or any logo or the image of any recognizable portion of Rockefeller Center, for any purpose whatsoever, including as or for any corporate, firm or trade name, trademark, service mark, internet domain name or other designation of source or origin of any goods or services, or designation or description for goods or services except as provided in Section 3.3(c) below. The use of the name “The Associated Press Building”, as a designation of the building located at 50 Rockefeller Plaza, has been reserved exclusively for the use of The Associated Press. Tenant agrees that it will not use the name “The Associated Press Building”, or any simulation or abbreviation thereof, as an address either on stationery, by listings in the telephone book, or in other printed form or publication or in advertising matter of any sort.

(b) Tenant covenants and agrees that Tenant shall never change the name of the Music Hall from “Radio City Music Hall” without Landlord’s prior written consent, which may be withheld in its sole and absolute discretion.

(c) Tenant warrants and represents that it, directly or indirectly, owns (subject to completion of registration thereof which Tenant shall diligently pursue) all of the rights held by “Licensor” under that certain intellectual property agreement (the “ IP Agreement ”) between Rockefeller Group, Inc. (“ RGI ”) and Landlord dated July 17, 1996 relating to the “Radio City Marks” and “Radio City Music Hall Marks” (as said terms are therein defined) originally held by RGI and all of RGI’s interest in the “Radio City Marks” and “Radio City

 

4


Music Hall Marks.” Tenant agrees to retain, or caused to be retained, all of its rights in the Radio City Music Hall Marks and all of its rights under the IP Agreement relating to such Radio City Music Hall Marks (collectively, the “ IP Rights ”) for the Term; provided, however, that upon the assignment of this Lease to any party subject to and in accordance with the terms of Article 16 hereof, Tenant shall license, or shall cause to be licensed, the IP Rights to any party to whom it assigns this Lease for the Term. Landlord as licensee under the IP Agreement, hereby acknowledges and agrees that (i) Tenant has, directly or indirectly, acquired all of RGl’s rights as licensor under the IP Agreement, and (ii) all references in the IP Agreement to “Radio City Music Hall Productions, Inc.” or “RCMHPI” as the tenant of the Music Hall shall be deemed to refer to Tenant. In any of Tenant’s print advertising with respect to the Music Hall and events scheduled to take place in the Music Hall which shall exceed one half of one page, Tenant shall prominently utilize the Radio City Music Hall Marks and identify the location “at Rockefeller Center,” and/or “at Radio City Music Hall” subject to and in accordance with the terms of the IP Agreement.

Section 3.4 Broadcasting Restrictions . Landlord has entered into a Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions with National Broadcasting Company, Inc., dated as of July 17, 1996, a memorandum of which has been recorded in the Office of the Register of the City of New York, New York County (the “ Declaration ”), pursuant to which Landlord agreed to include, in all leases, licenses and occupancy agreements for space in the Center entered into from and after the date of the Declaration, certain restrictions on the ability of tenants, licensees and other occupants under such agreements to conduct, allow or permit certain broadcast and related activities in the Center (the “ Restrictions ”). A copy of the Restrictions is attached to this Lease as Exhibit C . Tenant agrees that it shall not take or fail to take, or permit, cause or allow to be taken, any action, and shall not enter into any arrangement, which would violate or cause a violation of the Restrictions.

ARTICLE 4

CONDITION OF THE PREMISES

Section 4.1 Condition . Tenant has inspected the Premises and agrees (i) to accept possession of the Premises in the “as is” condition existing on the Commencement Date, (except with respect to the 1270 Space, which shall be in the “as is” condition existing on the date possession of such space is delivered to Tenant in accordance with the terms of this Lease), (ii) that neither Landlord nor Landlord’s agents have made any representations or warranties with respect to the Premises or the Buildings except as expressly set forth herein, and (iii) Landlord has no obligation to perform any work, supply any materials, incur any expense or make any alterations or improvements to the Premises to prepare the Premises for Tenant’s occupancy, except that Landlord shall, at Tenant’s expense, and subject to the other terms of this Lease, cooperate with Tenant in connection with Tenant’s bringing any required utilities to the Ancillary Space that are not currently available to such Ancillary Space. Tenant’s continued occupancy of the Music Hall and Retail Space #1, and Tenant’s taking possession of any part of the 1270 Space or the 50 Rock Space shall be conclusive evidence, as against Tenant, that (A) Tenant has accepted possession of the Premises in their then current condition and (B) the Premises are in a good and satisfactory condition as required by this Lease. With respect to Retail Space #1, Tenant acknowledges that it will be required to replace the HVAC system serving such space from and after the Execution Date because the equipment currently serving such space and located in the 1270 Space shall be disconnected and no longer in service. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to relieve Landlord of its obligations during the Term under Article 7 hereof.

ARTICLE 5

ALTERATIONS

Section 5.1 (a)  Tenant’s Music Hall Alterations . Except as hereinafter provided, Tenant shall not make any alterations, additions or other physical changes in or about the Music Hall, including any alteration performed pursuant to Section 9.1(d) (collectively, “ Music Hall Alterations ”), without Landlord’s prior consent, provided that Landlord shall not unreasonably withhold or condition such consent except in the case of Music Hall Alterations affecting the exterior of the Music Hall. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord’s consent shall not be required for Music Hall Alterations which (i) are non-structural and do not affect the Refrigeration Plant (as defined in Section 7.2(b) ) or, in any material respect, an Independent System, (ii) are performed only by contractors approved by Landlord, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, to perform such Music Hall Alterations, (iii) affect only the Music Hall and are not visible from outside the Music Hall, (iv) do not affect the certificate of occupancy issued for the Music Hall or the 1270 Space, (v) are consistent with the then design, construction and equipment of the Music Hall and the Center, (vi) do not affect the Music Hall’s life safety system, (vii) do not adversely affect any service furnished by Landlord in connection with the operation of the Music Hall or the Center, (viii) do not affect the exterior or windows of the Music Hall and (ix) are in compliance with all Requirements.

 

5


(b) Tenant’s Ancillary Space Alterations . Tenant shall not make any alterations in or about the Ancillary Space (“ Ancillary Space Alterations ”) (other than Ancillary Space Alterations which are decorative in nature such as painting, wall coverings and floor coverings, collectively, “ Decorative Alterations ”), without Landlord’s prior consent, provided Landlord will not unreasonably withhold or condition its consent to Ancillary Space Alterations affecting the Ancillary Space so long as such Ancillary Space Alterations (i) do not adversely affect any part of the Ancillary Buildings (including the Building Systems) other than the Ancillary Space, (ii) are performed only by contractors approved by Landlord, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, to perform such Ancillary Space Alterations in accordance with this Article, except that, as to the life safety system, Tenant shall use only Landlord’s designated contractor, (iii) do not affect the certificate of occupancy issued for either of the Ancillary Buildings or the Ancillary Space except to the extent necessary to permit the Permitted Uses, (iv) are consistent with the then design, construction and equipment of the Ancillary Buildings and the Center, (v) do not adversely affect any service furnished by Landlord in connection with the operation of the Buildings or the Center, (vi) do not affect the exterior or windows of the Ancillary Buildings or the window treatments on such windows, and (vii) are in compliance with all Requirements. Tenant’s requests for Landlord’s approval of contractors under this Section 5.1(b) or engineers under Section 5.1(d) or architects under Section 5.2 which Tenant seeks to employ shall be deemed granted if such request is not denied within 15 days after request therefor is made in writing to Landlord, together with such information about such contractor or engineer or architect as Landlord may reasonably request; provided that such request shall make specific reference to this Section 5.1(b) and Sections 5.1(d) or Section 5.2 , if applicable, and state in bold face type as follows: FAILURE TO GRANT OR DENY THIS REQUEST WITHIN 15 DAYS HEREOF SHALL RESULT IN A DEEMED APPROVAL.

(c) Tenant’s requests for Landlord’s approval of Alterations shall be deemed granted if (i) such requests are not denied within 20 days after request therefor is made in writing to Landlord and all information and materials required under Section 5.1(d) below have been provided to Landlord and (ii) a second written request for approval is submitted at the close of such 20-day period, and such request is not denied within five (5) Business Days after Landlord’s receipt thereof; provided that such request shall make specific reference to this Section 5.1(c) and state in bold face type as follows: FAILURE TO GRANT OR DENY THIS REQUEST FOR APPROVAL WITHIN FIVE BUSINESS DAYS HEREOF SHALL RESULT IN A DEEMED APPROVAL.

(d) Plans and Specifications . Prior to making any Alterations, Tenant, at its expense, shall (i) submit to Landlord for its information (and approval to the extent herein provided), detailed plans and specifications, if customarily prepared for similar Alterations or required in order to file for any required governmental permits (including layout, architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sprinkler and structural drawings), of each proposed Alteration (other than Decorative Alterations with respect to the Ancillary Space), (ii) with respect to an Alteration affecting any Independent System, submit proof that such Alteration has been designed by an engineer approved by Landlord, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, for the affected Independent System, (iii) with respect to an Alteration affecting a Building System, submit the plans and specifications for review by Landlord’s designated building engineer at Tenant’s cost, (iv) obtain all permits, approvals and certificates required by any Governmental Authorities, and (v) furnish to Landlord duplicate original policies or certificates of worker’s compensation (covering all persons to be employed by Tenant, and Tenant’s contractors and subcontractors in connection with such Alteration) and comprehensive public liability (including property damage coverage) insurance and Builder’s Risk coverage (issued on a completed value basis) all in such form, with such companies, for such periods and in such amounts as Landlord may reasonably require, naming Landlord, the Indemnitees and any other parties designated by Landlord as additional insureds. Upon Tenant’s request, Landlord shall reasonably cooperate with Tenant in obtaining any permits, approvals or certificates required to be obtained by Tenant in connection with any permitted Alteration (if the provisions of the applicable Requirement require that Landlord join in such application), provided that Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for any actual, third party, out of pocket cost, expense or liability in connection therewith. Tenant’s requests for Landlord’s approval of an engineer shall be deemed granted if not denied within 15 days after written request therefor to the extent provided in Section 5.1(b) .

(e) Governmental Approvals; Plans . Upon completion of any Alterations, Tenant, at its expense, shall promptly obtain certificates of final approval of such Alterations required by any Governmental Authority, and shall furnish Landlord with copies thereof, together with “as-built” plans and specifications for such Alterations (other than Decorative Alterations) prepared on a Computer Assisted Drafting and Design System (or such other system or medium as Landlord may accept, such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) using naming conventions issued by the American Institute of Architects in June 1990 (or such other naming convention as Landlord may accept, such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and magnetic computer media of such record drawings and specifications. translated into DXF format or another format acceptable to Landlord.

(f) Landmarks Preservation . Tenant is hereby notified that the Premises are subject to the jurisdiction of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (the “ Commission ”). In accordance with Sections 25-305, 25-306, 25-309 and 25-310 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York and the rules set forth in Title 63 of the Rules of the City of New York, any demolition, construction, reconstruction, alterations or minor work as described in such sections and such rules may not be commenced within or at the Premises without prior written approval of the Commission. Tenant is notified that such demolition, construction, reconstruction, alterations or minor work includes, but is not limited to, (a) work to the exterior of

 

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the Premises involving windows, signs, awnings, flagpoles, banners and storefront alterations and (b) interior work to the Premises that (i) requires a permit from the Department of Buildings or (ii) changes, destroys or affects an interior architectural feature of an interior landmark or an exterior architectural feature of an improvement that is a landmark or located on a landmark site or in a historic district.

Section 5.2 Manner and Quality of Alterations . All Alterations shall be performed (i) in a good and workerlike manner and Tenant shall use commercially reasonable efforts to have the same performed free from defects, (ii) in accordance with the plans and specifications as required under Section 5.1 , and by contractors approved by Landlord, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, (iii) other than Decorative Alterations, under the supervision of a licensed architect approved by Landlord, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and (iv) in compliance with all Requirements, the terms of this Lease, all reasonable procedures and regulations then prescribed by Landlord for work performed in the Buildings, and the Rules and Regulations. All materials and equipment to be used in the Premises shall be of first quality and, with respect to the Ancillary Space, at least equal to the applicable standards for the Ancillary Buildings then established by Landlord and, with respect to the Music Hall, consistent with the quality and character of the Music Hall, and no such materials or equipment shall be subject to any lien or other encumbrance except for materials or equipment typically financed in such manner consistent with good industry practice. In no event shall Landlord’s Music Hall Property be subjected to any lien or encumbrance by Tenant. Tenant’s request for Landlord’s approval of an architect shall be deemed granted if not denied within 15 days after written request therefor to the extent Tenant follows the procedures set forth in Section 5.1(b) .

Section 5.3 (a)  Removal of Alterations and Tenant’s Property . All Alterations in the Premises shall, except as expressly provided below, remain upon and be surrendered with the Premises, on the Expiration Date or sooner termination of the Term. Landlord shall specify, at the time Tenant submits plans and specifications to Landlord, those Alterations which are specialty alterations (“ Specialty Alterations ”) which shall mean kitchens, stages (other than the stages existing in the Premises on the Execution Date) and any other Alterations which in Landlord’s good faith judgment would not be usable by a subsequent tenant of the Music Hall using the Music Hall as an entertainment facility, which Landlord may, at its election (made at the time of Landlord’s approval of such Specialty Alterations), require Tenant to remove on or before the Expiration Date or earlier termination of this Lease. Upon the Expiration Date or earlier termination of this Lease, Tenant, at Landlord’s request, shall remove any of such Specialty Alterations (which Landlord shall have elected to have Tenant so remove in accordance with this Section 5.3(a) ) and all of Tenant’s Property and shall repair and restore, in a good and workerlike manner, any damage to the Premises or the Buildings caused by Tenant’s removal of such Specialty Alterations or Tenant’s Property, and if Tenant fails to do so, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord, on demand, for Landlord’s cost of repairing and restoring such damage. Any Alterations or Tenant’s Property not so removed at Landlord’s request shall be deemed abandoned and Landlord may retain same as Landlord’s property, or dispose of same, and repair and restore any damage caused thereby, at Tenant’s cost and without accountability to Tenant.

(b) Landlord’s Music Hall Property . The items set forth on Schedule 4 annexed hereto (“ Landlord’s Music Hall Property ”) are owned by Landlord and may be used by Tenant during the Term. If, at any time after the date hereof, Tenant does not elect to use an item of Landlord’s Music Hall Property, Tenant shall notify Landlord and Landlord shall, at its option, either (i) remove the same at Landlord’s expense or (ii) abandon such item and Tenant may then dispose of such item, at its expense, without liability to Landlord. If Tenant shall elect to replace any item of Landlord’s Music Hall Property with an item performing a similar function, Tenant shall notify Landlord in writing describing such replacement item and such replacement item shall be purchased at Tenant’s expense with title thereto in the name of Landlord and thereafter such replacement item shall be deemed an item constituting Landlord’s Music Hall Property for all purposes and the parties agree, at the request of either party, to execute an amendment to Schedule 4 reflecting such additional item of Landlord’s Music Hall Property. Tenant shall maintain Landlord’s Music Hall Property (except for such items that Landlord shall abandon) throughout the Term in good order and repair and, upon the Expiration Date or earlier termination of this Lease, Landlord’s Music Hall Property to the extent not abandoned by Landlord pursuant hereto shall be returned to Landlord in the same condition received by Tenant, reasonable wear and tear and damage by casualty, excepted.

Section 5.4 Mechanic’s Liens . Tenant, at its expense, shall discharge any lien or charge filed against the Premises or the Real Property in connection with any work done by or on behalf of, or materials furnished to, Tenant, within 30 days after Tenant’s receipt of notice thereof by payment, filing the bond required by law or otherwise in accordance with law.

Section 5.5 Labor Relations . (a) Tenant shall not employ, or permit the employment of, any contractor or laborer, or permit any materials to be delivered to or used in the Buildings, if, in Landlord’s reasonable judgment, such employment, delivery or use will interfere or cause any conflict or disharmony with other contractors or laborers engaged in the construction, maintenance or operation of the Buildings or the Center by Landlord, Tenant or others, or the use and enjoyment of the Buildings or the Center by other tenants or occupants. In the event of such interference, conflict or disharmony, upon Landlord’s request, Tenant shall cause all contractors and laborers causing such interference or conflict to leave the applicable Building (or Buildings) immediately until such interference, conflict or disharmony ceases.

 

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(b) Landlord shall not employ, or permit the employment of, any contractor or laborer, or permit any materials to be delivered to or used in the Premises, if, in Tenant’s reasonable judgment, such employment, delivery or use will interfere or cause any conflict or disharmony with other contractors or laborers engaged in the construction, maintenance or operation of the Premises by Landlord, Tenant or others. In the event of such interference, conflict or disharmony, upon Tenant’s request, Landlord shall cause all contractors and laborers causing such interference or conflict to leave the Premises immediately until such interference, conflict or disharmony ceases.

(c) Landlord and Tenant shall cooperate with one another to minimize any labor conflict or disharmony.

Section 5.6 Tenant’s Costs . Tenant shall pay to Landlord or its designee, within 10 days after demand, all reasonable, third-party, out-of-pocket costs actually incurred by Landlord in connection with Tenant’s Alterations, including such costs incurred in connection with (i) Landlord’s review of the Alterations (including review of requests for approval thereof), and (ii) the provision of Buildings’ personnel during the performance of any Alterations required by trade union policy to operate elevators or otherwise to facilitate Tenant’s Alterations (which personnel would not otherwise be employed in such capacity but for the performance of such Alterations); provided that Landlord shall furnish to Tenant reasonable back-up documentation for any such costs which Tenant is obligated to reimburse to Landlord.

Section 5.7 Tenant’s Equipment . With respect to the Ancillary Space, Tenant shall not move any heavy machinery, heavy equipment, freight, bulky matter or fixtures into or out of the Buildings without Landlord’s prior consent and payment to Landlord of Landlord’s reasonable charges in connection therewith. If any machinery, equipment or other items in the Premises require special handling, Tenant agrees (i) to employ only persons holding a Master Rigger’s License to perform such work, and (ii) such work shall be done only during hours designated by Landlord.

Section 5.8 Legal Compliance . The approval of plans or specifications, or the consent by Landlord to the making of any Alterations, does not constitute Landlord’s agreement or representation that such plans, specifications or Alterations comply with any Requirements or the certificate of occupancy issued for the Buildings. Any review by Landlord of any plans and/or specifications or any preparation or design of any plans or specifications by Landlord’s architect or engineer (or any architect or engineer designated by Landlord) with respect to any Alteration is solely for Landlord’s benefit, and without any representation or warranty whatsoever to Tenant or to any other Person with respect to the compliance thereof with any Requirements, the adequacy, correctness or efficiency thereof or otherwise. If, as the result of any Alterations made by or on behalf of Tenant, Landlord is required to make any alterations or improvements to any part of the Buildings in order to comply with any Requirements, whether or not in the Premises, Tenant shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in connection with such alterations or improvements as provided in Article 21 . Landlord, upon reviewing Tenant’s plans, shall endeavor to identify any such alterations or improvements which Landlord may be obligated to make as a result of Tenant’s Alterations, but such failure to do so on Landlord’s part shall not relieve Tenant of its obligations under the preceding sentence.

ARTICLE 6

FLOOR LOAD

Section 6.1 Floor Load . Tenant shall not place a load upon any floor in the Premises that exceeds the then existing capacities of the Premises. Landlord reserves the right to reasonably designate the position of all heavy machinery, equipment and fixtures which Tenant wishes to place within the Ancillary Space, and to place limitations on the weight thereof, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations.

ARTICLE 7

REPAIRS

Section 7.1 Landlord’s Repair and Maintenance .

(a) Ancillary Space . Landlord shall maintain and, except as provided in Section 7.2 hereof, make all necessary repairs (both structural and nonstructural) to (i) the Building Systems serving the Ancillary Space, (ii) the portion of the common areas of the Buildings which Tenant is granted the right to use pursuant to this Lease and (iii) the structural elements of the Ancillary Buildings, both exterior and interior, including the roof, foundation and curtain wall, in conformance with standards applicable to first-class office buildings of comparable age and quality in midtown Manhattan.

 

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(b) Music Hall . Except as provided in Section 7.2 , Landlord shall maintain and keep in good repair the Music Hall’s roof and exterior walls and windows (exclusive of the exterior window glass portion thereof which shall be maintained and replaced by Tenant as provided in Section 39.3 ). It is acknowledged that the Music Hall’s roof contains skylights which have been covered with roofing materials and Landlord shall maintain such portions of the roof. If, at any time, Tenant shall seek to restore all or any of such skylights to function as clear skylights. such restoration shall constitute a Music Hall Alteration and Tenant shall conduct such Music Hall Alteration (and all subsequent maintenance and repair of such skylights) at its expense. Landlord shall also, when necessary, maintain, keep in good repair and clean, consistent with the standards used with respect to the remainder of the Center, the sidewalks surrounding the Music Hall (including the brass maintenance (but not repair) of any decorative sidewalks) and remove snow or ice covering such sidewalks; provided, any repair, maintenance or cleaning which is Landlord’s responsibility under this Section 7.1(b) but is required by reason of any act, omission, neglect or improper conduct of any Tenant Party (other than any Tenant’s invitee) shall, subject to provisions of Section 13.3 , be performed at Tenant’s expense. Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, Landlord shall have no obligation to maintain or make any repairs to the Music Hall, including (i) the marquees and the exterior metal surfaces of the Music Hall or (ii) the fixtures, equipment and appurtenances in the Music Hall and (iii) the signage for the Music Hall.

Section 7.2 Tenant’s Repair and Maintenance .

(a) Ancillary Space . Tenant shall, promptly following the date any of the repairs hereafter described is required, at its expense and in compliance with Article 5 of this Lease, (i) make all nonstructural repairs to the Ancillary Space and the fixtures, equipment and appurtenances (which are not Building Systems) therein as and when needed to preserve the Ancillary Space in good working order and condition, except for reasonable wear and tear, damage for which Tenant is not responsible pursuant to this Lease and damage arising from the negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord or Landlord’s agents, which, subject to the provisions of Section 13.3 , Landlord shall repair at its expense and (ii) replace or repair scratched or damaged doors, signs and glass (other than exterior window glass) in and about the Ancillary Space. Without limiting the foregoing, all damage to the Ancillary Space or to any other part of the Ancillary Buildings, or to any fixtures, equipment, sprinkler system and/or appurtenances thereof, whether requiring structural or nonstructural repairs, caused by or resulting from any act, omission, neglect or improper conduct of, or Ancillary Space Alterations made by, or the moving of Tenant’s fixtures, furniture or equipment, including machinery and heavy equipment, into, within or out of the Ancillary Space by any Tenant Party (other than any Tenant’s invitee), shall be repaired at Tenant’s expense. All repairs required to be made by Tenant pursuant to this Section 7.2(a) shall be made by (A) Tenant, at Tenant’s expense if the required repairs are nonstructural in nature and do not affect any Building System or any portion of the Ancillary Buildings outside of the Ancillary Space, or (B) Landlord, at Tenant’s expense (equal to the reasonable, third party, out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by Landlord with respect to which Landlord shall provide reasonable supporting documentation), if the required repairs are structural in nature, involve replacement of exterior window glass (if damaged by any Tenant Party other than any Tenant invitee), or affect any Building System or any portion of the Ancillary Buildings outside of the Ancillary Space and provided Landlord shall furnish Tenant with reasonable supporting documentation thereof. Tenant shall give Landlord prompt notice of any defective condition of which Tenant is aware in any structural element or any Building System located in, servicing or passing through the Ancillary Space. All Tenant repairs shall be of a quality at least equal to the original work or construction using new construction materials, and shall be made in accordance with this Lease. If Tenant fails to proceed with due diligence to make any repairs required to be made by Tenant within a reasonable time not to exceed thirty (30) days after Landlord has so notified Tenant, Landlord may make such repairs, and all costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in so doing shall be paid by Tenant as provided in Article 21 .

(b) Music Hall . Except as provided in Section 7.1(b) , Tenant shall operate, maintain and make all necessary repairs, promptly, at its expense and in compliance with Article 5 of this Lease, to the Music Hall, including (i) the marquees and exterior metal surfaces, (ii) the fixtures, equipment and appurtenances including the refrigeration plant which provides chilled water to the Music Hall (the “ Refrigeration Plant ”) and the Independent Systems servicing the Music Hall, as and when needed to preserve the Music Hall in good working order and condition, (iii) the signage for the Music Hall and (iv) repair or replace scratched or damaged doors, signs and glass (including exterior window glass in accordance with Section 39.3 ) in and about the Music Hall. Such repairs shall be made by (x) Tenant, at Tenant’s expense if the required repairs do not affect the exterior of the Music Hall (other than the marquees, the exterior metal surfaces and the signage for the Music Hall, which shall be repaired by Tenant at its expense) or (y) at Landlord’s election, Landlord, if the required repairs affect the exterior of the Music Hall (other than the marquees, the exterior metal surfaces and the signage for the Music Hall which shall be performed by Tenant at its expense) and Tenant shall pay all reasonable, third party, out of pocket costs actually incurred by Landlord in connection with such repairs. Tenant shall use reasonable efforts to give Landlord prompt notice of any defective condition of which Tenant is aware in the Refrigeration Plant or any Independent System located in, servicing or passing through the Music Hall. All Tenant repairs shall be of a quality at least equal to the original work or construction using new construction materials, and shall be made in accordance with this Lease. With respect to the maintenance of the Refrigeration Plant, Tenant, at its expense, shall enter into annual maintenance contracts with contractors approved by Landlord, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and Tenant shall, upon the execution of any such maintenance contract, provide Landlord with a copy of such contract. If Tenant fails to enter into any such contract within 10 days after receipt of a

 

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notice from Landlord regarding same, Landlord may do so at Tenant’s expense and Tenant shall pay to Landlord, within 30 days after Tenant’s receipt of a written demand therefor, any amount due and owing under such contract. Landlord may, from time to time, after notice to Tenant, inspect the Refrigeration Plant and the Independent Systems servicing the Music Hall to assure that Tenant shall be maintaining the Refrigeration Plant and such Independent Systems in a first-class manner consistent with similar first-class buildings in New York. If Tenant fails to proceed with due diligence to make any repairs required to be made by Tenant pursuant to this subsection, Landlord may, subject to any requirement of notice contained in Article 21 , make such repairs, and all reasonable, third-party, out-of-pocket costs and expenses actually incurred by Landlord in so doing shall be paid by Tenant as provided in Article 21 .

(c) Tenant’s Acts and Omissions . Subject to Section 13.3 , Tenant, at its expense, shall make any and all repairs to the Premises required by reason of Tenant’s negligent acts or omissions or willful malfeasance. Subject to Section 13.3 , Landlord, at Tenant’s expense (equal to the reasonable, third party, out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by landlord with respect to which Landlord shall provide reasonable documentation), shall make any and all repairs to the other portions of the Center required by reason of Tenant’s negligent acts or omissions or willful malfeasance.

Section 7.3 Interruptions Due to Repairs . Landlord reserves the right to make all changes, alterations, additions, improvements, repairs or replacements to the Ancillary Buildings and the Center, including the Building Systems which provide services to Tenant, as Landlord deems necessary or desirable; provided that, as to the Music Hall, Landlord shall only make such changes, alterations, additions, improvements, repairs and replacements (a) as are its responsibility or which Tenant fails to make and Landlord furnishes a notice requesting such repair or replacement as provided in Section 7.2(a) and ( b ) or, (b) which Landlord has the right to make following an Event of Default by Tenant or (c) which Landlord, in its good faith judgment, deems necessary in the event of an emergency, and, provided further, in no event shall the level of any Building service decrease in any material respect from the level required of Landlord in this lease as a result thereof (other than temporary changes in the level of such services during the performance of any such work by Landlord), nor shall there be a denial of Tenant’s access to the Premises except in the event of any emergency to the extent that no practicable alternative exists. Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to minimize interference with Tenant’s use and occupancy of the Premises during the making of such changes, alterations, additions, improvements, repairs or replacements, provided that Landlord shall have no obligation to employ contractors or labor at overtime or other premium pay rates or to incur any other overtime costs or additional expenses whatsoever; provided further, with respect to the Music Hall only, Landlord shall, except in the case of an emergency, schedule any work or other such matters so as not to interfere with performances being staged at the Music Hall and, if circumstances demand overtime or other premium pay rates in order to accommodate such scheduling, the same shall be so performed to the extent practicable on an overtime basis and Tenant shall pay all of Landlord’s actual out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with performing such work on an overtime basis. Without limiting the foregoing, Landlord shall schedule its routine maintenance during periods of the year other than when the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is being performed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in circumstances where Landlord is not required to employ contractors or labor on an overtime basis, to the extent practicable, and provided Tenant shall agree to pay all actual, third party, out-of-pocket costs incurred by Landlord in excess of the costs Landlord would have otherwise incurred on a straight time basis. Except to the extent, if any, expressly provided for in this Lease, there shall be no Rent abatement or allowance to Tenant for a diminution of rental value, no actual or constructive eviction of Tenant, in whole or in part, no relief from any of Tenant’s other obligations under this Lease, and no liability on the part of Landlord, by reason of inconvenience, annoyance or injury to business arising from Landlord, Tenant or others making, or failing to make, any repairs, alterations, additions or improvements in or to any portion of the Center, the Buildings or the Premises, or in or to fixtures, appurtenances or equipment therein.

ARTICLE 8

INCREASES IN REAL ESTATE TAXES

Section 8.1 Definitions . As used in this Article:

(a) “ Base Tax Factor ” means the quotient, expressed in dollars and cents, of (i) the Taxes payable for the Base Tax Year, divided by (ii) the Center Tax Area for the Base Tax Year.

(b) “ Center Tax Area ” means the number of square feet in the rentable area of the Center for which Taxes are payable by Landlord or any Affiliate of Landlord, excluding the rentable area of any space in the Center not owned by Landlord or any Affiliate of Landlord or for which Taxes are not payable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall from time to time:

(i) subtract from the Center Tax Area the rentable area of space in the Center for which Taxes are not payable by Landlord or an Affiliate of Landlord; and

(ii) add to the Center Tax Area to include additional rentable area of the Center for which Taxes are payable by Landlord or an Affiliate of Landlord.

 

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(c) “ Landlord’s Statement ” means an instrument or instruments containing a comparison of the Base Tax Factor and the Tax Factor for any Tax Year.

(d) “ Taxes ” means the taxes and assessments paid or payable with respect to the Center, including assessments made as a result of the Center or any part thereof being within a business improvement district, other than any interest or penalties imposed in connection therewith, and all expenses, including fees and disbursements of counsel and experts, reasonably incurred by Landlord in connection with any application for a reduction in the assessed valuation for the Center or for a judicial review thereof (but in no event shall such expenses be included in Taxes payable for the Base Tax Year); provided that, except to the extent provided in the next sentence, Taxes shall not include franchise, income, profit or estate taxes. If due to a future change in the method of taxation any franchise, income, profit or other tax shall be levied in substitution in whole or in part for or in lieu of any tax which would otherwise constitute a Tax, such franchise, income, profit or other tax shall be deemed to be a Tax for the purposes of this Lease. With respect to assessments which may be paid in installments, Landlord shall elect to pay them in the maximum number of installments and each of such installments together with all interest imposed thereon by the applicable governmental authority shall be deemed to be included in Taxes for the period to which such installment relates. To the extent that expenses incurred by Landlord in connection with any application for a reduction in assessed valuation of the Center are reimbursed to Landlord by including same in the definition of Taxes for a particular Tax Year, the same shall not also be deducted from the amount of any refund that Landlord may obtain for such Tax Year so as to avoid any so-called “double-counting” of the same expense. If there is an abatement applicable to the Center solely by reason of the Music Hall constituting a portion thereof, such abatement shall be considered in computing Taxes, but no other exemptions or abatements shall be so considered.

(e) “ Tax Factor ” means the quotient, expressed in dollars and cents, of (i) the Taxes payable for any Tax Year subsequent to the Base Tax Year, divided by (ii) the Center Tax Area for such Tax Year.

(f) “ Tax Year ” means the 12 month period commencing July 1 of each year, or such other 12 month period as may be duly adopted as the fiscal year for real estate tax purposes by the City of New York.

Section 8.2 Tax Payments . (a) If the Tax Factor for any Tax Year exceeds the Base Tax Factor, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as Additional Rent during each Tax Year, an amount (“ Tenant’s Tax Payment ”) equal to (i) Tenant’s Area, multiplied by (ii) the amount by which the Tax Factor for such Tax Year exceeds the Base Tax Factor. Landlord shall furnish to Tenant a Landlord’s Statement setting forth Landlord’s computation of Tenant’s Tax Payment for such Tax Year. Tenant shall pay to Landlord on June 1 and December 1 of each calendar year (or on such other dates as shall be thirty (30) days prior to each date that an installment of Taxes becomes due) an amount equal to 1/2 (or such portion of Taxes which may be due on such date) of Tenant’s Tax Payment for such Tax Year. Landlord may, at any time, furnish to Tenant a revised Landlord’s Statement of Landlord’s computation of Tenant’s Tax Payment for a particular Tax Year, and in such case, (A) if such Landlord’s Statement shall show that the sums theretofore paid by Tenant were less than the sums which should have been paid on account of Tenant’s Tax Payment for such Tax Year, Tenant shall pay to Landlord the amount of such deficiency in Tenant’s Tax Payment within ten (10) Business Days after such Landlord’s Statement is furnished to Tenant, or (B) if such Landlord’s Statement shall show that the sums so paid by Tenant were more than the sums that should have been paid on account of Tenant’s Tax Payment for such Tax Year, Landlord shall credit such overpayment in Tenant’s Tax Payment against subsequent installments of Rent payable by Tenant or, if at the end of the Term, promptly refund such amount to Tenant. If there shall be any increase in the Taxes for any Tax Year, whether during or after such Tax Year, or if there shall be any decrease in the Taxes for any Tax Year, Landlord shall notify Tenant thereof and Tenant’s Tax Payment for such Tax Year shall be appropriately adjusted and any deficiencies paid or overpayments credited, as the case may be, substantially in the same manner as provided in the preceding sentence.

(b) Tenant shall be obligated to pay Tenant’s Tax Payment regardless of whether Tenant may be exempt from the payment of taxes as the result of any reduction, abatement, or exemption from Taxes granted or agreed to by any Governmental Authority, or by reason of Tenant’s diplomatic status or other tax exempt status. The benefit of any discount for any early payment of Taxes shall accrue solely to the benefit of Landlord.

(c) Tenant shall not (and hereby waives any and all rights it may now or hereafter have to) institute or maintain any action, proceeding or application in any court or other body having the power to fix or review assessed valuations, for the purpose of reducing Taxes, and the filing of any such proceeding by Tenant without Landlord’s consent shall be a default hereunder.

(d) Upon Tenant’s request and provided that Landlord shall theretofore have received a copy of the tax bill(s) relating to the Center for a particular Tax Year, Landlord shall promptly furnish a copy of such tax bill to Tenant.

 

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(e) Upon Tenant’s request, in the event Landlord shall have adjusted the Center Tax Area pursuant to Section 8.1(b) above, Landlord shall advise Tenant as to the basis for such adjustment and the basis for such adjustment shall be consistent with the basis for adjustments being made generally with respect to tenants in the Center with respect to whom an adjustment in the Center Tax Area is then being made.

Section 8.3 Certain Adjustments . (a) Taxes shall not include any taxes and assessments imposed upon any portion of the Center excluded from the calculation of the Center Tax Area pursuant to Section 8.1(b) above.

(b) If the Rent Commencement Date shall be a day other than July 1 or the Expiration Date shall be a day other than June 30, or if there is any abatement of Fixed Rent payable under this Lease (other than any abatement under Article 1 hereof) or any termination of this Lease (other than a termination pursuant to Article 19 ), or if there is any increase or decrease in Tenant’s Area or a change in the basis of computing Tenant’s Tax Payment for any Tax Year, then in each such event in applying the provisions of this Article with respect to the Tax Year in which the event occurred, appropriate adjustments shall be made to reflect the result of such event on a basis consistent with the principles underlying the provisions of this Article, taking into consideration (i) the portion of such Tax Year, as the case may be, which shall have elapsed prior to or after such event, (ii) the rentable area of the Premises affected thereby, and (iii) the duration of such event.

Section 8.4 Non-Waiver . Landlord’s failure to render a Landlord’s Statement on a timely basis with respect to any Tax Year shall not prejudice Landlord’s right to thereafter render a Landlord’s Statement with respect to such Tax Year or any subsequent Tax Year, nor shall the rendering of a Landlord’s Statement prejudice Landlord’s right to thereafter render a corrected Landlord’s Statement for any Tax Year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Landlord fails to deliver a Landlord’s Statement for a particular Tax Year and such failure continues for two (2) years after the close of such Tax Year, then Landlord shall have waived its right thereafter to deliver a Landlord’s Statement with respect to such Tax Year (but not as to subsequent Tax Years).

Section 8.5 Tenant Disputes . Each Landlord’s Statement sent to Tenant shall be conclusively binding upon Tenant unless Tenant shall (i) within 30 days after such statement is sent, pay to Landlord the amount set forth in such statement, without prejudice to Tenant’s right to dispute such statement, and (ii) within 180 days after such statement is sent, send a notice to Landlord objecting to such statement and specifying the reasons for Tenant’s claim that such statement is incorrect. If the parties are unable to resolve any such dispute within 30 days following the giving of Tenant’s notice of objection, either party may refer the issues raised to an independent firm of certified public accountants selected by Landlord (but not Landlord’s regular accountant) and reasonably acceptable to Tenant, and the decision of such accountants shall be conclusively binding upon Landlord and Tenant. In connection therewith, Tenant and such accountants shall execute and deliver to Landlord a confidentiality agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Landlord, whereby such parties agree not to disclose to any third party any of the information that is not otherwise public obtained in connection with such review, or the substance of any admissions or stipulations by any party in connection therewith, or of any resulting reconciliation, compromise or settlement.

ARTICLE 9

REQUIREMENTS OF LAW

Section 9.1 (a)  Tenant’s Compliance/Landlord’s Compliance . Tenant, at its expense, shall comply (or cause to be complied) with all Requirements applicable to those portions of the Premises for which Tenant shall be responsible, regardless of whether imposed by their terms upon Landlord or Tenant. If Tenant obtains knowledge of any failure to comply with any Requirements applicable to those portions of the Premises for which Tenant shall be responsible for the repair and maintenance as provided in this Lease, Tenant shall use reasonable efforts to give Landlord prompt notice thereof. All repairs and alterations, ordinary or extraordinary, required to be made to cause the Premises to comply with any Requirements shall be made by Tenant, at Tenant’s expense and in compliance with Article 5 if such repairs or alterations do not affect any Building System, and do not involve the performance of work outside of the Premises, or, at Landlord’s election, by Landlord, at Tenant’s expense in an amount equal to the reasonable, third party, out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by Landlord (based upon reasonable supporting documentation), if such repairs or alterations affect any Building System, or involve the performance of work outside the Premises. Any cost incurred by Landlord to repair or alter, whether structural or nonstructural, ordinary or extraordinary, (i) the Premises to comply with Requirements or (ii) any other portion or portions of the Buildings or the Center, which repair or alteration results from Tenant’s use of the Premises, shall be reimbursed by Tenant as Additional Rent within 30 days after Landlord’s demand therefor. Landlord, at its expense, shall comply (or cause to be complied) with all Requirements applicable to the Premises or Buildings other than those with which Tenant or other tenants of the Buildings shall be required to comply, if Landlord’s failure to do so would have a material and adverse effect on Tenant’s occupancy.

 

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(b) Hazardous Materials . Tenant shall not (i) cause or permit any Hazardous Materials to be brought into or onto the Center, (ii) cause or permit the storage or use of Hazardous Materials in any manner not permitted by any Requirements, or (iii) cause or permit the escape, disposal or release of any Hazardous Materials within or in the vicinity of the Center. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prevent Tenant’s use of any Hazardous Materials customarily used in the ordinary course of using the Premises for the Permitted Uses, provided such use is in accordance with all Requirements. Tenant shall be responsible, at its expense, for the cost of compliance with all Requirements and for all fines, violations and any other such charges, which arise or result from, the actual or alleged presence of Hazardous Materials (A) in the Premises and (B) in the Buildings or the Center, provided, as to this clause (B), Tenant shall only be responsible to the extent the actual or alleged presence of Hazardous Substance is caused or permitted by Tenant or any Tenant Party. Tenant shall provide to Landlord copies of all communications received by Tenant with respect to any Requirements relating to Hazardous Materials, and any claims made in connection therewith. Landlord or its agents may perform environmental inspections of the Premises at any time.

(c) Landlord’s Insurance . Tenant shall not cause or permit or suffer any action or condition that would (i) invalidate or conflict with Landlord’s insurance policies which contemplate a live entertainment use for the Music Hall, (ii) violate applicable rules, regulations and guidelines of the Fire Department, Fire Insurance Rating Organization or any other authority having jurisdiction over the Center, (iii) cause an increase in the premiums for fire insurance then covering the Buildings over that payable with respect to comparable first-class office buildings or theaters, or (iv) result in insurance companies of good standing refusing to insure the Buildings or any property therein in amounts and against risks as reasonably determined by Landlord. If the fire insurance premiums increase as a result of Tenant’s failure to comply with the provisions of this Article, Tenant shall promptly cure such failure and shall reimburse Landlord for the increased fire insurance premiums paid by Landlord as a result of such failure by Tenant, provided that Landlord shall furnish reasonable supporting documentation therefor. If it is not practicable for Tenant to cure such failure and continue to operate the Premises for the Permitted Uses and the only result of such failure is an increase in Landlord’s insurance premium, then provided Tenant pays such increased premium, Tenant shall not be required to cease such action so long as the increased premium is the only effect of such failure and, provided further, in the event that (A) Landlord’s insurance carrier refuses to provide certain insurance as a result of Tenant’s failure to comply with the provisions of this Article and (B) a separate insurance carrier of comparable rating or which is otherwise satisfactory to Landlord is willing to provide such insurance, Tenant shall pay any increased cost payable by Landlord by reason of its purchase of such insurance from such separate insurance carrier. In any action or proceeding to which Landlord and Tenant are parties, a schedule or “make up” of rates for the Buildings or the Premises issued by the appropriate Fire Insurance Rating Organization, or other body fixing such fire insurance rates, shall be conclusive evidence of the fire insurance rates then applicable to the Buildings.

(d) ADA Compliance . Tenant hereby acknowledges and agrees that it is aware of the complaint letter, dated February 9, 1995 from the United States Department of Justice to Proskauer, Rose Goetz & Mendelsohn (the “ DOJ Letter ”) relating to certain violations of ADA by RCPI. Without limiting Tenant’s obligations under Section 9.1 , Tenant expressly agrees that it shall, from and after the Execution Date and during the Term, at its own expense, comply with the requirements of any settlement of, or any final judgment, order or decree relating to, the DOJ Letter or any subsequent correspondence or complaint with respect to ADA compliance in the Music Hall, including any ADA requirements relating to conditions existing prior to the Execution Date. In consideration of the foregoing, Landlord agrees to waive its right to require Tenant to pay Compliance Costs (as defined in the Lease Modification) up to an aggregate amount of $300,000. Landlord shall cooperate with Tenant in connection with, and shall approve, any settlement Tenant shall enter into pursuant to this Section 9.1(d) ; provided, that (i) such settlement shall not impose any liability, obligation or expense upon Landlord and (ii) any improvements or alterations required to be performed by Tenant pursuant to such settlement shall not affect any area outside of the Premises. Any alterations or improvements required to be performed pursuant to such settlement shall constitute a Music Hall Alteration and be subject to the applicable terms and conditions of this Lease.

Section 9.2 Fire Alarm System; Sprinklers . Tenant shall install, and thereafter maintain in good order and repair, a sprinkler system and fire-alarm and life-safety system in each of the Music Hall, the 1270 Space and the 50 Rock Space (except, as to the Music Hall sprinkler system, only to the extent required by Requirements), in accordance with this Lease, the Rules and Regulations and all Requirements if and to the extent such systems have not been installed in the Premises prior to the date hereof. If the Fire Insurance Rating Organization or any Governmental Authority or any of Landlord’s insurers requires or recommends any modifications or Alterations be made or any additional equipment be supplied in connection with the sprinkler system or fire-alarm and life-safety system serving the Buildings or the Premises by reason of Tenant’s business, or the location of the partitions, trade fixtures, or other contents of the Premises, Landlord (to the extent outside of the Premises), or Tenant (to the extent within the Premises) shall make such modifications or Alterations, and supply such additional equipment, in either case at Tenant’s expense; provided, however, that if any such recommendation does not have the force of law and failure to comply with such recommendation shall have no material adverse effect on Landlord other than an increase in Landlord’s insurance premiums (which increase Tenant agrees to pay), Tenant shall not be required to comply with such recommendation.

 

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Section 9.3 Limitations on Rent . If, at any time during the Term, the Rent is not fully collectible by reason of any Requirement in the nature of rent control which limits Landlord’s right to collect the Rent provided herein, Tenant shall take such other steps as Landlord may request, and as may be legally permissible, to permit Landlord to collect the maximum rents which may during the continuance of such restriction be legally permissible (but not in excess of the Rent reserved under this Lease). Upon the termination of such restriction during the Term, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, in addition to the Rent for the period following such termination, if legally permissible, the portion of Rent which would have been paid pursuant to this Lease but for such legal restriction, less the Rent paid by Tenant to Landlord while such restriction was in effect, together with interest thereon at the Base Rate.

ARTICLE 10

QUIET ENJOYMENT

Provided this Lease is in full force and effect, Tenant may peaceably and quietly enjoy the Premises without hindrance by Landlord or any Person lawfully claiming through or under Landlord, subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease.

ARTICLE 11

SUBORDINATION

Section 11.1 Subordination and Attornment . (a) Subject to Section 11.5 hereof, this Lease and Tenant’s rights hereunder are subject and subordinate to all Mortgages and Superior Leases. At the request of any Mortgagee or Lessor, Tenant shall attorn to such Mortgagee or Lessor, its successors in interest or any purchaser in a foreclosure sale at such time as any such party succeeds to Landlord’s interest hereunder as Landlord. Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that, as of the Execution Date, there are no Superior Leases, Mortgages or Condominium Declarations (as hereinafter defined) affecting the Premises.

(b) If a Lessor or Mortgagee or any other Person shall succeed to the rights of Landlord under this Lease, whether through possession or foreclosure action, or the delivery of a new lease or deed, then at the request of the successor landlord and upon such successor landlord’s written agreement to accept Tenant’s attornment and to recognize Tenant’s interest under this Lease, Tenant shall be deemed to have attorned to and recognized such successor landlord as Landlord under this Lease. The provisions of this Article 11 are self-operative and require no further instruments to give effect hereto; provided, however, that Tenant shall promptly execute and deliver any instrument that such successor landlord may reasonably request (1) evidencing such attornment, (2) setting forth the terms and conditions of Tenant’s tenancy, and (3) containing such other terms and conditions as may be required by such Mortgagee or Lessor, provided such terms and conditions do not increase the Rent, increase (by more than a de minimis extent) Tenant’s non-Rent obligations or adversely affect Tenant’s rights under this Lease (by more than a de minimis extent). Upon such attornment, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect as a direct lease between such successor landlord and Tenant upon all of the terms, conditions and covenants set forth in this Lease except that such successor landlord shall not be:

(i) liable for any act or omission of Landlord (except to the extent such act or omission continues beyond the date when such successor landlord succeeds to Landlord’s interest and Tenant gives notice of such act or omission);

(ii) subject to any defense, claim, counterclaim, set-off or offset which Tenant may have against Landlord; provided that nothing contained herein shall be deemed to impair any right of Tenant to a continuing abatement pursuant to Article 14 in connection with a prior casualty;

(iii) bound by any prepayment of more than one month’s Rent to any prior landlord except for Additional Rent on account of Taxes or, if applicable, Tenant’s Retail Operating Expense Payment, which are paid in accordance with this Lease for a period covering more than one month;

(iv) bound by any obligation to make any payment to Tenant which was required to be made prior to the time such successor landlord succeeded to Landlord’s interest;

(v) bound by any obligation to perform any work or to make improvements to the Premises except for (A) repairs and maintenance required to be made by the Landlord under this Lease, and (B) repairs to the Premises as a result of damage by fire or other casualty, or partial condemnation, pursuant to the provisions of this Lease, but only to the extent that such repairs can reasonably be made from the net proceeds of any insurance or condemnation awards actually made available to such successor landlord; or

(vi) bound by any modification, amendment or renewal of this Lease made without the consent of any Lessor or Mortgagee of which Tenant has been provided notice.

 

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(c) Any Mortgagee may elect that this Lease shall have priority over the Mortgage that it holds and, upon notification to Tenant by such Mortgagee, this Lease shall be deemed to have priority over such Mortgage, regardless of the date of this Lease. In connection with any financing of the Real Property or the Center, or of the interest of the lessee under any Superior Lease, Tenant shall consent to any reasonable modifications of this Lease requested by any lending institution, provided such modifications do not increase the Rent, increase Tenant’s non-Rent obligations other than to a de minimis extent or reduce or affect Tenant’s rights under this Lease other than to a de minimis extent.

Section 11.2 Termination by Tenant . As long as any Superior Lease or Mortgage shall exist, Tenant shall not seek to terminate this Lease by reason of any act or omission of Landlord (i) until Tenant shall have given notice of such act or omission to all Lessors and/or Mortgagees (of which Tenant has received notice) and shall state in such notice in BOLDFACE TYPE that within 45 days of receipt thereof, such Lessor or Mortgagee must provide Tenant a notice of its intention to seek to cure such default to preserve such Lessor’s or such Mortgagee’s rights under this Section 11.2 , and (ii) provided such Lessor and/or Mortgagee shall, within 45 days of receipt of Tenant’s notice, notify Tenant of its intention to seek to cure such default, until a reasonable period of time shall have elapsed following the giving of notice of such default and the expiration of any applicable notice or grace periods (unless such act or omission is not capable of being remedied within a reasonable period of time) during which period such Lessors and/or Mortgagees shall have the right, but not the obligation, to remedy such act or omission. If any Lessor or Mortgagee elects to remedy such act or omission of Landlord, Tenant shall not seek to terminate this Lease so long as such Lessor or Mortgagee is proceeding with reasonable diligence to effect such remedy.

Section 11.3 Future Condominium Declaration . This Lease and Tenant’s rights hereunder will be subject and subordinate to any condominium declaration, by-laws and other instruments (collectively, the “ Condominium Declaration ”) which may hereafter be recorded in order to subject the Buildings to a condominium form of ownership pursuant to Article 9-B of the New York Real Property Law or any successor statute, provided that the Condominium Declaration does not by its terms increase the Rent, increase Tenant’s non-Rent obligations other than to a de minimis extent or reduce Tenant’s rights or Landlord’s obligations under this Lease other than to a de minimis extent. At Landlord’s request, and subject to the foregoing proviso, Tenant will execute and deliver to Landlord an amendment of this Lease confirming such subordination and modifying this Lease to conform to such condominium regime, but no such amendment shall be necessary in order to make such subordination effective.

Section 11.4 Applicability . The provisions of this Article shall (i) inure to the benefit of Landlord, any future owner of the Real Property, any Lessor or Mortgagee and any sublessor thereof, and (ii) apply notwithstanding that, as a matter of law, this Lease may terminate upon the termination of any Superior Lease or the foreclosure of any Mortgage.

Section 11.5 Non-Disturbance Agreements . As a condition to Tenant’s agreement hereunder to subordinate Tenant’s interest in this Lease to any Mortgage and any Superior Lease, Landlord shall obtain from each Mortgagee or Lessor an agreement, in recordable form in the standard form customarily employed by such Mortgagee or Lessor (modified as reasonably required to provide Tenant with the protections provided for in this Section 11.5 and provided that nothing contained therein shall be inconsistent in any material respect with the terms of this Lease), pursuant to which such Mortgagee or Lessor shall agree that if and so long as no Event of Default hereunder shall have occurred and be continuing, the leasehold estate granted to Tenant and all of the rights of Tenant pursuant to this Lease shall not be terminated, modified, affected or disturbed by any action which such Mortgagee may take to foreclose any Mortgage, or which such Lessor shall take to terminate such Superior Lease, as applicable, and that any successor landlord shall recognize this Lease as being in full force and effect as if it were a direct lease between such successor landlord and Tenant upon all of the terms, covenants, conditions and options granted to Tenant under this Lease, except as otherwise provided in Section 11.1(b) hereof (any such agreement, a “ Non-Disturbance Agreement ”). If (i) Landlord shall tender a Non-Disturbance Agreement to Tenant for execution accompanied by a notice referring to this Section 11.5 and stating that Tenant is required to execute and deliver same within ten (10) Business Days after such tender, and Tenant shall fail or refuse to execute and deliver same within said ten (10) Business Days, after such tender, (ii) following the expiration of such ten (10) Business Day period, Landlord delivers to Tenant a notice setting forth such failure or refusal, and (iii) Tenant’s failure or refusal shall continue for a period of five (5) Business Days after Tenant’s receipt of the notice described in clause (ii) above, then Landlord shall have no further obligation pursuant to this Section 11.5 with respect to the Mortgagee or Superior Lessor which is the other party thereto, all of Landlord’s obligations being deemed satisfied and this Lease and all rights of Tenant hereunder shall remain subject and subordinate to the applicable Superior Lease or Mortgage without the need to deliver to Tenant a Non-Disturbance Agreement, and no further instrument of subordination shall be required.

 

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ARTICLE 12

SERVICES

Section 12.1 Ancillary Space Services . Landlord shall provide no services to the Ancillary Space except as expressly stated in this Section 12.1 .

(a) Elevators . Landlord shall make available to Tenant at least one freight elevator serving the 1270 Space, the 50 Rock Space and the storage portion of Retail Space #1 upon Tenant’s prior request, on a non-exclusive “first come, first serve” basis with other tenants of 1270 Avenue of the Americas and/or 50 Rockefeller Plaza, on all Business Days from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. If Tenant shall require freight elevator service at any other times (“ Overtime Periods ”), Tenant must deliver notice (which may be delivered via facsimile if Landlord generally permits tenants in the Center to notify Landlord of the need for overtime services using this notice method) to Landlord’s property management office serving 1270 Avenue of the Americas and/or 50 Rockefeller Plaza, requesting such freight elevator service at least 24 hours prior to the time at which such service is to be provided, but Landlord shall use reasonable efforts (without obligation to incur any additional cost) to arrange for freight elevator service during Overtime Periods on such shorter notice as Tenant shall provide. Tenant shall pay to Landlord Landlord’s then established rates for supplying freight elevator service during Overtime Periods which shall be the rate charged generally to tenants at 1270 Avenue of the Americas and/or 50 Rockefeller Plaza. In the event that Tenant desires to provide an entrance to the Club (as defined in Article 40 ) through the lobby at 1270 Avenue of the Americas, Landlord and Tenant shall cooperate with one another to reach agreement on satisfactory arrangements which address to Landlord’s reasonable satisfaction Landlord’s security and operational concerns regarding such usage by Tenant; provided that Landlord prohibiting any such usage during Business Hours shall conclusively be deemed to be reasonable and provided further that all expenses in connection with such usage of the lobby at 1270 Avenue of the Americas shall be borne by Tenant. Landlord shall be under no obligation to provide passenger elevator service to any Ancillary Space except to the extent Landlord may agree to do so with respect to the 1270 Space in connection with the usage of the lobby at 1270 Avenue of the Americas as an entrance to the Club as above provided.

(b) Ancillary Space Chilled Water . Landlord and Tenant shall furnish chilled water for the operation of 1270 Avenue of the Americas, to a location designated by Landlord and otherwise in accordance with the specifications set forth in Exhibit D-1 annexed hereto. Landlord shall furnish chilled water to the 1270 Space, Retail Space #1 and the 50 Rock Space in accordance with Exhibit D-2 annexed hereto.

(c) Cleaning . Tenant shall, at its expense, cause the Ancillary Space to be cleaned and exterminated substantially in accordance with the specifications set forth in Exhibit E . The cleaning of the Ancillary Space may be done by Tenant’s employees. If Tenant shall seek to clean all or any portion of the Ancillary Space other than by its own employees and Tenant shall receive a bona fide, firm bid for performing such cleaning services from a reputable cleaning contractor and if Landlord’s designated contractor shall be comparable in competence, Landlord’s designated contractor shall within thirty (30) days thereafter have the right to match the bid of Tenant’s proposed contractor. If Landlord’s designated contractor shall match such bid, then Tenant shall award the contract for such cleaning services to Landlord’s designated contractor. If Landlord’s designated contractor shall not match such bid, Landlord shall not unreasonably withhold or delay its consent to Tenant’s use of its proposed contractor to provide such cleaning services. Any contract entered into by Tenant shall be for a period of no more than one year at which time Landlord’s designated cleaning contractor shall again be afforded an opportunity to bid on such work and shall be awarded such work if it is prepared to match the bid of the cleaning contractor then being utilized by Tenant and can demonstrate its competence to perform such cleaning services to Tenant’s reasonable satisfaction.

(d) Water and Steam . Landlord shall provide to the Ancillary Space hot and cold water for drinking, cleaning and lavatory purposes and, as to the kitchen area of the 1270 Space, only cold water. Landlord shall install a meter to measure the water and steam furnished to the 1270 Space and the Retail Space. Tenant shall pay the reasonable third party, out of pocket cost of such installation actually incurred by Landlord, and for all maintenance, repairs and replacements thereto. Tenant shall also pay 103% of Landlord’s actual costs for providing such water or steam as measured by such meters and for any required pumping or heating thereof plus reasonable out-of-pocket, third party costs actually incurred by Landlord, and any sewer rent, taxes (including utility and sales taxes) and/or charge now or hereafter assessed or imposed upon the 1270 Space, the Retail Space or 1270 Avenue of the Americas (and equitably allocated to the 1270 Space or the Retail Space) pursuant to any Requirement. Such charges shall be payable within thirty (30) days after being billed therefor. Tenant shall not be charged for water for the purposes herein specified which is furnished to the 50 Rock Space.

(e) Gas . Landlord shall make available to Tenant a portion of the pipe gallery shaft designated by Landlord for Tenant to install the meter furnished by the utility supplying gas to the Ancillary Space. Tenant shall be directly metered for all gas required by the 1270 Space and the 50 Rock Space and Tenant shall pay for all maintenance, repairs and replacements of such meters. Tenant shall also pay any rent, tax and/or charge now or hereafter assessed or imposed upon Landlord or Tenant with respect to such gas usage.

 

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(f) Refuse and Rubbish Removal . Tenant shall provide all refuse and rubbish removal services with respect to the Ancillary Space pursuant to regulations reasonably established by Landlord. With respect to the 1270 Space and Retail Space #1, Tenant shall remove the refuse and rubbish via the freight elevators servicing 1270 Avenue of the Americas to an area of Landlord’s main loading dock designated for Tenant after 6:00 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m. and Tenant shall pay Landlord’s customary charges for overtime freight elevator service then being charged generally to tenants of 1270 Avenue of the Americas. Tenant shall cause all Tenant Parties to observe such additional rules and regulations regarding rubbish removal and/or recycling as Landlord may, from time to time, reasonably impose.

(g) Life Safety . Tenant, at its expense, shall connect the life safety systems serving the Ancillary Space to the life safety Building System in the applicable Ancillary Building.

(h) Additional Ancillary Building Services . The Rent does not reflect or include any charge to Tenant for the furnishing of any building services to the Ancillary Space other than to the limited extent described in Section 12.1(b) above. If Landlord furnishes any other building service to the Ancillary Space, Tenant shall pay to Landlord Landlord’s then established rates for supplying such building services.

(i) Connections to Utilities . Landlord shall, at Tenant’s expense, cooperate with Tenant in facilitating the connections between the utilities providing water, steam and gas and the risers serving the Ancillary Space.

Section 12.2 Music Hall Services . (a)  Water . Tenant shall be directly metered by the City of New York for all water required by the Music Hall. Tenant shall pay for all maintenance, repairs and replacement of such meters. Tenant shall also pay any sewer rent, tax and/or charge now or hereafter assessed or imposed upon Landlord or Tenant with respect to such water usage.

(b) Refuse and Rubbish Removal . Tenant shall be responsible for removal of all refuse and rubbish from the Music Hall and the 50 Rock Space. The refuse and rubbish shall be removed by Tenant daily to a portion of Landlord’s main loading dock serving 50 Rockefeller Plaza via the freight elevators serving 50 Rockefeller Plaza. Tenant shall pay Landlord’s customary charges for overtime freight elevator service then being charged generally to tenants of 50 Rockefeller Plaza. Tenant’s refuse and rubbish shall be promptly picked up by Landlord’s contractor nightly after 2:00 a.m. and prior to 6:00 a.m. and Tenant shall pay to Landlord (i) Landlord’s commercially reasonable charges for the use of Landlord’s compactors, (ii) Landlord’s actual, third party, out-of-pocket cost to remove such refuse and rubbish and (iii) any additional costs actually incurred by Landlord for any cleaning, maintenance or repairs made to the common areas of 50 Rockefeller Plaza resulting from Tenant Parties’ removal of such refuse and rubbish from the Music Hall to Landlord’s main loading dock serving 50 Rockefeller Plaza. Tenant shall cause all Tenant Parties to observe such additional rules and regulations regarding rubbish removal and/or recycling as Landlord may, from time to time, reasonably impose. If Landlord fails to cause its contractor to remove refuse and rubbish from the loading dock in a reasonably timely manner such that Tenant has no place to unload additional refuse and rubbish and Landlord fails to cure such failure promptly upon being notified of same, Tenant may, at its expense, cause its own contractor to remove such refuse and rubbish, subject to the provisions of this Lease relating to labor harmony.

(c) Cleaning . Tenant shall, at its expense, cause the Music Hall to be cleaned at a standard befitting a first class entertainment center located within the Center. The Music Hall may be cleaned by Tenant’s employees. If Tenant shall seek to clean all or any portion of the Music Hall other than by its own employees, Tenant shall obtain a bona fide, firm bid for performing such cleaning services from a reputable cleaning contractor and if Landlord’s designated contractor shall be comparable in competence, Landlord’s designated contractor shall within thirty (30) days thereafter have the right to match the bid of Tenant’s proposed contractor, provided that within such thirty (30) day period Landlord’s designated contractor can demonstrate its competence to perform such cleaning to Tenant’s reasonable satisfaction. If Landlord’s designated contractor shall match such bid and shall have demonstrated its competence to Tenant’s reasonable satisfaction, then Tenant shall award the contract for such cleaning services to Landlord’s designated contractor. If Landlord’s designated contractor shall not match such bid, Landlord shall not unreasonably withhold or delay its consent to Tenant’s use of its proposed contractor to provide such cleaning services. Any contract entered into by Tenant shall be for a period of no more than one year at which time Landlord’s designated cleaning contractor shall again be afforded an opportunity to bid on such work and shall be awarded such work if it is prepared to match the bid of the cleaning contractor then being utilized by Tenant and can demonstrate its competence to perform such cleaning to Tenant’s reasonable satisfaction.

(d) Chilled Water . Chilled Water shall be provided to the Music Hall at such times and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Exhibit D-1 annexed hereto.

Section 12.4 Service Interruptions . Landlord reserves the right to suspend any building service when necessary, by reason of Unavoidable Delays, accidents or emergencies, or for repairs, alterations or improvements which, in Landlord’s reasonable judgment, are necessary or appropriate, until such Unavoidable Delay, accident or emergency shall cease or such repairs, alterations or improvements are completed, and Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for any interruption, curtailment or failure to supply services.

 

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Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to restore such service, remedy such situation and minimize interference with Tenant’s business, provided that Landlord shall have no obligation to employ contractors or labor at overtime or other premium pay rates, or to incur any other overtime costs or additional expenses whatsoever. The exercise of any such right or the occurrence of any such failure by Landlord shall not (i) constitute an actual or constructive eviction, in whole or in part, (ii) entitle Tenant to any compensation, abatement or diminution of Rent, (iii) relieve Tenant from any of its obligations under this Lease, or (iv) impose any liability upon Landlord by reason of inconvenience to Tenant, or interruption of Tenant’s business, or otherwise.

Section 12.5 Rent Abatement . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 12.4 above or elsewhere in this Lease, provided no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, in the event that Tenant is unable to use all of the 1270 Space, all of the 50 Rock Space or all of the Retail Space (each, an “ Affected Space ”), for the conduct of Tenant’s business due solely to the failure of an Essential Service (as defined below) and (a) after Tenant furnishes a notice to Landlord (the “ Abatement Notice ”) stating that Tenant’s inability to use the Premises is solely due to such condition and such condition continues for a period in excess of (x) 10 consecutive days if the failure to provide such Essential Service results from a circumstance within Landlord’s control or (y) 20 consecutive days if the failure to provide such Essential Service results from an Unavoidable Delay, (b) Tenant does not actually use or occupy the entire Affected Space during such period and (c) such condition has not resulted from the negligence or willful misconduct of Tenant or any Tenant Party, then Fixed Rent, the Retail Operating Expense Payment and Tenant’s Tax Payment shall be abated on a per diem basis with respect to the Affected Space (but not as to the balance of the Premises) for the period commencing on the 11th day (or the 21 st day, as applicable) after Tenant furnishes the Abatement Notice, and ending on the earlier of (i) the date Tenant occupies any material portion of the Affected Space which is the subject of such abatement for the ordinary conduct of its business or (ii) the date on which such condition is substantially remedied. An “ Essential Service ” shall mean only, with respect to each Affected Space, (i) the provision of electricity pursuant to Section 17.1 , (ii) the provision of water and steam (when seasonably required) in accordance with the terms set forth in Section 12.1(d) , and (iii) Landlord’s failure to provide chilled water during the time periods provided in, and in accordance with the provisions of, Exhibit D-1 and Exhibit D-2 annexed hereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Landlord shall fail to provide chilled water to the Affected Space or the Music Hall and such chilled water can be provided by Tenant by operation of Tenant’s Refrigeration Plant, then in lieu of any abatement pursuant to this Section 12.5, from and after the 10 th day of such failure (or the 20 th day of such failure, if such failure was due to an Unavoidable Delay), Landlord shall pay to Tenant an amount equal to the actual cost incurred by Tenant to operate its Refrigeration Plant which Tenant would not have otherwise incurred but for Landlord’s failure to provide said chilled water as an Essential Service. Tenant shall provide Landlord with reasonable supporting documentation of such costs incurred and Landlord shall pay Tenant the amounts due to Tenant hereunder within thirty (30) days of receiving such documentation.

ARTICLE 13

INSURANCE; PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGE; REIMBURSEMENT

Section 13.1 Tenant’s Insurance . (a) Tenant, at its expense, shall obtain and keep in full force and effect during the Term:

(i) a policy of commercial general liability insurance on an occurrence basis against claims for personal injury, death and/or property damage occurring in or about the Premises, under which Tenant is named as the insured and Landlord, Landlord’s managing agent, any Lessors, any Mortgagees and any other parties whose names shall have been furnished by Landlord to Tenant from time to time are named as additional insureds, which insurance shall provide primary coverage without contribution from any other insurance carried by or for the benefit of Landlord, Landlord’s managing agent or any Lessors or Mortgagees named as additional insureds, and Tenant agrees to obtain blanket broad-form contractual liability coverage to insure its indemnity obligations set forth in Article 32 hereof. The minimum limits of liability shall be a combined single limit with respect to each occurrence in an amount of not less than *****; provided, however, that Landlord may require Tenant to increase such coverage, from time to time, to that amount of insurance which in Landlord’s reasonable judgment is then being customarily required by landlords in first-class buildings in the City of New York with respect to the Ancillary Space and for comparable entertainment centers in the City of New York with respect to the Music Hall. If the aggregate limit applying to the Premises is reduced by the payment of a claim or establishment of a reserve equal to or greater than 50% of the annual aggregate, Tenant shall immediately arrange to have the aggregate limit restored by endorsement to the existing policy or the purchase of an additional insurance policy unless, in Landlord’s reasonable judgment, Tenant maintains sufficient excess liability insurance to satisfy the liability requirements of this Lease without the reinstatement of the aggregate limit;

(ii) insurance against loss or damage by fire, and such other risks and hazards as are insurable under then available standard forms of “all risk” property insurance policies with extended coverage, having a deductible amount, if any, as reasonably approved by Landlord, insuring (A) with respect to the Ancillary Space, all Ancillary Space Alterations and improvements to the Ancillary Space, for the full insurable value thereof or replacement cost value thereof, (B) all of Tenant’s Property and (C) Landlord’s Studio Apartment Property; all such insurance shall name Tenant as the insured and, except with respect to Tenant’s insurance covering Tenant’s Property and Landlord’s Studio Apartment Property, Landlord and any Lessors and any

 

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Mortgagees whose names shall have been furnished by Landlord to Tenant from time to time shall be named as additional insureds and loss payees;

(iii) during the performance of any Alteration, until completion thereof, Builder’s risk insurance on an “all risk” basis and on a completed value form including a Permission to Complete and Occupy endorsement, for full replacement value covering the interest of Landlord and Tenant (and their respective contractors and subcontractors), any Mortgagee and any Lessor in all work incorporated in the Buildings and all materials and equipment in or about the Premises;

(iv) Workers’ Compensation Insurance, as required by law;

(v) Liquor Liability (dram shop) Insurance with a minimum limit of liability in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 on an occurrence basis, covering bodily injury and death to one or more persons and $100,000 in connection with property damage; and

(vi) such other insurance in such amounts as Landlord, any Mortgagee and/or any Lessor may reasonably require from time to time for premises comparable to the Premises.

(b) All insurance required to be carried by Tenant pursuant to the terms of this Lease (i) shall contain a provision that (A) no act or omission of Tenant shall affect or limit the obligation of the insurance company to pay the amount of any loss sustained, (B) the policy shall be noncancellable and/or no material change in coverage shall be made thereto unless Landlord, Lessors and Mortgagees shall have received 30 days’ prior notice of the same by certified mail, return receipt requested, and (C) Tenant shall be solely responsible for the payment of all premiums under such policies and Landlord, Lessors and Mortgagees shall have no obligation for the payment thereof, and (ii) shall be effected under valid and enforceable policies issued by reputable and independent insurers permitted to do business in the State of New York, and rated in Best’s Insurance Guide, or any successor thereto (or if there be none, an organization having a national reputation) as having a Best’s Rating of “A-” and a “Financial Size Category” of at least “IX” or if such ratings are not then in effect, the equivalent thereof or such other financial rating as Landlord may at any time consider appropriate.

(c) On or prior to the Commencement Date, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord appropriate policies of insurance (each, a “ Policy ”), including evidence of waivers of subrogation, required to be carried by each party pursuant to this Article (the “ Policy ”). Evidence of each renewal or replacement of a Policy shall be delivered by Tenant to Landlord at least 10 days prior to the expiration of such Policy. The renewal or replacement of such Policy shall (i) convey to Landlord and any other named insured and/or additional insureds thereunder (the “ Insured Parties ”) all the rights and privileges afforded under the Policy as primary insurance, and (ii) contains an unconditional obligation of the insurance company to advise all Insured Parties in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, at least 30 days in advance of any termination of or change to the Policy that would affect the interest of any of the Insured Parties.

(d) All insurance required to be maintained by Tenant hereunder may be effected pursuant to blanket policies covering other locations. provided that such blanket policies provide that the amount of insurance allocable to the Premises shall at all times not be less than the amounts set forth above and that such amounts will not be reduced by any loss at any other location, and shall comply with the provisions of this Section 13.1 .

Section 13.2 Landlord’s Insurance Obligation . Landlord shall obtain and keep in full force and effect insurance against loss or damage by fire and other casualty to the Buildings and the improvements and betterments in the Buildings, including all Music Hall Alterations and Landlord’s Music Hall Property as may be insurable under then available standard forms of “all-risk” insurance policies, in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the replacement value thereof (with customary deductibles) or in such lesser amount as will avoid co-insurance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for any failure to insure, replace or restore any Music Hall Alterations which Landlord would otherwise be obligated to restore hereunder unless, if Landlord has notified Tenant that Landlord’s insurer requires Tenant to do any of the following, Tenant shall have delivered to Landlord plans and specifications of such Alterations to the extent required pursuant to Article 5 hereof or otherwise notified Landlord in reasonable detail of such Alterations, and shall maintain adequate records with respect to such Alterations to facilitate the adjustment of any insurance claims with respect thereto. Tenant shall reasonably cooperate with Landlord and Landlord’s insurance companies in the adjustment of any claims for any damage to any of the Buildings or such Alterations. All insurance required to be maintained by Landlord hereunder may be effected pursuant to blanket policies covering other locations, provided that such blanket policies (i) provide the amounts set forth above and that such amounts will not be reduced by any loss at any other location, and (ii) shall comply with the provisions of this Section 13.2 . Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, in no event shall Landlord carry separate or additional insurance, concurrent in form or contributing in the event of any loss or damage, with any insurance required to be maintained by Tenant with respect to Tenant’s Property.

Section 13.3 Waiver of Subrogation . Landlord and Tenant shall each procure an appropriate clause in or endorsement to any property insurance covering the Premises, the Buildings and personal property, fixtures and equipment located therein, wherein the

 

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insurance companies shall waive subrogation or consent to a waiver of right of recovery, and Landlord and Tenant agree not to make any claim against, or seek to recover from, the other for any loss or damage to its property or the property of others resulting from fire and other hazards to the extent covered by such property insurance; provided, however, that the release, discharge, exoneration and covenant not to sue contained herein shall be limited by and coextensive with the terms and provisions of the waiver of subrogation or waiver of right of recovery. If the payment of an additional premium is required for the inclusion of, or consent to, a waiver of subrogation, each party shall advise the other, in writing, of the amount of any such additional premiums and the other party may pay such additional premium. If such other party shall not elect to pay such additional premium, then the first party shall not be required to obtain such waiver of subrogation or consent to waiver. If a waiver of subrogation is unobtainable, Landlord and Tenant shall each seek to have its respective insurance carrier name the other party as an additional insured on its property insurance policies, but not a loss payee. If the carrier in question shall agree to do so but only upon the payment of any additional premium, each party shall advise the other in writing of the amount of such additional premium and the other party may pay such additional premium. If the other party shall not elect to pay such additional premium, then the first party shall not be required to name the other party as an additional insured on its property policy. Tenant acknowledges that Landlord shall not carry insurance on, and shall not be responsible for, any loss suffered by Tenant due to interruption of Tenant’s business.

ARTICLE 14

DESTRUCTION–FIRE OR OTHER CAUSE

Section 14.1 Restoration . (a) If the Ancillary Space is damaged by fire or other casualty, or if either of the Ancillary Buildings is damaged such that Tenant is deprived of reasonable access to or the ability to use the Ancillary Space, Tenant shall give prompt notice to Landlord, and the core and shell of the Ancillary Building(s) or such access shall be repaired by Landlord, at its expense, to substantially the condition of the core and shell of the Ancillary Building(s) or such access prior to such damage, subject to the provisions of any Mortgage or Superior Lease, but Landlord shall have no obligation to repair or restore Tenant’s Property or any Ancillary Space Alterations or other improvements to the Ancillary Space, all of which shall be restored by Tenant at its expense. So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, then until such time as Landlord shall substantially complete the core and shell work on the Ancillary Building or Buildings which are the subject of such fire or other casualty plus such additional time as may be reasonably required by Tenant to restore the Ancillary Space Alterations that were damaged by such fire or other casualty Fixed Rent, Tenant’s Tax Payment and, if the Retail Space is affected, Tenant’s Retail Operating Expense Payment, shall be abated with respect to such portion of the Ancillary Space as was damaged by such fire or other casualty; provided, however, that in all events such abatement shall terminate when Tenant reoccupies the portion of the Ancillary Space damaged by such fire or casualty for the conduct of its business. To the extent of any Tenant Delay in restoring Ancillary Space Alterations, Tenant’s rent abatement with respect to such portion of the Ancillary Space shall be reduced by one day for each such day of Tenant Delay.

(b) If the Music Hall is damaged by fire or other casualty, Tenant shall give prompt notice to Landlord, and Landlord, at its expense, shall, subject to Section 14.2 , rebuild the same to substantially its condition prior to the damage to the extent commercially practicable given the unique and landmark nature of the Music Hall, subject to the provisions of any Mortgage or Superior Lease, but Landlord shall have no obligation to repair or restore Tenant’s Property and, at Landlord’s request, Tenant shall, at its expense, promptly remove Tenant’s Property from the Music Hall in order to facilitate the completion of Landlord’s restoration work. To the extent that restoration of the Music Hall to substantially its condition prior to the damage is impracticable, Landlord shall consult with Tenant regarding the Music Hall restoration plans for the purpose of assuring that such restoration is in keeping with the quality and character of the Music Hall as it exists on the Execution Date, subject to commercial practicability. So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing, then until such time as the restoration of the Music Hall has been substantially completed, Tenant’s Fixed Rent and Tenant’s Tax Payment shall be abated; provided, however, that to the extent restoration of the Music Hall is delayed by reason of a Tenant Delay, Tenant’s rent abatement hereunder shall be reduced by one day for each such day of Tenant Delay.

Section 14.2 Mutual Termination Right . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 14.1 , if the Music Hall, the 1270 Space, the 50 Rock Space or the Retail Space is substantially damaged or is rendered wholly or substantially untenantable and an independent architect or engineer selected by Landlord shall determine, as evidenced by a written opinion which Landlord agrees shall be delivered to Tenant within 90 days after such damage (the “ Restoration Opinion ”), that the restoration of any of the same to substantially its condition prior to such damage shall require more than (a) with respect to the Music Hall, 36 months and (b) with respect to the Ancillary Space, 18 months, to complete (including the time necessary to obtain all necessary approvals from the Commission, Landlord hereby agreeing to diligently pursue the receipt of any such approvals and Tenant agreeing to cooperate in all reasonable respects in connection with such pursuit), Landlord or Tenant may, not later than 30 days following the date of receipt of the Restoration Opinion, (i) with respect to the 1270 Space, the 50 Rock Space or the Retail Space, give the other party a notice terminating the Lease with respect to the 1270 Space, the 50 Rock Space or the Retail Space, whichever of such space is substantially damaged or (ii) with respect to the Music Hall, give the other party a notice terminating the Lease. If this Lease (or any portion thereof) is terminated pursuant to this Section 14.2 or Section 14.3 , (i) the Term (insofar as it relates to the portion of the Premises as

 

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to which the Lease is being terminated) shall expire upon the date set forth in the applicable notice of termination, which shall not be less than 30 days after such notice is given, and Tenant shall vacate the Premises (or the applicable portion thereof) and surrender the same to Landlord no later than the date set forth in the notice, (ii) Tenant’s liability for Rent with respect to the applicable portion of the Premises shall cease as of the date of the damage, (iii) any prepaid Rent with respect to the applicable portion of the Premises for any period after the date of the damage shall be refunded by Landlord to Tenant and (iv) an appropriate final reconciliation shall be made of Percentage Rent for the Computation Year in which such termination occurred within 30 days following such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall not exercise the termination right set forth in this Section 14.2 if, as part of Landlord’s restoration of the Music Hall, Landlord shall intend to build a structure which is designed to house a concert hall.

Section 14.3 Intentionally Omitted .

Section 14.4 Final 24 Months . Notwithstanding anything set forth to the contrary in this Article, in the event that any substantial damage rendering a portion of the Premises located in any Building wholly untenantable occurs during the final 24 months of the Term, either Landlord or Tenant may terminate this Lease as to such portion, or if such damage occurs to the Music Hall, then as to the whole of the Premises by notice to the other party within 30 days after the occurrence of such damage and this Lease shall expire on the 30th day after the date of such notice. For purposes of this Section 14.4 , the Premises located in any Building shall be deemed wholly untenantable if due to such damage, Tenant shall be precluded from using more than 50% of the Premises located in such Building for the conduct of its business and Tenant’s inability to so use the Premises is reasonably expected to continue until at least the earlier of (i) the Expiration Date, or (ii) the 90th day after the date when such damage occurs.

Section 14.5 Waiver of Real Property Law § 227 . This Article constitutes an express agreement governing any case of damage or destruction of the Premises or the Buildings by fire or other casualty, and Section 227 of the Real Property Law of the State of New York, which provides for such contingency in the absence of an express agreement, and any other law of like nature and purpose now or hereafter in force, shall have no application in any such case.

Section 14.6 Inability to Collect . Subject to Section 13.3 , if Landlord or any Lessor or Mortgagee shall be unable to collect all of the insurance proceeds (including rent insurance proceeds) applicable to damage or destruction of the Premises or the Buildings by reason of any action or inaction on the part of Tenant or any Tenant Party (other than Tenant invitees), then, without prejudice to any other remedies which may be available against Tenant, (i) there shall be no abatement of Rent, (ii) Landlord shall have no obligation to restore the Premises (or any portion thereof) to any extent greater than that permitted by expending the portion of insurance proceeds which Landlord is able to collect and (iii) Tenant shall have none of the termination rights set forth in this Article.

Section 14.7 Landlord’s Liability . Any Buildings’ employee to whom any property shall be entrusted by or on behalf of Tenant shall be deemed to be acting as Tenant’s agent with respect to such property and neither Landlord nor any of the Indemnitees shall be liable for any damage to such property, or for the loss of or damage to any property of Tenant by theft or otherwise. None of the Indemnitees shall be liable for any injury or damage to persons or property or interruption of Tenant’s business resulting from fire or other casualty, any damage caused by other tenants or persons in the Buildings or by construction of any private, public or quasi-public work, or any latent defect in the Premises or in the Buildings (except that Landlord shall be required to repair the same to the extent provided in Article 7 ). No penalty shall accrue for delays which may arise by reason of adjustment of fire insurance on the part of Landlord or Tenant, or Unavoidable Delays, in connection with any repair or restoration of any portion of the Premises or of the Buildings. Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to minimize interference with Tenant’s use and occupancy of the Premises during the performance of any such repair or restoration; provided, however, Landlord shall have no obligation to employ contractors or labor at overtime or other premium pay rates or to incur any other overtime costs or additional expenses whatsoever. Nothing in this Section 14.7 shall affect any right of Landlord to be indemnified by Tenant under Article 32 for payments made to compensate for losses of third parties.

Section 14.8 Windows . If at any time any windows of the Premises are temporarily closed, darkened or covered over by reason of repairs, maintenance, alterations or improvements to the Buildings, or any of such windows are permanently closed, darkened or covered over due to any Requirement, Landlord shall not be liable for any damage Tenant may sustain and Tenant shall not be entitled to any compensation or abatement of any Rent, nor shall the same release Tenant from its obligations hereunder or constitute an actual or constructive eviction.

 

 

 

 

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ARTICLE 15

EMINENT DOMAIN

Section 15.1 (a)  Total Taking . If all or substantially all of the Premises, the Buildings or the Real Property shall be acquired or condemned for any public or quasi-public purpose, this Lease shall terminate and the Term shall end as of the date of the vesting of title, with the same effect as if such date were the Expiration Date.

(b) Partial Taking . If only a part of the Premises, the Buildings or the Real Property shall be acquired or condemned, then except as provided in this Article 15 , this Lease and the Term shall continue in full force and effect, provided that from and after the date of the vesting of title, Fixed Rent and Tenant’s Tax Payment shall be modified to reflect the reduction of the Premises and/or the Buildings as a result of such acquisition or condemnation.

(c) Landlord’s Termination Right . Whether or not the Premises are affected, Landlord may give to Tenant, within 60 days following the date upon which Landlord receives notice that all or a material portion of the Buildings or the Real Property has been acquired or condemned, a notice of termination of this Lease insofar as it relates to the Building being affected, or if the Building being affected is all or substantially all of the Music Hall, then as to all of the Premises, provided that, with respect to the Ancillary Buildings, Landlord elects to terminate leases (including this Lease) affecting at least 50% of the rentable area of the Ancillary Buildings (excluding any rentable area leased by Landlord or its Affiliates) which are the subject of the Landlord’s termination right. For purposes hereof, “ material ” shall mean 20% or more of the rentable area of such Building or all reasonable means of access to such Building.

(d) Tenant’s Termination Right . If the part of the Buildings or the Real Property so acquired or condemned contains a substantial part of the total area of the portion of the Premises located in such Building immediately prior to such acquisition or condemnation, or if, by reason of such acquisition or condemnation, Tenant no longer has reasonable means of access to the Premises, Tenant may terminate this Lease as to such portion of the Premises by notice to Landlord given within 60 days following the date upon which Tenant received notice of such acquisition or condemnation; provided, however, that if the portion of the Premises so affected shall be the Music Hall, then Tenant’s right of termination shall apply to the whole of the Premises. Furthermore, if by virtue of the nature of the space in the Music Hall which is acquired or condemned, the space remaining in the Music Hall after giving effect to such acquisition or condemnation cannot economically be used for its intended purpose, following the date upon which Tenant received notice of such acquisition or condemnation, Tenant may terminate this Lease by notice to Landlord. If Tenant so notifies Landlord, this Lease shall terminate and the Term shall end and expire upon the date set forth in the notice as to the portion of the Premises covered thereby, which date shall not be more than 30 days following the giving of such notice. If a part of the Premises shall be so acquired or condemned and this Lease and the Term shall not be terminated in accordance with this Section, Landlord, at Landlord’s expense but without requiring Landlord to spend more than it collects as an award, shall, subject to the provisions of any Mortgage or Superior Lease, restore such portion of the Premises not so acquired or condemned to a self-contained unit substantially equivalent (with respect to character, quality, appearance and services) to that which existed immediately prior to such acquisition or condemnation, to the extent commercially practicable to do so, in which case Tenant shall be obligated to restore Tenant’s Property relating to such portion of the Premises to the condition which existed immediately prior to such acquisition or condemnation.

(e) Apportionment of Rent . Upon any termination of this Lease pursuant to the provisions of this Article as to all or a portion of the Premises, Fixed Rent and Tenant’s payments for Taxes shall be apportioned as of, and shall be paid or refunded up to and including, the date of such termination.

Section 15.2 Awards . Upon any acquisition or condemnation of all or any part of the Buildings or the Real Property, Landlord shall receive the entire award for any such acquisition or condemnation, and Tenant shall have no claim against Landlord or the condemning authority for the value of any unexpired portion of the Term, Tenant’s Alterations or improvements; and Tenant hereby assigns to Landlord all of its right in and to such award. Nothing contained in this Article shall be deemed to prevent Tenant from making a separate claim in any condemnation proceedings for the then value of any Tenant’s Property included in such taking and for any moving expenses, provided any such award is in addition to, and does not result in a reduction of, the award made to Landlord.

Section 15.3 Temporary Taking . If all or any part of the Premises is acquired or condemned for a period of 36 months or less during the Term for any public or quasi-public use or purpose, Tenant shall give prompt notice to Landlord, and the Term shall not be reduced or affected in any way, and Tenant shall continue to pay all Rent payable by Tenant without reduction or abatement and to perform all its other obligations under this Lease, except to the extent prevented from doing so by the condemning authority. Tenant shall be entitled to receive any award or payment from the condemning authority for such use, which award shall be received, held and applied by Tenant as a trust fund for payment of Rent falling due, provided that if the acquisition or condemnation extends beyond the Term, Landlord shall receive the entire portion of such award attributable to the period after the Term.

 

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ARTICLE 16

ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

Section 16.1 (a)  No Assignment or Subletting . Tenant shall not assign, mortgage, pledge, encumber, or otherwise transfer this Lease, whether by operation of law or otherwise, and shall not sublet (or underlet), or permit, or suffer the Premises or any part thereof to be used or occupied by others (whether for desk space, mailing privileges or otherwise), without Landlord’s prior consent in each instance (which consent shall be granted or denied in Landlord’s sole and absolute discretion); provided, however, that the use of the Music Hall for its Permitted Use (i.e. allowing various performances to take place in the Music Hall under the auspices of Tenant) and the granting of subleases, licenses and concessions to persons occupying not more than 10% of the Music Hall consistent with customary practice in the entertainment business shall not be deemed a violation of this Section 16.1 . Any assignment, sublease, mortgage, pledge, encumbrance or transfer in contravention of the provisions of this Article shall be void.

(b) Collection of Rent . If, without Landlord’s consent, this Lease is assigned, or any part of the Premises is sublet or occupied by anyone other than Tenant, or this Lease or the Premises or any of Tenant’s Property is encumbered (by operation of law or otherwise), Landlord may collect rent from the assignee, subtenant or occupant and apply the net amount collected to the Rent herein reserved. No such collection of rent shall be deemed to be (i) a waiver of the provisions of this Article, (ii) an acceptance of the assignee, subtenant or occupant as tenant, or (iii) a release of Tenant from the performance of any of the terms, covenants and conditions to be performed by Tenant under this Lease, including the payment of Rent.

(c) No Waiver . Landlord’s consent to any assignment or subletting shall not relieve Tenant from the obligation to obtain Landlord’s express consent to any further assignment or subletting. In no event shall any permitted subtenant assign or encumber its sublease or further sublet any portion of its sublet space, or otherwise suffer or permit any portion of the sublet space to be used or occupied by others. The listing of any name other than that of Tenant in the directory, or on the doors of the Premises or elsewhere, shall not vest in any such named party any right or interest in this Lease or in the Premises, nor be deemed to constitute Landlord’s consent to any assignment or transfer of this Lease, or to any sublease of the Premises, or to the use or occupancy thereof by others.

Section 16.2 Conditions to Assignment or Subletting . (a) Landlord shall either grant or decline its consent to the proposed assignment or subletting within 30 days after Landlord’s receipt of (1) a true and complete statement detailing the identity of the proposed assignee or subtenant, the nature of its business and its proposed use of the Premises, (2) current financial information with respect to the proposed assignee or subtenant including its most recent financial statements and (3) any other information Landlord may reasonably request.

(b) With respect to each and every assignment and/or subletting authorized by Landlord under the provisions of this Lease, it is further agreed that:

(i) the form of the proposed assignment or sublease shall be reasonably satisfactory to Landlord and shall comply with the provisions of this Article;

(ii) no sublease shall be for a term ending later than one day prior to the Expiration Date of this Lease;

(iii) no sublease shall be delivered to any subtenant, and no subtenant shall take possession of the Premises, until an executed counterpart of such sublease has been delivered to Landlord and approved in writing by Landlord as provided in Section 16.2(a) ;

(iv) if a monetary Event of Default shall occur at any time prior to the effective date of such assignment or subletting or a material, nonmonetary Event of Default shall have occurred and, in either ease, Landlord shall have commenced a summary proceeding or other legal proceeding against Tenant by reason thereof prior to the effective date of such assignment, then Landlord’s consent thereto, if previously granted, shall be immediately deemed revoked without further notice to Tenant, and if such assignment or subletting would have been permitted without Landlord’s consent pursuant to Section 16.5 , such permission shall be void and without force and effect, and in either such case, any such assignment or subletting shall constitute a further Event of Default hereunder; and

(v) each sublease shall be subject and subordinate to this lease and to the matters to which this Lease is or shall be subordinate, it being the intention of Landlord and Tenant that Tenant shall assume and be liable to Landlord for any and all acts and omissions of all subtenants and anyone claiming under or through any subtenants which, if performed or omitted by Tenant, would be a default under this Lease; and Tenant and each subtenant shall be deemed to have agreed that upon termination of the Lease, Tenant has hereby assigned to Landlord, and Landlord may, at its option, accept such assignment of, all right, title and interest of Tenant as sublandlord under such sublease, together with all modifications, extensions and renewals thereof then in effect, and such subtenant shall, at Landlord’s option, attorn to Landlord pursuant to the then executory provisions of such sublease, except that Landlord shall not be (A) liable for any previous act or omission of Tenant under such sublease, (B) subject to any counterclaim, offset or defense not expressly provided in such sublease, which theretofore accrued to such subtenant against

 

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Tenant, (C) bound by any previous modification of such sublease not consented to by Landlord, or by any prepayment of more than one month’s rent and additional rent under such sublease, (D) bound to return such subtenant’s security deposit, if any, except to the extent that Landlord shall receive actual possession of such deposit and such subtenant shall be entitled to the return of all or any portion of such deposit under the terms of its sublease, or (E) obligated to make any payment to or on behalf of such subtenant, or to perform any work in the subleased space or the Buildings, or in any way to prepare the subleased space for occupancy, beyond Landlord’s obligations under this Lease. The provisions of this Section 16.2 (b)(v) shall be self-operative, and no further instrument shall be required to give effect hereto, provided that the subtenant shall execute and deliver to Landlord any instruments Landlord may reasonably request to evidence and confirm such subordination and attornment.

Section 16.3 No Release of Tenant; Indemnification of Landlord . Notwithstanding any assignment or subletting or any acceptance of Rent by Landlord from any assignee or subtenant, Tenant shall remain fully liable for the payment of all Rent due and for the performance of all other terms, covenants and conditions contained in this Lease on Tenant’s part to be observed and performed, and any default under any term, covenant or condition of this Lease by any subtenant shall be deemed a default under this Lease by Tenant.

Tenant shall indemnify, defend, protect and hold harmless Landlord from and against any and all Losses (as defined in Section 32.1(b) ) resulting from any claims that may be made against Landlord by the proposed assignee or subtenant or by any brokers or other Persons claiming a commission or similar compensation in connection with the proposed assignment or sublease, irrespective of whether Landlord shall give or decline to give its consent to any proposed assignment or sublease, or if Landlord shall exercise any of its options under this Article 16 ; provided, that such indemnity shall not extend to post-assignment claims by any proposed assignee or subtenant.

Section 16.4 Tenant’s Failure to Complete . If Landlord consents to a proposed assignment or sublease and Tenant fails to execute and deliver to Landlord such assignment or sublease within 270 days after the giving of such consent, then Tenant shall again comply with all of the provisions and conditions of Section 16.2 hereof before assigning this Lease or subletting all or part of the Premises.

Section 16.5 (a)  Transfers . If Tenant is a corporation, the transfer by one or more transfers, directly or indirectly, by operation of law or otherwise, of a majority of the stock of Tenant shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of this Lease; provided, however, that the provisions of this Article shall not apply to the transfer of shares of stock of Tenant if and so long as Tenant is publicly traded on a nationally recognized stock exchange. For purposes of this Section the term “transfers” shall be deemed to include the issuance of new stock or of treasury stock which results in a majority of the stock of Tenant being held by a Person or Persons that do not hold a majority of the stock of Tenant on the date hereof. If Tenant is a partnership, the transfer by one or more transfers, directly or indirectly, by operation of law or otherwise, of a majority interest in the partnership or otherwise in violation of Section 29.2 of this Lease, shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of this Lease. If Tenant is a limited liability company, trust, or any other legal entity (including a corporation or partnership), the transfer by one or more transfers, directly or indirectly, of Control of such entity, however characterized, shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of this Lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the transfer of interests in MSG (or any entity which is a successor to MSG in accordance with the provisions of this Lease) by the owners of such interests shall not be deemed an assignment hereunder as long as the ownership interests held by MSG (or any such successor entity) in Tenant do not constitute more than 50% of the assets of MSG or any such successor entity. Following the 5 th anniversary of the Rent Commencement Date, the provisions of Section 16.1 shall not apply to (A) transactions with an entity into or with which Tenant is merged or consolidated or to which substantially all of Tenant’s assets are transferred or (B) a transfer of the majority interest in Tenant (regardless of whether Tenant is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership or other entity) (a “ Transfer of Control ”) so long as (i) such transfer was made for a legitimate independent business purpose and not for the purpose of transferring this Lease as opposed to the transfer of Tenant’s business, (ii) the successor to Tenant or the transferee following such Transfer of Control, as applicable (either such successor or transferee being hereinafter referred to as the “ Successor Tenant ”) has a net worth computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied (“ Net Worth ”) of not less than ***** and a cash flow on an annualized basis computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied (“ Cash Flow ”) of not less than *****. (iii) proof satisfactory to Landlord of such Net Worth and Cash Flow is delivered to Landlord at least 10 days prior to the effective date of any such transaction and (iv) the Successor Tenant shall have (1) a high quality reputation in the general business community and upstanding character and (2) (A) a high quality reputation within the entertainment industry for sound management and business practices and integrity and (B) at least 10 years of experience in the operation of a live entertainment venue comparable to the Music Hall. If the Successor Tenant shall fail to satisfy the requirements set forth in clause (iv) (2) above. then either an Affiliate of Successor Tenant which satisfies such requirements shall be the manager of Tenant or, if no such Affiliate shall exist, the Successor Tenant shall covenant and agree to retain the then existing management of Tenant or replace the then existing management with a manager which satisfies the requirements set forth in clause (iv) (2) above. Tenant may also, upon prior notice to and with the consent of Landlord, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, permit any Person which Controls. is Controlled by, or is under common Control with Tenant (a “ Related Entity ”) to sublet all (but not part) of the Premises for any Permitted Use, provided the Related Entity is in Landlord’s reasonable judgment of a character and engaged in a business which is in keeping with the standards for the Buildings and the Center and the occupancy thereof. Such sublease shall not be deemed to vest in

 

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any such Related Entity any right or interest in this Lease or the Premises nor shall it relieve, release, impair or discharge any of Tenant’s obligations hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall have no right to assign this Lease or sublease all or any portion of the Premises without Landlord’s consent pursuant to this Section 16.5 if Tenant is not the original Tenant named in this Lease or a Person who acquired Tenant’s interest in this Lease in a transaction approved by Landlord or permitted under this Section 16.5 .

(b) Applicability . The limitations set forth in this Section 16.5 shall apply to subtenant(s) and assignee(s) of this Lease, if any, and any transfer by any such entity in violation of this Section 16.5 shall be a transfer in violation of Section 16.1 .

(c) Modifications; Takeover Agreements . Any modification, amendment or extension of a sublease and/or any other agreement by which a landlord of a building other than the Buildings agrees to assume or perform the obligations of Tenant under this Lease shall be deemed a sublease for the purposes of Section 16.1 hereof.

Section 16.6 Assumption of Obligations . Any assignment or transfer, whether made with Landlord’s consent or without Landlord’s consent, if and to the extent permitted hereunder, shall not be effective unless and until the assignee executes, acknowledges and delivers to Landlord (i) an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Landlord whereby the assignee (A) assumes Tenant’s obligations under this Lease from after the date of such assignment, other than (x) in the case of a sale of the assets of Tenant, in which event such assumption shall be absolute or (y) in the case of a merger of Tenant, in which event the Successor Tenant shall execute a confirmatory instrument in form reasonably satisfactory to Landlord confirming its continuing liability as Tenant under this Lease or (z) in the case of a Transfer of Control of Tenant, in which event the transferee, having the required Net Worth and Cash Flow, shall execute a guaranty in substantially the same form as the Guaranty and which from and after the date of such Transfer of Control shall be deemed the Guaranty for purposes of this Lease with respect to obligations thereafter accruing and (B) agrees that, notwithstanding such assignment or transfer, the provisions of Section 16.1 hereof shall be binding upon it in respect of all future assignments and transfers, and (ii) certificates or policies of insurance as required under Article 13 .

Section 16.7 Tenant’s Liability . The joint and several liability of Tenant and any successors-in-interest of Tenant and the due performance of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease shall not be discharged, released or impaired by any agreement or stipulation made by Landlord, or any grantee or assignee of Landlord, extending the time, or modifying any of the terms and provisions of this Lease, or by any waiver or failure of Landlord, or any grantee or assignee of Landlord, to enforce any of the terms and provisions of this Lease; provided, however, that the liability of Tenant or any such successors-in-interest to Tenant shall be limited to the obligations set forth in this Lease as the same existed while such party was Tenant without regard to any subsequent modifications which increase the liability of Tenant under this Lease.

Section 16.8 Lease Not Affirmed or Rejected . If at any time after an assignment by Tenant named herein, this Lease is not affirmed on or before confirmation of a plan of reorganization or rejected in any proceeding of the types described in Section 19.1(h) or (i) or any similar proceeding, or upon a termination of this Lease due to any such proceeding, Tenant named herein, upon request of Landlord given within 30 days after such disaffirmance, rejection or termination (and actual notice thereof to Landlord in the event of a disaffirmance or rejection or in the event of termination other than by act of Landlord), shall (i) pay to Landlord all Rent and other charges due and owing by the assignee to Landlord under this Lease to and including the date of such disaffirmance, rejection or termination, and (ii) as “tenant,” enter into a new lease of the Premises with Landlord for a term commencing on the effective date of such disaffirmance, rejection or termination and ending on the Expiration Date, unless sooner terminated in accordance therewith, at the same Rent and upon the then executory terms, covenants and conditions contained in this Lease, except that (A) the rights of Tenant named herein under the new lease shall be subject to the possessory rights of the assignee under this Lease and the possessory rights of any Persons claiming through or under such assignee or by virtue of any statute or of any order of any court, (B) such new lease shall require all defaults which are susceptible of being cured by the Tenant named herein existing under this Lease to be cured by Tenant named herein with due diligence, and (C) such new lease shall require Tenant named herein to pay Rent on the same terms and conditions set forth herein which, had this Lease not been so disaffirmed, rejected or terminated, would have become due under the provisions of this Lease after the date of such disaffirmance, rejection or termination with respect to any period prior thereto. If Tenant named herein defaults in its obligations to enter into such new lease for a period of 10 days after Landlord’s request, then, in addition to all other rights and remedies by reason of default, either at law or in equity, Landlord shall have the same rights and remedies against Tenant named herein as if it had entered into such new lease and such new lease had thereafter been terminated as of the commencement date thereof by reason of Tenant’s default thereunder.

 

 

 

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ARTICLE 17

ELECTRICITY

Section 17.1 (a)  Electricity for Ancillary Space . Landlord shall redistribute or furnish electricity to or for the use of Tenant in the Ancillary Space for the operation of Tenant’s electrical systems and equipment in the Ancillary Space, at a level sufficient to accommodate a demand load of six (6) watts per usable square foot (the “ Permitted Capacity ”). Tenant shall pay to Landlord, on demand from time to time but no more frequently than monthly, for its consumption of electricity at the Ancillary Space, a sum equal to ***** of the product obtained by multiplying (i) the Cost Per Kilowatt Hour, by (ii) the actual number of kilowatt hours of electric current consumed by Tenant in such billing period. “ Cost Per Kilowatt Hour ” means the total cost payable by Landlord to the utility providing electricity to the Center during a particular billing period, including energy charges, demand charges, surcharges, time-of-day charges, fuel adjustment charges, rate adjustment charges, taxes, including sales taxes, (regardless of whether included in the utility company’s charges or paid separately by Landlord), rebates and any other factors used by the utility company in computing its charges to Landlord, divided by the total kilowatt hours purchased by Landlord to provide electricity to the Center during such period. If any tax is imposed upon Landlord’s receipts from the sale or resale of electricity to Tenant, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for such tax, if and to the extent permitted by law and to the extent attributable to Tenant’s usage. Landlord shall install a meter, at Tenant’s expense, to measure Tenant’s consumption of electricity in the Ancillary Space, which meter shall be maintained by Landlord at Tenant’s expense. Bills for such amounts shall be rendered to Tenant at such times as Landlord may elect, but not more frequently than monthly. For any period during which such meter or meters are not installed or are not operational in the Ancillary Space, the monthly Fixed Rent with respect to the Ancillary Space shall be increased by an amount equal to the product of *****, subject to adjustment for any increases in electric rates or taxes, and (B) the number of rentable square feet in the applicable portion of the Ancillary Space. Tenant shall have the right at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice to audit such of Landlord’s records as may be directly applicable to the computation of Tenant’s electricity charges at Landlord’s offices by a reputable, independent accounting firm, provided Tenant and such firm agree to keep such firm’s findings confidential in accordance with a confidentiality agreement reasonably satisfactory to Landlord.

(b) Electricity for Music Hall . Tenant shall (i) contract directly with the public utility company furnishing electric service to the Music Hall for electric service to the Music Hall, (ii) maintain separate meters in the Music Hall to measure Tenant’s consumption of electricity in the Music Hall and (iii) install and maintain at its sole cost and expense any equipment necessary to distribute electricity in the Music Hall.

Section 17.2 Use of Electricity . Tenant shall at all times comply with the rules and regulations of the utility company supplying electricity to the Buildings. With respect to the Ancillary Space, Tenant shall not use any electrical equipment which would exceed the Permitted Capacity. With respect to the Ancillary Space, Tenant shall not make or perform, or permit the making or performance of, any Ancillary Space Alterations to wiring installations or other electrical facilities in or serving the Ancillary Space, or make any additions to the office equipment or other appliances in the Ancillary Space which utilize electrical energy (other than equipment customarily used in a small office or, with respect to the 1270 Space after the Initial Alterations a club) without the prior consent of Landlord, in each instance, and in compliance with this Lease. If Tenant shall desire any additional risers or other proper and necessary equipment required to furnish electricity to the Ancillary Space, the same shall be installed by Landlord at Tenant’s expense (equal to Landlord’s actual out-of-pocket reasonable, third-party costs supported by reasonable back-up documentation), provided that such installation shall be in compliance with this Lease, all Requirements and the other leases in the Ancillary Buildings.

Section 17.3 Service Disruption . Except as otherwise provided in Section 12.5 , Landlord shall not be liable in any way to Tenant for any failure, defect or interruption of, or change in the supply, character and/or quantity of, electric service furnished to the Premises for any reason except if attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, nor shall there be any allowance to Tenant for a diminution of rental value, nor shall the same constitute an actual or constructive eviction of Tenant, in whole or in part, or relieve Tenant from any of its Lease obligations, and no liability shall arise on the part of Landlord by reason of inconvenience, annoyance or injury to business, whether electricity is provided by public or private utility or by any electricity generation system owned and operated by Landlord. Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to minimize interference with Tenant’s use and occupancy of the Premises as a result of any such failure, defect or interruption of, or change in the supply, character and/or quantity of, electric service, provided that Landlord shall have no obligation to employ contractors or labor at overtime or other premium pay rates or to incur any other overtime costs or additional expenses whatsoever.

Section 17.4 Discontinuance of Service . Landlord reserves the right to discontinue furnishing electricity to Tenant in the Ancillary Space on not less than 30 days notice to Tenant, if Landlord is required to do so under applicable Requirements. If Landlord is compelled to discontinue furnishing electricity to Tenant, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect and shall be unaffected thereby except that from and after the effective date of such discontinuance, Landlord shall not be obligated to furnish electricity to Tenant hereunder. If Landlord so discontinues furnishing electricity, Tenant shall arrange to obtain electricity directly from any utility company or other electricity provider serving the Ancillary Space to the extent available, suitable and safe for such purposes. All

 

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equipment which may be required to obtain electricity of substantially the same quantity, quality and character shall be installed by Landlord at the sale cost and expense of Tenant (to the extent of Landlord’s actual, third party, out of pocket costs and provided Landlord furnishes reasonable supporting documentation with respect thereto) if (A) Landlord is compelled to discontinue such service by the utility company or pursuant to applicable Requirements, or (B) such discontinuance arises solely out of the acts or omissions of Tenant. Landlord will not voluntarily discontinue furnishing electricity to Tenant until Tenant is able to receive electricity directly from the utility company or other company servicing 1270 Avenue of the Americas, unless the utility company or other company is not prepared to furnish electricity to the 1270 Space on the date required as a result of Tenant’s delay or negligence in arranging for service, Tenant’s refusal to provide the utility company or other company with a deposit or other security requested by the utility company, or Tenant’s refusal to take any other action requested by the utility company or other company.

ARTICLE 18

ACCESS TO PREMISES

Section 18.1 Landlord’s Access . (a) Tenant shall permit Landlord, Landlord’s agents, utility companies and other service providers servicing the Buildings to erect, use and maintain concealed ducts, pipes and conduits in and through the Ancillary Space, provided such use does not cause the usable area of the Ancillary Space to be reduced beyond a de minimis amount. Landlord shall promptly repair any damage to the Ancillary Space or Tenant’s Property caused by any work performed pursuant to this Article; in making such repairs, Landlord shall use high quality materials and perform such repairs in a first class manner and shall, to the extent practicable, match the then existing finishes in such portions of the Ancillary Space or Tenant’s Property, as applicable.

(b) Landlord, any Lessor or Mortgagee and any other party designated by Landlord and their respective agents shall have the right to enter the Premises at all reasonable times, upon reasonable notice (which notice may be oral) except in the case of emergency, (i) to examine the Premises, (ii) to show the Premises to prospective purchasers, Mortgagees or Lessors of the Buildings and their respective agents and representatives or others, and, during the last 12 months of the Term, to prospective lessees of the Premises, and (iii) to make such repairs, alterations or additions to the Premises or the Buildings (A) as Landlord may reasonably deem necessary or desirable (except that, as to the Premises, only as are reasonably necessary), (B) which Landlord may reasonably elect to perform following Tenant’s failure to perform, or (C) to comply with any Requirements which are Landlord’s responsibility, and Landlord shall be allowed to take all material into the Premises that may be required for the performance of such work without the same constituting an actual or constructive eviction of Tenant in whole or in part and without any abatement of Rent; provided that Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to remove those materials which are not required to remain in the Premises between such work sessions. Any party who accompanies Landlord to the Premises shall be accompanied by a representative of Tenant (provided Tenant makes such representative available) but Landlord shall have no obligation to disclose such party’s name, home or business affiliation or explain the reason for such party’s visit to the Premises. Except in the case of an emergency, Landlord shall not enter the Premises during times that would (aa) interfere with any of Tenant’s productions being staged at the Music Hall or (bb) threaten the health or safety of occupants or invitees of the Premises. If by reason of Landlord’s failure to perform an obligation which is imposed on Landlord under this Lease, Tenant is either denied access to the Premises or the health and safety of occupants or invitees of the Premises are threatened, Landlord shall, to the extent practicable, perform such obligation on an overtime basis until access is restored or such threat is removed.

(c) All parts (except surfaces facing the interior of the Premises) of all walls, windows and doors bounding the Premises, including exterior Building walls, exterior core corridor walls, and doors and entrances (other than doors and entrances solely connecting areas within the Premises), all balconies, terraces and roofs adjacent to the Premises, (other than all space within the Music Hall used for shafts, stacks, risers, fan rooms, electrical and communications closets, stairways, mail chutes, conduits and other mechanical facilities, Independent Systems and Music Hall facilities) are not part of the Premises, and Landlord shall have the use thereof and access thereto through the Premises for the purposes of Building operation, maintenance, alteration and repair.

Section 18.2 Alterations to Buildings . Landlord has the right at any time to (a) change the name, number or designation by which the Ancillary Buildings or the Center are commonly known or (b) alter the Ancillary Buildings or the Center to change the arrangement or location of entrances or passageways, doors and doorways, and corridors, elevators, stairs, toilets, or other public parts of the Ancillary Buildings without any such acts constituting an actual or constructive eviction and without incurring any liability to Tenant, so long as such changes do not (i) deprive Tenant of access to the Ancillary Space or (ii) affect in any material respect the internal connections between the Ancillary Space and the Music Hall. Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to minimize interference with Tenant’s use and occupancy of the Premises during the making of such changes or alterations, provided that Landlord shall have no obligation to employ contractors or labor at overtime or other premium pay rates or to incur any other overtime costs or additional expenses whatsoever.

 

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ARTICLE 19

DEFAULT

Section 19.1 Tenant’s Defaults . Each of the following events shall be an “ Event of Default ” hereunder:

(a) Tenant fails to pay when due any installment of Fixed Rent or Additional Rent and such default continues for ten days after Landlord’s notice of such default is given to Tenant; or

(b) Tenant defaults in observing or performing the provisions of Section 3.1(a) (subject to Tenant’s right to challenge the default as set forth in Section 3.1(a) ), and such default continues for 3 Business Days after notice; or

(c) Except where a shorter period may be provided in this Lease, Tenant fails to observe or perform any other term, covenant or condition of this Lease to be observed or performed by Tenant and such failure continues for more than 30 days after notice by Landlord to Tenant of such default, or such default is of such a nature that it cannot be completely remedied within 30 days and Tenant fails to commence to remedy such failure within 30 days, and thereafter fails to diligently prosecute to completion all steps necessary to remedy such default; or

(d) Intentionally Omitted; or

(e) Tenant’s interest in this Lease shall devolve upon or pass to any Person, whether by operation of law or otherwise, except as expressly permitted under Article 16 hereof and Tenant shall not have cured such default within 30 days after receipt of notice from Landlord regarding the same; or

(f) Tenant admits in writing its inability to, pay its debts as they become due; or

(g) Tenant files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or insolvency, or is adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or files any petition or answer seeking any reorganization, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any present or future federal bankruptcy act or any other present or future applicable federal, state or other statute or law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors or seeks or consents to or acquiesces in the appointment of any trustee, receiver, liquidator or other similar official for Tenant or for all or any part of Tenant’s property; or

(h) if, within 120 days after the commencement of any proceeding against Tenant, whether by the filing of a petition or otherwise, seeking bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under the present or any future federal bankruptcy act or any other present or future applicable federal, state or other statute or law, such proceeding shall not have been dismissed, or if, within 120 days after the appointment of any trustee, receiver, liquidator or other similar official for Tenant, or for all or any part of Tenant’s property, without the consent or acquiescence of Tenant, such appointment shall not have been vacated or otherwise discharged, or if any lien, execution or attachment or other similar filing shall be made or issued against Tenant or any of Tenant’s property pursuant to which the Premises shall be taken or occupied or attempted to be taken or occupied by someone other than Tenant; or

(i) Tenant shall fail to comply with the retail covenants set out in Exhibit F to this Lease and such failure shall continue for five (5) Business Days after notice from Landlord to Tenant; provided , that Tenant shall not be in default under this clause (i) if, within such five (5) Business Day period, Tenant commences to remedy such default and thereafter diligently prosecutes to completion all steps necessary to remedy such default, but in no event shall such default continue for more than 15 days after Landlord’s initial notice regarding such default; or

(j) if the Guaranty shall cease to be in full force and effect for any reason other than the termination of the Guaranty in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(b) of the Guaranty; or

(k) if the Guarantor (as defined Article 35 ) shall default under the Guaranty beyond any applicable notice and grace period; or

(l) if the Guarantor (i) fails to (A) maintain a Net Worth of ***** or (B) a Cash Flow of ***** and (ii) fails to deliver to Landlord a Letter of Credit (as defined in the Guaranty) within the time period set forth in the Guaranty.

Upon the occurrence of any one or more of such Events of Default, Landlord may, at its sole option, give to Tenant three days’ notice of cancellation of this Lease, in which event this Lease and the Term shall come to an end and expire (whether or not the Term shall have commenced) upon the expiration of such three day period with the same force and effect as if the date set forth in the notice was the Expiration Date stated herein; and Tenant shall then quit and surrender the Premises to Landlord, but Tenant shall remain liable for damages as provided in Article 20 hereof.

Section 19.2 Tenant’s Liability . If, at any time. (i) Tenant shall be comprised of two or more Persons, (ii) Tenant’s obligations under this Lease shall have been guaranteed by any Person other than Tenant, or (iii) Tenant’s interest in this Lease shall have been assigned, the word “Tenant,” as used in Sections 19.1(g) , (h)  and (i) , shall be deemed to mean any one or more of the Persons primarily or secondarily liable for Tenant’s obligations under this Lease. Any monies received by Landlord from or on behalf of

 

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Tenant during the pendency of any proceeding of the types referred to in this Article shall be deemed paid as compensation for the use and occupancy of the Premises and the acceptance of any such compensation by Landlord shall not be deemed an acceptance of Rent or a waiver on the part of Landlord of any rights under this Lease.

ARTICLE 20

REMEDIES AND DAMAGES

Section 20.1 (a)  Landlord’s Remedies . If any Event of Default occurs, and this Lease terminates as provided in Article 19 :

(i) Surrender of Possession . Tenant shall quit and surrender the Premises to Landlord, and Landlord and its agents may, at any time after such termination, re-enter the Premises or any part thereof, without notice, either by summary proceedings, or by any other applicable action or proceeding, or otherwise in accordance with applicable legal proceedings, and may repossess the Premises and dispossess Tenant and any other Persons from the Premises and remove any and all of their property and effects from the Premises.

(ii) Landlord’s Reletting . Landlord, at Landlord’s option, may relet all or any part of the Premises from time to time, either in the name of Landlord or otherwise, to such tenant or tenants, for any term ending before, on or after the Expiration Date, at such rental and upon such other conditions (which may include concessions and free rent periods) as Landlord, in its sole discretion, may determine. Landlord shall have no obligation to and shall not be liable for refusal or failure to relet or, in the event of any such reletting, for refusal or failure to collect any rent due upon any such reletting; and no such refusal or failure shall relieve Tenant of. or otherwise affect, any liability under this Lease. Landlord, at Landlord’s option, may make such alterations, decorations and other physical changes in and to the Premises as Landlord, in its sole discretion, considers advisable or necessary in connection with such reletting or proposed reletting. without relieving Tenant of any liability under this Lease or otherwise affecting any such liability.

(b) Other Remedies . Upon the breach or threatened breach by Tenant. or any Persons claiming through or under Tenant, of any term, covenant or condition of this Lease, Landlord shall have the right to enjoin such breach and to invoke any other remedy allowed by law or in equity as if re-entry, summary proceedings and other special remedies were not provided in this Lease for such breach. The rights to invoke the remedies set forth above are cumulative and shall not preclude Landlord from invoking any other remedy allowed at law or in equity.

(c) Tenant’s Waiver . Tenant, on its own behalf and on behalf of all Persons claiming through or under Tenant, including all creditors, hereby waives all rights which Tenant and all such Persons might otherwise have under any Requirement (i) to the service of any notice of intention to re-enter or to institute legal proceedings, (ii) to redeem, or to re-enter or repossess the Premises, or (iii) to restore the operation of this Lease, after (A) Tenant shall have been dispossessed or ejected by judgment or by warrant of any court or judge, (B) any re-entry by Landlord, or (C) any expiration or early termination of the Term, whether such dispossession, re-entry, expiration or termination shall be by operation of law or pursuant to the provisions of this Lease. The words “re-enter,” “re-entry” and “re-entered” as used in this Lease shall not be deemed to be restricted to their technical legal meanings. Tenant also waives any right it may have to trial by jury in any summary dispossess or other proceeding hereafter instituted by Landlord against Tenant with respect to the Premises or in any action that may be brought to recover Rent, damages or other sums payable under this Lease. If Landlord commences any such summary dispossess proceeding, Tenant will not interpose any counterclaim in the proceeding, other than a compulsory counterclaim.

Section 20.2(a) Landlord’s Damages . If this Lease and the Term expires and comes to an end as provided in Article 19 , or by or under any summary proceeding or any other action or proceeding, or if Landlord shall re-enter the Premises as provided in Section 20.1 , then, in any of such events:

(i) Tenant shall pay to Landlord all Rent payable under this Lease by Tenant to Landlord up to the Expiration Date or to the date of re-entry upon the Premises by Landlord, as the case may be;

(ii) Landlord shall be entitled to retain all monies, if any, paid by Tenant to Landlord, whether as prepaid Rent or otherwise, which monies, to the extent not otherwise applied to amounts due and owing to Landlord, shall be credited by Landlord against any damages payable by Tenant to Landlord;

(iii) Tenant shall pay to Landlord, in monthly installments, on the days specified in this Lease for payment of installments of Fixed Rent, any Deficiency; it being understood that Landlord shall be entitled to recover the Deficiency from Tenant each month as the same shall arise, and no suit to collect the amount of the Deficiency for any month shall prejudice Landlord’s right to collect the Deficiency for any subsequent month by a similar proceeding; and

 

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(iv) whether or not Landlord shall have collected any monthly Deficiency, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, on demand, in lieu of any further Deficiency and as liquidated and agreed final damages, a sum equal to the amount by which the Rent for the period which otherwise would have constituted the unexpired portion of the Term (assuming Additional Rent during such period to be the same as had been payable for the year immediately preceding such termination or re-entry, increased in each succeeding year by 4% (on a compounded basis)) exceeds the then fair and reasonable rental value of the Premises, for the same period (with both amounts being discounted to present value at a rate of interest equal to 2% below the then Base Rate) less the aggregate amount of Deficiencies theretofore collected by Landlord pursuant to the provisions of Section 20.2(a)(iii) for the same period. If, before presentation of proof of such liquidated damages to any court, commission or tribunal, Landlord shall have relet the Premises or any part thereof for the period which otherwise would have constituted the unexpired portion of the Term or any part thereof, the amount of rent reserved upon such reletting shall be deemed, prima facie, to be the fair and reasonable rental value for the part or the whole of the Premises so relet during the term of the reletting.

(b) Reletting . If the Premises, or any part thereof, shall be relet together with other space in the Buildings, the rents collected or reserved under any such reletting and the expenses of any such reletting shall be equitably apportioned for the purposes of this Section. Tenant shall not be entitled to any rents collected or payable under any reletting, whether or not such rents exceed Fixed Rent reserved in this Lease. Nothing contained in Article 19 or 20 shall be deemed to limit or preclude the recovery by Landlord from Tenant of the maximum amount allowed to be obtained as damages under applicable Requirements, or of any sums or damages to which Landlord may be entitled in addition to the damages set forth in this Section.

Section 20.3 Default Interest; Other Rights of Landlord . Any Rent or damages payable under this Lease and not paid when due (except to the extent provided in Section 2.3 ) shall bear interest at the Interest Rate from the due date until paid, and the interest shall be deemed Additional Rent. If Tenant fails to pay any Additional Rent when due, Landlord, in addition to any other right or remedy, shall have the same rights and remedies as in the case of a default by Tenant in the payment of Fixed Rent. If Tenant is in arrears in the payment of Rent, Tenant waives Tenant’s right, if any, to designate the items against which any payments made by Tenant are to be credited, and Landlord may apply any payments made by Tenant to any items Landlord sees fit, regardless of any request by Tenant.

ARTICLE 21

LANDLORD’S RIGHT TO CURE; REIMBURSEMENT

Section 21.1 Landlord’s Right to Cure . If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Landlord, without thereby waiving such Event of Default, may perform such obligation for the account and at the expense of Tenant: (i) immediately or at any time thereafter, and without notice. in the case of emergency or in case the matter giving rise to such Event of Default (A) materially interferes with the use by any other tenant of any space in the Buildings, (B) materially interferes with the efficient operation of the Buildings, (C) will result in a violation of any Requirement, (D) will result in a default under any Mortgage or Superior Lease, or (E) will result in a cancellation of any insurance policy maintained by Landlord, and (ii) in any other case if such Event of Default continues after 10 days from the date Landlord gives notice of Landlord’s intention so to perform the defaulted obligation. All costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in connection with any such performance by it for the account of Tenant and all costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees and disbursements, incurred by Landlord in any action or proceeding (including any summary dispossess proceeding) brought by Landlord to enforce any obligation of Tenant under this Lease and/or right of Landlord in or to the Premises, shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord on demand, with interest thereon at the Interest Rate from the date incurred by Landlord. Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Lease, all costs and expenses which, pursuant to this Lease (including the Rules and Regulations) are incurred by Landlord and payable to Landlord by Tenant, and all charges, amounts and sums payable to Landlord by Tenant for any property, material, labor, utility or other services which, pursuant to this Lease or at the request and for the account of Tenant, are provided, furnished or rendered by Landlord, shall become due and payable by Tenant to Landlord in accordance with the terms of the bills rendered by Landlord to Tenant.

Section 21.2 Reimbursement For Tenant’s Default . Tenant shall reimburse Landlord, within 30 days after demand, for all expenditures made by, or costs or fines sustained or incurred by, Landlord due to any Event of Default by Tenant under this Lease, with interest thereon at the Interest Rate, from the date such expenditures were rightfully made, or costs or fines incurred, until the date reimbursed by Tenant.

 

 

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ARTICLE 22

NO REPRESENTATIONS BY LANDLORD; LANDLORD’S APPROVAL

Section 22.1 No Representations . Except as expressly set forth herein, Landlord and Landlord’s agents have made no warranties, representations, statements or promises with respect to (i) the rentable and usable areas of the Premises, the Buildings or the Center, (ii) the amount of any current or future Taxes, (iii) the compliance with applicable Requirements of the Premises, the Buildings or the Center, or (iv) the suitability of the Premises for any particular use or purpose. No rights, easements or licenses are acquired by Tenant under this Lease, by implication or otherwise. This Lease contains the entire agreement between the parties and all understandings and agreements previously made between Landlord and Tenant are merged in this Lease, which alone fully and completely expresses their agreement. Tenant is entering into this Lease after full investigation, and is not relying upon any statement or representation made by the Landlord not embodied in this Lease.

Section 22.2 Written Approval . All references in this Lease to the consent or approval of Landlord mean the written consent or approval of Landlord, duly executed by Landlord. All consents or approvals of Landlord may be granted or withheld in Landlord’s sole discretion unless specifically provided to the contrary in this Lease.

Section 22.3 No Money Damages . Wherever in this Lease Landlord’s consent or approval is required, if Landlord refuses to grant such consent or approval, whether or not Landlord expressly agreed that such consent or approval would not be unreasonably withheld, Tenant shall not make, and Tenant hereby waives, any claim for money damages (including any claim by way of set-off, counterclaim or defense) based upon Tenant’s claim or assertion that Landlord unreasonably withheld or delayed its consent or approval, except that Tenant shall be entitled to its actual damages if Landlord is determined to have acted maliciously and in bad faith pursuant to a final, unappealable judgment from a court of competent jurisdiction. Tenant’s sole remedy shall be an action or proceeding to enforce such provision, by specific performance, injunction or declaratory judgment. In no event shall Landlord be liable for, and Tenant, on behalf of itself and all other Tenant Parties, hereby waives any claim for, any indirect, consequential or punitive damages, including loss of profits or business opportunity, arising under or in connection with this Lease.

ARTICLE 23

END OF TERM

Section 23.1 Expiration . Upon the expiration or other termination of this Lease, Tenant shall quit and surrender the Premises to Landlord, vacant, broom clean and in good order and condition, ordinary wear and tear and damage for which Tenant is not responsible under the terms of this Lease excepted, and Tenant shall remove all of Tenant’s Property as may be required pursuant to Article 5 of this Lease.

Section 23.2 Holdover Rent . Landlord and Tenant recognize that the damage to Landlord resulting from any failure by Tenant to timely surrender possession of the Premises may be substantial, may exceed the amount of the Rent theretofore payable hereunder, and will be impossible to accurately measure. Tenant therefore agrees that if possession of the Premises is not surrendered to Landlord on or before the Expiration Date or sooner termination of the Term, in addition to any other rights or remedies Landlord may have hereunder or at law, Tenant shall:

(a) pay to Landlord (i) for the first 90 days during which Tenant holds over in the Premises after the Expiration Date or sooner termination of the Term, a sum equal to (x) one and one-half times the Rent (other than Percentage Rent) payable under this Lease for the last full calendar month of the Term plus (y) the Percentage Rent payable under this Lease for such period, and (ii) for each month (or portion thereof) thereafter, a sum equal to (x) two times the Rent (other than Percentage Rent) payable under this Lease for the last full calendar month of the Term plus (y) the Percentage Rent payable under this Lease, which amounts shall be payable in lieu of any “use and occupancy” payment permitted or required by law; and

(b) be liable to Landlord for any payment or rent concession which Landlord may be required to make to any tenant obtained by Landlord for all or any part of the Premises (a “ New Tenant ”) in order to induce such New Tenant not to terminate its lease by reason of the holding-over by Tenant, provided that such new lease is fully executed prior to the date upon which Tenant vacates the Premises and Landlord notifies Tenant that Landlord will incur such payment or rent concession.

No holding-over by Tenant, nor the payment to Landlord of the amounts specified above, shall operate to extend the Term hereof. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to permit Tenant to retain possession of the Premises after the Expiration Date or sooner termination of this Lease, and no acceptance by Landlord of payments from Tenant after the Expiration Date or sooner termination of the Term shall be deemed to be other than on account of the amount to be paid by Tenant in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

 

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Section 23.3 Waiver of Stay . Tenant expressly waives, for itself and for any Person claiming through or under Tenant, any rights which Tenant or any such Person may have under the provisions of Section 2201 of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules and of any successor law of like import then in force, in connection with any holdover summary proceedings which Landlord may institute to enforce the foregoing provisions of this Article.

ARTICLE 24

NO SURRENDER; NO WAIVER

Section 24.1 No Surrender or Release . No act or thing done by Landlord or Landlord’s agents or employees during the Term shall be deemed an acceptance of a surrender of the Premises.

Section 24.2 No Waiver . No provision of this Lease shall be deemed to have been waived by any party unless such waiver is in writing and is signed by the party against whom such waiver is asserted, and any such waiver shall be effective only for the specific purpose and in the specific instance in which given. The failure of either party to seek redress for violation of, or to insist upon the strict performance of, any covenant or condition of this Lease, or any of the Rules and Regulations, shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment for the future performance of such obligations of this Lease or the Rules and Regulations, or of the right to exercise such election but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect with respect to any subsequent breach, act or omission. The receipt by Landlord of any Rent payable pursuant to this Lease or any other sums with knowledge of the breach of any covenant of this Lease shall not be deemed a waiver of such breach. No payment by Tenant or receipt by Landlord of a lesser amount than the monthly Fixed Rent or Additional Rent herein stipulated shall be deemed to be other than a payment on account of the earliest stipulated Fixed Rent or Additional Rent, or as Landlord may elect to apply such payment, nor shall any endorsement or acceptance of any check or other payment in the face of a statement on such check or any letter accompanying such check or payment be deemed an accord and satisfaction, and Landlord may accept such check or payment without prejudice to Landlord’s right to recover the balance of such Fixed Rent or Additional Rent or pursue any other remedy provided in this Lease. The existence of a right of renewal or extension of this Lease, or the exercise of such right, shall not limit Landlord’s right to terminate this Lease in accordance with the terms hereof.

ARTICLE 25

WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY

Landlord and Tenant hereby waive trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim brought by either party against the other on any matters in any way arising out of or connected with this Lease, the relationship of Landlord and Tenant, Tenant’s use or occupancy of the Premises, or the enforcement of any remedy under any Requirement. If Landlord commences any summary proceeding against Tenant, Tenant will not interpose any counterclaim of any nature or description in any such proceeding (unless failure to impose such counterclaim would preclude Tenant from asserting in a separate action the claim which is the subject of such counterclaim), and will not seek to consolidate such proceeding with any other action which may have been or will be brought in any other court by Tenant.

ARTICLE 26

INABILITY TO PERFORM

This Lease and the obligation of Tenant to pay Rent and to perform all of the other covenants and agreements of Tenant hereunder shall not be affected, impaired or excused by any Unavoidable Delays. Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to promptly notify Tenant of any Unavoidable Delay which prevents Landlord from fulfilling any of its obligations under this Lease, provided, that Landlord’s insolvency or inability to pay its debts as they become due shall not constitute an Unavoidable Delay with respect to this Article 26 .

 

 

 

 

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ARTICLE 27

NOTICES

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Lease, any consents, notices, demands, requests, approvals or other communications given under this Lease shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given or rendered if delivered by hand (provided a signed receipt is obtained) or if sent by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) or by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service making receipted deliveries, addressed as follows:

if to Tenant, (i) c/o Madison Square Garden, L.P., 2 Penn Plaza, New York, New York, Attention: General Counsel and (ii) Rockefeller Group, Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 29th Floor, New York, New York 10020, Attention: General Counsel, and with copies of any notices of default to Proskauer Rose LLP, 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036-8299, Attention Lawrence J. Lipson, Esq., and

if to Landlord, at Landlord’s address set forth on the first page of this Lease, Attention: Property Manager – 1270 Avenue of the Americas, and with copies to (A) Office of the Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10111, Attention: General Counsel, (B) Office of the Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10111, Attention: Controller, (C) Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P., 520 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022 Attention: General Counsel, and (D) any Mortgagee or Lessor which shall have requested copies of notices, by notice given to Tenant in accordance with the provisions of this Article at the address designated by such Mortgagee or Lessor; or

to such other address(es) as either Landlord or Tenant or any Mortgagee or Lessor may designate as its new address(es) for such purpose by notice given to the other in accordance with the provisions of this Article. Any such consent, notice, demand, request or other communication shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipted delivery or refusal to accept delivery as provided in this Article 27 , or the date delivery is first attempted but cannot be made due to a change of address of which no notice was given.

ARTICLE 28

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Tenant and all Tenant Parties shall observe and comply with the Rules and Regulations (which do not relate to the Music Hall and solely relate to the Ancillary Space and which are consistent with the Permitted Uses with respect to the Ancillary Space) as reasonably supplemented or amended from time to time, provided, that in case of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of this Lease and any of the Rules and Regulations as originally promulgated or as supplemented or amended from time to time, the provisions of this Lease shall control. Landlord reserves the right, from time to time, to adopt additional reasonable Rules and Regulations and to amend the Rules and Regulations then in effect. Nothing contained in this Lease shall impose upon Landlord any obligation to enforce the Rules and Regulations or terms, covenants or conditions in any other lease against any other tenants in the Buildings, and Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for violation of the Rules and Regulations by any other tenant, its employees, agents, visitors or licensees, except that Landlord shall not adopt or enforce any Rule or Regulation against Tenant in a discriminatory fashion. Tenant may challenge the “reasonableness” of any Rule or Regulation and such challenge shall be determined pursuant to the “Dispute Resolution Procedure” set forth in Article 38 of this Lease. Pending resolution of such dispute, Tenant shall comply with such disputed Rule or Regulation if in Landlord’s good faith judgment, Tenant’s failure to do so would have a material adverse affect on the operation of the Premises or on other occupants of the Center.

ARTICLE 29

PARTNERSHIP TENANT

Section 29.1 Partnership Tenant . If Tenant, or a permitted assignee of this Lease pursuant to Article 16 , is a partnership, or is comprised of two or more Persons, individually or as partners of a partnership (any such partnership and such Persons are referred to in this Article 29 as “ Partnership Tenant ”), the following shall apply: (i) the liability of each of the general partners (excluding Persons solely holding interests as limited partners), each of the partners in a limited liability partnership or Persons comprising Partnership Tenant (the “ Partners ”) shall be joint and several (subject to the inherent limitations of liability of such business organization); (ii) each of the Partners hereby consents in advance to, and agrees to be bound by, any written instrument which may hereafter be executed by Partnership Tenant or any of the Partners, which shall modify, extend or discharge this Lease, in whole or in part, or surrender all or any part of the Premises to Landlord; (iii) any bills, statements, notices, demands, requests or other communications given or rendered to Partnership Tenant; (iv) if Partnership Tenant shall admit new Partners, all new Partners shall, by their admission to Partnership Tenant, be deemed to have assumed joint and several liability for the performance of all of the

 

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terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease on Tenant’s part to be observed and performed (subject to the inherent limitations of liability in such business organization; (v) Partnership Tenant shall give prompt notice to Landlord of the admission of any new Partners, and upon demand of Landlord, shall cause each new Partner to execute and deliver to Landlord an agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Landlord, wherein each new Partner shall assume joint and several liability (subject to the inherent limitations of liability in such business organization) for the performance of all the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease on Tenant’s part to be observed and performed (but neither Landlord’s failure to request any such agreement nor the failure of any new Partner to execute or deliver any such agreement to Landlord shall vitiate the provisions of this Section 29.1 ); and (vi) no change in the Partners of Partnership Tenant resulting from the admission of a new Partner, or the death, retirement or withdrawal of a Partner shall release Partnership Tenant or any Partner or former Partner from their obligations under this Lease.

Section 29.2 Change of Partners . If Tenant is a Partnership Tenant, (i) the admission of new Partners, the withdrawal (in the ordinary course of business), retirement, death, incompetency or bankruptcy of any Partner, or the reallocation of partnership interests among the Partners shall not constitute an assignment of this Lease unless Partners holding in the aggregate not less than 51 % of the partnership interests in Partnership Tenant immediately prior to such event remain as Partners holding not less than 51% of the partnership interests in Partnership Tenant during the 12-month period immediately following such event (i.e., the transfer, by any of the foregoing means, of more than 49% of the partnership interests in Partnership Tenant, except among the Partners, in any consecutive 12-month period shall constitute an assignment of this Lease subject to the provisions of Article 16 ), and (ii) the reorganization of Partnership Tenant into a professional corporation or a limited liability partnership, or the reorganization of Tenant from a professional corporation or a limited liability partnership into a partnership, shall not constitute an assignment of this Lease, if immediately following such reorganization the Partners or shareholders, as the case may be, of Tenant shall be less than 51% of those existing immediately prior to such reorganization, and shall remain fully liable, jointly and severally, under this Lease as provided in this Article 29 (subject to the inherent limitations of liability in such business organization).

ARTICLE 30

VAULT SPACE

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Lease or indicated on any sketch, blueprint or plan, no vaults, vault space or other space outside the boundaries of the Real Property are included in the Premises. Landlord makes no representation as to the location of the boundaries of the Real Property. All vaults and vault space and all other space outside the boundaries of the Real Property which Tenant may be permitted to use or occupy are to be used or occupied under a revocable license. If any such license shall be revoked. or if the amount of such space shall be diminished as required by any Governmental Authority or by any public utility company, such revocation, diminution or requisition shall not (i) constitute an actual or constructive eviction, in whole or in part, (ii) entitle Tenant to any abatement or diminution of Rent, (iii) relieve Tenant from any of its obligations under this Lease, or (iv) impose any liability upon Landlord. Any fee, tax or charge imposed by any Governmental Authority for any such vaults, vault space or other space occupied by Tenant shall be paid by Tenant.

ARTICLE 31

LANDLORD’S AGENT

Section 31.1 Landlord’s Agent . Unless Landlord shall render notice to Tenant to the contrary, Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P. is authorized to act as Landlord’s agent in connection with the performance of this Lease, and Tenant shall direct all correspondence and requests to, and shall be entitled to rely upon correspondence received from, Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P., as agent for Landlord in accordance with Article 27 . Tenant acknowledges that Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P. is acting solely as agent for Landlord in connection with the foregoing; and neither Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P. nor any of its direct or indirect partners, officers, shareholders, directors, employees, principals, agents or representatives shall have any liability to Tenant in connection with this Lease, and Tenant waives any and all claims against any and all of such parties arising out of, or in any way connected with, this Lease, the Buildings or the Center.

Section 31.2 Representations . Landlord has retained Landlord’s Agent as leasing agent in connection with this Lease and Landlord will be solely responsible for any fee that may be payable to Landlord’s Agent. Landlord agrees to pay a commission to Landlord’s Agent pursuant to a separate agreement. Each of Landlord and Tenant represents and warrants to the other that it has not dealt with any broker in connection with this Lease other than Landlord’s Agent and that to the best of its knowledge and belief, no other broker, finder or like entity procured or negotiated this Lease or is entitled to any fee or commission in connection herewith.

 

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Section 31.3 Indemnity . Each of Landlord, Landlord’s Agent and Tenant shall indemnify, defend, protect and hold the other party harmless from and against any and all Losses which the indemnified party may incur by reason of any claim of or liability to any broker, finder or like agent (other than Landlord’s Agent) arising out of any dealings claimed to have occurred between the indemnifying party and the claimant in connection with this Lease, or the above representation being false.

ARTICLE 32

INDEMNITY

Section 32.1 (a) Tenant’s Indemnity . Tenant shall indemnify, defend, protect and hold harmless each of the Indemnitees from and against any and all Losses to which any Indemnitee may (except to the extent arising from the negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitees) be subject or suffer, whether by reason of, or by reason of any claim for, any injury to, or death of, any person or persons or damage to property (including any loss of use thereof) or otherwise arising from or in connection with the use of, or from any work or thing whatsoever done in, any part of the Premises (other than by such Indemnitee) or by any Tenant Party (exclusive of invitees) in the Center, during the Term or during the period of time, if any, prior to the commencement or following the expiration of the Term that Tenant may have been given access to any portion of the Premises for the purpose of performing work or otherwise, or as a result of any Tenant Party performing any such work or otherwise that subjects any Indemnitee to any Requirement to which such Indemnitee would not otherwise be subject, or arising from any condition of the Premises due to or resulting from any default by Tenant in the keeping, observance or performance of any provision contained in this Lease or from any act or negligence of any Tenant Party.

(b) Indemnity Inclusions . As used in this Lease, the term “ Losses ” means any and all losses, liabilities, damages, claims, judgments, fines, suits, demands, costs, interest and expenses of any kind or nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred in connection with any claim, proceeding or judgment and the defense thereof, and including all costs of repairing any damage to the Premises, the Buildings or the Center, or the appurtenances of any of the foregoing, to which a particular indemnity and hold harmless agreement applies.

Section 32.2 Landlord’s Indemnity . Landlord shall indemnify, defend and hold Tenant harmless from and against all Losses incurred by Tenant arising from any accident, injury or damage whatsoever caused to any person or the property of any person (other than Tenant) in or about Premises or the common or public areas of the Ancillary Buildings, to the extent attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord or its agents or employees.

Section 32.3 Defense and Settlement . If any claim, action or proceeding is made or brought against any party entitled to indemnification hereunder, then, upon demand by the indemnified party, the indemnifying party, at its sole cost and expense, shall resist or defend such claim, action or proceeding in the indemnified party’s name (if necessary), by attorneys approved by the indemnified party, which approval, shall not be unreasonably withheld. Attorneys for the indemnifying party’s insurer shall hereby be deemed approved for purposes of this Section 32.3 . Notwithstanding the foregoing, an indemnified party may retain its own attorneys to participate or assist in defending any claim, action or proceeding involving potential liability of ***** or more, provided that the indemnifying party shall control the defense and the indemnifying party shall pay the reasonable fees and disbursements of such attorneys. Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, the indemnifying party may direct the indemnified party to settle any claim, suit or other proceeding provided that (i) such settlement shall involve no obligation on the part of the indemnified party other than the payment of money, (ii) any payments to be made pursuant to such settlement shall be paid in full exclusively by the indemnifying party at the time such settlement is reached; provided, that if the indemnified party is unconditionally released at the time such settlement is reached, the indemnifying party may pay such amounts over a reasonable period of time, (iii) such settlement shall not require the indemnified party to admit any liability or wrongdoing, and (iv) the indemnified party shall have received an unconditional release from the parties to such settlement. To the extent the indemnifying party shall control the defense or settlement of any claim as herein provided, the indemnified party agrees to (x) cooperate fully with the indemnifying party and its counsel and (y) execute any and all releases and other documents determined by the indemnifying party and its counsel as necessary to compromise or settle any claim that the indemnifying party is permitted hereunder to compromise or settle, provided that such releases and other documents shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of this Article 32 and not in derogation of the rights of the indemnified party hereunder. So long as the indemnifying party shall be performing all of its obligations hereunder, the indemnified party shall not settle any claim without the indemnifying party’s written consent which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

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ARTICLE 33

ADJACENT EXCAVATION; SHORING

If an excavation shall be made, or shall be authorized to be made, upon land adjacent to the Real Property, Tenant shall, upon notice, afford to the Person causing or authorized to cause such excavation a license to enter upon the Premises for the purpose of doing such work as such person shall deem necessary to preserve the Buildings or any other part of the Center from injury or damage and to support the Buildings or such part of the Center by proper foundations. In connection with such license, Tenant shall have no right to claim any damages or indemnity against Landlord, or diminution or abatement of Rent, provided that Tenant shall continue to have access to the Premises.

ARTICLE 34

TAX STATUS OF BENEFICIAL OWNERS

Tenant recognizes and acknowledges that Landlord and/or certain beneficial owners of Landlord may from time to time qualify as real estate investment trusts pursuant to Section 856 et seq. of the Code or as entities described in Section 511(a)(2) of the Code, and that avoiding (i) the loss of such status, (ii) the receipt of any income derived under any provision of this Lease that does not constitute “rents from real property” (in the case of real estate investment trusts) or that constitutes “unrelated business taxable income” (in the case of entities described in Section 511(a)(2) of the Code), and (iii) the imposition of penalty or similar taxes (each, an “ Adverse Event ”) is of material concern to Landlord and such beneficial owners. In the event that this Lease or any document contemplated hereby could, in the opinion of counsel to Landlord, result in or cause an Adverse Event, Tenant agrees to cooperate with Landlord in negotiating an amendment or modification thereof and shall at the request of Landlord execute and deliver such documents reasonably required to effect such amendment or modification. Any amendment or modification pursuant to this Article 34 shall be structured so that the economic results to Landlord and Tenant shall be similar, other than to a de minimis extent, to those set forth in this Lease without regard to such amendment or modification. Without limiting any of Landlord’s other rights under this Article 34 , Landlord may waive the receipt of any amount payable to Landlord under this Lease, and such waiver shall constitute an amendment or modification of this Lease with respect to such payment.

ARTICLE 35

GUARANTY

Simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Lease, and as a condition to the effectiveness hereof, MSG has delivered its guaranty of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease in the form annexed hereto as Schedule 6 (the “ Guaranty ”). In connection with any Transfer of Control to an entity satisfying the tests set forth in Section 16.5 (a “ Permitted Transferee ”), the Permitted Transferee shall execute a guaranty in substantially the same form as the Guaranty (a “ New Guaranty ”) and shall deliver the same to Landlord. Upon such delivery, the Permitted Transferee shall be deemed the Guarantor hereunder with respect to the obligations of Tenant thereafter accruing and such New Guaranty shall be deemed the Guaranty hereunder from and after such delivery; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be deemed to release any Guarantor from any obligation or liability which accrued during the period prior to the delivery of the New Guaranty. Upon delivery of the New Guaranty by such Permitted Transferee, Landlord shall execute an instrument of release in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Landlord and the Guarantor then being released releasing such party from any obligations under its guaranty accruing from and after the date of the delivery of the New Guaranty.

ARTICLE 36

RENEWAL OPTION

Section 36.1 Exercise of Option . Tenant shall have the right, at its sole option, to renew the Term for all of the Premises for a single renewal term (the “ Renewal Term ”) of 10 years by written notice (the “ Renewal Notice ”) delivered to Landlord not less than 24 months prior to the Initial Expiration Date; provided, however, that no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing under any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Lease either on the date the Renewal Notice is given or on the Renewal Term Commencement Date (as hereinafter defined). Upon the giving of the Renewal Notice, this Lease shall be deemed renewed for the Renewal Term with the same force and effect as if the Renewal Term had originally been included in the Term. The Renewal Term shall commence on the day after the Initial Expiration Date (the “ Renewal Term Commencement Date ”) and shall terminate on the 10th anniversary of the Initial Expiration Date. Time is of the essence with respect to the giving of the Renewal Notice by Tenant.

 

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Section 36.2 Terms . All of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease shall continue in full force and effect during the Renewal Term, except that (a) the Fixed Rent for the Renewal Term shall be in an amount equal to the greater of ***** b) Tenant shall have no further right to renew the Term, (c) the Base Tax Year will be the Tax Year commencing on the July 1st prior to the Renewal Term Commencement Date and (d) the “Base Operating Year” (as defined in Schedule 3 ) for the Retail Space shall be the year in which the Renewal Term Commencement Date occurs. Any termination, cancellation or surrender of the entire interest of Tenant under this Lease at any time during the Term shall terminate any right of renewal of Tenant hereunder.

Section 36.3 *****

Section 36.4 *****

Section 36.5 Lease Amendment . Upon request by Landlord or Tenant made on or following the Renewal Term Commencement Date, the requested party will execute, acknowledge and deliver to the requesting party an amendment to this Lease setting forth the Renewal Term Commencement Date, Fixed Rent for the Renewal Term, and the Renewal Term Expiration Date. The failure of either party to execute and deliver such an amendment shall not affect the rights of the parties under this Lease.

ARTICLE 37

RETAIL SPACE RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER

Section 37.1 Exercise of Right . If at any time prior to the expiration or earlier termination of the Term, Landlord anticipates that either of the two retail stores which face Avenue of the Americas and are located at 1270 Avenue of the Americas, substantially as shown on Exhibits A-5 and A-6 (all or any portion of such space, “ Offer Space ”), shall become available for leasing, Landlord shall deliver notice thereof to Tenant (the “ Offer Notice ”) setting forth (a) a description (including the location and configuration) of the Offer Space in question, (b) the square footage of the Offer Space in question and (c) Landlord’s determination of (i) fair market rental value for the Offer Space (which may include periodic increases in rent over the term of the Lease and which shall take into account percentage rent equal to the Percentage Rent payable with respect to the Offer Space) based upon a term expiring on the Expiration Date (“ Landlord’s Determination ”), and (ii) a description of the services, if any, to be provided to the Offer Space and other material business terms upon which Landlord is willing to lease the Offer Space, and the date upon which Landlord anticipates that Landlord will be able to deliver possession of the Offer Space to Tenant. Provided that all of the conditions precedent set forth in this Article 37 are fully satisfied by Tenant, Tenant shall have the option (the “ Offer Option ”), exercisable by Tenant delivering written notice to Landlord (the “ Acceptance Notice ”) within thirty (30) days (the “ Acceptance Period ”) of the giving by Landlord of the Offer Notice, to lease the Offer Space upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Article 37 , and this Lease shall thereupon be modified as provided in Section 37.4 . Time shall be of the essence as to Tenant’s giving of any Acceptance Notice. The Offer Option may be exercised only with respect to all of the Offer Space which is the subject of an Offer Notice. If Tenant fails to timely give an Acceptance Notice with respect to such Offer Space, Landlord shall be free to lease such Offer Space to any third party or to otherwise dispose of such Offer Space and Tenant shall be deemed to have waived the Offer Option with respect to the applicable Offer Space and shall have no further right with respect thereto; provided that if Landlord fails to lease such space within 12 months after the expiration of such Acceptance Period and provided Landlord is not in active negotiations for such space (or if such active negotiations terminate and are not reinstituted) then Landlord will reoffer such Offer Space to Tenant, if such Offer Space is then available for leasing, subject to and in accordance with this Section 37.1 .

Section 37.2 Availability . For purposes of this Article 37 , space shall not be deemed “available for leasing” if, at the time in question any Person holds a written option or right to lease or occupy the Offer Space or to renew its lease or right(s) of occupancy thereof which exist(s) as of the date hereof or is granted by Landlord after Landlord’s compliance with Section 37.1 hereof. So long as a tenant or other occupant leases or occupies a portion of the Offer Space, Landlord shall be free to extend any such tenancy or occupancy, whether or not pursuant to a lease or other agreement, and such space shall not be deemed to be “available for leasing”. Subject to clause (b) of the first sentence of this Section 37.2 . Landlord agrees that from and after the date hereof, it will not grant any rights to any Person or entity with respect to the Offer Space unless such rights are subordinate to the rights granted Tenant hereunder, except (i) to tenants or other occupants leasing or occupying the Offer Space as of the date hereof, or (ii) to new tenants or occupants of any portion of the Offer Space in question after Landlord shall have duly offered such portion of the Offer Space to Tenant pursuant to this Article 37 and Tenant has not elected to lease such Offer Space in accordance with Section 37.1 . Nothing set forth in this Article 37 shall be construed to limit Landlord’s right to keep space in 1270 Avenue of the Americas vacant if Landlord elects, in its sole discretion, to do so, and such vacant space shall in no event be deemed to be available for leasing hereunder.

Section 37.3 Conditions to Exercise . Tenant shall have no right to exercise the Offer Option unless, on the date of the Acceptance Notice and on the Offer Space Commencement Date (as hereinafter defined), no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

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Section 37.4 Incorporation of Offer Space . Effective as of the date on which Landlord delivers the Offer Space to Tenant (the “ Offer Space Commencement Date ”):

(a) the Offer Space shall be added to and be deemed to be a part of the Retail Space for all purposes of this Lease (except as otherwise provided in this Article 37 );

(b) the Offer Space shall be delivered in its “as is” condition, and Landlord shall not be obligated to perform any work or provide any services (other than work or services then generally being provided to new retail tenants in the Center as identified in the Offer Notice);

(c) Fixed Rent for the Offer Space shall be determined in accordance with Section 37.6 as of the Offer Space Commencement Date which shall take into account all relevant factors, including (i) comparable retail space in the Center, with such space considered (A) as vacant, (B) in “as is” condition on the Offer Space Commencement Date but with the services, if any, to be provided to the Offer Space as identified in the Offer Notice and (C) with a Base Tax Year as the Tax Year commencing on the July 1 st prior to the Offer Space Commencement Date and a Base Operating Year in the year in which the Offer Space Commencement Date occurs, (ii) financial obligations then being imposed on new retail tenants (including Tenant) in the Center as of the Offer Space Commencement Date, such as, common area maintenance charges, contributions to a retail promotional fund and other similar charges as set forth in the Office Notice, (iii) the calculation of Percentage Rent which shall be in the same manner as set forth in this Lease;

(d) Tenant shall covenant and agree that it will, at its sole cost and expense, comply with the covenants set forth on Exhibit F annexed hereto with respect to the Office Space;

(e) Tenant shall pay Tenant’s Tax Payment and the Retail Operating Expense Payment with respect to the Offer Space based upon base years which will commence on the July 1st (with respect to Tenant’s Tax Payment) and on the January 1st (with respect to the Retail Operating Expense Payment) prior to the Offer Space Commencement Date; and

(f) Tenant’s Area with respect to the Offer Space shall be equal to the number of rentable square feet contained in the Offer Space.

Section 37.5 Possession . (a) If Tenant exercises its right to lease the Offer Space and Landlord is unable to deliver possession on the date set forth in the Offer Notice as the date on which Landlord anticipates delivering possession of the Offer Space to Tenant by reason of the holding over or retention of possession of any tenant or occupant of the Offer Space (i) Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for any failure by a then existing tenant or occupant to vacate any of the Offer Space, (ii) Landlord shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and deliver to Tenant vacant possession of the Offer Space within ninety (90) days after the anticipated availability date as stated by Landlord in the Offer Notice and in connection therewith, if appropriate in Landlord’s good faith judgment, institute and diligently prosecute a holdover or other proceedings against such tenant or occupant of such Offer Space and (iii) Tenant’s obligations under this Lease with respect to the Premises and the Offer Space shall not be affected thereby except that the term of the lease with respect to the Offer Space shall not commence until Landlord shall deliver vacant possession of the Offer Space to Tenant. The terms set forth in the preceding provisions of this Section 37.5 are intended to constitute “an express provision to the contrary” within the meaning of Section 223-a of the New York Real Property Law or any successor Requirement.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 37.5 , if Landlord shall have failed to deliver possession of such Offer Space on or before the date which is one (1) year after the anticipated Offer Space Commencement Date set forth in the Offer Notice by reason of the holding over or retention of possession of any tenant or other occupant or for any other reason, then Tenant shall have the right to withdraw its Acceptance Notice by written notice thereof given on or before the date that shall be thirty (30) days after the end of the aforesaid one (1) year period unless prior to the giving of such notice or within ten (10) days thereafter Landlord shall have delivered vacant possession of such Offer Space to Tenant.

Section 37.6 Arbitration . (a) If Tenant shall dispute Landlord’s Determination with respect to the Fixed Rent for the Offer Space, Tenant shall give notice to Landlord with Tenant’s Determination of the Fixed Rent (“ Tenant’s Determination ”) with Tenant’s delivery of the Acceptance Notice. Landlord’s Determination shall be the determination set forth in the Offer Notice. If Landlord and Tenant are unable to reach a mutual determination of the Fixed Rent within 30 days of delivery of Tenant’s Determination, Landlord and Tenant shall jointly select an Appraiser and the fees of the Appraiser shall be shared equally by Landlord and Tenant. In the event that Landlord and Tenant shall be unable to jointly agree on the designation of the Appraiser within five (5) days after they are requested to do so by either party, then the parties agree to allow the American Arbitration Association, or any successor organization to designate the Appraiser in accordance with the rules, regulations and/or procedures then obtaining of the American Arbitration Association or any successor organization. The decision of the Appraiser shall be final and binding upon Landlord and Tenant.

 

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(b) The Appraiser shall conduct such hearings and investigations as he or she may deem appropriate and shall, within thirty (30) days after the date of designation of the Appraiser, choose either Landlord’s or Tenant’s Determination, and such choice by the Appraiser shall be conclusive and binding upon Landlord and Tenant. Each party shall pay its own counsel fees and expenses, if any, in connection with any arbitration under this Article 37 . The Appraiser appointed pursuant to this Article 37 shall be an independent real estate appraiser with at least ten (10) years experience in retail leasing of properties which are similar in character to 1270 Avenue of the Americas. The Appraiser shall not have the power to add to, modify or change any of the provisions of this Lease.

(c) It is expressly understood that any determination of the Fixed Rent for the Offer Space pursuant to this Article 37 shall be based on the criteria stated in Section 37.4 hereof.

(d) Prior to the determination of the Appraiser, Tenant shall pay Fixed Rent on account of the Offer Space in the amount equal to Landlord’s Determination, and following the Appraiser’s final determination, the amount of any overpayment shall be adjusted between the parties.

Section 37.7 Lease Amendment . Upon request by either party made on or following the Offer Space Commencement Date, the parties will execute, acknowledge and deliver to Landlord an amendment to this Lease setting forth the Offer Space Commencement Date and Fixed Rent for the Offer Space, and reflecting the incorporation of the Offer Space into the Premises, and the modifications to this Lease resulting therefrom, as provided in Section 37.4 . The failure of either party to execute and deliver such an amendment shall not affect the rights of the parties under this Lease.

ARTICLE 38

DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURE

Section 38.1 Wherever this Lease provides for a dispute to be resolved by the procedure (the “ Dispute Resolution Procedure ”) provided for in this Section 38.1 , such dispute shall, at either party’s option, be settled and finally determined by arbitration in The City of New York in accordance with the following provisions of this Section 38.1 . Within 10 Business Days next following the giving of any notice by Landlord or Tenant stating that it wishes such dispute to be so determined which notice shall refer to this Section 38.1 and shall provide in Bold Face Type that if either party shall fail to give notice of such designation within said 10 Business Days, then the arbitrator chosen by the other side shall make the determination alone. Landlord and Tenant shall each give notice to the other setting forth the name and address of an arbitrator designated by the party giving such notice. If either party shall fail to give notice of such designation of an arbitrator within said 10 Business Days, then the arbitrator chosen by the other side shall make the determination alone. The two arbitrators shall designate a third arbitrator within 5 Business Days after the designation of the second arbitrator. If the two arbitrators shall fail to agree upon the designation of a third arbitrator within such 5 Business Day period, then either party may apply to the president of the American Arbitration Association located in The City of New York for the designation of such third arbitrator. If the president of the American Arbitration Association is unable or refuses to act within 10 Business Days, then either party may apply to the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, or to any other court having jurisdiction for the designation of such third arbitrator. Each arbitrator shall have at least 10 years experience in a calling related to the matter as to which arbitration is being sought. The three arbitrators shall conduct such hearings as they deem appropriate, making their determination in writing and giving notice to Landlord and Tenant of their determination as soon as practicable, and if possible, within 5 Business Days after the designation of the third arbitrator in the event no two of the arbitrators shall render a concurrent determination, then the determination of the third arbitrator designated shall be binding upon Landlord and Tenant. Judgment upon any decision rendered in arbitration held pursuant to this Section 38.1 shall be final and binding upon Landlord and Tenant, whether or not a judgment shall be entered in any court. Each party shall pay its own counsel fees and expenses, if any, in connection with any arbitration under this Section 38.1 (unless the arbitrators shall have awarded counsel fees and expenses to the prevailing party upon a finding of bad faith by the other party), including the expenses and fees of any arbitrator selected by it in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph, and the parties shall share all other expenses and fees of any such arbitration. The arbitrators shall be bound by the provisions of this Lease, and shall not add to, subtract from or otherwise modify such provisions.

Section 38.2 Any dispute which, pursuant to the terms of this Lease, is to be resolved in an expedited arbitration shall be resolved in accordance with the procedures otherwise set forth in Section 38.1 , except that the same shall be determined by a single arbitrator jointly selected by the parties within 5 Business Days after the giving of the notice of arbitration, or if the parties are unable to agree on an arbitrator within such 5-Business Day period, either party, upon notice to the other party, may request such appointment by the American Arbitration Association, or in the absence, refusal, failure or inability to act of the American Arbitration Association, may apply to the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County for a court appointment of such arbitrator. The arbitrator jointly selected shall be directed to reach a decision within 10 Business Days following the arbitrator’s appointment.

 

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ARTICLE 39

MUSIC HALL COVENANTS

Section 39.1 Conduct of Business . Tenant, recognizing that the Buildings and the Center are maintained as a first class type of business occupancy and as an additional inducement to Landlord to enter into this Lease, covenants and agrees that at all times a Person with a high quality reputation within the entertainment industry with at least 10 years of experience operating live entertainment venues comparable to the Music Hall shall continuously operate the Music Hall as a first-class entertainment center, consistent with the first class, high quality character of the Center. All merchandise sold by Tenant at the Music Hall or otherwise in connection with Music Hall events shall comply with Exhibit F annexed hereto.

Section 39.2 Clean Interior . Tenant shall, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, keep the Music Hall clean and in a neat, orderly, safe and sanitary condition consistent with that of a first class entertainment center.

Section 39.3 Replace Glass . Tenant shall as soon as practicable after any glass (including mirrors) in the Music Hall and the perimeter and demising walls thereof is broken or cracked, including a so-called “bull’s-eye” break in the glass, at its sole expense, replace such glass with glass of the same kind and quality, unless changes thereto are approved by Landlord in accordance with Article 5 , and replace the frames for such glass, if necessary.

Section 39.4 Awnings . Tenant shall not install, place or permit any awning on the perimeter walls of the Music Hall.

Section 39.5 Sounds . Tenant shall not use, play or operate or permit to be used, played or operated any sound making or sound reproducing device in the Music Hall, except in such manner and under such conditions so that no unreasonable amount of sound shall be heard outside of the Music Hall and the tenants of the Center shall not be disturbed. Any performance staged by Tenant outside the Music Hall shall require Landlord’s prior written consent, which shall be (a) granted or denied within 5 Business Days after written request therefor has been received by Landlord, provided that if such consent is not granted or denied within such 5-Business Day period, such consent shall be deemed to be denied and (b) subject to Landlord’s reasonable regulation; provided that without Landlord’s consent but upon 72 hours prior notice from Tenant to Landlord, Tenant may stage no more than 5 events per year outside of the Music Hall so long as each such event is no longer than (i) 30 minutes in duration if it is staged on Business Days between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and (ii) 1 hour in duration if it is staged on non Business Days or on Business Days other than between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Section 39.6 Displays . Tenant shall maintain tasteful, well-lighted displays in the display windows, if any, and change such displays from time to time. The content of such displays shall be limited to events in the Music Hall or the Center and shall be used primarily to promote or advertise any business or merchandise which relates to the Music Hall and the Garden. Tenant shall not install any displays or exhibits on or about, and visible from, the exterior of the Music Hall which are obscene or offensive to the general public.

Section 39.7 Lock Doors . Tenant shall keep all entrance doors and windows in the Music Hall locked at such times when the Music Hall is not in use.

Section 39.8 Security . Tenant shall provide and maintain in good working order during the Term, a security system suitable to reasonably protect the Music Hall, including a 24 hour direct response smoke, fire and burglary alarm system connected to the Center’s central control system. To the extent attributable to Music Hall events, Tenant shall also provide outdoor security services for the purpose of control of (a) bus parking and crowds on the street adjacent to the Music Hall and (b) any interference with the ingress and egress to 1270 Avenue of the Americas and other adjacent portions of the Center. Tenant agrees to cooperate with Landlord during any tests of the Center’s central control system.

Section 39.9 Marquees . Tenant shall clean and maintain the marquees attached to the Music Hall in good order and repair, in accordance with Landlord’s standards for the Center and promptly, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, make all necessary repairs to such marquees in accordance with the provisions of this Lease. Tenant shall keep such marquees lit 15 hours a day (from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.), 7 days a week throughout the Term.

Section 39.10 Radio City Events/Rockettes . (a) During (i) calendar year 1999 there shall be no less than (A) ***** actual performances staged on the main stage at the Music Hall (“ Actual Performances ”) and (B) ***** Theater Use Days (as hereinafter defined) per annum, (ii) calendar year 2000 there shall be no less than (X) ***** Actual Performances staged on the main stage at the Music Hall and (Y) ***** Theater Use Days per annum and (iii) each calendar year of the Term thereafter, there shall be no less than (1) ***** Actual Performances staged on the main stage at the Music Hall and (2) ***** Theater Use Days. A “Theater Use Day” shall mean ***** If during any calendar year of the Term commencing with calendar year 1999, there shall be less than ***** Actual Performances and the number of Theater Use Days required under this Section 39.10 , then Landlord shall calculate the annual

 

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average of Actual Performances and Theater Use Days for the immediately preceding 3-calendar year period (or such lesser period as shall commence on January 1, 1999) and, if either such average shall fail to meet the requirements for the required number of Actual Performances and Theater Use Days set forth above (a “ Performance Failure ”), then the first such Performance Failure shall result in Tenant being obligated to pay to Landlord as Additional Rent the sum of ***** within 10 days after written demand therefor by Landlord, the second such Performance Failure shall result in Tenant being obligated to pay to Landlord as Additional Rent the sum of ***** within 10 days after written demand therefor by Landlord and any Performance Failure thereafter shall constitute a default under this Lease which shall not be subject to cure.

(b) In the event the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” (which shall mean the Christmas holiday musical show traditionally performed at the Music Hall or any other Christmas holiday show or production similar thereto) or the Rockettes shall be presented or perform, as applicable, (i) in the Restricted Area (as defined below), then 100% of the revenues derived from any such event(s) shall be included in the “Gross Revenues” of Tenant for the Computation Year during which such event(s) occurred or (ii) in the Christmas Show Expanded Restricted Area (as defined below) or the Rockettes Expanded Restricted Area (as defined below), as applicable, then 50% of the revenues derived from such event(s) shall be included in the “Gross Revenues” of Tenant for the Computation Year during which such event(s) occurred.

 

  (i) For purposes of this Section  39.10 , the “Restricted Area” shall mean the 75-mile radius surrounding the Music Hall.

 

  (ii) For purposes of this Section 39.10 , the “Christmas Show Expanded Restricted Area” shall include the District of Columbia and the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

 

  (iii) For purposes of this Section 39.10 , the “Rockettes Expanded Restricted Area” shall mean the 200-mile radius surrounding the Music Hall. The “Rockettes Expanded Restricted Area” shall not be applicable to a single event-specific guest appearances by the Rockettes, such as an appearance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Section 39.11 Seat Reservations . (a) Subject to Section 39.11(b) below, during the Term, Tenant shall, with respect to events staged in the Music Hall (i) for which a majority of the seats for such events are sold to the general public, reserve in Landlord’s name ***** row of ***** consecutive seats, in the ***** through ***** rows — ***** (the “ Approved Seats ”) (or if, such seats shall not be made available to Tenant, then Tenant shall provide Landlord with those seats made available to Tenant which are situated closest to the Approved Seats), which may be purchased by Landlord at the box office price for such seats to the general public and (ii) which are so-called “special” events and, accordingly, a majority of seats for such events are not sold to the general public (a “ Special Event ”), allot to Landlord at least 10% of the tickets offered to Tenant (or any Affiliate of Tenant) for such Special Event and Tenant shall furnish to Landlord with respect to such Special Event those seats which are situated closest to the Approved Seats, but in no event shall Landlord be offered less than ***** tickets, or more than ***** tickets, for any Special Event which tickets may be purchased by Landlord at the face price for such seats or if there is no such face price, they shall be provided to Landlord at no charge. If Landlord shall fail to purchase seats (with respect to events described in clause (i)) or notify Tenant of Landlord’s desire to either purchase or claim its seats (with respect to events described in clause (ii)) on or before the date which is 14 days prior to the performance for which such seats are reserved, Tenant may release such seats for such performance; provided, however, that with respect to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, such 14-day period shall be increased to 21 days.

(b) Throughout the Term, Tenant hereby agrees that no less than 45 days prior to the first performance of (i) the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and (ii) any other event at the Music Hall which shall stage a block of ***** or more consecutive performances (a “ Multiple Performance Event ”), Tenant shall provide to Landlord a list (a “ Performance Schedule ”) of the dates and times of each performance of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and any such Multiple Performance Event, as applicable. Within 15 days after receipt of Tenant’s list setting forth such performance dates and times, Landlord may, at its option (A) with respect to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, designate up to ***** performances for which Landlord elects to reserve Approved Seats and (B) with respect to a Multiple Performance Event described in clause (ii) above, Landlord shall designate ***** performances for which Landlord shall be entitled to reserve Approved Seats. Tenant shall provide seats to Landlord in accordance with the terms set forth in paragraph (a) above. If Tenant shall fail to timely deliver a Performance Schedule, Landlord shall retain its rights under this Section 39.11 for all performances unless and until a Performance Schedule is so provided and in any event with respect to all performances occurring within 15 days of the delivery of such Performance Schedule. If Landlord shall fail to designate its selection of performances, Tenant may on 3 Business Days’ notice (during which 3-Business Day Period Landlord fails to make its own designations) which notice shall in BOLD FACE TYPE state that Landlord’s failure to respond to such notice within 3-Business Days shall cause Landlord to forfeit its seats for ***** performances and designate ***** of such performances as to which Landlord shall have its rights under this Section 39.11 as if Landlord had made such designations.

Section 39.12 Club Memberships . If, in connection with Music Hall events or the Club, Tenant shall establish, or cause to be established, a membership program or association whereby members receive special privileges, Tenant shall grant to Landlord six (6) such memberships at the same price, if any, and on the same terms for which such memberships are generally being offered to

 

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Tenant’s most valued patrons. The memberships shall be granted for the Term and the rights and privileges concomitant to such memberships may be assigned, at Landlord’s option, to Persons designated by Landlord.

Section 39.13 End of Term . At the expiration of the Term, if requested by Landlord, Tenant, at its own cost and expense, shall remove or cause to be removed all signs or other installations placed on the exterior of the Music Hall by Tenant during the Term, which shall be considered Music Hall Alterations for all purposes of this Lease, and shall repair any damage to the Music Hall caused by such removal. In the event Tenant fails to remove or cause to be removed the same within 10 days following the expiration of the Term, Landlord shall have the right, without notice to Tenant, to remove any such signs, awnings or other installations, dispose of the same and charge Tenant for the reasonable out-of-pocket cost of such removal and disposition and any repairs necessitated thereby, which shall be payable to Landlord as Additional Rent.

Section 39.14 Equitable Relief . Tenant acknowledges that damages resulting from any breach of the provisions of this Article 39 are difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain and concedes that, among other remedies for such breach permitted by law or the provisions of this Lease, Landlord shall be entitled to seek to enjoin Tenant from any violation of said provisions.

ARTICLE 40

VIP CLUB

Section 40.1 Club . Tenant shall construct and operate in the 1270 Space a first-class, private dining club (the “ Club ”) to be used by Tenant primarily in connection with events held in the Music Hall. The Club shall provide restaurant service to the patrons of such events invited by Tenant and, at other times, to other persons having a membership in the Club (“ Members ”) and to private parties. The Club shall not be open to the general public. Subject to compliance by Tenant with of all of the covenants, agreements, terms and conditions of this Lease, including all Requirements relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages, Tenant may serve beer, wine and liquor in the Club provided that such service is provided in a manner consistent with first-class clubs and restaurants in midtown Manhattan.

Section 40.2 Construction and Operations . Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, in accordance with all applicable Requirements and Article 5 of this Lease, shall install and furnish in the Club one or more private dining rooms and first-class restrooms consistent with the style and ambiance of the Music Hall. Tenant shall cause its architects and engineers to specify and use first-class materials, including such acoustical material and design standards as may be available to insulate the walls, floor and ceiling of the Club so that tenants of 1270 Avenue of the Americas are protected from noise generated by the Club and a first-class, state of the art air recirculating system to insure that smoke and/or cooking odors generated by the Club are ventilated out of 1270 Avenue of the Americas and do not emanate beyond the Club to the rest of 1270 Avenue of the Americas or the Music Hall or the Buildings in the Center. Tenant shall cause all ventilating hoods over ranges and cooking equipment and all duct work within the 1270 Space and to the main vertical risers to be regularly cleaned in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Landlord and shall keep all plumbing and sanitary systems and installations in the 1270 Space in first-class operating condition. Tenant shall not prepare any food or beverages in the Club for sale or distribution outside of the Club or the Music Hall by Tenant or anyone else. Tenant’s operation of the Club shall not encumber or obstruct, or permit to be encumbered or obstructed, the portion of 1270 Avenue of the Americas or of the sidewalk or street adjacent to or abutting the street entrance to the Club. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Lease, all access to the 1270 Space shall be through the Music Hall except for deliveries to the Club which shall be through the freight elevators serving 1270 Avenue of the Americas. Tenant shall not use any cart, wagon or similar conveyance for the sale and/or delivery of coffee or any other items inside or outside of 1270 Avenue of the Americas.

Section 40.3 Access to Music Hall . Tenant shall have the right to connect the 1270 Space and the Music Hall in order to provide direct access between the Music Hall and the Club; provided, however, that such connection shall be subject to the requirements set forth in Article 5 of this Lease. Tenant shall be responsible, at its sole cost and expense, for compliance with all Requirements occasioned by the reconfiguration of access between the Club and Music Hall whether such compliance relates to the Music Hall or 1270 Avenue of the Americas.

ARTICLE 41

STUDIO APARTMENT

Section 41.1 Studio Apartment . The Music Hall shall be deemed to include the so-called Studio Apartment or Roxy Suite described on Exhibit G annexed hereto (the “ Studio Apartment ”). Landlord shall be entitled to occasionally use the Studio Apartment provided that Landlord shall first make a reservation for each such use with Tenant. Landlord shall pay to Tenant, within 10 days after being

 

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billed therefor, Tenant’s normal rental fee and any other reasonable costs actually incurred by Tenant in connection with Landlord’s use of the Studio Apartment. Upon request by Landlord, Tenant shall prepare a proposed budget for each use proposed by Landlord.

Section 41.2 Studio Apartment Property . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in Section 5.1(a) , no Music Hall Alterations shall be made to the Studio Apartment without the prior consent of Landlord. Tenant shall, however, maintain and repair Landlord’s Studio Apartment Property (as defined below) in a first-class manner and in accordance with the terms of this Lease and all Requirements; provided, however, Tenant shall advise Landlord of any material projected maintenance and repairs contemplated to be performed by Tenant. Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary all items currently situated in the Studio Apartment including the items of property set forth on Schedule 5 (“ Landlord’s Studio Apartment Property ”) shall not be removed from the Studio Apartment and shall continue to be the property of Landlord from and after the date hereof.

ARTICLE 42

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 42.1 Delivery . This Lease shall not be binding upon Landlord or Tenant unless and until Landlord shall have executed and delivered a fully executed copy of this Lease to Tenant.

Section 42.2 Transfer of Real Property . Landlord’s obligations under this Lease shall not be binding upon the Landlord named herein after the sale, conveyance, assignment, transfer or lease of Landlord’s interest (collectively, a “ Transfer ”) by Landlord (or upon any subsequent landlord after the Transfer by such subsequent landlord) of its interest in the Buildings or the Real Property, as the case may be (except for such obligations as accrued prior to such Transfer unless such subsequent landlord assumes in writing such obligations which accrued prior to such transfer), and in the event of any such Transfer, Landlord (and any such subsequent landlord) shall be entirely freed and relieved of all covenants and obligations of Landlord hereunder accruing from and after such Transfer (unless such subsequent landlord shall have expressly agreed to assume Landlord’s obligations which accrued prior to the date of such Transfer in which event Landlord shall also be released from those existing obligations), and the transferee of Landlord’s interest (or that of such subsequent landlord) in the Buildings or the Real Property, as the case may be, shall be deemed to have assumed all obligations under this Lease accruing from and after such Transfer.

Section 42.3 Limitation on Liability . The liability of Landlord for Landlord’s obligations under this Lease shall be limited to Landlord’s interest from time to time in the Real Property, the insurance proceeds arising therefrom, the title insurance proceeds arising therefrom and the proceeds from the sale of the Real Property; provided that, with respect to the proceeds from the sale of the Real Property, any claim by Tenant seeking recovery against such proceeds shall be null and void unless Tenant asserts such claim in writing prior to 180 days after the date of the closing of such sale and commences an action with respect thereto within thirty (30) days thereafter. Tenant shall not look to any other property or assets of Landlord or the property or assets of any of the Indemnitees in seeking either to enforce Landlord’s obligations under this Lease or to satisfy a judgment for Landlord’s failure to perform such obligations; and none of the Indemnitees shall be personally liable for the performance of Landlord’s obligations under this Lease.

Section 42.4 Rent . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Lease, all amounts payable by Tenant to or on behalf of Landlord under this Lease, whether or not expressly denominated Fixed Rent, Tenant’s Tax Payment, the Retail Operating Expense Payment, Additional Rent (including Percentage Rent) or Rent, shall constitute rent for the purposes of Section 502(b)(6) of the United States Bankruptcy Code.

Section 42.5 Entire Document . This Lease (including any Schedules and Exhibits referred to herein and all supplementary agreements provided for herein) contains the entire agreement between the parties and all prior negotiations and agreements are merged into this Lease. All of the Schedules and Exhibits attached hereto are incorporated in and made a part of this Lease, provided that, in the event of any inconsistency between the terms and provisions of this Lease and the terms and provisions of the Schedules and Exhibits hereto, the terms and provisions of this Lease shall control. All Article and Section references set forth herein shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be deemed references to the Articles and Sections of this Lease.

Section 42.6 Governing Law . This Lease shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of New York.

Section 42.7 Partial Unenforceability . If any provision of this Lease, or its application to any Person or circumstance, shall ever be held to be invalid or unenforceable, then in each such event the remainder of this Lease or the application of such provision to any other Person or any other circumstance (other than those as to which it shall be invalid or unenforceable) shall not be thereby affected, and each provision hereof shall remain valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

43


Section 42.8 Consent to Jurisdiction . (a) Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Lease, Tenant agrees that all disputes arising, directly or indirectly, out of or relating to this Lease, and all actions to enforce this Lease, shall be dealt with and adjudicated in the state courts of the State of New York or the federal courts for the Southern District of New York; and for that purpose Tenant expressly and irrevocably submits itself to the jurisdiction of such courts. Tenant agrees that so far as is permitted under applicable law, this consent to personal jurisdiction shall be self-operative and no further instrument or action, other than service of process in one of the manners specified in this Lease, or as otherwise permitted by law, shall be necessary in order to confer jurisdiction upon it in any such court.

(b) To the extent that Tenant has or hereafter may acquire any immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, Tenant irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Lease.

Section 42.9 Estoppels . (a) Within ten Business Days following request from Landlord, any Mortgagee or any Lessor, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord a statement executed and acknowledged by Tenant, in form satisfactory to Landlord, (i) stating the Commencement Date, the Rent Commencement Date and the Expiration Date, and that this Lease is then in full force and effect and has not been modified (or if modified, setting forth all modifications), (ii) setting forth the date to which Fixed Rent and any Additional Rent have been paid, together with the amount of monthly Fixed Rent, Tenant’s Tax Payment, the Retail Operating Expense Payment and Percentage Rent then payable, (iii) stating whether or not, to the best of Tenant’s knowledge, Landlord is in default under this Lease, and, if Tenant asserts that Landlord is in default, setting forth the specific nature of any such defaults, (iv) stating whether Landlord has failed to complete any work required to be performed by Landlord under this Lease, (v) stating whether there are any sums payable to Tenant by Landlord under this Lease, (vi) stating the amount of the security deposit, if any, under this Lease, (vii) stating whether there are any subleases affecting the Premises, (viii) stating the address of Tenant to which all notices and communications under this Lease shall be sent, and (ix) responding to any other matters reasonably requested by Landlord, such Mortgagee or such Lessor. Tenant acknowledges that any statement delivered pursuant to this Section 42.9 may be relied upon by any purchaser or owner of the Real Property or the Buildings, or all or any portion of Landlord’s interest in the Real Property or the Buildings or under any Superior Lease, or by any Mortgagee or assignee thereof, or by any Lessor or assignee thereof.

(b) Within 10 days following request therefor by Tenant, Landlord shall, at Landlord’s sole cost and expense, deliver to Tenant a statement executed by Landlord stating, as of the date of execution of such statement (i) that this Lease is then in full force and effect and has not been modified (or if modified, setting forth all modifications), (ii) the date to which the Rent has been paid and (iii) whether or not, to the best knowledge of Landlord, Tenant is in default under this Lease, and, if Landlord asserts that Tenant is in default, setting forth the specific nature of all such defaults.

Section 42.10 Certain Rules of Interpretation . For purposes of this Lease, whenever the words “include”, “includes”, or “including” are used, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”, and, whenever the circumstances or the context requires, the singular shall be construed as the plural, the masculine shall be construed as the feminine and/or the neuter and vice versa . This Lease shall be interpreted and enforced without the aid of any canon, custom or rule of law requiring or suggesting construction against the party drafting or causing the drafting of the provision in question.

Section 42.11 Captions . The captions in this Lease are inserted only as a matter of convenience and for reference and in no way define, limit or describe the scope of this Lease or the intent of any provision hereof.

Section 42.12 Parties Bound . The terms, covenants, conditions and agreements contained in this Lease shall bind and inure to the benefit of Landlord and Tenant and, except as otherwise provided in this Lease, to their respective legal representatives, successors, and assigns.

Section 42.13 Memorandum of Lease . This Lease shall not be recorded; however, at Landlord’s request, Landlord and Tenant shall promptly execute, acknowledge and deliver a memorandum of this Lease in form suitable for recording, together with such customary New York City and State Real Property Transfer Tax forms and affidavits as are then required for the recording of such memoranda, and Landlord may thereupon record such memorandum. Upon the expiration or sooner termination of the Term, Tenant shall execute and deliver to Landlord such customary documents and instruments, in form suitable for recording, as Landlord shall reasonably request to evidence the termination of such memorandum of lease.

Section 42.14 Counterparts . This Lease may be executed in duplicate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.

Section 42.15 Display Window Space . Tenant’s rights and obligations with respect to the Display Window Space shall be governed by the Display Window Agreement and the Display Window Space shall not otherwise be subject to any of the provisions of this Lease.

 

44


Section 42.16 Labor Relations . (a) Tenant shall not employ, or permit the employment of, any Person, or permit any materials to be delivered to or used in the Buildings, if, Landlord’s sole judgment, such employment, delivery or use will interfere or cause any conflict or disharmony with any Persons engaged in the construction, maintenance or operation of the Buildings or the Center by Landlord, Tenant or others, or the use and enjoyment of the Buildings or the Center by other tenants or occupants. In the event of such interference, conflict or disharmony, upon Landlord’s request, Tenant shall cause all such Persons causing such interference or conflict to leave the applicable Building (or Buildings) immediately.

(b) Landlord shall not employ, or permit the employment of, any contractor or laborer, or permit any materials to be delivered to or used in the Premises, if, in Tenant’s reasonable judgment, such employment, delivery or use will interfere or cause any conflict or disharmony with any Person engaged in the construction, maintenance or operation of the Premises by Landlord, Tenant or others. In the event of such interference, conflict or disharmony, upon Tenant’s request, Landlord shall cause all Persons causing such interference or conflict to leave the Premises immediately.

Section 42.17 Survival . All obligations and liabilities of Landlord or Tenant to the other which accrued before the expiration or other termination of this Lease and all such obligations and liabilities which by their nature or under the circumstances can only be, or by the provisions of this Lease may be, performed after such expiration or other termination, shall survive the expiration or other termination of this Lease. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the rights and obligations of the parties with respect to any indemnity under this Lease, and with respect to Fixed Rent and Tenant’s Tax Payment, and any other amounts payable under this Lease, shall survive the expiration or other termination of this Lease.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Landlord and Tenant have executed this Lease as of the day and year first above written.

 

LANDLORD:
RCPI TRUST
By:

/s/ Geoffrey P. Wharton

Name: Geoffrey P. Wharton
Title: Vice President
TENANT:
RADIO CITY PRODUCTIONS, LLC
By:

/s/ Kenneth W. Munoz

Name: Kenneth W. Munoz
Title: Manager
Tenant’s Federal Identification Number:

 

 

45


EXHIBIT A-1

MUSIC HALL FLOOR PLAN

[Graphic of Radio City Music Hall

Floor Sub Basement Floor Plan]

 

A-1


[Graphic of Radio City Music Hall

Floor Basement Floor Plan]

 

A-1, Contd.


[Graphic of Radio City Music Hall

Floor Street Floor Plan]

 

A-1, Contd.


[Graphic of Radio City Music Hall

Floor First Mezzanine Floor Plan]

 

A-1, Contd.


[Graphic of Radio City Music Hall

Floor Second Mezzanine Floor Plan]

 

A-1, Contd.


[Graphic of Radio City Music Hall

Floor Projection Level Floor Plan]

 

A-1, Contd.


[Graphic of Radio City Music Hall

Floor Attic Level Floor Plan]

 

A-1, Contd.


[Graphic of Radio City Music Hall

Floor Studio Level Floor Plan]

 

A-1, Contd.


EXHIBIT A-2

1270 SPACE FLOOR PLAN

[Graphic of Floor Mezzanine Floor Plan]

 

A-2


EXHIBIT A-3

50 ROCK SPACE FLOOR PLAN

[Graphic of Rockefella Plaza

Floor CO Floor Plan]

 

A-3-1


[Graphic of Rockefella Plaza

Floor SM Floor Plan]

 

A-3-2


EXHIBIT A-4

RETAIL SPACE #1

[Graphic of 1270 Avenue of Americas Floor ST Floor Plan]

 

A-4


EXHIBIT A-5

OFFER SPACE #1

[Graphic of 1270 Avenue of Americas Floor ST Floor Plan]

 

A-5


EXHIBIT A-6

OFFER SPACE #2

[Graphic of 1270 Avenue of Americas Floor ST Floor Plan]

 

A-6


EXHIBIT A-7

INTENTIONALLY OMITTED

 

A-7


EXHIBIT A-8

DISPLAY WINDOW SPACE

The Display Window Space shall constitute of all of the display windows attached to the facade of the Music Hall, which shall be comprised of: 5 display windows on the 51st street side of the Music Hall, 4 display windows on the Avenue of the Americas side of the Music Hall and 16 display windows on the 50th street side of the Music Hall.

 

A - 8


EXHIBIT B

DEFINITIONS

Affiliate : 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.

Alterations : Ancillary Space Alterations and Music Hall Alterations, collectively.

Base Rate : The annual rate of interest publicly announced from time to time by Citibank, N.A., or its successor, in New York, New York as its “ base rate ” (or such other term as may be used by Citibank, N.A., from time to time, for the rate presently referred to as its “ base rate ”).

Building : Any one of the Music Hall, 1270 Avenue of the Americas or 50 Rockefeller Plaza.

Building Systems : The Refrigeration Plant and the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sanitary, sprinkler, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, security, life-safety, elevator and other service systems or facilities of the Ancillary Buildings up to (but not including) the point of localized distribution to the Ancillary Space (excluding any systems or facilities exclusively serving the Ancillary Space).

Business Days : All days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and all days observed by either the State of New York, the Federal Government or the labor unions servicing the Buildings as legal holidays.

Business Hours : The hours of 8:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. on Business Days.

Center : The buildings in the City, County and State of New York, bounded on the north by 51 st Street, on the east by Fifth Avenue, on the south by 48 th Street and on the west by the Avenue of the Americas, commonly known as 600 Fifth Avenue, 610 Fifth Avenue, 620 Fifth Avenue, 630 Fifth Avenue, One Rockefeller Plaza, 10 Rockefeller Plaza, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, 1240 Avenue of the Americas, 1250 Avenue of the Americas, 1258 Avenue of the Americas, 1270 Avenue of the Americas, Studio Building and the Music Hall, together with a parking garage, public spaces, an ice skating rink and certain other public areas appurtenant to the foregoing, which are commonly known collectively as Rockefeller Center, together with the real property on which such buildings are located and the adjacent curbs and sidewalks, and the plazas, underground concourse areas, and all other public areas and common facilities appurtenant thereto.

Code : The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

Control : (i) The ownership, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty per cent (50%) of the voting stock of a corporation, or (ii) in the case of any Person which is not a corporation, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person.

Deficiency : The difference between (i) Fixed Rent and Additional Rent for the period which otherwise would have constituted the unexpired portion of the Term, and (ii) the net amount, if any, of rents collected under any reletting effected pursuant to the provisions of this Lease for any part of such period (after first deducting from such rents all expenses incurred by Landlord in connection with the termination of this Lease, Landlord’s re-entry upon the Premises and such reletting, including repossession costs, brokerage commissions, attorneys’ fees and disbursements, and alteration costs).

Display Window Agreement : The Display Window Agreement dated June 17, 1993 by and between RCP and RCMHPI, as modified by the Lease Modification and as further modified and extended by an agreement of even date herewith between Landlord and Tenant annexed hereto as Exhibit A-8 .

Display Window Space : Display Windows as described in the Display Window Agreement.

50 Rockefeller Plaza : The building, fixtures, equipment and other improvements and appurtenances now located or hereafter erected, located or placed upon the land known as 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York.

Governmental Authority (Authorities) : The United States of America, the City, County or State of New York or any political subdivision, agency, department, commission, board, bureau or instrumentality of any of the foregoing, or any landmarks preservation agency (or other entity designated or accepted for such purpose by any Governmental Authority or landmarks preservation agency), now existing or hereafter created, having jurisdiction over the Real Property or the Center.

 

B-1


Hazardous Materials : Any substances, materials or wastes currently or in the future deemed or defined in any Requirements as “hazardous substances”, “toxic substances”, “contaminants”, “pollutants” or words of similar import.

HVAC System : The Building System designed to provide heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Indemnitees : Landlord, Landlord’s Agent, each Mortgagee and Lessor, and each of their respective direct and indirect partners, officers, shareholders, directors, members, trustees, beneficiaries, employees, principals, contractors, licensees, invitees, servants, agents and representatives.

Independent Systems : The mechanical, electrical (including escalators and elevators), plumbing, condenser water and cooling tower, sanitary, sprinkler, smoke purge and life safety and other service systems (or the applicable portions thereof) servicing the Music Hall and not other portions of the Buildings, it being understood that (i) the domestic cold water system serving the Music Hall, (ii) the soil lines serving the Music Hall, (iii) the electrical system servicing the Music Hall, (iv) the steam system serving the Music Hall, (v) the smoke purge system serving the Music Hall, (vi) the sprinkler system serving the Music Hall, (vii) the Class E system serving the Music Hall and (viii) the gas line serving the Music Hall shall all be deemed to be Independent Systems.

Interest Rate : 2% above the Base Rate, but not less than 12% per annum.

Lessor : A lessor under a Superior Lease.

Mortgage(s) : Any mortgage, trust indenture or other financing document which may now or hereafter affect the Center, the Real Property, the Buildings, the Premises or any Superior Lease and the leasehold interest created thereby, and all renewals, extensions, supplements, amendments, modifications, consolidations and replacements thereof or thereto, substitutions therefor, and advances made thereunder.

Mortgagee : Any mortgagee, trustee or other holder of a Mortgage.

Person : Any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust, unincorporated association, business trust, tenancy-in-common or other entity, or any Governmental Authority.

Prohibited Use : Any use or occupancy of the Premises that would be likely to: (i) cause damage to the Buildings, the Premises, the Center or any equipment, facilities or other systems owned by Landlord therein; (ii) impair the appearance of the Premises, the Buildings or the Center; (iii) interfere with the efficient and economical maintenance, operation and repair of the Premises, the Buildings or the Center or the equipment, facilities or systems owned by Landlord; (iv) adversely affect any service provided to, and/or the use and occupancy by, any of the Buildings’ tenants or occupants; (v) violate the certificate of occupancy issued for the Premises or the Buildings; or (vi) adversely affect the image of the Buildings or the Center as a first-class office location in midtown Manhattan. Prohibited Use also includes the use of any part of the Premises for: (A) except as otherwise expressly provided with respect to the Club and the Music Hall, the preparation, consumption, storage, manufacture or sale of food or beverages (except in connection with vending machines and/or warming kitchens installed for the use of Tenant’s employees only), liquor or tobacco, it being expressly understood and agreed that the preparation, consumption, storage, manufacture or sale of food, beverages, liquor and tobacco (subject to compliance with all Requirements) shall constitute a Permitted Use in the Music Hall and the Club; (B) the business of photocopying, multilith or offset printing (except photocopying in connection with Tenant’s own business); (C) a typing or stenography business; (D) a school or classroom other than dance classes; (E) lodging or sleeping; (F) a payroll office other than for Tenant’s employees; (G) a barber, beauty or manicure shop open to the public; (H) an employment agency, executive search firm or similar enterprise; (I) offices of any Governmental Authority, any foreign government, the United Nations, or any agency or department of the foregoing; (J) the rendering of medical, dental or other therapeutic or diagnostic services open to the public; (K) except (1) with respect to the Music Hall and (2) as permitted in the Declaration, broadcasting or the business of broadcasting by wire or wireless of any programs or pictures of any sort, or the sale of apparatus or devices connected with the business of such broadcasting; (L) the display or exhibiting of any materials which are obscene or offensive to the general public or (M) any illegal activity, including the use of illegal drugs, or any activity constituting a nuisance.

Real Property : The Buildings, individually and collectively together with the plot of land upon which each Building stands.

Requirements : All present and future laws, rules, orders, ordinances, regulations, statutes, requirements, codes and executive orders, extraordinary and ordinary of (i) all Governmental Authorities, including the Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 ( et seq .), New York City Local Law 58 of 1987, and any law of like import, and all rules, regulations and government orders with respect thereto, and any of the foregoing relating to Hazardous Materials, environmental matters, public health and safety matters, and landmarks preservation, (ii) any applicable fire rating bureau or other body exercising similar functions, affecting the Real Property or the Center or the maintenance, use or occupation thereof, and (iii) all insurance bodies affecting the Premises.

 

B-2


Rules and Regulations : The rules and regulations governing the Ancillary Space annexed to and made a part of this Lease as Exhibit I , as the same may be modified from time to time by Landlord.

Superior Lease(s) : Any ground or underlying lease of the Center, the Real Property or any part thereof heretofore or hereafter made by Landlord and all renewals, extensions, supplements, amendments, modifications, consolidations, and replacements thereof.

Tenant Delay : Any delay which results from any act or omission of any Tenant Party, including delays due to changes in or additions to, or interference with, any work to be done by Landlord, or delays by Tenant in submission of information, approving working drawings or estimates or giving authorizations or approvals.

Tenant Party : Any of Tenant, any Affiliate of Tenant, or any of their respective direct or indirect partners, officers, shareholders, directors, members, trustees, beneficiaries, employees, principals, contractors, licensees, invitees, servants, agents or representatives.

Tenant’s Property : Tenant’s movable fixtures and movable partitions, telephone and other equipment, computer systems, trade fixtures, furniture, furnishings, and other items of personal property which are removable without material damage to the Premises or the Buildings and which is not Landlord’s Music Hall Property.

1270 Avenue of the Americas : The building, fixtures, equipment and other improvements and appurtenances now located or hereafter erected, located or placed upon the land known as 1270 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York.

Unavoidable Delays : Landlord’s inability to fulfill or delay in fulfilling any of its obligations under this Lease expressly or impliedly to be performed by Landlord, or Landlord’s inability to make or delay in making any repairs, additions, alterations, improvements or decorations, or Landlord’s inability to supply or delay in supplying any equipment or fixtures, if Landlord’s inability or delay is due to or arises by reason of strikes, labor troubles or by accident, or by any cause whatsoever beyond Landlord’s reasonable control, including Requirements, governmental preemption in connection with a national emergency, shortages, or unavailability of labor, fuel, steam, water, electricity or materials, Tenant Delay, delays caused by other tenants or other occupants of the Center, acts of God, enemy action, civil commotion, fire or other casualty.

 

B-3


EXHIBIT C

NBC RESTRICTIONS


D ECLARATION OF C OVENANTS AND R ESTRICTIONS

D ECLARATION OF C OVENANTS AND R ESTRICTIONS , dated as of July 17, 1996, by and between RCPI Trust, a Delaware business trust, having an office c/o Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P., 520 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022 (“ RCPT ”), and National Broadcasting Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, having an office at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10112 (“ NBC ”).

R ECITALS

W HEREAS :

A. Simultaneously herewith, by Bargain and Sale Deed from RCP Associates to RCPT, RCPT has acquired fee title to certain improved real property located in the City, County and State of New York, consisting of (i) the land and buildings commonly known as 630 Fifth Avenue, One Rockefeller Plaza, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, 1270 Avenue of the Americas, Radio City Music Hall, and the private street known as Rockefeller Plaza, and (ii) certain condominium units located in the improved real property located in the City, County and State of New York and commonly known as 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 1250 Avenue of the Americas and the “Studio Building” between and contiguous to both 30 Rockefeller Plaza and 1250 Avenue of the Americas, which units are more particularly described in Exhibit A to this Declaration (the “ RCPT Units ”). The Rockefeller Center Tower Condominium (the “ Condominium ”) covers all of the land and buildings commonly known as 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 1250 Avenue of the Americas and the Studio Building, which land and buildings are referred to collectively in this Declaration as the “ Condominium Buildings ”.

B. Simultaneously herewith, by Bargain and Sale Deed from RCP Associates to NBC Trust No. 1996A, a Delaware business trust (the “ Trust ”). the Trust has acquired (i) fee title to certain condominium units located in the Condominium Buildings, which units are more particularly described in Exhibit A to this Declaration (the “ NBC Fee Units ”), and (ii) the reversionary interests of RCP Associates in and to fee title to certain other condominium units located in the Condominium Buildings, which units are more particularly described in Exhibit A to this Declaration (the “ NBC/IDA Units ”). (Fee title to the NBC/IDA Units is currently held and will continue. to be held by the New York City Industrial Development Agency (the “ IDA ”), subject to the reversionary interests acquired by the Trust with respect to such units.) Also simultaneously herewith, by Assignment and Assumption of Lease between Rockefeller Center Properties (“ RCP ”) and the Trust, the Trust has. acquired RCP’s interest as tenant under that certain Overlease Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1988, between the IDA, as landlord, and RCP, as tenant (as amended from time to time. the “ Overlease ”), covering all of the NBC/IDA Units. The NBC Fee Units, together with the NBC/IDA Units and the Trust’s interest as tenant under the Overlease, are referred to collectively in this Declaration as the “ NBC Units ”. Simultaneously herewith, the Trust has entered into (A) that certain Lease Agreement, covering a portion of the NBC Units, among the Trust, as Lessor, NBC, as Lessee, and Wilmington Trust Company, as Leasing Trustee (the “ NBC/Trust Lease ”), and (B) that certain Lease Agreement, covering the balance of the NBC Units, among the Trust, as Lessor, General Electric Company, New York corporation (“ GE ”), as Lessee, and Wilmington Trust Company, as Leasing Trustee (the “ GE/Trust Lease ”).

C. Simultaneously herewith, by Bargain and Sale Deed from RCP to RCPT, RCPT has acquired fee title to certain improved real property located in the City, County and State of New York and commonly known as 1258 Avenue of the Americas.

D. Simultaneously herewith, by (i) Assignment and Assumption of Lease between RCP and RCPT, RCPT has acquired the interest of RCP under that certain Amended and Restated Lease, dated as of the date hereof, between RCP Associates, as landlord, and RCP, as tenant (the “ RCPA Ground Lease ”), covering certain improved real property located in the City, County and State of New York and commonly known as 610 Fifth Avenue, 620 Fifth Avenue, 10 Rockefeller Plaza and 1230 Avenue of the Americas, and (ii) Assignment and Assumption of Lease, between RCP and RCPT, RCPT has acquired the leasehold interest of RCP under that certain Lease, dated as of August 23, 1949, between the Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of The City of New York, as lessor, and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, as lessee, as assigned by mesne assignments to RCP (the “ Church Ground Lease ”), covering certain improved real property located in the City, County and State of New York and commonly known as 600 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York.

E. In order to provide for the future operation and maintenance of the Center (as hereinafter defined), the Center shall be organized into the following parcels, each of which is more particularly described in Exhibit B to this Declaration (each, a “ Parcel ”, and collectively, the “ Parcels ”):

(i) Parcel 1 : The Condominium Buildings;

(ii) Parcel 2 : 610 Fifth Avenue;

(iii) Parcel 3 : 620 Fifth Avenue;

(iv) Parcel 4 : 630 Fifth Avenue;


(v) Parcel 5 : One Rockefeller Plaza;

(vi) Parcel 7 : 50 Rockefeller Plaza;

(vii) Parcel 8 : 1230 Avenue of the Americas;

(viii) Parcel 10 : 1270 Avenue of the Americas;

(ix) Parcel 11 : 10 Rockefeller Plaza;

(x) Parcel 17 : 600 Fifth Avenue;

(xi) Parcel 18 : Radio City Music Hall;

(xii) the “ Plaza Street Parcel ”: the private, non-dedicated portion of the street area commonly known as Rockefeller Plaza, between 48th Street and 51st Street, including all subsurface improvements and structures appurtenant thereto (the “ Plaza Street ”);

(xiii) the “ 1258 Sixth Parcel ”: 1258 Avenue of the Americas; and

(xiv) the “ Garage Parcel ”: the parking garage site located adjacent to 10 Rockefeller Plaza.

F. Simultaneously herewith, RCPT, the Trust, NBC, the Condominium, RCP Associates and the IDA have entered into an Operation, Maintenance and Reciprocal Easement Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “ REA ”), which sets forth certain agreements among the parties thereto with respect to the improved real property located in the City, County and State of New York and commonly known as Rockefeller Center (the “ Center ”). Except as otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms used herein shall have the respective meanings given to such terms in the REA.

G. In addition to the agreements set forth in the REA, RCPT and NBC wish to provide for certain use restrictions with respect to certain portions of the Center, as more particularly set forth in this Declaration.

ACCORDINGLY, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

1.01 Definitions .

(a) “ Agent ” means, at any time, a Person hired as an agent or contractor of a Competitor (as hereinafter defined) to produce video programming for such Competitor and acting in such capacity at such time.

(b) “ Broadcast ” means the transmission of video programming, including news footage clips, by any means, including over-the-air television broadcasting, cable television distribution, SMATV, MMDS, DBS and the like, and including successor distribution technologies which are comparable to the foregoing but which are not now known, or if known, are not now in use, but not including teleconferencing, video telephone communications or other similar means of private video transmission which are not intended for public distribution.

(c) “ Competitor ” means any of the following:

(i) The networks commonly known as CBS, ABC, FOX, UPN, the WB Network and Silverking, and any other Broadcast network which reaches sixty-five percent (65%) or more of television households in the United States and which provides at least six (6) hours of network programming per week;

(ii) Any cable network (A) as to which sixty-five percent (65%) or more of cable households in the United States ( i . e ., households which are capable of receiving programming by cable, satellite or telephone lines or through similar subscription-type delivery systems) are customers or subscribers, and (B) which is owned fifty-one per cent (51%) or more by parties who control Broadcast networks, which Broadcast networks provide at least eighteen (18) hours of network programming per week to television stations reaching eighty per cent (80%) of television households in the United States;

(iii) ESPN network, including ESPN II and any future ESPN networks;

(iv) Any general news and business/financial news cable network which reaches sixty-five per cent (65%) or more of cable households in the United States;

 

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(v) Any over-the-air Broadcast station in New York City which displays signs, symbols or logos commonly identified with such New York City station;

(vi) The following cable networks:

(A) Any cable network which is owned at the relevant time of consideration by Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (“ TBS ”), Turner Network Television, Inc. (“ TNT ”) or any other entity which, as of April 1, 1996, is under common control with TBS and TNT, and any successors to the businesses of TBS and TNT (or controlled subsidiaries thereof) as of such date;

(B) USA Network;

(C) The Family Channel; and

(D) Lifetime.

(d) “ Control ” means (a) the ownership, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty per cent (50%) of the voting stock of a corporation, or (b) in the case of any Person which is not a corporation, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person.

(e) “ Future Lease ” means any lease, license or other occupancy agreement for office, retail or any other space in the Center which is entered into by any of the Restricted Owners, as landlord, from and after the date hereof, or, in the case of any such agreement which was entered into prior to the date of this Declaration, (i) any renewal or extension of the term thereof, other than pursuant to the exercise by the tenant or other occupant thereunder of a renewal or extension option which is expressly provided for in an agreement existing prior to the date of this Declaration and which does not require the consent of the applicable Restricted Owner (or as to which such Restricted Owner’s ·right of consent has been limited or restricted in any way), or (ii) any assignment, sublease or modification relating to the use of the premises demised thereunder, other than an assignment, sublease or modification which is expressly provided for in an agreement existing prior to the date of this Declaration and which does not require the consent of the applicable Restricted Owner (or as to which such Restricted Owner’s right of consent has been limited or restricted in any way).

(f) “ Owner ” means (i) the Condominium, as to Parcel 1, (ii) as to the NBC Units, the Unit Owner of the NBC Units, (iii) as to the RCPT Units, the Unit Owner of the RCPT Units, (iv) the fee owner of each of Parcels 4, 7, 10, 17, the Plaza Street Parcel and the 1258 Sixth Parcel, (v) the lessee under the RCPA Ground Lease, as to each of Parcels 2, 3, 8, 11 and the Garage Parcel, and (vi) the lessee under the Church Ground Lease, as to Parcel 17, and each of their respective successors and assigns from time to time.

(g) “ Permitted Building Areas ” means (i) those portions of the Condominium Buildings which are subject to third party occupancy and control (i.e., areas which are not occupied or controlled by NBC and which are not open to the public), to the extent that such areas are located (A) on the ground floor, as shown (by diagonal lines) on Exhibit C to this Declaration, (B) on the mezzanine above such ground floor space, or (C) on the underground concourse below the Condominium Buildings, and (ii) the 64th and 65th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

(h) “ Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust, unincorporated association, business trust, tenancy-in-common or other entity, or any federal, state, county or municipal government or any bureau, department, authority or agency thereof.

(i) “ Protected Zone ” means the area consisting of the Plaza, the Plaza Street, the Channel Gardens, the Center skating rink and certain additional areas ancillary thereto, all as shown on Exhibit D to this Declaration.

(j) “ Protected Zone Images ” means visual images of the Protected Zone.

(k) “ Restricted Owners ” means all of the Owners, exclusive of the Owner of the NBC Units, but including the Owner of the RCPT Units.

(l) “ Studio 1A ” means the premises demised to NBC pursuant to the terms of the Studio lA Lease (as hereinafter defined).

(m) “ Studio lA Lease ” means the Lease, dated as of November 1, 1993, between RCP, as landlord, and NBC, as tenant, demising certain premises in 10 Rockefeller Plaza, currently known as Studio lA, and located at the southwest corner of Rockefeller Plaza and West 49th Street, as amended concurrently herewith.

(n) “ Tenant-Competitor ” means a tenant under a Future Lease which is a Competitor as of the date on which such Future Lease is executed or which becomes a Competitor during the term of such Future Lease (other than as a result of being acquired by, or otherwise becoming an Affiliate of, a Competitor).

 

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(o) “ Unit Owner ” means (a) the Trust, in its capacity as either (i) the owner of the NBC Fee Units, or (ii) the lessee of the NBC/IDA Units, or any successor owner(s) or lessee(s) with respect to all or any portion of either the NBC Fee Units or the NBC/IDA Units; and (b) RCPT, in its capacity as the owner of the RCPT Units, or any successor owner(s) with respect to all or any portion of the RCPT Units.

ARTICLE 2

RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

2.01 Covenants Affecting the Restricted Owners .

(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 2.01 (h), no Restricted Owner shall enter into any Future Lease unless such Future Lease contains restrictions on certain Broadcast activities, as more particularly set forth in Sections 2.01 (b), 2.01(c) and 2.01(d), and on the installation and display of certain images, as more particularly set forth in Sections 2:01(b), 2.01(c) and 2.01(d). The Future Lease provisions required under Sections 2.01 (b), 2.01(c) and 2.01(d) are referred to collectively in this Declaration as the “ Restrictive Lease Provisions ”.

(b) All Future Leases shall include each of the following provisions (or, at the election of the applicable Restricted Owner, provisions which are more restrictive than the following provisions):

(i) No tenant shall have the right to:

(A) conduct any Broadcast activities from any area of the Condominium Buildings other than the Permitted Building Areas; provided , however , that no tenant may conduct any such Broadcast activities from the Permitted Building Areas on a regular basis;

(B) conduct any Broadcast activities or video production activities (or display any signs, symbols or logos commonly identified with such Broadcast or video production activities) in any ground floor or second floor space within 25 yards from the 49th Street/Rockefeller Plaza Corner of Studio lA (except that such distance shall be fifty (50) yards in the due east direction only), unless such activities are not visible from the street in front of Studio lA or from cameras normally used, as of the date of this Declaration, for Studio lA Broadcasts; or

(C) operate any ground floor studio, open and visible to the public from the exterior of the Condominium Buildings or from any public portion of the Permitted Building Areas, for the video production or Broadcast of (I) a general news and interview program ( e . g ., TODAY, NIGHTLY NEWS or MSNBC Programs), or (II) a business or financial news program.

(ii) For so long as NBC occupies the largest aggregate number of Net Rentable Square Feet in the Condominium Buildings, the tenant shall not install or display any signs, symbols or logos on the exterior of any of the Condominium Buildings above the second floor thereof. without such tenant first obtaining the prior written consent of NBC. Any permitted signs, symbols or logos for Broadcast or video production activities in the Center (whether displayed on the exterior of the Condominium Buildings or on the exterior of any other Building in the Center) shall be consistent in size, color and general appearance with the then current standards for such signs, symbols or logos throughout the Center.

(c) Without limiting the generality of Section 2.01(b), all Future Leases entered into with Tenant-Competitors shall also include each of the following provisions (or, at the election of the applicable Restricted Owner, provisions which are more restrictive than the following provisions):

(i) No Tenant-Competitor shall:

(A) conduct any Broadcast activities from any area of the Condominium Buildings (including. but not limited to, the Permitted Building Areas) if such Tenant-Competitor is a Competitor of the type described in clause (i) or clause (ii) of the definition of “Competitor” (as set forth in Section 1.01(c)); provided , however , that any Tenant-Competitor which is a Competitor of the type described in clause (iii), clause (iv), clause (v), or clause (vi) of the definition of “Competitor” (as set forth in Section 1.01(c)) may conduct Broadcast activities from within the Permitted Building Areas, so long as such Broadcast activities (1) are not conducted on a regular basis, and (2) comply with the restrictions set forth in Sections 2.01(c)(i)(B), 2.01(c)(ii)(A) and 2.01(c)(ii)(B);

(B) operate in the Protected Zone any ground floor or concourse level Broadcast or video production studio which is open and visible to the public from the exterior of the Condominium Buildings;

(C) install or display in the Protected Zone any signs, symbols or logos commonly identified with such Tenant-Competitor; or

 

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(D) install or display on the eastern facade of 30 Rockefeller Plaza any signs, symbols or logos commonly identified with such Tenant-Competitor.

(ii) Tenant-Competitors and/or their Agents shall not have any right to:

(A) use Protected Zone Images in any Broadcast on a regular basis; or

(B) use Protected Zone Images for Broadcasts which involve the simultaneous transmission of signs, symbols or logos commonly identified with such Tenant-Competitor and/or its Agents (it being understood that the term “simultaneous” shall mean the transmission of such signs, symbols or logos within one (1) minute immediately prior to or immediately following transmission of such Protected Zone Images); provided , however , that promotional spots and station identification messages required by the Federal Communications Commission or any successor Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over any such Broadcast shall be permitted within thirty (30) seconds immediately prior to, or immediately following, the transmission of such Protected Zone Images (or such shorter periods, not within the reasonable control of the Person(s) making such Broadcast, as may be required by Legal Requirements).

(d) Each Future Lease shall also provide that if the tenant under such Future Lease is not a Tenant-Competitor at the commencement of such Future Lease, but becomes a Tenant-Competitor during the term of such Future Lease (including the initial term or any renewal or extension term of such Future Lease), as a result of being acquired by, or otherwise becoming an Affiliate of, a Competitor, then, in such event, (i) the Restrictive Lease Provisions contained in Section 2.01(c) shall not apply to such tenant during the then current term of such Future Lease, but shall apply during such term to all activities of the Competitor in question (including the installation or display by such tenant of signs, symbols or logos commonly identified with such Competitor), and (ii) the Restrictive Lease Provisions contained in Section 2.01(c) shall apply to such tenant during the next renewal or extension term (and all succeeding renewal or extension terms, if any) with respect to such Future Lease. If the tenant under a Future Lease is not a Tenant-Competitor at the commencement of such Future Lease but such tenant subsequently changes or expands its business operations so as to become a Competitor during the term of such Future Lease (including the initial term or any renewal or extension term of such Future Lease), then, in such event, the Restrictive Lease Provisions contained in Section 2.01(c) shall apply automatically and immediately to such tenant. All Future Leases shall provide, to the extent permitted under applicable law, that any sublease effected pursuant to any Future Lease shall contain (and the subtenant under any such sublease shall be bound by) the Restrictive Lease Provisions.

(e) Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Declaration to the contrary:

(i) Nothing contained in this Declaration is intended to prohibit or restrict the activities of any tenant or other Person, except to the extent that such activities are expressly prohibited or restricted under Sections 2.01(b), 2.01(c) or 2.01(d); provided , however , that no Restricted Owner shall give its consent or approval to the taking of any action by any tenant or other Person (without regard to whether such tenant or other Person is otherwise subject to the Restrictive Lease Provisions) if (A) such Restricted Owner has the right to withhold such consent or approval (and such Restricted Owner’s right of consent or approval has not been limited or restricted in any way), and (B) the giving of such consent or approval would permit the taking of actions which would be prohibited by the Restrictive Lease Provisions;

(ii) Without limiting the generality of clause (i) above, nothing contained in this Declaration shall be deemed or construed to prohibit or restrict the right of any tenant or other Person (including, but not limited to, any Tenant-Competitor) to Broadcast in any manner (or from any area of the Center) any news event or news-related special event or promotional event which may occur at the Center; provided , however , that the Operator shall give to NBC the first choice of camera positions with respect to coverage of any news event or news-related special event, if and to the extent that the giving of such rights to NBC is within the reasonable control of the Operator;

(iii) Subject to the provisions of Section 2.01 (c)(ii), any tenant or other Person (including, but not limited to, any Tenant-Competitor) may Broadcast (and/or communicate by any other means), at any time and from time to time, the fact that it is located in the Center;

(iv) (A) The Walt Disney Company shall be permitted to operate a retail store in the Protected Zone and/or in any (or all) of the Buildings, so long as the lease for such premises prohibits: (I) the installation or display of signs, symbols or logos commonly identified with the Broadcast or cable networks or television production studios owned by The Walt Disney Company or any of its Affiliates (the “ TV Logos ”; it being understood that in no event shall the names “Disney”, “Walt Disney” or any derivation thereof or any symbol or logo associated therewith, including any animated or “live-action” characters of The Walt Disney Company or any of its Affiliates, be considered a TV Logo); and (II) the installation, display, sale or promotion of merchandise reflecting the Broadcast or cable network operations or television production studios owned by The Walt Disney Company (other than any of the animated or “live-action” characters of The Walt Disney Company or its Affiliates not accompanied by the TV Logos); and (B) the so-called “Disney on Ice” production (as a promotion of Disney’s non-Broadcast, non-cable activities) may be held at the Center up to twice per year and shall be permissible;

 

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(v) Each of the Restricted Owners shall use good faith commercially reasonable efforts to enforce the Restrictive Lease Provisions, but no Restricted Owner shall be responsible for any breach by any tenant of any Restrictive Lease Provision contained in its lease and no Restricted Owner shall have any obligation to bring a lawsuit against any such tenant except when requested by NBC to seek specific performance of such provisions (to the extent that such an action for specific performance would be required under the “good faith commercially reasonable effort” standard set forth above); provided , however , that NBC shall pay promptly all attorneys’ fees and costs which may be incurred by any Restricted Owner in connection with the prosecution, at NBC’s request, of any such lawsuit; and, provided further , that NBC shall have the right to approve litigation counsel and strategy in connection with the prosecution of any such lawsuit at the request of NBC, such approval rights to be exercised in NBC’s reasonable discretion; and

(vi) Nothing contained in this Declaration shall be deemed or construed to prohibit or restrict the activities of tenants of space in the Center under leases in effect as of the date of this Declaration or otherwise to restrict the rights of any of the Restricted Owners or any other Person under contracts or agreements in effect as of the date of this Declaration; provided , however , that no Restricted Owner shall give its consent or approval to the taking of any action by any tenant or other Person (without regard to whether such tenant or other Person is otherwise subject to the Restrictive Lease Provisions) if (A) such Restricted Owner has the right to withhold such consent or approval (and such Restricted Owner’s right of consent or approval has not been limited or restricted in any way), and (B) the giving of such consent or approval would permit the taking of actions which would be prohibited by the Restrictive Lease Provisions.

(f) Prior to licensing to any third party the right to Broadcast the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting (or any other ceremony in lieu of the Christmas Tree lighting which may be Broadcast from the Center, from time to time, in connection with the Christmas holiday season) or any video programming relating thereto (the “ Christmas Tree Broadcast Rights ”), the Restricted Owners shall in good faith negotiate with NBC the terms on which the Restricted Owners would be willing to license such Christmas Tree Broadcast Rights to NBC. If the Restricted Owners and NBC fail to reach a definitive, final written agreement on such terms within thirty (30) days after the Restricted Owners commence such good faith negotiations with NBC, the Restricted Owners shall have no further obligation to NBC with respect to the Christmas Tree Broadcast Rights and thereafter shall be entitled to license the Christmas Tree Broadcast Rights to any third party on such terms and conditions as the Restricted Owners may deem appropriate; provided , however , that if the terms of such license (including the price or other terms or conditions of such license) are materially more favorable to the licensee than the terms on which the Restricted Owners previously offered to license such Christmas Tree Broadcast Rights to NBC (as determined by the Restricted Owners in good faith), then the Restricted Owners shall notify NBC, in writing, of such determination, and NBC shall have the right, exercisable within ten (10) days after its receipt of such notice from the Restricted Owners, to execute and deliver to the Restricted Owners a binding agreement on the same terms as were offered to such proposed third-party licensee. Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Declaration to the contrary, the provisions contained in Sections 2.01 (b), 2.01(c) and 2.01(d) shall not apply to any licensing of Christmas Tree Broadcast Rights effected pursuant to the provisions of this Section 2.01(f).

(g) The covenants made by the Restricted Owners in this Declaration are intended for the sole benefit of NBC and, subject to the provisions of Section 2.01(e)(v), shall be enforceable solely by NBC, subject, in all events, to the provisions of Section 2.01(h). The covenants made by the Restricted Owners in this Declaration shall not be enforceable by any successors or assigns of NBC; provided , however , that any Person which acquires either (i) Control of NBC, or (ii) all or substantially all of the Broadcasting operations of NBC, shall be entitled to enforce the rights granted to NBC in this Declaration.

(h) Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Declaration to the contrary:

(i) Upon the earlier to occur or (A) the expiration or sooner termination of the Studio IA Lease (other than by reason of a breach by the landlord thereunder), and (B) such time as NBC is no longer Broadcasting from Studio 1A, NBC’s right to enforce the restrictions contained in Sections 2.01(b)(i)(B)-(C), 2.01(c)(i)(B)-(D) and 2.01(c)(ii) (together with NBC’s right to enforce any corresponding Restrictive Lease Provisions contained in then existing Future Leases) shall automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect;

(ii) At such time as NBC is no longer Broadcasting from the Center, NBC’s right to enforce the restrictions contained in this Section 2.01, together with NBC’s right to enforce the corresponding Restrictive Lease Provisions contained in then existing Future Leases, shall automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect, except for the restrictions contained in Sections 2.01(b)(ii) and 2.01(c)(i)(D);

(iii) If NBC shall continue to Broadcast from the Center and its occupancy is less than 700,000 Net Rentable Square Feet of space in the Center (inclusive of the premises demised to NBC pursuant to the Studio 1A Lease), but more than 300,000 Net Rentable Square Feet of space in the Center (inclusive of the ·premises demised to NBC pursuant to the Studio lA Lease), then NBC’s right to enforce the restrictions contained in this Section 2.01 (together with NBC’s right to enforce the corresponding Restrictive Lease Provisions contained in then existing Future Leases) shall automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect, except for the restrictions contained in Sections 2.01(b)(ii), 2.01(c)(i)(D), 2.0 I(e)(i)-(iv)(A) and 2.01(f);

 

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(iv) Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Section 2.01(h) to the contrary, if NBC’s occupancy falls below 300,000 Net Rentable Square Feet of space in the Center (inclusive of the premises demised to NBC pursuant to the Studio lA Lease), then NBC’s right to enforce the restrictions contained in this Section 2.01 (together with NBC’s right to enforce the corresponding Restrictive Lease Provisions contained in then existing Future Leases) shall automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect; and

(v) At such time as any (or all) of the restrictions contained in this Section 2.01 (or any of the Restrictive Lease Provisions contained in any then existing Future Leases) shall be terminated pursuant to, and in accordance with, this Section 2.01(h), then, in such event, NBC hereby agrees to deliver to RCPT a written instrument in recordable form acknowledging that NBC’s right to enforce such restrictions (together with NBC’s right to enforce the corresponding Restrictive Lease Provisions contained in then existing Future Leases) have terminated and are of no further force or effect.

(i) Each of the Restricted Owners shall have the right, at any time and from time to time, upon not less than ten (10) days’ prior Written notice (addressed to both NBC’s Controller, and its Senior Vice President or Executive Vice President in charge of Broadcast Operations), to request that NBC certify as to whether a particular Person is or is not then a Competitor for purposes of this Declaration, and the Restricted Owner making such request (as well as the Person which is the subject of the inquiry) shall have the right, for purposes of this Declaration, to rely upon the certification which is’ given by NBC, it being understood that any failure on the part of NBC to respond to any such request for certification within five (5) business days after NBC’s receipt of such request shall be treated as a certification by NBC that the Person in question should not be treated as a Competitor.

ARTICLE 3

ARTICLE 3 AGREEMENT TO RUN WITH THE LAND

It is the intention of the parties hereto that this Declaration, and all of the covenants and restrictions imposed upon the Restricted Owners pursuant to this Declaration, shall run with the land affected thereby, and shall apply to and bind the successors (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and assigns of the respective Restricted Owners. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is the intention of all of the Owners that all mortgagees-in-possession, receivers, purchasers at foreclosure sales or grantees pursuant to deeds or assignments in lieu of foreclosure, and all of their respective successors and assigns (whether by operation of law or otherwise, and including the City of New York or any other Governmental Authority), shall be bound by, and shall in all events take its or their interests in the Center subject to, all of the covenants and restrictions imposed on the Restricted Owners by this Declaration.

ARTICLE 4

RIGHTS OF MORTGAGEES

The lien of all Mortgages affecting any Parcel or Parcels owned by any Restricted Owner shall at all times be subject and subordinate to all of the terms, covenants, conditions and obligations set forth in this Declaration, and to any amendments or modifications hereof. Any Mortgagee with respect to any such Parcel or Parcels, provided that NBC shall be given a Notice containing the name and address of such Mortgagee, shall be entitled to (a) receive simultaneous copies of all Notices delivered to the Owner of such mortgaged Parcel(s) by NBC pursuant to, or in connection with, this Declaration, and (b) cure on behalf of such Owner any failure by such Owner to perform any obligation on the part of such Owner to be performed hereunder, provided that such cure shall be accomplished by such Mortgagee within the time period allowed to the defaulting Owner hereunder.

ARTICLE 5

LIMITATION ON REMEDIES

The sole remedy for any breach of any covenant or restriction set forth in this Declaration shall be declaratory or injunctive relief, and NBC shall not have any right to seek or obtain damages at law for any breach of any such covenant or restriction; provided , however . that NBC shall have the right to seek and obtain damages at law against a Restricted Owner upon the third or any later separate breach, in a similar manner, of any covenant or restriction contained in this Declaration if (and only if) (i) NBC shall have given notice to such Restricted Owner of such similar breach in each instance, and (ii) with respect to at least one (1) such similar breach occurring prior to a breach for which damages at law shall be sought, NBC shall have obtained (prior to the occurrence of such breach for which damages at law shall be sought) a preliminary injunction (as distinguished from a temporary restraining order) or a declaratory judgment from a court of competent jurisdiction (which injunction or judgment shall not have been reversed, overturned on appeal or vacated prior to the date upon which NBC files its suit, action or proceeding seeking damages against a Restricted Owner) that such Restricted Owner did so breach the covenant or restriction in question (any such injunction or judgment, a

 

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“Determination”) it being understood that the pendency of an appeal or motion to vacate at the time of such filing by NBC or any later reversal or decision on such appeal or motion to vacate shall have no effect on NBC’s right to seek or obtain such damages. It is further understood and agreed that (a) a written agreement or acknowledgment from a Restricted Owner stating that such Restricted Owner breached any covenant or restriction contained in this Declaration shall be deemed to constitute a Determination with respect to such breach, and (b) each Restricted Owner hereby agrees that in connection with any declaratory or injunctive relief sought by NBC hereunder, such Restricted Owner shall waive its right to raise or assert (and shall not raise or assert), as a defense or otherwise, in any such action for declaratory or injunctive relief, that the alleged breach in controversy is not justiciable because the dispute at issue has become moot, or because the act, omission, or conduct which gave rise to such action is no longer continuing or will not occur in the future.

ARTICLE 6

NOTICES

All notices, approvals, consents, elections, requests or other communications required or permitted to be given under this Declaration (“ Notices ”) must be in writing and may be (a) delivered personally, (b) delivered by a nationally recognized overnight courier, (c) mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, with return receipt requested, or (d) sent by telecopier (with written confirmation of the receipt of the telecopy). with the original to follow in the manner specified in clauses (a), (b) or (c) above, and addressed to each of the parties hereto at the respective addresses set forth in the first paragraph of this Declaration, or at such other address as from time to time shall be supplied by either party hereto by like Notice. Notices will be deemed to be received, (i) if personally delivered, upon delivery, (ii) if sent by overnight courier, on the first (1st) Business Day after being sent, (iii) if sent by mail, on the date set forth on the return receipt, and (iv) if sent by telecopier, on the date sent, if confirmation of receipt shows delivery on or before 5:00 P.M., or on the next Business Day, if confirmation of receipt shows delivery after 5:00 P.M. Each party hereto shall be entitled to rely on all communications which purport to be on behalf of any other party and which purport to be signed by such party. Each of the parties hereto may require that a copy of all Notices be sent to its attorney and up to two other addressees if designated by Notice given either simultaneously with the execution hereof or as aforesaid, provided that such copies of Notices shall be, deemed courtesy copies only, and the failure of any such parties to receive any Notice shall not in any manner render the giving of such Notice ineffective against any party to this Declaration.

ARTICLE 7

MISCELLANEOUS

7.01 If any term or provision of this Declaration or the application thereof to any Person or circumstances shall, to any extent, be held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Declaration, or the application of such term or provision to other Persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby, and each other term and provision of this Declaration shall be valid, and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

7.02 All understandings and agreements heretofore had between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Declaration are merged in this Declaration, which alone fully and completely expresses their agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof.

7.03 This Declaration may not be modified, amended or terminated, nor may any of its provisions be waived, except in a writing signed by NBC and each of the Restricted Owners.

7.04 This Declaration shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without the aid of any canon, custom or rule of law requiring construction against the party drafting or causing the drafting of the provision in question.

7.05 NBC and each of the Restricted Owners agrees to do such other and further acts and things, and to execute and deliver such instruments and documents, as NBC or any Restricted Owner may reasonably request, from time to time, to effect the intent and purposes of this Declaration.

7.06 The table of contents and headings contained in this Declaration are for reference purposes only, and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Declaration. All references to Articles and Sections shall be deemed to refer to the Articles and Sections of this Declaration. Whenever the words “include”, “includes”, or “including” are used in this Declaration, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”. All exhibits referred to in and attached to this Declaration are incorporated herein and by this reference are made a part hereof.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed or caused this Declaration to be executed as of the date first set forth above.

 

R CPI T RUST
By:

/s/ Geoffrey P. Wharton

Name: Geoffrey P. Wharton
Title: Vice President
N ATIONAL B ROADCASTING C OMPANY , I NC .
By:

/s/ Warren C. Jenson

Name: Warren C. Jenson
Title: Senior Vice President

 

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Exhibits

 

Exhibit A:

Description of the Condominium and the Parcels

Exhibit B:

Annotated Diagram of Rockefeller Center

Exhibit C:

Diagram of the Permitted Building Areas

Exhibit D:

Diagram of the Protected Zone

 

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Exhibit A

Description of the Condominium and Parcel 1

BLOCK 1265 LOTS 1001-1109 (F/K/A BLOCK 1265 LOT 1 )

The condominium units (the “Units”) in the Condominium Buildings, in Rockefeller Center in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, which Units are designated and described in the Declaration Establishing a Plan for Condominium Ownership of Premises under Article 9-B of the Real Property Law of the State of New York (the New York Condominium Act), dated as of December 1, 1988 (the “Declaration”) and recorded on December 19, 1988 in the Office of the City Register for New York County (the “Register’s Office”) in Reel 1509, Page 989. The Units are designated as Tax Lots 1001 through 1109 in Block 1265 of Section 5, in the Borough of Manhattan on the Tax Map of the Real Property Assessment Department of the City of New York, and are shown on the floor plans of the Condominium Buildings, certified by the Register’s Office on the 19th day of December, 1988, as Condominium Plan No. 4845. The Land upon which the Condominium Buildings are located is more particularly described as follows:

ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows:

BEGINNING at the intersection of the northerly side of 49th Street and the easterly side of Avenue of the Americas;

RUNNING THENCE easterly along the northerly side of 49th Street 545 feet 0 inches to the westerly side of Rockefeller Plaza;

THENCE northerly along the westerly side of Rockefeller Plaza 200 feet 10 inches to the southerly side of 50th Street;

THENCE westerly along the southerly side of 50th Street 478 feet 6-1/2 inches;

THENCE southerly parallel with the easterly side of Avenue of the Americas 25 feet 4-1/2 inches;

THENCE westerly parallel with 50th Street and partly through a party wall 66 feet 5-1/2 inches to the easterly side of Avenue of the Americas;

THENCE southerly along the easterly side of Avenue of the Americas 175 feet 5-1/2 inches to the northerly side of 49th Street the point or place of BEGINNING.

TOGETHER WITH a non-exclusive easement for pedestrian access to the Condominium Buildings over the land described as follows:

ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land. situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, bounded and described as follows:

BEGINNING at a point (hereinafter, “ Point A ”) on the southerly side of West 50th Street distant 545 feet easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the easterly side of Avenue of the Americas with the southerly side of 50th Street;

THENCE southerly at right angles with West 50th Street 200 feet 10 inches to a point at the northerly side of 49th Street (hereinafter, “ Point B ”);.

THENCE easterly along the northerly side of 49th Street, 60 feet to a point (hereinafter, (“ Point C ”);

THENCE northerly at right angles with West 49th Street 200 feet 10 inches to the southerly side of 50th Street;

THENCE westerly along the southerly side of 50th Street, 60 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING.

Which lies above a plane located at an elevation at Point A of 65.87 feet, at Point B of 63.47 feet and at Point C of 63.75 feet.

Elevations refer to the datum in use by the department of Highways, Borough of Manhattan, which is 2.75 feet above the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey datum of mean sea level at Sandy Hook.”

TOGETHER with the common elements appurtenant to each unit as set forth in the Declaration of Condominium.

 

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Description of the RCPT Units

 

UNIT

   TAX
LOT
  

UNIT

   TAX
LOT

Additional Unit SB/l

   1002   

Additional Unit 44/1

   1048

Additional Unit CON/1

   1003   

Additional Unit 45/1

   1049

RGI Unit 1/1

   1004   

Tower Unit 50/1

   1054

Additional Unit MEZZ/1

   1005   

Additional Unit 54/1

   1058

Additional Unit 19/1

   1023   

Additional Unit 55/1

   1059

Additional Unit 20/1

   1024   

Additional Unit 56/1

   1060

Additional Unit 24/1

   1028   

Additional Unit 57/1

   1061

Additional Unit 27/1

   1031   

Additional Unit 58/1

   1062

Additional Unit 28/1

   1032   

Additional Unit 59/1

   1063

Additional Unit 29/1

   1033   

Additional Unit 60/1

   1064

Additional Unit 30/1

   1034   

Additional Unit 61/1

   1065

Additional Unit 31/1

   1035   

Additional Unit 62/1

   1066

Additional Unit 32/1

   1036   

Additional Unit 63/1

   1067

Additional Unit 33/1

   1037   

Additional Unit 64/1

   1068

Additional Unit 34/1

   1038   

Additional Unit 65/1

   1069

Additional Unit 35/1

   1039   

Additional Unit 66/1

   1070

Additional Unit 3611

   1040   

Additional Unit 67/1

   1073

Additional Unit 37/1

   1041   

Additional Unit 69/1

   1074

Additional Unit 38/1

   1042   

Additional Unit CON/S

   1076

Additional Unit 39/1

   1043   

Additional Unit CM/S

   1077

Additional Unit 40/1

   1044   

Additional Unit 1/S

   1080

Additional Unit 41/1

   1045   

Additional Unit 1M/S

   1081

Additional Unit 42/1

   1046   

Additional Unit CON/9

   1092

Additional Unit 43/1

   1047   

Additional Unit 1/9

   1093

 

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Description of the NBC Fee Units

 

UNIT

   TAX
LOT

Additional Unit 22/1

   1026

Additional Unit 23/1

   1027

Tower Unit 49/1

   1053

 

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Description of the NBC/IDA Units

 

UNIT

   TAX
LOT
  

UNIT

   TAX
LOT

Tower Unit SB/1

   1001   

Studio-RCA West Unit SB/S

   1075

Tower Unit 2/1

   1006   

Studio-RCA West Unit CM/S

   1078

Additional Unit 2/1

   1007   

Studio-RCA West Unit 1/S

   1079

Tower Unit 3/1

   1008   

Studio-RCA West Unit IM/S

   1082

Tower Unit 4/1

   1009   

Studio-RCA West Unit 2/S

   1083

Tower Unit 5/1

   1010   

Studio-RCA West Unit 3/S

   1084

Tower Unit 6/1

   1011   

Studio-RCA West Unit 4/S

   1085

Tower Unit 7/1

   1012   

Studio-RCA West Unit 5/S

   1086

Tower Unit 8/1

   1013   

Studio-RCA West Unit 6/S

   1087

Tower Unit 9/1

   1014   

Studio-RCA West Unit 7/S

   1088

Tower Unit 10/1

   1015   

Studio-RCA West Unit 8/S

   1059

Tower Unit 11/1

   1016   

Studio-RCA West Unit 9/S

   1090

Tower Unit 12/1

   1017   

Studio-RCA West Unit 10/S

   1091

Tower Unit 141

   1018   

Studio-RCA West Unit IM/9

   1094

Tower Unit 151

   1019   

Studio-RCA West Unit 2M/9

   1095

Tower Unit 161

   1020   

Studio-RCA West Unit 2/9

   1096

Tower Unit 171

   1021   

Studio-RCA West Unit 3/9

   1097

Tower Unit 18/1

   1022   

Studio-RCA West Unit 4/9

   1098

Additional Unit 21/1

   1025   

Studio-RCA West Unit 5/9

   1099

Additional Unit 25/1

   1029   

Studio-RCA West Unit 6/9

   1100

Additional Unit 26/1

   1030   

Studio-RCA West Unit 7/9

   1101

Tower Unit 46/1

   1050   

Studio-RCA West Unit 8/9

   1102

Tower Unit 47/1

   1051   

Studio-RCA \Vest Unit 9/9

   1103

Tower Unit 48/1

   1052   

Studio-RCA West Unit 10/9

   1104

Tower Unit 51/1

   1055   

Studio-RCA West Unit 11/9

   1105

Tower Unit 52/1

   1056   

Studio-RCA \Vest Unit 12/9

   1106

Tower Unit 53/1

   1057   

Studio-RCA West Unit 14/9

   1107

Tower Unit 66/1

   1071   

Studio-RCA West Unit 15/9

   1108

Tower Unit 67/1

   1072   

Studio-RCA West Unit 16/9

   1109

 

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Exhibit B

Annotated Diagram of Rockefeller Center

[Graphic of Rockefeller Center Parcel Divisions 1 through 8, 10, 11, 17 and 18.]

 

- 15 -


Exhibit C

Diagram of the Permitted Building Areas

[Graphic of 30 Rockefeller diagram indicating permitted building areas.]

 

- 16 -


Exhibit D

Diagram of the Protected Zone

[Graphic of Rockefeller Plaza protected zone.]

 

- 17 -


EXHIBIT D-1

CHILLED WATER SPECIFICATION

(a) Landlord shall provide to Tenant, without charge, chilled water to the Music Hall to be utilized by Tenant up to the existing design capacities of 1270 Avenue of the Americas and the Music Hall to cool 1270 Avenue of the Americas and the Music Hall, based on the demand requirements of 1270 Avenue of the Americas and the Music Hall, limited to the design capacity of the HVAC plant serving the Center (the “ Central Plant ”) year round.

(b) Tenant shall, at its own expense, provide supplemental chilled water to 1270 Avenue of the Americas, without charge, when the Central Plant exceeds its existing design capacity during the peak cooling season. Tenant shall be given access to monitor the Central Plant’s load through the current environmental control system.

(c) Tenant shall utilize, operate and fully maintain the Refrigeration Plant within the Music Hall; and Tenant, at its own expense, shall enter into an annual maintenance contract reasonably satisfactory to Landlord with an HVAC contractor from a list of approved HVAC contractors to be provided by Landlord to Tenant at Tenant’s request, and Tenant shall pay costs in connection with such contract.

(d) Tenant shall maintain in good working order all heat exchangers and pumps associated with the operation and distribution of chilled water to 1270 Avenue of the Americas, year round, without charge to Landlord.

 

D - 1 - 1


EXHIBIT D-2

1270 SPACE CHILLED WATER SPECIFICATION

Landlord shall provide to Tenant for the 1270 Space chilled water in sufficient quantity such that if Tenant installs the appropriately sized and appropriate quality HVAC equipment, such equipment shall be capable of maintaining 78 degrees Fahrenheit when summer outdoor conditions are 92 degrees Fahrenheit dry bulb and 74 degrees Fahrenheit wet bulb. The HVAC shall be capable of maintaining 68 degrees Fahrenheit at winter outdoor conditions of 11 degrees Fahrenheit. The HVAC System shall be capable of handling (i) an electrical usage load of 4 watts per usable square foot; (ii) an occupancy rate of one (1) person per 150 usable square feet; and (iii) a ventilation make-up rate of 20 cubic feet per minute per person with the blinds or shades drawn on the exposure subject to direct solar radiation.

 

D - 2 - 1


EXHIBIT E

INTENTIONALLY OMITTED

 

E-1


EXHIBIT F

RETAIL OFFER SPACE COVENANTS

The business to be conducted at, through and from the Offer Space and the kind and quality of the merchandise and services offered in the conduct thereof shall be first class and the sales methods employed and all other elements of merchandising, display and advertising, shall be dignified and in conformity with the highest standards of practice of stores, shops and concerns dealing in the same or similar merchandise or conducting a similar business in the Center or the Fifth Avenue shopping district adjacent thereto.

Clean the windows and doors (including, in each ease, the frames thereof) in the Offer Space and in the perimeter walls thereof, in accordance with any applicable Requirements, whenever necessary to maintain such items in a first-class condition.

Keep the Offer Space clean and sanitary; not permit garbage or waste materials to accumulate or become a nuisance; seal all refuse in plastic bags of adequate strength and size; maintain all garbage dumpsters in a clean and sanitary condition; remove all rubbish and other debris from the Offer Space to such location as may be specified by Landlord from time to time and under conditions approved by Landlord.

Keep all glass in the Offer Space and in the perimeter walls thereof, the frames for such glass, and any lettering and ornamentation on such glass insured against damage (including temporary repairs) for the benefit of Landlord for the full replacement value thereof. Such insurance shall be effected, at the option of Landlord, either by Tenant paying to Landlord a proportionate share of the premium incurred by Landlord for a blanket comprehensive glass policy for the Building or the Center, or by Tenant furnishing Landlord with a separate policy or policies for such glass insurance, in such form and placed with such underwriters as may be approved by Landlord. If Landlord elects to obtain such insurance, then Tenant shall pay to Landlord Tenant’s proportionate share of Landlord’s blanket premium within 10 days after demand therefor, and promptly following such payment, Landlord shall furnish Tenant with a certificate of such insurance.

Completely renovate and remodel the Offer Space and install a new storefront sign and trade fixtures in accordance with the other provisions of this Lease, occupy and open the entire Offer Space for the conduct of Tenant’s business as soon as the Offer Space Commencement Date has occurred, and thereafter keep the entire Offer Space open for business during all Business Hours, plus any additional hours as retail premises are generally open for business at the Center.

Adequately staff the Offer Space with sufficient, well-trained employees to handle the business therein, and carry sufficient stock of seasonal merchandise of such size, character and quality as to maintain an adequate sales volume in the Offer Space.

Not install or place any lettering, sign, advertisement or notice on the windows or doors or on the exterior of the Offer Space or within 3 feet of any display window or entrance of the Offer Space which is not (i) approved in writing by Landlord prior to installation and (ii) in conformity with Landlord’s standard sign and store front program for the Center, if any, as such program may be reasonably modified by Landlord from time to time by notice to Tenant. On or before the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Tenant shall remove all lettering, signs, advertisements and notices from the Offer Space.

Not install, place or permit any awning or canopy on the perimeter walls of the Offer Space unless provided or approved by Landlord in its sole discretion and if so provided or approved, keep each such awning or canopy clean and in good order, repair and appearance to Landlord’s reasonable satisfaction.

From time to time during the Term, redecorate the Offer Space and refinish, renew or replace the fixtures, furnishings, decorations and equipment therein as may be necessary, in Landlord’s reasonable judgment, to preserve the good appearance of the Offer Space in keeping with the general standard maintained in similar areas in the Center.

Promptly after the Offer Space Commencement Date and at all times during the Term, install and maintain displays in all windows in the Offer Space, including windows facing the lobby of 1270 Avenue of the Americas, if any. All such displays and all exhibits, announcements, lettering, lighting, and other appurtenances used in such connection shall be maintained in a first-class manner consistent with the Center. Tenant shall promptly after notice from Landlord remove from the Offer Space any displays which fail to meet the standards set forth in this subsection , in Landlord’s sole judgment, and if Tenant fails to promptly remove such display within 24 hours after notice from Landlord, Landlord may perform such work on Tenant’s behalf, and Tenant shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in so doing, as provided in Article 21 . On or before the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Tenant shall remove all displays from the Offer Space.

At all times during the Term, keep the lights lit which illuminate those shop windows on the street and mezzanine levels facing the street during non-daylight hours (beginning at least one hour prior to sunset).

 

F - 1


Maintain a contract to have the door and brass signage above the exterior of the Offer Space polished semi-annually in a manner satisfactory to Landlord, submit maintenance records with respect to such metal maintenance to the manager of 1270 Avenue of the Americas and on a semi-annual basis, and make such maintenance records available for review by such manager upon request at all times during the Term. If Tenant fails to comply with the provisions of this subsection within 5 days after notice from Landlord, Landlord may perform such work on Tenant’s behalf, and Tenant shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in so doing, as provided in Article 21 . The polishing of such doors and brass signage shall be done by Landlord’s designated contractor, provided such contractor’s rates are reasonably competitive with rates of other reputable contractors providing such services to comparable first-class buildings in midtown Manhattan. If Tenant shall dispute whether Landlord’s designated contractor’s rates are competitive, it shall so notify Landlord in writing and include with its notice a bona fide firm bid from another comparable, reputable contractor to perform such services at a rate which is more than 10% less than Landlord’s designated contractor. Provided such bid is bona fide and from a comparable, reputable contractor, Landlord’s designated contractor shall within thirty (30) days thereafter reduce its charges so that its charges are not more than 10% greater than that of Tenant’s proposed contractor or Landlord shall not unreasonably withhold or delay its consent to Tenant’s use of its proposed contractor to provide such services. Any contract entered into by Tenant shall be for a period of no more than one year at which time Landlord’s designated contractor shall again be afforded an opportunity to bid on such work and shall be awarded such work unless its bid is more than 10% higher than the contractor previously selected by Tenant.

Provide and maintain in good working order during the Term a security system adequate to provide reasonable protection to the Offer Space, including a 24-hour direct response smoke, fire and burglary alarm system. If Tenant employs security guards at the Offer Space, under no circumstances shall such security guards carry firearms of any kind. Tenant understands that Landlord shall not provide Tenant with any security guards or alarm or security systems of any kind or nature, and shall have no liability or obligation to Tenant arising from any claims for loss, injury or damage to persons or property in connection therewith.

As soon as practicable and in any event within 24 hours after any exterior or interior glass (including mirrors) is broken or cracked, including any so-called “bull’s-eye” break in the glass, replace such glass with glass of the same kind and quality, and repair or replace the frames for such glass if necessary or desirable in Landlord’s reasonable judgment, and if Tenant fails to do so within 24 hours after notice from Landlord, Landlord may perform such work on Tenant’s behalf, and Tenant shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in so doing, as provided in Article 21 .

Not conduct any clearance, “going-out-of-business”, auction, distress, fire or bankruptcy or similar sale in the Offer Space, other than seasonal, promotional or other special sales as are incident to the normal operation of Tenant’s business.

Place no fixtures, furnishings, decorations or equipment in the Offer Space at any time during the Term which can be seen from the outside of the Offer Space, without the prior written approval of Landlord in each instance, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. Tenant shall remove from the Offer Space any such items installed without Landlord’s approval, and if Tenant fails to do so within 24 hours after notice from Landlord, Landlord may perform such work on Tenant’s behalf, and Tenant shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in so doing, as provided in Article 21 . On or before the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Tenant shall remove all fixtures, furnishings, decorations and equipment from the Offer Space.

Not remove any trade fixtures or other contents of the Offer Space (other than inventory) prior to the Expiration Date without the prior consent of Landlord (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), except that Tenant may remove trade fixtures so long as Tenant promptly installs replacement trade fixtures at least equal in quality, value and function to those being removed.

Not (1) place or maintain any merchandise or other articles in any area outside of the Offer Space, or on the sidewalks, corridors or other common areas of the Center, nor (2) receive or ship articles of any kind outside the designated loading areas for the Offer Space, nor (3) permit the parking of vehicles so as to interfere with the use of any driveway, corridor, footwalk, parking area or other common area of the Center.

Direct all patrons to enter and leave the Offer Space through the separate exterior door exclusively serving the Offer Space.

Cause all of its staff and employees to enter and exit the Offer Space at all times through the separate exterior door exclusively serving the Offer Space.

Not use, play or operate or permit to be used, played or operated any sound making or sound reproducing device in the Offer Space, if such sound can be heard outside of the Offer Space, and observe, comply with and adopt such means and precautions as Landlord may from time to time request in such connection.

Not install or use any lighting equipment in or about the Offer Space which is visible from or casts light toward the exterior of the Offer Space without the prior written consent of Landlord.

 

F - 2


If any catalog, mail or telephone order sales are made in or from the Offer Space, not store on or ship from the Offer Space any merchandise sold in such manner.

The Offer Space may not be used for the sale of items which would violate any “exclusive” granted by Landlord to another retail tenant in the Center.

Tenant understands and agrees that a breach by Tenant of any of the provisions of Article 37 and the covenants set forth in this Exhibit F shall be deemed a material breach of this Lease and considered an Event of Default hereunder. Tenant acknowledges that damages resulting from any breach of the provisions of Article 37 and the covenants set forth in this Exhibit F are difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain and concedes that, among other remedies for such breach permitted by law or the provisions of this Lease, Landlord shall be entitled to seek to enjoin Tenant from any violation hereof.

 

F - 3


EXHIBIT G

STUDIO APARTMENT FLOOR PLAN

[Graphic Radio City Music Hall

Studio Apartment Floor Plan]

 

G-1


EXHIBIT H

RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. The rights of Tenant in the sidewalks, entrances, corridors, stairways, elevators and escalators of the Ancillary Buildings are limited to ingress to and egress from the Ancillary Space for Tenant and any other Tenant Party, and Tenant shall not invite to the Ancillary Space, nor permit the visit thereto by, persons in such numbers or under such conditions as to interfere with the use and enjoyment by others of the sidewalks, entrances, corridors, stairways, elevators, escalators or any other facilities of the Ancillary Buildings. Fire exits and stairways are for emergency use only, and they shall not be used for any other purpose by any Tenant Party. Landlord shall have the right to regulate the use of and operate the public portions of the Ancillary Buildings, as well as portions furnished for the common use of the tenants, in such manner as it deems best for the benefit of the tenants generally.

2. Landlord may refuse admission to the Ancillary Buildings outside of Business Hours to any person not having a pass issued by Landlord, the necessary items to gain admission to the Club or otherwise not properly identified, and may require all persons admitted to or leaving the Ancillary Buildings outside of Business Hours, with the exception of patrons of the Club, to register. Any person whose presence in the Ancillary Buildings at any time shall, in the judgment of Landlord, be prejudicial to the safety, character, reputation and interests of the Ancillary Buildings or of its tenants may be denied access to the Ancillary Buildings or may be ejected therefrom. In case of invasion, riot, public excitement or other commotion, Landlord may prohibit all access to the Ancillary Buildings during the continuance of the same, by closing doors or otherwise, for the safety of the tenants or protection of property in the Ancillary Buildings. Landlord shall, in no way, be liable to Tenant for damages or loss arising from the admission, exclusion or ejection of any person to or from the Ancillary Space or the Ancillary Buildings under the provisions of this rule. Landlord may require any person leaving the Ancillary Buildings with any package or other object to exhibit a pass from Tenant from whose Ancillary Space the package or object is being removed, but the establishment or enforcement of such requirement shall not impose any responsibility on Landlord for the protection of Tenant against the removal of property from the Ancillary Space of Tenant.

3. Where any damage to the public portions of the Ancillary Buildings or to any portions used in common with other tenants is caused by any Tenant Party, the cost of repairing the same shall be paid by Tenant upon demand.

4. No lettering, sign, advertisement, trademark, emblem, notice or object shall be displayed in or on the windows or doors, or on the outside of the Ancillary Space, or at any point inside the Ancillary Space where the same might be visible outside the Ancillary Space, except that the name of Tenant may be displayed on the entrance door of the 1270 Space, subject to the approval of Landlord as to the location, size, color and style of such display.

5. No awnings or other projections of any kind over or around the windows or entrances of the Ancillary Space shall be installed by Tenant, and only such window blinds and shades as are approved by Landlord shall be used in the Ancillary Space. Linoleum, tile or other floor covering shall be laid in the Ancillary Space only in a manner approved by Landlord.

6. Landlord shall have the right to prescribe the weight and position of safes and other objects of excessive weight, and no safe or other object whose weight exceeds the lawful load for the area upon which it would stand shall be brought into or kept upon the Ancillary Space. If, in the judgment of Landlord, it is necessary to distribute the concentrated weight of any safe or heavy object, the work involved in such distribution shall be done in such manner as Landlord shall determine and the expense thereof shall be paid by Tenant. The moving of safes and other heavy objects shall take place only upon previous notice to, and at times and in a manner approved by, Landlord, and the persons employed to move the same in and out of the Ancillary Buildings shall be acceptable to Landlord. No machines, machinery or electrical or electronic equipment or appliances of any kind shall be placed or operated so as to disturb other tenants. Freight, furniture, business equipment, merchandise and packages of any description shall be delivered to and removed from the Ancillary Space only in the freight elevators and through the service entrances and corridors, and only during hours and in a manner approved by Landlord.

7. Except as otherwise expressly provided in Article 39 , no noise, including the playing of any musical instrument, radio or television, which, in the judgment of Landlord, might disturb other tenants in the Ancillary Buildings, shall be made or permitted by Tenant. No animals shall be brought into or kept in the Ancillary Buildings or the Ancillary Space. No dangerous, inflammable, combustible or explosive object or material shall be brought into or kept in the Ancillary Buildings by Tenant or with the permission of Tenant, except as permitted by law and the insurance companies insuring the Ancillary Buildings or the property therein. Tenant shall not cause or permit any odors of cooking or other processes, or any unusual or other objectionable odors, to permeate in or emanate from the Ancillary Space.

8. No additional locks or bolts of any kind shall be placed upon any of the doors or windows in the Ancillary Space and no lock on any door shall be changed or altered in any respect. Duplicate keys for the Ancillary Space and toilet rooms shall be procured only

 

H - 1


from Landlord, and Tenant shall pay to Landlord Landlord’s reasonable charge therefor. Upon the expiration or termination of this Lease, all keys of the Ancillary Space and toilet rooms shall be delivered to Landlord.

9. All entrance doors in the Ancillary Space shall be left locked by Tenant when the Ancillary Space are not in use. No door (other than a door in an interior partition of the Ancillary Space) shall be left open at any time.

10. Landlord reserves the right to rescind, alter or waive any rule or regulation at any time prescribed by Landlord when, in its judgment, it deems it necessary, desirable or proper for its best interest or for the best interests of the tenants, and no rescission, alteration or waiver of any rule or regulation in favor of one tenant shall operate as a rescission, alteration or waiver in favor of any other tenant. Landlord shall not be responsible to Tenant for the nonobservance or violation by any other tenant of any of the rules or regulations at any time prescribed by Landlord.

11. Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord of any inspection of the Ancillary Space by governmental agencies having jurisdiction over matters involving health or safety.

12. Tenant shall be responsible for maintaining the Ancillary Space rodent and insect free. With respect to the 50 Rock Space, extermination services shall be provided by Tenant on a monthly basis and, with respect to the 1270 Space, additionally as required in Article 40.

13. All food storage areas shall be adequately protected against vermin entry by a contractor approved in advance by Landlord.

14. Drain pipes shall be kept free of obstructions and operable at all times.

15. Exit signs shall be illuminated, and other exit identification shall be operable, at all times.

16. Emergency lighting, including battery components, shall be in good working condition at all times.

17. Tenant shall not bring or keep, or allow to be brought or kept, in the Ancillary Buildings, any bicycles, roller blades, in line or other skates or other type of wheeled pedestrian form of locomotion.

18. Mail pick-up and delivery shall be responsibility of Tenant.

19. Tenant shall install, if missing, blinds or shades on all windows in the Ancillary Space, which blinds and shades shall be subject to Landlord’s approval.

 

H - 2


SCHEDULE 1

FIXED RENT

(except for Retail Space #1)

FROM OCTOBER 1998 TO FEBRUARY 2001

 

October, 1998 through and including February, 1999

  *****   

March, 1999 through and including October, 1999

  *****   

November, 1999 through and including December, 1999

  *****   

January, 2000 through and including February, 2000

  *****   

March, 2000 through and including October, 2000

  *****   

November, 2000 through and including December, 2000

  *****   

January, 2001 through and including February, 2001

  *****   

 

S-1


SCHEDULE 2

PERCENTAGE RENT

(a) Percentage Rent . From and after the Rent Commencement Date, Tenant shall pay to Landlord as Rent for each calendar year (or portion thereof) during the Term (“Computation Year”), a sum (“ Percentage Rent ”) equal to the amount, if any, by which (i) Tenant’s Gross Revenues (as defined in Section (d)(i) ) for any Computation Year multiplied by ***** (the “ Percentage Rent Rate ”) exceeds (ii) the Fixed Rent for the Premises payable for such Computation Year. For the purposes of computing the amount of Percentage Rent due, each Computation Year shall be considered as an independent accounting period and no charge or credit may be taken in any subsequent Computation Year on account of any Gross Revenues in any prior Computation Year.

(b) Payment Schedule . Percentage Rent shall be determined and paid, without any prior demand therefor, from and after the Rent Commencement Date, as follows:

(i) No later than 45 days after the close of each calendar quarter during the Term (and no later than 90 days following the Expiration Date), Tenant shall deliver to Landlord a true, correct and complete statement in form from time to time provided by Landlord, calculated on an accrual basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied and certified by an authorized officer or agent of Tenant (a “ Quarterly Statement ”), showing (A) Tenant’s Gross Revenues made (1) in the preceding calendar quarter and (2) for the entire elapsed portion of the current Computation Year, including the preceding calendar quarter, and including a detailed itemization of all exclusions therefrom as permitted under Section (d) , (B) all payments of Percentage Rent previously made by Tenant in respect of such Computation Year and (C) a calculation of Percentage Rent then due. Simultaneously with the rendition of each Quarterly Statement, Tenant shall pay to Landlord a quarterly installment of Percentage Rent equal to the difference between (I) the amount, if any, by which (a) the Percentage Rent Rate multiplied by Tenant’s Gross Revenues for the entire elapsed portion of the current Computation Year, including the calendar quarter for which such installment of Percentage Rent is being calculated, exceeds (b) the product of the Fixed Rent payable for such Computation Year multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months in such elapsed portion of the current Computation Year, and the denominator of which is 12 (or, if the number of months in such Computation Year is less than 12, then the number of months in such Computation Year) less (II) the aggregate Percentage Rent previously paid by Tenant in respect of such elapsed potion of the current Computation Year. In the event of a partial calendar month occurring in such Computation Year, there shall be an equitable adjustment of such calculation to provide for such partial calendar month.

(ii) No later than 90 days after the close of each Computation Year during the Term, and within 90 days after the Expiration Date, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord, a true, correct and complete statement of Gross Revenues for the preceding Computation Year (an “ Annual Statement ”), calculated on an accrual basis and setting forth (A) Gross Revenues for such Computation Year and itemizing all permissible exclusions therefrom as set forth in Section (d) , (B) the amount of Percentage Rent paid by Tenant in respect of such Computation Year, and (C) the amount of any deficiency or excess of Percentage Rent paid by Tenant in respect of such Computation Year. Each Annual Statement shall be certified by a nationally recognized independent certified public accountant reasonably acceptable to Landlord to be in accordance with the requirements of Section (d)  and with generally accepted accounting principles. Simultaneously with the rendition of each Annual Statement, Tenant shall pay to Landlord the amount of any deficiency shown on the Annual Statement. If the Annual Statement shows an excess of Percentage Rent in respect of such Computation Year, then so long as no Event of Default shall exist under this Lease, Landlord shall credit the amount of such overpayment against the next accruing installments of Rent due under this Lease.

(c) Delivery of Annual Statement . If Tenant fails to deliver an Annual Statement to Landlord within such 90-day period, Landlord shall have the right to employ an independent certified public accountant to examine such of Tenant’s books and records as may be necessary to certify the amount of Tenant’s Gross Revenues for such Computation Year, and Tenant shall pay to Landlord the cost thereof upon demand as Additional Rent. The acceptance by Landlord of payments of Percentage Rent or reports of Gross Revenues shall be without prejudice and shall in no event constitute a waiver of Landlord’s right to claim a deficiency or to audit Tenant’s books and records as provided herein.

(d) Gross Revenues . (i) “ Gross Revenues ” mean *****

(ii) If requested by Landlord, Tenant shall submit to Landlord photocopies of the federal, sales, state or local sales tax or similar tax returns filed by Tenant promptly after filing with the appropriate governmental authority. If any governmental authority shall increase the Gross Revenues reported by Tenant on any such tax return, after audit, for any Computation Year for which such Gross Revenues have been reported and if such adjustment affects “Gross Revenues” as defined in this paragraph, then Tenant shall notify Landlord promptly of such increase and shall supply to Landlord a true copy of such audit within 20 days thereafter, and Tenant shall pay to Landlord at that time any additional Percentage Rent due, with interest thereon at the Base Rate from the date upon which Tenant should have paid such Percentage Rent through the date paid.


(e) Tenant’s Records . Tenant shall prepare, keep and maintain at the Premises or at Tenant’s principal office within New York City, for a period of not less than 3 years following the end of each Computation Year and following the Expiration Date (with respect to the final Computation Year), complete and accurate books of account and records of, but not limited to, all purchases and receipts of merchandise, inventories and all sales and other transactions by Tenant from which Tenant’s Gross Revenues from the Music Hall or the Club can be determined. Tenant shall record all sales, at the time each sale is made, whether for cash or credit using either (i) non-resettable electronic cash registers or cash registers containing locked-in cumulative tapes with cumulative capacity, in each case reasonably satisfactory to Landlord, or (ii) a system of duplicate sales slips, invoices or non-resettable cash register receipts, serially numbered, or such other method for recording sales as Landlord approves in its sole judgment. Tenant shall keep for at least 3 years following the end of each Computation Year (or if Landlord and Tenant are disputing the computation of Gross Revenues for any Computation Year, such longer period of time as may be required until the final resolution of such dispute) all pertinent original sales books and records, which records shall include:

(A) daily dated register tapes; (B) serially numbered sales slips; (C) mail orders; (D) telephone orders; (E) settlement report sheets of transactions with subtenants, concessionaires and licensees; (F) records showing that merchandise returned by customers was purchased by such customer at or from the Music Hall or the Club; (G) duplicate bank deposit slips and bank statements; and (H) such other records as would normally be required to be kept and examined by an independent accountant in accordance with accepted auditing practices in performing an audit of Tenant’s Gross Revenues; and all income, sales and occupancy tax returns. All of Tenant’s obligations under this Section (e)  shall survive the Expiration Date for a period of 3 years (or if Landlord and Tenant are disputing the computation of Gross Revenues for any Computation Year such longer period of time as may be required until the final resolution of such dispute).

(f) Landlord’s Right to Audit . If Tenant shall fail to submit to Landlord (i) any Annual Statement on the date due, and such failure continues for 5 days after notice from Landlord, or (ii) any Quarterly Statement on the date due, and such failure continues for 5 days after notice from Landlord in any 2 quarters, whether or not consecutive, in any period of 12 months, then Landlord shall have the right to perform a complete audit, at Tenant’s expense, of Tenant’s books of accounts and records of Gross Revenues. Landlord shall also have the right, at any time from time to time, to perform a complete audit of any one or more Quarterly or Annual Statements, and in connection with such audit, to examine Tenant’s books of account and records of Gross Revenues, and Tenant shall make all such books of account and records available for examination by Landlord in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York. Tenant shall permit Landlord to make copies of any such books, records and information as Landlord may require in connection with such audit, at Tenant’s cost and expense. Tenant shall pay to Landlord within 10 Business Days after demand any additional Percentage Rent which such audit discloses is due to Landlord, with interest thereon at the Interest Rate from the date upon which Tenant should have paid such Percentage Rent through the date paid. In addition, if (A) such audit discloses that the actual amount of Gross Revenues differs from the amount reported by more than 5%, or (B) the Person conducting such audit reports that, in its opinion, Tenant’s records and procedures are insufficient to permit an accurate determination of Gross Revenues for any period, Tenant shall also pay the costs of such audit as Additional Rent to Landlord within 5 days following rendition of a bill therefor. Upon reasonable written notice, Tenant shall permit Landlord to examine Tenant’s books of account and records and record-keeping procedures during regular business hours, and to have a representative present on the Premises from time to time to check, verify and tabulate Gross Revenues and to evaluate Tenant’s control features affecting the determination of Gross Revenues. All of Landlord’s rights of inspection, audit, examination and evaluation granted pursuant to this Section (f)  may be exercised by Landlord’s accountants or other authorized agents or representatives. Subject to any Requirements, Landlord agrees to maintain the information obtained from such audit in strict confidence, except that Landlord may reveal such documentation to its employees and consultants who are actively involved in such audit, provided that such employees and consultants agree to maintain such information confidential.

(g) Tenant’s Dispute Right . If Tenant shall dispute Landlord’s determination that Tenant owes additional Percentage Rent pursuant to paragraph (f) above, Tenant shall notify Landlord of such dispute within 60 days after Tenant’s receipt of Landlord’s bill for such additional Percentage Rent and such dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the Dispute Resolution Procedure set forth in Section 38.1 . Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant’s right to dispute such Landlord’s determination shall be conditioned upon Tenant’s payment in full to Landlord of all amounts of additional Percentage Rent as set forth in Landlord’s bill.

 

S-2-2


SCHEDULE 3

RETAIL OPERATING EXPENSE PAYMENT

Definitions . As used in this Schedule 3:

(a) Base Operating Year ” means calendar year 1998.

(b) Base Expense Factor ” means the quotient, expressed in dollars and cents, of (i) the Operating Expenses payable for the Base Operating Year, divided by (ii) the Center Operating Area for the Base Operating Year.

(c) “ Center Operating Area ” means the number of square feet in the rentable area of the Center which is operated and maintained by Landlord or an Affiliate of Landlord or at the expense of Landlord or an Affiliate of Landlord. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall:

(i) subtract from the Center Operating Area the number of square feet in the rentable area of the Center operated and maintained by Landlord or an Affiliate of Landlord but (A) operated and maintained at the expense of any Person other than Landlord (or an Affiliate of Landlord) or (B) owned, as a condominium unit or otherwise, by any Person other than Landlord; and

(ii) add to the Center Operating Area to include the number of square feet in the additional rentable area of the Center operated and maintained by Landlord or an Affiliate of Landlord or at the expense of Landlord or an Affiliate of Landlord.

(d) “ Expense Factor ” means a fraction, the numerator of which is the Operating Expenses payable for any Computation Year subsequent to the Base Operating Year, and the denominator of which is the Center Operating Area.

(e) “ Landlord’s Statement ” means an instrument or instruments containing a comparison of the Base Expense Factor and the Expense Factor for any Computation Year.

(f) “ Operating Expenses ” means the costs and expenses (and taxes, if any, thereon) paid or incurred by or on behalf of Landlord and/or its Affiliates with respect to the ownership, operation, maintenance and repair of the Center, including the costs incurred for: (i) air conditioning, ventilation, and heating; (ii) interior and exterior cleaning and rubbish removal, including supervisory fees of Landlord’s Agent in connection therewith (provided that if such services are performed by Landlord’s Agent, such costs shall not exceed those charged by outside contractors for similar services in comparable office buildings); (iii) window washing; (iv) maintenance and repair of elevators and escalators; (v) hand tools and other movable equipment; (vi) porter and matron service; (vii) electricity, gas, oil, steam, water rates, sewer rents and other utilities; (viii) association fees and dues; (ix) protection and security services; (x) compliance with any agreement with any Governmental Authority with respect to the maintenance of the Center or any part thereof as a landmark; (xi) insurance premiums; (xii) supplies; (xiii) wages, salaries, disability benefits, pensions, hospitalization, retirement plans, severance packages and group insurance for employees of Landlord and Landlord’s Agent, up to and including the level of building managers and their immediate supervisors, (xiv) uniforms and working clothes for such employees and the cleaning thereof; (xv) expenses imposed pursuant to any collective bargaining agreement with respect to such employees; (xvi) payroll, social security, unemployment and other similar taxes with respect to such employees; (xvii) sales, use and similar taxes; (xviii) vault charges; (xix) franchise and license fees; (xx) charges of independent contractors performing work in connection with the operation, maintenance and repair of the Center; (xxi) legal, accounting and other professional fees of Landlord and Landlord’s Agent; (xxii) installation, operation and maintenance of the Christmas tree for the Center and related holiday decorations, events open to the public and other promotional expenses intended to enhance the environment of the Center; (xxiii) landscaping costs; (xxiv) management fees, or if no management fee is being charged, an imputed management fee not in excess of the amount that would be paid to a property manager for managing a comparable first class office building in midtown Manhattan; and (xxv) the annual depreciation or amortization, on a straight-line basis over such period as Landlord shall reasonably determine (with interest on the unamortized portion at the Base Rate plus 2 percent per annum), of any capital costs incurred after the Base Operating Year for any equipment, device or other improvement made or acquired which is either (A) a labor-saving measure or to effect other economies in the operation, maintenance or repair of the Center (but only to the extent that the annual benefits anticipated to be realized therefrom are reasonably related to the annual amounts to be amortized), or (B) required by any Requirement. Operating Expenses shall not include (1) Taxes, special assessments and franchise, income or any other taxes imposed upon or measured by the income or profits of Landlord; (2) except for depreciation and amortization specifically included in Operating Expenses as provided above, the costs of all items which should be capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices; (3) the costs of all services furnished to any other tenant of the Center on a “rent inclusion” basis which are not provided to Tenant on such basis; (4) the costs of all work or services performed for any tenant in the Center (including Tenant) at such tenant’s cost and expense; (5) mortgage amortization and interest; (6) leasing commissions; (7) allowances, concessions and other costs of tenant installations and decorations incurred in connection with preparing space for any tenant in the Center, including workletters and concessions;

 

S-3-1


(8) fixed rent payable under Superior Leases, if any; (9) wages, salaries and benefits paid to any employees of Landlord and Landlord’s Agent, above the level of the immediate supervisors of building managers; (10) legal and accounting fees relating to (i) disputes with tenants, prospective tenants or other occupants of the Center, (ii) disputes with purchasers, prospective purchasers, mortgagees or prospective mortgagees of the Center or any part thereof, or (iii) negotiations of leases, contracts of sale or mortgages; (11) costs which are reimbursed by insurance, warranty or condemnation proceeds, or which are reimbursable by Tenant or other tenants or any other Person other than pursuant to an expense escalation clause; (12) costs in the nature of penalties or fines; (13) the costs of all services, supplies and repairs paid to any Affiliate or subsidiary of Landlord or Landlord’s Agent materially in excess of the costs that would be payable in an “arm’s length” or unrelated situation; (14) advertising expenses in connection with leasing of the Center; (15) the costs of installing, operating and maintaining a specialty improvement, such as a cafeteria, lodging or private dining facility, or an athletic, luncheon or recreational club, unless Tenant is permitted to make use of any such facility without additional cost or on a subsidized basis consistent with other users; (16) the costs or expenses (including fines, interest, penalties and legal fees) arising out of Landlord’s failure to timely pay Operating Expenses or Taxes; and (17) the costs incurred in connection with the removal, encapsulation or other treatment of any Hazardous Materials classified as such and existing in the Premises as of the date hereof and required to be removed, encapsulated or treated under applicable Requirements in effect as of the date hereof.

(g) Operating Expense Payments . (i) If the Expense Factor for any Computation Year exceeds the Base Expense Factor, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as Additional Rent during each Computation Year, an amount (“ Tenant’s Operating Payment ”) equal to (A) Tenant’s Retail Space Area, multiplied by (B) the amount by which the Expense Factor for such Computation Year exceeds the Base Expense Factor. For each Computation Year, Landlord shall furnish to Tenant a statement setting forth Landlord’s good faith estimate of Tenant’s Operating Payment for such Computation Year. Tenant shall pay to Landlord, on the first day of each month during such Computation Year, an amount equal to one-twelfth of Landlord’s estimate of Tenant’s Operating Payment for such Computation Year. If Landlord does not furnish any such estimate for a Computation Year until after the commencement thereof, then (1) until the first day of the month following the month in which such estimate is furnished to Tenant, Tenant shall pay to Landlord on the first day of each month an amount equal to the monthly sum payable by Tenant to Landlord under this subsection (g) during the last month of the preceding Computation Year, (2) promptly after such estimate is furnished to Tenant or together therewith, Landlord shall give notice to Tenant stating whether the installments of Tenant’s Operating Payment previously made for such Computation Year were greater or less than the installments of Tenant’s Operating Payment to be made for such Computation Year in accordance with such estimate, and (X) if there shall be a deficiency, Tenant shall pay the amount thereof within 10 Business Days after demand therefor or (Y) if there shall have been an overpayment, Landlord shall credit the amount thereof against subsequent installments of Rent due hereunder, and (3) on the first day of the month following the month in which such estimate is furnished to Tenant, and on the first day of each month thereafter throughout the remainder of such Computation Year, Tenant shall pay to Landlord an amount equal to one-twelfth of Tenant’s Operating Payment shown on such estimate.

(ii) Landlord shall furnish to Tenant a Landlord’s Statement of Operating Expenses for each Computation Year. If such Landlord’s Statement shows that the sums paid by Tenant under subsection (g)  exceeded the actual amount of Tenant’s Operating Payment for such Computation Year, Landlord shall credit the amount of such excess against subsequent installments of Rent due hereunder. If Landlord’s Statement for such Computation Year shows that the sums so paid by Tenant were less than Tenant’s Operating Payment for such Computation Year, Tenant shall pay the amount of such deficiency within 10 Business Days after Tenant’s receipt of Landlord’s Statement.

(h) Certain Adjustments . (i) If the Center Operating Area is increased or decreased, from time to time, pursuant to subsection (c) , then from and after the date of such election, Operating Expenses for purposes of this Lease shall be limited to that portion of the Operating Expenses of the Center which is properly allocable, in Landlord’s reasonable judgment, to the space included in the Center Operating Area. Such allocation shall be performed by Landlord in good faith in a manner consistent with the methods and principles employed by Landlord in computing Operating Expenses prior to the date of such election.

(ii) If during all or any part of any Computation Year (including the Base Operating Year) Landlord is not furnishing any particular work or service (the cost of which, if performed by Landlord, would constitute an Operating Expense) to a rentable portion of the Center which is not then leased, Operating Expenses for such period shall include an amount equal to the costs and expenses which would reasonably have been incurred for such work or service during such period by Landlord if the Center had been 95% leased and occupied.

(iii) If during all or any part of any Computation Year (including the Base Operating Year) Landlord is not obligated to furnish any particular work or service (the cost of which, if performed by Landlord, would constitute an Operating Expense) to any portion of the Center (other than to space not then leased), then notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in subsection (f) , the amount included in Operating Expenses for such period with respect to such work or service shall be equal to the product of (i) the Center Operating Area multiplied by (ii) the quotient expressed in dollars and cents, of (A) the costs and expenses actually incurred by Landlord during such period to furnish such work or service, divided by (B) the area of the Center to which Landlord provides such work or service.

 

S-3-2


(i) Non-Waiver . Landlord’s failure to render a Landlord’s Statement on a timely basis with respect to any Computation Year shall not prejudice Landlord’s right to thereafter render a Landlord’s Statement with respect to such Computation Year or any subsequent Computation Year, nor shall the rendering of a Landlord’s Statement prejudice Landlord’s right to thereafter render a corrected Landlord’s Statement for any Computation Year.

(j) Tenant Disputes . Each Landlord’s Statement sent to Tenant shall be conclusively binding upon Tenant unless Tenant shall (A) within 30 days after such statement is sent, pay to Landlord the amount set forth in such statement, without prejudice to Tenant’s right to dispute such statement, and (B) within 60 days after such statement is sent, send a notice to Landlord objecting to such statement and specifying the reasons for Tenant’s claim that such statement is incorrect. Tenant covenants and agrees that Tenant will not employ, in connection with any dispute under this Lease, any Person who is to be compensated, in whole or in part, on a contingency fee basis. If the parties are unable to resolve any such dispute within 30 days following the giving of Tenant’s notice of objection, either party may refer the issues raised to an independent firm of certified public accountants selected by Landlord and reasonably acceptable to Tenant, and the decision of such accountants shall be conclusively binding upon Landlord and Tenant. In connection therewith, Tenant and such accountants shall execute and deliver to Landlord a confidentiality agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Landlord, whereby such parties agree not to disclose to any third party any of the information obtained in connection with such review, or the substance of any admissions or stipulations by any party in connection therewith, or of any resulting reconciliation, compromise or settlement. Tenant shall pay the fees and expenses relating to such procedure, unless such accountants shall determine that Landlord overstated the Expense Factor by more than 5% for such Computation Year, as finally determined, in which case Landlord shall pay such fees and expenses.

 

S-3-3


SCHEDULE 4

LANDLORD’S MUSIC HALL PROPERTY

 

LOCATION

 

ITEM/DESCRIPTION

      QUANTITY

ALL

 

CARPETING—INSTALLED

   

THEATER

 

SEATS

   

PUBLIC AREAS

 

FURNITURE

   

PUBLIC AREAS

 

SCULPTURES

   

PUBLIC AREAS

 

DRAPES

   
AUDIO MONITORS

ELI. BRIDGE

 

EMILAR MDM 16 MONITORS

    4
IN-HOUSE SOUND SYSTEM

A COVE RF

 

ALTEC MR-42 HOR MANTA RAY

    10

A COVE

 

TAD TD4001 DRIVER

  DRIVER   10

A COVE LF

 

ALTEC 421-SLF WOOFER

    12

A COVE LF

 

STANAL S17

  LF BOX   6

5 FLOOR 50

 

RTS WMS300

  SPECIAL   1

5 FLOOR 50

 

YAMAHA P-2100

  POWER-AMP   5

5 FLOOR 50

 

YAMAHA P-2200

  POWER-AMP   3

5 FLOOR 50

 

355 FDS 360

  CROSSOVER   2

5 FLOOR 50

 

KLARK ON3003

  1/3 OCTIVE   3

5 FLOOR 50

 

DEX 166

  2CH LIMITER   1

5 FLOOR 50

 

LOFTTECH TS1RMX GENERATOR

    1

5 FLOOR 50

 

RS APM500

  A-POWER METER   6

PATCH RM

 

API 3124M

  SUB-MIXER   1

PATCH RM

 

YAMAHA P-2200

  POWER-AMP   4

PATCH RM

 

YAMAHA P-2050

  POWER-AMP   1

PATCH RM

 

YAMAHA P-2050

  POWER-AMP   1

PATCH RM

 

YAMAHA P-2050

  POWER-AMP   1

PATCH RM

 

YAMAHA P-2100

  POWER-AMP   3
STAGE MANAGER’S CLEAR-COM SYSTEM
(Installed in 1979 to replace existing communication system.)
 

C-COM P5451 MASTER SUPPLY

  MASTER SUPPLY   1

PATCH RM

 

C-COM CS200

  SUPPLY-FL-TOM   1

PATCH RM

 

RTS SPK2CL

  RACK MOUNT   1

PATCH RM

 

RTS PS 31

  MASTER SUPPLY   1

PATCH RM

 

CHAOS P48

  SUPPLY   1

OP-STAGE

 

GALAXY HOTSPOT MON SPK

    1

OP-STAGE

 

RTS-BP300L GHS6000 PACK/HS

    1

STG.MGR

 

C-COM CC75RX

  HEADSET   1

STG.MGR

 

C-COM RS100

  BELT PACK   1

STG.MGR

 

CHAOS 301

  PACK   1

STG.MGR

 

GALAXY HOT SPOT MON SPK

    1

STG.MGR

 

RTS THS300

  BISCUIT   1

STG.MGR

 

SHURE 515SB-G18

  ANN.MIC   1

ERIC

 

C-COM R5100

  PACK   1

ERIC

 

C-COM CC75RX HEADSET

    1

SHOP/DESK

 

RTS SPK 300

  BISCUIT   1

SHOP

 

30A IVIE

  SOUN METER   1

SHOP

 

OTARI DP4050-C2

  DUBER   1

SHOP

 

KOSS K6

  HEADPHONES   3

SHOP

 

C-COM HS-6

  HANDSETS   4

MARTY SB

 

CHAOS 301

  BELT PACK   2

MARTY SB

 

C-COM RS100A

  BELT PACK   3

(UNDER MARQUIE SYSTEM)

 

BOLAK CM 450-6 SOUND COLUMN

    4

SMT.HALLWAY

 

BOLAK CM 450-6 SOUND COLUMN 3

    2

F.L.

 

CHAOS 4301

  PACKS   10

FL CREW SYS

 

C-COM RS100A

  PACK (DESK)   1

FL TOM/PSM

 

C-COM RS100A

  PACK (DESK)   1


LOCATION

 

ITEM/DESCRIPTION

      QUANTITY

F.L. TOM/LD

 

C-COM RS100A

  PACK (DESK)   1

FL CREW SYS

 

C-COM HS-6

  HANDSET   1

FL TOM/PSM

 

C-COM HS-6

  HANDSET   1

F.L. TOM/LD

 

C-COM CC75 SIN HEADSET

    1

FL-N.S.C.D.

 

C-COM RS100A

  PACKS   9

FL CREW SYS

 

ASSORTED DOU MUFF HEADSETS

    8

HYDRAULICS

 

C-COM RS100

  PACK   2

HYDRAULICS

 

C-COM 240SX

  HEADSETS   2

HYDRAULICS

 

CHAOS 301

  PACK   1

FLYFLOOR

 

C-COM KB100

  BISCUIT   1

FLYFLOOR

 

C-COM KB111

  BISCUIT   2

FLYFLOOR

 

C-COM HS-6

  HANDSET   2

SHOP TESTER

 

YAMAHA PHI80 SUB MIX

  SUB MIX   1

SHOP TESTER

 

YAMAHA 2050

  AMPLIFIER   1

PATCH RM.

 

BROWN PSA2 (FB)

  AMP FROM PROJ.   1
PROJECTION EQUIPMENT

Projection Booth

 

SIMPLEX X-L 35/70mm PROJECTORS

    2
 

SIMPLEX X-L 35mm PROJECTORS

    2
 

XENON LAMP HOUSES

    5
ELECTRIC & THEATRICAL EQUIPMENT

STAGE & THEATER

  6 x 16 LEXOS     120
  6 x 22 LEXOS     93
  QUARTZ FLOODS 500W     100
  1200W HMI SPOTLIGHTS     15
  (3 FRONTLIGHTS, 4 ON BRIDGES, 3 IN D COVE)    
  1200W HMI HIGH INTENSITY SPOTLIGHTS     2
  1200W HMI SCENIC PROJECTOR (SPECIAL EFFECTS)     1
 

PAR CANS 1000W

    100
 

2K BEAM PROJECTORS

    24
 

KLIEGEL SCENE SWITCHBOARD

   
 

DIMMERS

   
 

BORDER LIGHTS

   
 

COVE LIGHTS

   
 

FOOTLIGHTS

   
 

STEAM CURTAIN

   
 

STAGE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

   
 

CONTROL BOARD

   
 

BAND CAR (for orchestra)

   
 

ELECTRIC MULE (HOIST)

   

ORGANS

     

STAGE RIGHT & LEFT

  NEWLY REFURBISHED WURLITZER PIPE ORGAN WITH TWC RESTORED CONSOLES.    
  BRAND NEW SOLID STATE RELAY SYSTEM AND MIDI CAPABLILITIES.    
STAGE DROPS, CURTAINS, AND SCREENS

STAGE

 

GOLD CONTOUR CURTAIN

    1

STAGE

 

GOLD TEASER

    1

STAGE

 

(Accompanies house contour curtain) [Illegible]

    1

STAGE

 

(Japanese cherry blossom tapestry)

   
 

At RCM by Agreement with NYC

   

STAGE

 

BLACK TRAVELERS

    4
 

BLACK BORDERS

    4
DOLBY SURROUND CINEMA SOUND SYSTEM

AUDITORIUM

  JBL 8333 SURROUND SPEAKERS     52
  JBL 8340 SURROUND SPEAKERS     46
  QSC EX 1250 AMPLIFIERS (stage hi-freq)     5
  QSC EX 2500 AMPLIFIERS (12 surround, 2 subs, 1 spare)     15


LOCATION

 

ITEM/DESCRIPTION

      QUANTITY
  QSC EX 4000 AMPLIFIERS (stage low freq)     5
  JBL 4675C-HF HIGH FREQUENCY HORNS/SPEAKERS (INCLUDE 2446H DRIVERS, ‘2360A HORNS, 2506B BRACKETS)     18
  JBL LOW FREQUENCY CABINETS W/DRIVERS 4648A)     26
  JBL SUB WOOFER SPEAKERS 4642     8
  JBL 5235 ELECTRONIC CROSSOVERS     5
 

JBL 33-5333 CROSSOVER CARDS

    5
 

SOUNDOLIER 70’ RACKS/18.3’ WIDE

    3
 

DOLBY C2200 CINEMA PROCESSOR

    1
  COMPONENT ENGINEERING SIX CHANNEL BI-AMP MONITOR     1
  JBL PAD300-18 DIGITAL SOUND REINFORCED DELAYS     2
  DOLBY DIGITAL SOUND PROCESSOR DA10-65-/PR-2     1
  DOLBY DA 3E-10 READER READ     1
  DOLBY SRA COMPLETE     1
 

DOLBY ACCESSORY RACK

    1
 

DOLBY KIT A

    1
 

DOLBY KIT E

    1
 

DOLBY CAT 204

    5
 

DOLBY MPG35/7C/2

    2
 

KEILMAR EXCITER SUPPLIES

    3
 

DOLBY CAT 223

    1
STUDIO FURNITURE AND FIXTURES

STUDIO APT.

  ALL FURNITURE AND FIXTURES IN STUDIO APARTMENT    


SCHEDULE 5

LANDLORD’S STUDIO APARTMENT PROPERTY

[Schedule 5 consists of eleven photographs of the Landlord’s Studio Apartment Property depicting the following aspects of the apartment: (1) dishwasher in butler’s pantry; (2) the credenza in dining room; (3) the ice box; (4) the butler’s pantry; (5) the piano, two chairs, two lamps and an ottoman; (7) the wall cabinets and two chairs; (8) a round table; (9) two lamps and a table; (10) the refrigerator in the kitchen; (10) two end tables; and (11) a dining room table with thirteen chairs.]


SCHEDULE 6

GUARANTY

[See Restated Guaranty of Lease filed as Exhibit 10.11 to this Form 10]

Exhibit 10.15

FIRST AMENDMENT TO LEASE

This FIRST AMENDMENT TO LEASE dated as of February 19,1999 (this “ Amendment ”), between RCPI TRUST , a Delaware business trust having an office c/o Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P., 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10111 (“ Landlord ”), and RADIO CITY PRODUCTIONS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company having an office at 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 (“ Tenant ”).

WITNESSETH :

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant entered into that certain Lease, dated December 4, 1997 (the “ Original Lease ”), covering premises consisting of (i) the Music Hall; (ii) the 1270 Space; (iii) the 50 Rock Space; and (iv) the Retail Space, all as more particularly described and defined in the Original Lease; and

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant desire to modify the Original Lease to (i) provide for the surrender by Tenant of a portion of the 50 Rock Space and the leasing by Tenant of certain substitute space on the concourse level of the building located at 50 Rockefeller Plaza, (the “ Building ”) and (ii) otherwise modify the terms and conditions of the Original Lease, all as hereinafter set forth (the Original Lease, as modified by this Amendment, the “ Lease ”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Landlord and Tenant agree as follows:

1. Capitalized Terms . All capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Original Lease.

2. Lease of Substitute Premises . (a) Landlord hereby leases to Tenant, and Tenant hereby leases from Landlord, (i) a portion of the concourse level of the Building, designated as Space ‘C’ (the “ C Premises ”), and (ii) a portion of the concourse level of the Building, designated as Space ‘E’, (the “ E Premises ”), being more particularly shown on Exhibit A-1 attached hereto; (the ‘C’ Premises and the ‘E’ Premises collectively, the “ Substitute Premises ”), for a term commencing on the date of execution and delivery of this Amendment by Landlord and Tenant (the “ Effective Date ”) and ending on the Initial Expiration Date, or such earlier date upon which the term of the Lease may expire or be terminated pursuant to any of the conditions of limitation or other provisions of the Lease or pursuant to law, upon all of the terms and conditions of the Original Lease, as modified by this Amendment.

(b) Landlord shall deliver possession of the Substitute Premises to Tenant on the Effective Date. Landlord shall not be liable for failure to deliver possession of the Substitute Premises to Tenant on any specified date, and such failure shall not impair the validity of this Amendment. The provisions of this Article are intended to constitute “an express provision to the contrary” within the meaning of Section 223-a of the New York Real Property Law or any successor Requirement.


(c) Effective as of the Effective Date, Tenant shall lease the Substitute Premises upon all of the terms and conditions of the Original Lease, except as follows:

(i) The ‘C’ Premises shall be deemed to consist of 352 rentable square feet and the ‘E’ Premises shall be deemed to consist of 789 rentable square feet for all purposes of the Lease.

(ii) Tenant has inspected the Substitute Premises and agrees (x) to accept possession of the Substitute Premises in the “as is” condition existing on the Effective Date, (y) that neither Landlord nor Landlord’s agents have made any representations or warranties with respect to the Substitute Premises or the Building except as expressly set forth herein, and (z) Landlord has no obligation to perform any work, supply any materials, incur any expense or make any alterations or improvements to the Substitute Premises or the Building to prepare the same for Tenant’s occupancy. Tenant’s occupancy of any part of the Substitute Premises shall be conclusive evidence, as against Tenant, that (A) Tenant has accepted possession of the Substitute Premises in its then current condition and (B) the Substitute Premises and the Building are in a good and satisfactory condition as required by this Amendment.

(iii) Except as provided in this Amendment, all references in the Original Lease to the “Premises” and to the “Buildings” shall be deemed to refer to the Substitute Premises and shall exclude the Space ‘U’ Premises (as hereinafter defined).

3. Adjoining Spaces . Landlord agrees that Tenant shall retain possession of the portion of the 50 Rock Space now designated as Spaces ‘BB’ and ‘Y’, which said spaces shall be combined with the Substitute Premises as of the Effective Date (the ‘BB’ Premises, the ‘Y Premises and the Substitute Premises, shall be hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the “ L Premises ”) being more particularly shown on Exhibit A-2 attached hereto.

4. Surrender of Space ‘U’ Premises . On or before the Effective Date, Tenant shall vacate the portion of the 50 Rock Space now designated as Space ‘U’ (the “ Space ‘U’ Premises ), indicated on Exhibit A-3 attached hereto, and deliver vacant possession thereof to Landlord, time being of the essence. Tenant shall not be responsible for removing any Fixtures from the Space ‘U’ Premises, other then safes and vaults. Any Fixtures or personal property of Tenant remaining in the Space ‘U’ Premises after the Effective Date shall be deemed abandoned by Tenant and Landlord may take possession thereof and dispose of same in any manner Landlord determines without accountability therefor to Tenant. Tenant acknowledges that effective as of the Effective Date, the Lease with respect to the Space Premises only shall have terminated and expired, Tenant shall have abandoned and surrendered any claim of possession to the Space ‘U’ Premises to Landlord, and Landlord shall be entitled to lease the Space ‘U’ Premises to any person or entity, or take any other action with respect thereto, free from any claim of Tenant or any person or entity claiming through Tenant. Effective as of the Effective Date, the term “Premises” as used in the Lease shall no longer include the Space ‘U’ Premises and Tenant shall have no further obligations under the Lease with respect to the Space ‘U’ Premises (except any obligations which shall have accrued on or before the Effective Date).

(b) Tenant represents and warrants that it has not assigned, pledged or encumbered the Lease or sublet the Space ‘U’ Premises or done or suffered any other action as a result of which the Lease or the Space ‘U’ Premises might be subject to any lien or encumbrance. Tenant warrants that the foregoing covenants and representations will be true and correct as of the Effective Date, Tenant has and will have good right to surrender the Space ‘U’ Premises on or before the Effective Date, and delivery of possession of the Space ‘U’ Premises will be made to Landlord on or before the Effective Date free and clear of all liens and encumbrances of any kind whatsoever.


5. Brokerage . Each of Landlord and Tenant represents and warrants to the other that it has not dealt with any broker in connection with this Amendment other than Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P. (“ Broker ”) and that, to the best of its knowledge, no other broker negotiated this Amendment or is entitled to any fee or commission in connection herewith. Landlord shall pay Broker any commission which may be due in connection with this Amendment pursuant to a separate agreement. Each of Landlord and Tenant shall indemnify, defend, protect and hold the other party harmless from and against any and all losses, liabilities, damages, claims, judgments, fines, suits, demands, costs, interest and expenses of any kind or nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred in connection with any claim, proceeding or judgment and the defense thereof which the indemnified party may incur by reason of any claim of or liability to any broker, finder or like agent (other than Broker) arising out of any dealings claimed to have occurred between the indemnifying party and the claimant in connection with this Amendment, or the above representation being false. The provisions of this Paragraph 5 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of the term of the Lease.

6. Representations and Warranties . Tenant represents and warrants to Landlord that, as of the date hereof, (a) the Original Lease is in full force and effect and has not been modified except pursuant to this Amendment; (b) to the best of Tenant’s knowledge, there are no defaults existing under the Lease; (c) to the best of Tenant’s knowledge there exist no valid abatements, causes of action, counterclaims, disputes, defenses, offsets, credits, deductions, or claims against the enforcement of any of the terms and conditions of the Lease; and (d) this Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Tenant and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Tenant.

7. Miscellaneous . (a) Except as set forth herein, nothing contained in this Amendment shall be deemed to amend or modify in any respect the terms of the Original Lease and such terms shall remain in full force and effect as modified hereby. If there is any inconsistency between the terms of this Amendment and the terms of the Original Lease, the terms of this Amendment shall be controlling and prevail.

(b) This Amendment contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter and all prior negotiations, discussions, representations, agreements and understandings heretofore had among the parties with respect thereto are merged herein.

(c) This Amendment may be executed in duplicate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.

(d) This Amendment shall not be binding upon Landlord or Tenant unless and until Landlord shall have delivered a fully executed counterpart of this Amendment to Tenant.

(e) This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Landlord and Tenant and their successors and permitted assigns.

(f) This Amendment shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereof.

(g) The captions, headings, and titles in this Amendment are solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect its interpretation.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Amendment as of the day and year first above written.

 

LANDLORD:
RCPI TRUST
By: Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P., its Agent
By:

/s/ Geoffrey P. Wharton

Name: Geoffrey P. Wharton
Title: Vice President
TENANT:
RADIO CITY PRODUCTIONS LLC
By:

/s/ Robert Russo

Name: Robert Russo
Title: Executive Vice President


EXHIBIT A-1

Substitute Premises

The floor plan which follows is intended solely to identify the general location of Space ‘C’ and Space ‘E’ located on the Concourse Level of the Building, and should not be used for any other purpose. All areas, dimensions and locations are approximate, and any physical conditions indicated may not exist as shown.

[Graphic of Rockefeller Plaza Concourse Level Space C and Space E Floor Plan]


EXHIBIT A-2

Substitute Premises

The floor plan which follows is intended solely to identify the general location of Space ‘L’ located on the Concourse Level of the Building, and should not be used for any other purpose. All areas, dimensions and locations are approximate, and any physical conditions indicated may not exist as shown.

[Graphic of Rockefeller Plaza Concourse Level Space L Floor Plan]


EXHIBIT A-3

Substitute Premises

The floor plan which follows is intended solely to identify the general location of Space ‘U’ located on the Concourse Level of the Building, and should not be used for any other purpose. All areas, dimensions and locations are approximate, and any physical conditions indicated may not exist as shown.

[Graphic of Rockefeller Plaza Concourse Level Space U Floor Plan]

Exhibit 10.16

Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The omissions have been indicated by asterisks (“*****”), and the omitted text has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SECOND AMENDMENT TO LEASE

This SECOND AMENDMENT TO LEASE dated as of November 6, 2002 (this “ Amendment ”), between RCPI LANDMARK PROPERTIES, L.L.C. , a Delaware limited liability company having an office c/o Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P., 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10111 (“ Landlord ”), and RADIO CITY PRODUCTIONS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company having an office at 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 (“ Tenant ”).

WITNESSETH :

WHEREAS, RCPI Trust, predecessor-in-interest to Landlord, and Tenant entered into that certain Lease dated December 4, 1997 (the “ 1997 Lease ”), covering premises consisting of (i) the Music Hall; (ii) the 1270 Space; (iii) the 50 Rock Space; and (iv) the Retail Space, all as more particularly described and defined in the Original Lease; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain First Amendment to Lease dated as of February 19, 1999 (the “ First Amendment ”), Tenant surrendered a portion of the 50 Rock Space designated as Space ‘U’, and Landlord leased to Tenant certain Substitute Premises, and certain additional premises, which are collectively referred to as the ‘L’ Premises (the 1997 Lease, as amended by the First Amendment, is herein referred to as the “ Original Lease ”); and

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant desire to modify the Original Lease to (i) provide for the leasing of certain additional premises located in the submezzanine of the building known as 50 Rockefeller Plaza (the “ Building ”), and (ii) otherwise modify the terms and conditions of the Original Lease, all as hereinafter set forth (the Original Lease, as modified by this Amendment, is herein referred to as the “ Lease ”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Landlord and Tenant agree as follows:

1. Capitalized Terms . All capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Original Lease.

2. Lease of Additional Premises . (a) Landlord hereby leases to Tenant, and Tenant hereby leases from Landlord, portions of the submezzanine level of the Building, designated as Space ‘O’, Space ‘Q’, Space ‘R’, Space ‘U’, Space ‘W’, Space ‘X’, Space ‘Z’, Space ‘EE’ and Space ‘K’, all being more particularly shown on Exhibit A attached hereto (the “ Additional Premises ”), for a term commencing on the date (the “ Effective Date ”) that is the later to occur of (x) the date of mutual execution and delivery of this Amendment, and (y) the date Landlord delivers possession of all of the Additional Premises to Tenant and ending on the Initial Expiration Date, or such earlier date upon which the term of the Lease may expire or be terminated pursuant to any of the conditions of limitation or other provisions of the Lease or pursuant to law, upon all of the terms and conditions of the Original Lease, as modified by this Amendment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, and provided that


Tenant obtains the prior consent of Landlord, Tenant shall be permitted to have reasonable access to the Additional Premises prior to the Effective Date in order to inspect the same (the “ Early Access Period ”). All of the terms and provisions of the Lease shall apply to the Additional Premises during the Early Access Period, except for the obligation to pay Fixed Rent and Additional Rent in respect of the Additional Premises.

(b) Landlord shall deliver possession of the Additional Premises to Tenant on the Effective Date. Landlord shall not be liable for failure to deliver possession of the Additional Premises or any portion thereof to Tenant on any specified date, and such failure shall not impair the validity of this Amendment. The provisions of this Article are intended to constitute “an express provision to the contrary” within the meaning of Section 223-a of the New York Real Property Law or any successor Requirement, provided that if Landlord fails to deliver vacant possession of all of the Additional Premises in accordance with the terms of this Amendment prior to May 1, 2003 (the “ Outside Delivery Date ”), Tenant shall have the right within 10 days after the Outside Delivery Date, as its sole and exclusive remedy therefor, to cancel this Amendment by giving notice of cancellation to Landlord. If Tenant timely delivers the aforesaid cancellation notice, this Amendment shall terminate 15 days after the date of such notice, unless Landlord delivers vacant possession of the Additional Premises within such 15-day period, in which case Tenant’s cancellation notice shall be void and this Amendment shall continue in full force and effect. Failure by Tenant to exercise such right to cancel this Amendment within the aforesaid 10-day period shall constitute a waiver of such right; time being of the essence with respect thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Landlord shall exercise reasonable diligence (at no cost to Landlord), including exercising its right of termination pursuant to any leases or license agreements affecting the Additional Premises promptly after the date hereof, to cause the existing tenants and/or occupants of the Additional Premises to vacate the same in a timely manner. Landlord shall give Tenant at least ten (10) days’ advance written notice of the Effective Date.

(c) Effective as of the Effective Date, Tenant shall lease the Additional Premises upon all of the terms and conditions of the Original Lease, except as follows:

(i) The Additional Premises shall be deemed to consist of 8,216 rentable square feet for all purposes of the Lease.

(ii) Tenant shall pay Fixed Rent for the Additional Premises at a rate equal to ***** per square foot per annum for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the last day of the month which is 12 months after the Effective Date. Thereafter, with respect to the Additional Premises only, Fixed Rent for each subsequent year shall increase by ***** of the Fixed Rent in effect during the immediately preceding year. Tenant shall be permitted to include the Fixed Rent with respect to the Additional Premises as part of Fixed Rent under clause (a) (ii) of Schedule 2 of the Original Lease when calculating Percentage Rent pursuant to the Original Lease.

(iii) Tenant shall pay additional rent on account of Taxes with respect to the Additional Premises pursuant to Article 8 of the Original Lease, except that, with respect to the Additional Premises only, (a) “ Base Tax Year ” shall mean the Tax Year commencing on July 1, 2002 and ending on June 30, 2003 if the Effective Date occurs on or before December 31, 2002, or the Tax Year commencing on January 1, 2003 and ending on December 31, 2003 ( i.e. , the second half of the Tax Year commencing on July 1, 2002 and ending on June 30, 2003 and the first half of the Tax Year commencing on July 1, 2003 and ending on June 30, 2004) if the Effective Date occurs on or after January 1, 2003, and (b) “ Tenant’s Area ” shall mean 8,216 rentable square feet.


(iv) Tenant has inspected the Additional Premises and agrees (x) to accept possession of the Additional Premises in the “as is” condition existing on the Effective Date, (y) that neither Landlord nor Landlord’s agents have made any representations or warranties with respect to the Additional Premises or the Building except as expressly set forth herein, and (z) Landlord has no obligation to perform any work, supply any materials, incur any expense or make any alterations or improvements to the Additional Premises or the Building to prepare the same for Tenant’s occupancy (provided, however, that nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve Landlord of Landlord’s obligations pursuant to Section 7.1 (a)  of the Original Lease). Tenant’s occupancy of any part of the Additional Premises shall be conclusive evidence, as against Tenant, that (A) Tenant has accepted possession of the Additional Premises in its then current condition and (B) the Additional Premises and the Building are in satisfactory condition as required by this Amendment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord and Tenant acknowledge that Tenant has not been able to inspect portions of the Additional Premises which are currently occupied by other tenants or occupants, and with respect to those portions of the Additional Premises, Landlord agrees to deliver same to Tenant in broom clean condition, free of other tenants or occupants, and in comparable condition to the portions of the Additional Premises which Tenant has had the opportunity to inspect. In addition, Landlord agrees to use reasonable efforts to provide Tenant with an opportunity to inspect the Additional Premises which are currently occupied, but Landlord’s inability to do so shall not affect Tenant’s obligations hereunder.

(v) Except as provided in Section 3 (g)  of this Amendment, all references in the Original Lease to the “Ancillary Space” shall be deemed to include the Additional Premises.

3. Modifications . As of the date hereof, the Lease shall be further modified and amended as follows:

(a) Landlord and Tenant agree that Tenant intends to combine the Additional Premises with a portion of the 50 Rock Space known as Space ‘G’ and located on the submezzanine of the Building (Space G and the Additional Premises are hereinafter referred to as the “ Storage Premises ”). The Storage Premises shall be deemed to consist of 16,877 rentable square feet.

(b) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Lease to the contrary, Landlord and Tenant agree and acknowledge that Tenant shall have the right to use the Storage Space for uses other than “storage” as defined in the Original Lease, provided Tenant shall (i) in no event use the Storage Space for any Prohibited Use (provided, however, that Tenant shall be permitted to store customary prepackaged small food items such as popcorn, candy, nuts, confections and other such convenience food and beverage items (which may include alcoholic beverages provided and so long as Tenant complies with all applicable Requirements) in the Storage Premises), (ii) obtain all necessary permits and approvals required in connection with the use of the Storage Premises, including, but not limited to, any amendment to the Certificate of Occupancy, (iii) be responsible for performing any Alterations required in order to cause the Storage Premises to comply with all applicable Requirements related to the use thereof, and (iv) indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from and against any and all claims, losses, costs and expenses incurred by Landlord as a result of such uses.


(c) Landlord shall make 250 amps, 120/208-volts-3-phase of electricity available for the operation of Tenant’s electrical systems and equipment in the Storage Premises (the “ Permitted Capacity ”) via a connection to a switchboard in an electric closet designated by Landlord. Tenant will be responsible, at Tenant’s cost and expense, for routing the power from such switch board to the Storage Premises. Tenant shall pay to Landlord, on demand from time to time but not more frequently than monthly, for its consumption of electricity at the Storage Premises, a sum equal to ***** of the product obtained by multiplying (i) the Cost Per Kilowatt Hour, by (ii) the actual number of kilowatt hours of electric current consumed in the Storage Premises by Tenant in such billing period, and otherwise in accordance with the terms and provisions of Article 17 of the Original Lease. Landlord shall install a meter, at Tenant’s expense, to measure Tenant’s consumption of electricity in the Storage Premises, which meter shall be installed and maintained by Landlord at Tenant’s expense. Landlord shall install the aforesaid meter within thirty (30) days after Tenant’s request that Landlord install the same. Bills for such amounts shall be rendered to Tenant at such times as Landlord may elect (but not more frequently than monthly). For any period during which such meter is not installed or is not operational in the Storage Premises, the monthly Fixed Rent in respect of the Additional Premises shall be increased by an amount equal to the product of (A) *****, subject to adjustment for any increases in electric rates or taxes, and (B) the number of rentable square feet in the Additional Premises.

(d) Landlord shall not unreasonably withhold or delay its consent to a request by Tenant to install a supplemental HVAC system to serve the Storage Premises. Such installation shall be considered an Alteration and shall be performed in accordance with the provisions of Article 5 of the Lease. Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, shall maintain in full force and effect for the Term a service contract or contracts for the periodic maintenance of Tenant’s supplemental HVAC System, with a contractor or contractors satisfactory to Landlord, and furnish a copy of said contract(s) and all extensions thereof to Landlord within 30 days after demand. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord agrees that Tenant may use Tenant’s in-house approved union labor to maintain and service the supplemental HVAC System.

(e) Landlord shall provide chilled water in connection with Tenant’s independent supplemental air-conditioning units located in the Storage Premises, which shall not exceed 20 tons. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall have the one-time right at any time within two (2) years after the Effective Date to irrevocably reduce the number of tons of chilled water to which Tenant is entitled pursuant to this Section by giving notice (the “ Tenant Notice ”) of such reduction to Landlord within the aforesaid two (2) year period, whereupon the number of tons of chilled water to which Tenant shall be entitled pursuant to the first sentence of this Section shall be reduced as of the date Tenant shall provide the Tenant Notice to the lower number of tons specified in the Tenant Notice. Tenant shall have no liability to pay the annual charge for chilled water, and Landlord shall have no obligation to provide any chilled water to Tenant hereunder, until Tenant provides or is deemed to have provided (as provided below) the Tenant Notice, after which Tenant shall be liable for the number of tons of chilled water referred to in the Tenant Notice (or deemed to have been selected by Tenant). Tenant shall pay Landlord an annual charge for such chilled water at Landlord’s then established rate therefor, which charge shall be payable annually in advance in a lump sum initially for the remainder of the calendar year of the Lease in which Tenant delivers (or is deemed to have delivered) the Tenant Notice to Landlord, at the same time Tenant makes its payment of Fixed Rent with respect to the Storage Premises then coming due hereunder, and thereafter for each calendar year at the same time that Tenant makes its first payment of Fixed Rent in such calendar year. In the event Tenant fails to deliver to Landlord the Tenant Notice by the date which is two (2) years from the Effective Date, Tenant shall be deemed to have elected to use 20 tons of chilled water. As of the date hereof, Landlord’s charge for chilled water is ***** per ton per year. In addition to the foregoing charges there shall be a one-time fee of ***** per ton of unit capacity for chilled water, payable at the same time Tenant makes its first payment of the chilled water charge provided herein.


(f) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Original Lease to the contrary, Tenant shall have no right to assign the Lease with respect to the Storage Premises, or to sublease all or any portion of the Storage Premises except in connection with an assignment of the entire Lease, or a sublease of the Original Premises as permitted under Article 16 of the Original Lease.

(g) Except as expressly provided herein and in Section 7.1(a) and Section 12.1 (a), (c), (f), (g) and (h)  of the Original Lease, Landlord shall not be obligated to provide any services to the Storage Premises.

(h) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Original Lease, including, without limitation, Section 5.3 thereof, Tenant shall not be required to restore any demising walls currently located in the Storage Premises at the expiration or sooner termination of the term of the Lease. Nothing herein shall be deemed to waive Tenant’s obligation pursuant to Section 5.3 of the Original Lease to remove any Specialty Alterations (defined for purposes of this Amendment as Alterations which are not standard office installations such as kitchens, executive bathrooms, raised computer floors, computer room installations, supplemental HVAC equipment, safe deposit boxes, vaults, libraries or file rooms requiring reinforcement of floors, internal staircases, slab penetrations, conveyors, dumbwaiters, and other Alterations of a similar character) and Tenant’s Property in the Storage Premises at the expiration or sooner termination of the term of the Lease.

4. Brokerage . Each of Landlord and Tenant represents and warrants to the other that it has not dealt with any broker in connection with this Amendment other than Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P. (“ Broker ”) and that, to the best of its knowledge, no other broker negotiated this Amendment or is entitled to any fee or commission in connection herewith. Landlord shall pay Broker any commission which may be due in connection with this Amendment pursuant to a separate agreement. Each of Landlord and Tenant shall indemnify, defend, protect and hold the other party harmless from and against any and all losses, liabilities, damages, claims, judgments, fines, suits, demands, costs, interest and expenses of any kind or nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred in connection with any claim, proceeding or judgment and the defense thereof which the indemnified party may incur by reason of any claim of or liability to any broker, finder or like agent (other than Broker) arising out of any dealings claimed to have occurred between the indemnifying party and the claimant in connection with this Amendment, or the above representation being false. The provisions of this Paragraph 4 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of the term of the Lease.

5. Representations and Warranties . (i) Tenant represents and warrants to Landlord that, as of the date hereof, (a) the Original Lease is in full force and effect and has not been modified except pursuant to this Amendment; (b) to the best of Tenant’s knowledge, there are no defaults existing under the Original Lease; (c) to the best of Tenant’s knowledge there exist no valid abatements, causes of action, counterclaims, disputes, defenses, offsets, credits, deductions, or claims against the enforcement of any of the terms and conditions of the Original Lease; and (d) this Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Tenant and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Tenant.


(ii) Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that, as of the date hereof, (a) the Original Lease is in full force and effect and has not been modified except pursuant to this Amendment; (b) to the best of Landlord’s knowledge, there are no defaults existing under the Original Lease; (c) to the best of Landlord’s knowledge there exist no valid causes of action, disputes or claims against the enforcement of any of the terms and conditions of the Original Lease and (d) this Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Landlord and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Landlord.

6. Miscellaneous . (a) Except as set forth herein, nothing contained in this Amendment shall be deemed to amend or modify in any respect the terms of the Original Lease and such terms shall remain in full force and effect as modified hereby. If there is any inconsistency between the terms of this Amendment and the terms of the Original Lease, the terms of this Amendment with respect to the Storage Premises shall be controlling and prevail.

(b) This Amendment contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter and all prior negotiations, discussions, representations, agreements and understandings heretofore had among the parties with respect thereto are merged herein.

(c) This Amendment may be executed in duplicate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.

(d) This Amendment shall not be binding upon Landlord or Tenant unless and until each party shall have received a fully executed counterpart of this Amendment.

(e) This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Landlord and Tenant and their successors and permitted assigns.

(f) This Amendment shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereof.

(g) The captions, headings, and titles in this Amendment are solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect its interpretation.

(h) Within 30 days from the Effective Date, Landlord shall obtain an amendment to the existing Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement from the existing Mortgagee covering the Additional Premises.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Amendment as of the day and year first above written.

 

LANDLORD:
RCPI LANDMARK PROPERTIES, L.L.C.
By: Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P., its Agent
By:

/s/ Robert J. Speyer

Name: Robert J. Speyer
Title: Senior Managing Director


TENANT:
RADIO CITY PRODUCTIONS LLC
By:

/s/ Robert Russo

Name: Robert Russo
Title: Executive Vice President

The undersigned acknowledges the above and ratifies and confirms all of its obligations under that certain Guaranty of Lease dated as of December 4, 1997 (the “ Guaranty ”) and agrees that the covenants referred to in the Guaranty shall include the obligations of Tenant under the Original Lease as amended above.

 

GUARANTOR:
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, L.P.
A Delaware limited partnership
By:

/s/ Robert Russo

Name: Robert Russo
Title: President, Facilities Group


EXHIBIT A

Additional Premises

The floor plan which follows is intended solely to identify the general location of the Additional Premises and should not be used for any other purpose. All areas, dimensions and locations are approximate, and any physical conditions indicated may not exist as shown.

[Graphic of Rockefeller Plaza

Floor SH Floor Plan]

Exhibit 10.17

Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The omissions have been indicated by asterisks (“*****”), and the omitted text has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

THIRD AMENDMENT TO LEASE

This THIRD AMENDMENT TO LEASE dated as of August 14, 2008 (this “ Amendment ”) between RCPI LANDMARK PROPERTIES, L.L.C. , a Delaware limited liability company having an address c/o Tishman Speyer, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10111 (“ Landlord ”), and RADIO CITY PRODUCTIONS LLC a Delaware limited liability company having an office at 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 (“ Tenant ”).

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS, RCPI Trust, predecessor-in-interest to Landlord, and Tenant entered into that certain Lease dated as of December 4, 1997, as modified by First Amendment to Lease dated as of February 19, 1999 and Second Amendment to Lease dated as of October 6, 2002 (as so amended, the “ Existing Lease ”), covering premises described and defined in the Existing Lease; and

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant desire to modify the Existing Lease to reference the modification of the Guaranty referred to therein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Landlord and Tenant agree as follows:

1. Capitalized Terms . All capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Original Lease.

2. Modifications . As of the date hereof;

(a) each reference in the Lease to the Guaranty shall mean the Restated Guaranty of Lease attached hereto as Exhibit A . Landlord consents to the restatement of the Guaranty by such Restated Guaranty of Lease.

(b) Section 19.1(l) of the Existing Lease is restated to read as follows: “(l) if the Guarantor (i) fails to maintain a net worth of at least ***** and (ii) fails to deliver to Landlord the Letter of Credit (as defined in the Guaranty) or cash in the amount and within the time period set forth in the Guaranty”.

3. Brokerage . Each of Landlord and Tenant represents and warrants to the other that it has not dealt with any broker in connection with this Amendment other than Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P. (“ Broker ”) and that, to the best of its knowledge, no other broker negotiated this Amendment or is entitled to any fee or commission in connection herewith. Landlord shall pay Broker any commission which may be due in connection with this Amendment pursuant to a separate agreement. Each of Landlord and Tenant shall indemnify, defend, protect and hold the other party harmless from and against any and all losses, liabilities, damages, claims, judgments, fines, suits, demands, costs, interest and expenses of any kind or nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and


disbursements) incurred in connection with any claim, proceeding or judgment and the defense thereof which the indemnified party may incur by reason of any claim of or liability to any broker, finder or like agent (other than Broker) arising out of any dealings claimed to have occurred between the indemnifying party and the claimant in connection with this Amendment, or the above representation being false. The provisions of this Section 3 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of the term of the Existing Lease, as amended hereby.

4. Representations and Warranties . (i) Tenant represents and warrants to Landlord that, as of the date hereof, (a) the Existing Lease is in full force and effect and has not been modified except pursuant to this Amendment; (b) to the best of Tenant’s knowledge, there are no defaults existing under the Existing Lease; (c) to the best of Tenant’s knowledge there exist no valid abatements, causes of action, counterclaims, disputes, defenses, offsets, credits, deductions, or claims against the enforcement of any of the terms and conditions of the Existing Lease; and (d) this Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Tenant and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Tenant.

(ii) Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that, as of the date hereof, (a) the Existing Lease is in full force and effect and has not been modified except pursuant to this Amendment; (b) to the best of Landlord’s knowledge, there are no defaults existing under the Existing Lease; (c) to the best of Landlord’s knowledge, there exist no valid causes of action, disputes or claims against the enforcement of any of the terms and conditions of the Existing Lease and (d) this Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Landlord and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Landlord.

5. Miscellaneous . (a) Except as set forth herein, nothing contained in this Amendment shall be deemed to amend or modify in any respect the terms of the Existing Lease and such terms shall remain in full force and effect as modified hereby. If there is any inconsistency between the terms of this Amendment and the terms of the Existing Lease, the terms of this Amendment shall be controlling and prevail.

(b) This Amendment contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter and all prior negotiations, discussions, representations, agreements and understandings heretofore had among the parties with respect thereto are merged herein.

(c) This Amendment may be executed in duplicate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.

(d) This Amendment shall not be binding upon Landlord or Tenant unless and until each party shall have received a fully executed counterpart of this Amendment.

(e) This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Landlord and Tenant and their successors and permitted assigns.

(f) This Amendment shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereof.

(g) The captions, headings, and titles in this Amendment are solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect its interpretation.

(h) The liability of Landlord for Landlord’s obligations under this Amendment shall be limited to Landlord’s interest in the Building and Tenant shall not look to any other property or assets of Landlord or the property or assets of any direct or indirect partner, member, manager, shareholder, director, officer, principal, employee or agent of Landlord (collectively, the “ Parties ”) in seeking either to enforce Landlord’s obligations under this Amendment or to satisfy a judgment for Landlord’s failure to perform such obligations; and none of the Parties shall be personally liable for the performance of Landlord’s obligations under this Amendment.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Third Amendment to Lease as of the day and year first above written.

 

LANDLORD
RCPI LANDMARK PROPERTIES, L.L.C.
By:

/s/ Michael B. Benner

Name: Michael B. Benner
Title: Vice President and Secretary
TENANT
RADIO CITY PRODUCTIONS LLC
By

/s/ Robert Pollichino

Name: Robert Pollichino
Title: Executive Vice President

The undersigned acknowledges the foregoing Amendment and ratifies and confirms all of its obligations under that certain Restated Guaranty of Lease dated as of August     , 2008 (the “ Guaranty ”) and agrees that the covenants referred to in the Guaranty shall include the obligations of Tenant under the Existing Lease as amended by the foregoing Amendment.

 

GUARANTOR:
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, L.P.
A Delaware limited partnership
By

/s/ Lucinda Treat

Name: Lucinda Treat
Title: Executive Vice President

 

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Exhibit 10.18

A portion of this exhibit has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The omission has been indicated by asterisks (*****), and the omitted text has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

FOURTH AMENDMENT TO LEASE

This FOURTH AMENDMENT TO LEASE dated as of January 24, 2011 (this “ Amendment ”) between RCPI LANDMARK PROPERTIES, L.L.C. , a Delaware limited liability company having an address c/o Tishman Speyer, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10111 (“ Landlord ”), and RADIO CITY PRODUCTIONS LLC a Delaware limited liability company having an office at 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 (“ Tenant ”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, RCPI Trust, predecessor-in-interest to Landlord, and Tenant entered into that certain Lease dated as of December 4, 1997, as modified by First Amendment to Lease dated as of February 19, 1999, Second Amendment to Lease dated as of October 6, 2002, Letter Agreement dated February 9, 2007 and Third Amendment to Lease dated as of August 14, 2008 (as so amended, the “ Existing Lease ”), covering premises described and defined in the Existing Lease; and

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant desire to modify the Existing Lease to change the Computation Year for the purpose of determining the extent to which, if any, Tenant is obligated to pay Percentage Rent to Landlord;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Landlord and Tenant agree as follows:

1. Capitalized Terms . All capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Original Lease.

2. Effective Date . This Amendment shall be effective upon the adoption by the the board of directors of Madison Square Garden, Inc. of a resolution pursuant to which the fiscal year of Madison Square Garden, Inc. is changed from December 31 to June 30, effective June 30, 2011.” Tenant shall provide prompt written notice to Landlord upon the adoption of such resolution.


3. Modifications .

(a) Schedule 2, Paragraph (a)  of the Existing Lease shall be deleted and replaced with the following:

Percentage Rent. Effective July 1, 2011, Tenant shall pay to Landlord as Rent for each year commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30 (or portion thereof) during the Term (“Computation Year”) a sum ( Percentage Rent ”) equal to the amount if any, by which (i) Tenant’s Gross Revenues (as defined in Section (d)(i) ) for any Computation Year multiplied by ***** (%) the “ Percentage Rent Rate” ) exceeds (ii) the Fixed Rent for the Premises payable for such Computation Year. For the purposes of computing the amount of Percentage Rent due, each Computation Year shall be considered as an independent accounting period and no charge or credit may be taken in any subsequent Computation Year on account of any Gross Revenues in any prior Computation Year. For the period January 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011, Tenant shall pay to Landlord as Percentage Rent a sum equal to the amount if any, by which (i) Tenant’s Gross Revenues (as defined in Section (d)(i) ) for such six month period multiplied by the “ Percentage Rent Rate” exceeds (ii) the Fixed Rent for the Premises payable for such six month period.

(b) The following subparagraph (iii) shall be added to Schedule 2, Paragraph (b):

“(iii) No later than 90 days after the close of calendar year 2011, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord, a true, correct and complete statement of Gross Revenues for calendar year 2011 in the same form as that required for Annual Statements, and such statement shall be certified by a senior officer of Tenant to be in accordance with the requirements of Section (d) and with generally accepted accounting principles, or in lieu thereof, a letter certified by Tenant’s Senior Vice President of Finance and Controller in the form required under the Letter Agreement dated February 9, 2007.

4. Brokerage . Each of Landlord and Tenant represents and warrants to the other that it has not dealt with any broker in connection with this Amendment other than Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P. (“ Broker ”) and that, to the best of its knowledge, no other broker negotiated this Amendment or is entitled to any fee or commission in connection herewith. Landlord shall pay Broker any commission which may be due in connection with this Amendment pursuant to a separate agreement. Each of Landlord and Tenant shall indemnify, defend, protect and hold the other party harmless from and against any and all losses, liabilities, damages, claims, judgments, fines, suits, demands, costs, interest and expenses of any kind or nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred in connection with any claim, proceeding or judgment and the defense thereof which the indemnified party may incur by reason of any claim of or liability to any broker, finder or like agent (other than Broker) arising out of any dealings claimed to have occurred between the indemnifying party and the claimant in connection with this Amendment, or the above representation being false. The provisions of this Section 3 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of the term of the Existing Lease, as amended hereby.

5. Representations and Warranties . (i) Tenant represents and warrants to Landlord that, as of the date hereof, (a) the Existing Lease is in full force and effect and has not been modified except pursuant to this Amendment; (b) to the best of Tenant’s knowledge, there are no defaults existing under the Existing Lease; (c) to the best of Tenant’s knowledge there exist no valid abatements, causes

 

2


of action, counterclaims, disputes, defenses, offsets, credits, deductions, or claims against the enforcement of any of the terms and conditions of the Existing Lease; and (d) this Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Tenant and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Tenant.

(ii) Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that, as of the date hereof, (a) the Existing Lease is in full force and effect and has not been modified except pursuant to this Amendment; (b) to the best of Landlord’s knowledge, there are no defaults existing under the Existing Lease; (c) to the best of Landlord’s knowledge, there exist no valid causes of action, disputes or claims against the enforcement of any of the terms and conditions of the Existing Lease and (d) this Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Landlord and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Landlord.

6. Miscellaneous . (a) Except as set forth herein, nothing contained in this Amendment shall be deemed to amend or modify in any respect the terms of the Existing Lease and such terms shall remain in full force and effect as modified hereby. If there is any inconsistency between the terms of this Amendment and the terms of the Existing Lease, the terms of this Amendment shall be controlling and prevail.

(b) This Amendment contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter and all prior negotiations, discussions, representations, agreements and understandings heretofore had among the parties with respect thereto are merged herein.

(c) This Amendment may be executed in duplicate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.

(d) This Amendment shall not be binding upon Landlord or Tenant unless and until each party shall have received a fully executed counterpart of this Amendment.

(e) This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Landlord and Tenant and their successors and permitted assigns.

(f) This Amendment shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereof.

(g) The captions, headings, and titles in this Amendment are solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect its interpretation.

(h) The liability of Landlord for Landlord’s obligations under this Amendment shall be limited to Landlord’s interest in the Building and Tenant shall not look to any other property or assets of Landlord or the property or assets of any direct or indirect partner, member, manager, shareholder, director, officer, principal, employee or agent of Landlord (collectively, the “ Parties ”) in seeking either to enforce Landlord’s obligations under this Amendment or to satisfy a judgment for Landlord’s failure to perform such obligations; and none of the Parties shall be personally liable for the performance of Landlord’s obligations under this Amendment.

 

3


[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

4


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Third Amendment to Lease as of the day and year first above written.

 

LANDLORD
RCPI LANDMARK PROPERTIES, L.L.C.
By:

/s/ Michael B. Benner

Michael B Benner
Vice President and Secretary
TENANT
RADIO CITY PRODUCTIONS LLC
By:

/s/ Eugene Heaney

Name: Eugene Heaney
Title: Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary

The undersigned acknowledges the foregoing Amendment and ratifies and confirms all of its obligations under that certain Second Restated Guaranty of Lease dated as of January 24, 2011 (the “ Guaranty” ) and agrees that the covenants referred to in the Guaranty shall include the obligations of Tenant under the Existing Lease as amended by the foregoing Amendment.

 

GUARANTOR:
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, L.P.
A Delaware limited partnership
By:

/s/ Robert M. Pollichino

Name: Robert M. Pollichino
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

5

Exhibit 10.19

Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The omissions have been indicated by asterisks (“*****”), and the omitted text has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

FORM OF GUARANTY OF LEASE

GUARANTY OF LEASE (this “ Guaranty ”) effective as of the     day of             , 2015, by MSG SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, with an address at 2 Penn Plaza, New York, New York “ Guarantor ”), to RCPI LANDMARK PROPERTIES, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company having an address at c/o Tishman Speyer, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10111 (“ Landlord ”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, RCPI Trust, predecessor-in-interest to Landlord, and Radio City Productions LLC (“ Tenant ”) entered into an agreement of lease, dated as of December 4, 1997 (such lease, as modified by First Amendment to Lease dated as of February 19, 1999, Second Amendment to Lease dated as of November 6, 2002, Third Amendment to Lease dated as of August 14, 2008 and Fourth Amendment to Lease dated as of January 24, 2011, together with any modifications, amendments, extensions and renewals hereafter, being collectively called the “ Lease ”), covering space consisting of the Radio City Music Hall and portions of buildings commonly known as 1270 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York and 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York (the “ Premises ”);

WHEREAS, unless otherwise provided herein all terms not defined herein shall have the meanings given in the Lease;

WHEREAS, in connection with the Lease, MSG Holdings, L.P., (the “ Original Guarantor ”), provided to Landlord the Guaranty of Lease dated as of December 4, 1997, as subsequently restated in its entirety pursuant to the Restated Guaranty of Lease dated as of August 14, 2008 and further amended pursuant to the First Amendment to Restated Guaranty dated as of March 22, 2010 and the Second Amendment to Restated Guaranty dated as of January, 2011 (collectively, the “ Original Guaranty ”);

WHEREAS, on the date hereof, all of Original Guarantor’s ownership interests in Tenant have been transferred to Guarantor; and

WHEREAS, by reason of such transfer, Article 35 of the Lease requires Guarantor to execute and deliver to Landlord a guaranty, in substantially the same form as the Original Guaranty, of (1) the performance by Tenant of all of the terms, covenants, conditions, obligations and agreements contained in the Lease on the part of Tenant to be performed thereunder, including, without limitation, the prompt payment when due of all Fixed Rent, Additional Rent, and all other sums required to be paid by Tenant under the Lease subject only to the limitation on liability set forth in paragraph l(b) below, and (2) any liability of Tenant arising out of a breach of any warranty or representation of Tenant contained in the Surrender Agreement (as hereinafter defined) (the liabilities and obligations contained in clauses (1) and (2) of this recital are collectively referred to herein as the “ Covenants ”);


NOW, THEREFORE, in satisfaction of the aforesaid requirement in Section 35 of the Lease, Guarantor agrees with Landlord as follows:

1.        (a) Guarantor unconditionally guarantees to Landlord the prompt, full and faithful payment, performance and observance of all Covenants; and Guarantor unconditionally covenants to Landlord that if default or breach shall at any time be made by Tenant in the Covenants, Guarantor shall well and truly pay or perform (or cause to be paid or performed) the Covenants and pay all damages and other amounts stipulated in the Lease with respect to the non-performance of the Covenants, or any of them. Guarantor shall pay to Landlord on demand all expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) of, or incidental to, or relating to the enforcement or protection of Landlord’s rights hereunder or Landlord’s rights under the Lease.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 1(a) above, Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty shall not exceed the lesser of (a) the sum of (i) ***** (ii) an amount equal to all Rent and Additional Rent payable under the Lease for the period commencing on (x) the date on which Tenant defaults in the payment of Rent due under the Lease or on any of the other Covenants which default on Tenant’s part remains uncured following the giving of any required notice (except that no such notice shall be required to the extent Landlord is stayed from giving such notice by the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code) and the expiration of any applicable grace period so as to become an Event of Default under the Lease (provided, however, that if Tenant cures such Event of Default and Landlord accepts such cure, such default shall no longer be deemed to have become an Event of Default for purposes hereof) and ending on (y) the Surrender Date (as hereafter defined) assuming, for purposes of this computation only, that Landlord did not elect to terminate the Lease by reason of such Event of Default, and (iii) all expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) of, or incidental to, or relating to the enforcement or protection of Landlord’s rights hereunder or (b) the proceeds of a Letter of Credit or cash security posted by Guarantor pursuant to paragraph 2 below.

2.        (a) Guarantor covenants and agrees that for the Term of the Lease it shall maintain a Net Worth of not less than *****. Guarantor represents and warrants to Landlord that Guarantor is 100% owned by MSG Spinco, Inc. (“ Spinco ”). Guarantor shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Landlord, as soon as available and in no event later than 90 days after the close of each fiscal year either (i) annual consolidated financial statements for Guarantor prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which shall be certified by an officer of Guarantor and audited by an independent accounting firm which shall be any one of the so-called “Big Four” accounting firms or any other accounting firm reasonably acceptable to Landlord, or (ii) both (A) annual consolidated financial statements for Spinco prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which shall be certified by an officer of Spinco and audited by an independent accounting firm which shall be any one of the so-called “Big Four” accounting firms or any other accounting firm reasonably acceptable to Landlord, and (B) an annual consolidating balance sheet for Spinco prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which shall be certified by the Chief Financial Officer of Spinco or a Senior Vice President, Finance of Spinco, and which consolidating balance sheet shall show the assets, liabilities and

 

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equity of Guarantor in sufficient detail for Landlord to determine if Guarantor’s Net Worth shall fail to meet the Net Worth requirement set forth above. The only effect of the breach of the foregoing covenants shall be that such breach shall constitute an Event of Default under the Lease. Landlord shall have all of its rights against Guarantor by reason of the occurrence of an Event of Default under the Lease, but shall have no independent right of action against Guarantor by reason of the breach of the foregoing covenants.

(b) Notwithstanding anything in Section 2(a) to the contrary, if as of the close of any of Guarantor’s fiscal quarters (in the case of clause (i) of Section 2(a)) or Spinco’s fiscal quarters (in the case of clause (ii) of Section 2(a)) during the term of the Lease, Guarantor’s Net Worth shall fail to meet the requirement set forth in Section 2(a) above (the “ Failure ”), then within 10 days after the financial statement for such quarter was completed, Guarantor shall notify Landlord of the Failure and within 30 days thereafter, Guarantor shall have the right, at Guarantor’s election, either to deposit with Landlord, in lieu of this Guaranty, (1) a “clean”, unconditional, irrevocable and transferable letter of credit (the “ Letter of Credit ”) in the amount of *****, and in form reasonably satisfactory to Landlord, issued by and drawn on a bank reasonably satisfactory to Landlord in its sole discretion or which is a member of the New York Clearing House Association, for the benefit of Landlord, for a term of not less than one year, as security for the faithful performance and observance by Tenant of the terms, covenants, conditions and provisions of the Lease; provided that the Letter of Credit shall contain, if commercially obtainable, an “evergreen” provision, providing that the term of such letter of credit shall automatically be extended for successive additional periods of one year but not beyond 45 days after the then Expiration Date unless, not less than 30 days prior to any then pending Expiration Date, the bank issuing such Letter of Credit shall give Landlord written notice of its election not to renew the Letter of Credit at the address provided for in the Lease, and if Guarantor shall not provide a replacement Letter of Credit within 10 days after such notice from the issuing bank, in which event Landlord shall have the right to draw under the Letter of Credit and to retain the proceeds as hereinafter provided or, if such “evergreen provision” is not commercially obtainable, the Letter of Credit shall provide by its terms that it shall not expire prior to 45 days after the then Expiration Date, or (2) cash in the amount of ***** which Landlord shall deposit in a standard interest-bearing security deposit account in a bank located in New York State, provided that if Guarantor’s Net Worth is less than *****, Tenant shall only have the right to deposit with Landlord a Letter of Credit in the amount of ***** hereunder. To the extent not prohibited by law, Landlord shall be entitled to receive and retain as an administrative expense an amount equal to interest on the cash security at the rate of 0.1% per annum, which amount Landlord shall have the right to withdraw, at any time and from time to time, as Landlord may determine. The balance of the interest shall be paid to Guarantor annually. Landlord shall not be required to credit Guarantor with any interest for any period during which Landlord does not actually receive interest on the cash security. If an Event of Default or, during the pendency of any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding brought by or against Tenant, any monetary default shall occur and be continuing, Landlord may apply the cash security or draw under the Letter of Credit and apply the whole or any part of the proceeds thereof toward the payment of any item of rent or additional rent as to which Tenant is in default. If Tenant shall fully and faithfully comply with all of the terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of the Lease, the cash security or the Letter of Credit, as the case may be, shall be returned to Guarantor within 45 days after the expiration of the Lease. If Guarantor shall fail to replace a Letter of Credit that the issuing bank is not renewing as aforesaid, Landlord may draw under the Letter of Credit and retain the proceeds thereof as cash security in lieu of

 

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the Letter of Credit and apply same as contemplated by this Section 2 . It is expressly understood and agreed that the breach of the covenant set forth in Section 2(a) hereof shall not be deemed an Event of Default under the Lease unless Guarantor shall have failed to deliver the cash security or Letter of Credit to Landlord within the time period set forth herein. Upon delivery of the cash security or Letter of Credit, this Guaranty shall be without recourse to Guarantor other than against the Letter of Credit and/or cash delivered under this Section 2 .

3.        The liability of Guarantor hereunder shall not be impaired, abated, deferred, diminished, modified, released, terminated or discharged, in whole or in part, or otherwise affected, by any event, condition, occurrence, circumstance, proceeding, action or failure to act, with or without notice to, or the knowledge or consent of, Guarantor, including, without limitation:

(a) any amendment, modification or extension of the Lease or any Covenant;

(b) any extension of time for performance, whether in whole or in part, of any Covenant given prior to or after default thereunder;

(c) any exchange, surrender or release, in whole or in part, of any security which may be held by Landlord at any time for or under the Lease;

(d) any other guaranty now or hereafter executed by Guarantor or anyone else;

(e) any waiver of or assertion or enforcement or failure or refusal to assert or enforce, in whole or in part, any Covenant, claim, cause of action, right or remedy which Landlord may, at any time, have under the Lease or with respect to any guaranty or any security which may be held by Landlord at any time for or under the Lease or with respect to Tenant;

(f) any act or omission or delay to do any act by Landlord which may in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of Guarantor or which would otherwise operate as a discharge of Guarantor as a matter of law;

(g) the release of any other guarantor from liability for the performance or observance of any Covenant, whether by operation of law or otherwise;

(h) the failure to give Guarantor any notice whatsoever except to the extent required by the Lease;

(i) any right, power or privilege that Landlord may now or hereafter have against any person, entity or collateral;

(j) any assignment conveyance, mortgage, merger or other transfer, voluntary or involuntary (whether by operation of law or otherwise) of all or part of the interest or rights of Landlord under the Lease.

(k) any assignment, conveyance, mortgage, merger or other transfer, voluntary or involuntary (whether by operation of law or otherwise), of all or any part of Tenant’s interest in the Lease except to the extent expressly provided in the Lease.

 

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If any agreement between Landlord and Tenant shall extend the time of performance or modify any of the Covenants, Guarantor shall continue to be liable upon this Guaranty according to the tenor of the Lease without regard to such agreement except to the extent Guarantor shall consent in writing to such agreement.

4.        To charge Guarantor under this Guaranty no demand shall be required, Guarantor hereby expressly waiving any such demand. Landlord shall have the right to enforce this Guaranty without pursuing any right or remedy of Landlord against Tenant or any other party, or any security Landlord may hold, it being intended that immediately upon any breach or default by Tenant in the performance or observance of any Covenant, Guarantor shall be obligated to Landlord as provided in this Guaranty. Landlord may commence any action or proceeding based upon this Guaranty directly against Guarantor without making Tenant or anyone else a party defendant in such action or proceeding. Any one or more successive and/or concurrent actions may be brought hereon against Guarantor either in the same action, if any, brought against Tenant and/or any other party or in separate actions, as often as Landlord, in its sole discretion, may deem advisable.

5.        This Guaranty shall be binding upon Guarantor and its successors and permitted assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of and may be enforced by the successors and assigns of Landlord or by any party to whom Landlord’s interest in the Lease or any part thereof, including the rents, may be assigned whether by way of mortgage or otherwise. Wherever in this Guaranty reference is made to either Landlord or Tenant, the same shall be deemed to refer also to the then successor or assign of Landlord or Tenant.

6.        Guarantor hereby expressly waives and releases (a) notice of the acceptance of this Guaranty and notice of any change in Tenant’s financial condition; (b) the right to interpose any substantive or procedural defense of the law of guaranty, indemnification or suretyship, except the defense of prior payment or prior performance by Tenant or that Tenant has no obligation to pay or perform (of the obligations which Guarantor is called upon to pay or perform under this Guaranty); (c) all rights and remedies accorded by applicable law to guarantors or sureties, including without limitation, any extension of time conferred by any law now or hereafter in effect; (d) the right to trial by jury, in any action or proceeding of any kind arising on, under, out of, or by reason of or relating, in any way, to this Guaranty or the interpretation, breach or enforcement thereof; (e) the right to interpose any defense (except as allowed under (b) above), set off or counterclaim of any nature or description in any action or proceeding; and (f) any right or claim of right to cause a marshaling of Tenant’s assets or to cause Landlord to proceed against Tenant and/or any collateral held by Landlord at any time or in any particular order (except as expressly provided in Section 3 hereof).

7.        Neither Guarantor’s obligation to make payment in accordance with this Guaranty nor any remedy for the enforcement thereof shall be impaired, modified, changed, stayed, released or limited in any manner by any impairment, modification, change, release, limitation or stay of the liability of Tenant or its estate in bankruptcy or any remedy for the enforcement thereof, resulting

 

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from the operation of any present or future provision of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States or other statute or from the decision of any court interpreting any of the same, and Guarantor shall be obligated under this Guaranty as if no such impairment, stay, modification, change, release or limitation had occurred.

8.        As used herein, the term “ Surrender Date ” shall mean the date upon which all of the following shall have occurred: (i) Tenant shall have surrendered to Landlord vacant possession of the Premises in the condition required under the terms of the Lease, (ii) Landlord shall have received a surrender agreement in the form annexed as Exhibit A (the “ Surrender Agreement ”) duly executed and acknowledged by Tenant and (iii) Landlord shall have received all keys and combinations to the Premises.

9.        This Guaranty and all rights, obligations and liabilities arising hereunder shall be construed according to the laws of the State of New York. Guarantor hereby irrevocably agrees that any legal action, suit or proceeding against Guarantor in connection with this Guaranty or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment rendered in any such action, suit or proceeding may be brought in the United States Courts for the Southern District of New York, or in the courts of the State of New York, as Landlord may elect, and, by execution and delivery of this Lease, Guarantor hereby irrevocably accepts and submits to the venue and non-exclusive jurisdiction of each of the aforesaid courts in persona , generally and unconditionally with respect to any such action, suit, or proceeding for itself and in respect of its property. Guarantor further agrees that final judgment against Guarantor in any action, suit, or proceeding referred to herein shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction, by suit on the judgment, a certified or exemplified copy of which shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and of the amount of its indebtedness. Guarantor hereby designates Proskauer Rose Goetz & Mendelson as its agent for service of process. Such designation may only be changed by written notice to Landlord designating another law firm having more than 100 lawyers with an office in New York City.

10.        Guarantor hereby waives any and all rights of subrogation (if any) which it may have against Tenant as a result of actions taken or amounts paid in connection with or relating to this Guaranty or to the Lease.

11.        Guarantor represents and warrants to Landlord that as of the date hereof:

(a) Guarantor has full power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver, perform and observe this Guaranty, including, without limitation, the payment of all moneys hereunder.

(b) The execution, delivery and performance by Guarantor of this Guaranty have been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action.

(c) This Guaranty constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Guarantor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, and other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, to moratorium laws from time to time in effect and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

 

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12.        Guarantor shall not merge or consolidate with any other entity or sell all or substantially all of its assets unless either (a) Guarantor shall be the surviving entity or (b) contemporaneously with such merger or consolidation or sale, the surviving or purchasing entity executes and delivers to Landlord a guaranty, substantially in the form and substance of this Guaranty, together with reasonably satisfactory evidence of the due authorization, execution, delivery, validity, binding effect and enforceability thereof, but whether or not such execution and delivery shall take place the surviving or purchasing entity shall be bound by this Guaranty as if it had so executed and delivered such guaranty.

13.        If Landlord shall be obligated by reason of any bankruptcy, insolvency or other legal proceeding to pay or repay to Tenant or to Guarantor or to any trustee, receiver or other representative of either of them, any amounts previously paid by Tenant or Guarantor on account of the Covenants or pursuant to this Guaranty, Guarantor shall reimburse Landlord for any such payment or repayment and this Guaranty shall extend to the extent of such payment or repayment made by Landlord, except to the extent, if any, that such payment or repayment is prohibited by law or that such payment or repayment constitutes merely a reimbursement of any overpayment. Landlord shall not be required to litigate or otherwise dispute its obligation or make such payment or repayment if in good faith and on written advice of counsel Landlord believes that such obligation exists.

14.        Landlord and Guarantor shall each, at any time and from time to time, within ten (10) business days following request by the other, execute, acknowledge and deliver to the other a statement certifying that this Guaranty is unmodified and in full force and effect (or if there have been modifications, that the same is in full force and effect as modified and stating such modifications) and that to the best of the certifying party’s knowledge, Guarantor is not in default hereunder (or if there is such a default, describing such default in reasonable detail).

15.        All remedies afforded to Landlord by reason of this Guaranty or the Lease, or otherwise available at law or in equity, are separate and cumulative remedies and no one remedy, whether or not exercised by Landlord, shall be deemed to be in exclusion of any other remedy available to Landlord and shall not limit or prejudice any other legal or equitable remedy which Landlord may have.

16.        If any term, covenant, condition or provision of this Guaranty or the application thereof to any circumstance or to Guarantor shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the remaining terms, covenants, conditions and provisions of this Guaranty or the application thereof to any circumstances or to Guarantor other than those as to which any term, covenant, condition or provision is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each remaining term, covenant, condition and provision of this Guaranty shall be valid and shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

17.        Any notice hereunder shall be in writing and personally delivered or sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested to Landlord or Guarantor at their respective addresses hereinabove set forth (to the attention of their respective General Counsel) or such other address designated by Landlord or Guarantor by 10 days’ prior notice. Any notice shall be deemed given as of the date of delivery as indicated by affidavit in case of personal delivery or by the return receipt in the case of mailing; and in the event of failure to deliver by reason of changed address of which no notice is given or refusal to accept delivery, as of the date of such failure as indicated by affidavit or return receipt as aforesaid.

 

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18.        This Guaranty of Lease shall become effective immediately upon the consummation of the Distribution, as defined in the Draft Information Statement filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form 10 of MSG Spinco, Inc.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Guarantor has executed this Guaranty of Lease as of the day and year first above written.

 

MSG SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
By:

 

Name:
Title:

 

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EXHIBIT A

SURRENDER AGREEMENT

THIS SURRENDER AGREEMENT, made as of the     day of         ,      between RCPI LANDMARK PROPERTIES, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company having an office at c/o Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P., 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10111 (“ Landlord ”) and Radio City Productions LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with an office at 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019 (“ Tenant ”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, by Agreement of Lease, dated as of December 4, 1997 (as the same has heretofore been amended, the “ Lease ”) between Landlord and Tenant, Landlord did demise and let unto Tenant, and Tenant did hire and take from Radio City Music Hall and portions of the buildings commonly known as 1270 Avenue of the Americas and 50 Rockefeller Plaza New York (the “ Premises ”); and

WHEREAS, Tenant desires to surrender the Premises effective upon the date this Agreement and all keys and combinations to the Premises are delivered to Landlord (such date being hereinafter referred to as the “ Surrender Date ”), upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Landlord and Tenant do hereby agree as follows:

1. Surrender of Premises . Effective as of the Surrender Date, Tenant hereby surrenders to Landlord all of Tenant’s right, title and interest in and to the Premises and the Lease, together with all alterations, installations, additions and improvements in and to said Premises (in the manner provided for in the Lease), to the intent and purpose that the estate of Tenant in and to the Premises shall be wholly extinguished as of the Surrender Date.

2. Representations . Tenant hereby warrants and represents to Landlord that nothing has been done or suffered by Tenant whereby the Lease, the Premises or the estate of Tenant in and to said Premises or any part thereof, has been encumbered in any way whatsoever; Tenant has good right to surrender the same; and that no one other than Tenant has acquired through or under Tenant any right, title or interest in and to the Lease or the term and estate thereby granted or in and to all or any part of the Premises covered by the Lease including, without limitation, all alterations, installations, additions, and improvements in and to the Premises.

3. Brokerage . Tenant further warrants and represents to Landlord that it has not dealt with any real estate agent or broker in connection with this Agreement and/or the Premises and that this Agreement was not brought about or procured through the use or instrumentality of any agent or broker. Tenant covenants and agrees to indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from and against any and all claims for commissions and other compensation made by any agent or agents and/or any broker or brokers based on any dealings between Tenant and any agent or agents and/or broker or brokers, together with all costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in resisting such claims (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees).

 

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4. Continuing Liability . The delivery of this Agreement to Landlord shall not affect any liability or obligation of Tenant under the Lease and shall not be construed to diminish, limit or otherwise reduce any liability or obligation that Tenant would otherwise have under the Lease if this Agreement were never delivered to Landlord.

5. Successors and Assigns . The covenants, conditions, provisions and agreements contained in this Agreement shall bind Tenant , its permitted successors and assigns and inure to the benefit of Landlord and its successors and assigns.

6. No Oral Modifications . This Agreement may not be changed, modified or canceled orally and shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, their successors, legal representatives and assigns.

7. Survival . The provisions of this Agreement shall survive the termination of the Lease.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Surrender Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

LANDLORD:
RCPI LANDMARK PROPERTIES, L.L.C.
By:

 

Name:
Title:
TENANT:
RADIO CITY PRODUCTIONS LLC
By:

 

Name:
Title:

 

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Exhibit 10.20

 

 

 

FORMATION, CONTRIBUTION AND INVESTMENT AGREEMENT

Dated as of August 30, 2013


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  
ARTICLE I   
FORMATION   
Section 1.1    Formation of Newco      1   
ARTICLE II   
INITIAL CONTRIBUTION TRANSACTION   
Section 2.1    Initial Contribution Transaction      1   
ARTICLE III   
INVESTMENT   
Section 3.1    Investment by MSG Member      2   
ARTICLE IV   
THE CLOSING; POST CLOSING ADJUSTMENTS   
Section 4.1    Closing      2   
Section 4.2    Deliveries at the Closing      2   
Section 4.3    Post-Closing Adjustments      4   
ARTICLE V   
[Intentionally omitted.]   
ARTICLE VI   
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF AZOFF MANAGEMENT   
Section 6.1    Authority      5   
Section 6.2    Non-Contravention      6   
Section 6.3    Financial Statements and Reports      6   
Section 6.4    Properties, Contracts and Other Data      6   
Section 6.5    Absence of Differences from Schedules      8   

 

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Section 6.6    Real Property      12   
Section 6.7    Tangible Personal Property      12   
Section 6.8    Contracts      12   
Section 6.9    Insurance      12   
Section 6.10    Banking Facilities      13   
Section 6.11    Relationship with Clients      13   
Section 6.12    Sufficiency of the Acquired Assets      13   
Section 6.13    Certain Interests      13   
Section 6.14    Transactions with Related Parties      13   
Section 6.15    No Brokerage      13   
ARTICLE VII   
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE MSG PARTIES   
Section 7.1    Authority      14   
Section 7.2    Non-Contravention      14   
Section 7.3    No Brokerage      14   
ARTICLE VIII   
COVENANTS   
Section 8.1    Access and Information      15   
Section 8.2    Conduct of Business      15   
Section 8.3    Consents; Further Assurances      15   
Section 8.4    Regulatory Approvals      16   
Section 8.5    Tax Matters      17   
Section 8.6    Notification      18   
Section 8.7    Protective Covenants      18   
ARTICLE IX   
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING   
Section 9.1    Conditions to the Obligations of the Parties      20   
Section 9.2    Conditions to the Obligations of the MSG Parties      20   
Section 9.3    Conditions to the Obligations of Azoff Management      21   

 

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ARTICLE X   
TERMINATION   
Section 10.1    Termination      21   
Section 10.2    Effect of Termination      22   
ARTICLE XI   
SURVIVAL; INDEMNIFICATION   
Section 11.1    Survival      22   
Section 11.2    Indemnification by Azoff Management      22   
Section 11.3    Indemnification by the MSG Parties      22   
Section 11.4    Indemnification Procedures      22   
Section 11.5    Books and Records      23   
Section 11.6    Treatment of Indemnification Payment      23   
Section 11.7    Insurance      23   
Section 11.8    Survival and Timing of Claims for Indemnification      24   
Section 11.9    Exclusive Remedy      24   
Section 11.10    Certain Limitations      24   
ARTICLE XII   
MISCELLANEOUS   
Section 12.1    Counterparts      25   
Section 12.2    Governing Law      25   
Section 12.3    Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiary      26   
Section 12.4    Expenses      26   
Section 12.5    Notices      26   
Section 12.6    Successors and Assigns      27   
Section 12.7    Headings      28   
Section 12.8    Amendments and Waivers      28   
Section 12.9    Interpretation; Absence of Presumption      28   
Section 12.10    Severability      28   
Section 12.11    Further Assurances      29   
Section 12.12    Business Days      29   

 

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Section 12.13    Schedules      29   
Section 12.14    Specific Performance      29   
Section 12.15    Public Announcements      29   
Section 12.16    Bulk Transfer      30   
EXHIBITS   
Exhibit A    Definitions   
Exhibit B    Reserved   
Exhibit C    Form of Newco Certificate of Formation   
Exhibit D    Form of Employment Agreement   
Exhibit E    Form of Newco LLC Agreement   
Exhibit F    Form of Revolving Credit Agreement   

 

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FORMATION, CONTRIBUTION AND INVESTMENT AGREEMENT

This Formation, Contribution and Investment Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2013 (this “ Agreement ”), is among MSG Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ MSG ”), Entertainment Ventures, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ MSG Member ” and, together with MSG, the “ MSG Parties ”), and Azoff Music Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Azoff Management ”), and, solely for purposes of Section 8.7, Irving Azoff and Irving Azoff and Rochelle Azoff, as Co-Trustees of the Azoff Family Trust of 1997, dated May 27, 1997, as amended (the “ ILA Parties ” and, together with Azoff Management, the “ Azoff Parties ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement are defined in Exhibit A.

WHEREAS, Azoff Management is engaged in the Contributed Business, as more fully described in Schedule 2.1(a);

WHEREAS, Azoff Management is contributing the Contributed Business to Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC, a newly-formed Delaware limited liability company (“ Newco ”), in exchange for 100% of the membership interests in Newco; and

WHEREAS, Azoff Management desires to sell to MSG Member and MSG Member wishes to purchase from Azoff Management, a 50% membership interest in Newco.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

FORMATION

Section 1.1 Formation of Newco .

(a) On or prior to the date hereof, Azoff Management organized Newco as a limited liability company under Delaware law.

(b) The certificate of formation of Newco is attached hereto as Exhibit C.

ARTICLE II

INITIAL CONTRIBUTION TRANSACTION

Section 2.1 Initial Contribution Transaction .

(a) On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the Closing, Azoff Management shall contribute or cause to be contributed, transferred, assigned and delivered to Newco the Contributed Business, free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Encumbrances, in exchange for the issuance to Azoff Management of a 100% membership interest in Newco, as provided in the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Newco (the “ Newco LLC Agreement ”), and the assumption by Newco of the Assumed Liabilities.

(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the only liabilities of the Contributed Business that Newco shall assume are the liabilities set forth on Schedule 2.1(a) (the “ Assumed Liabilities ”) for the period beginning August 1, 2013, and Newco will not assume or be bound by or be obligated or responsible for any other liabilities including, without limitation the Excluded Liabilities, and Azoff Management shall hold Newco harmless from and indemnify Newco against any Excluded Liabilities in accordance with Article IX hereof.


ARTICLE III

INVESTMENT

Section 3.1 Investment by MSG Member .

On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the Closing:

(a) MSG Member shall purchase a 50% membership interest in Newco (the “ Purchased Interest ”) from Azoff Management for One Hundred Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($125,000,000) in cash (the “ Purchase Price ”); and

(b) Azoff Management shall deliver the Purchased Interest to MSG Member free and clear of all Liens, in exchange for the payment of the cash purchase price.

ARTICLE IV

THE CLOSING; POST CLOSING ADJUSTMENTS

Section 4.1 Closing . On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the closing of the transactions contemplated by Articles II and III of this Agreement (the “ Closing ”) shall take place at the offices of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, 125 Broad Street, New York, NY on the fifth Business Day following the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article IX, other than those conditions that can be satisfied only on the Closing Date. The date on which the Closing occurs shall be called the “ Closing Date .”

 

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Section 4.2 Deliveries at the Closing .

(a) In addition to the other requirements set forth herein, at the Closing, Azoff Management shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the MSG Parties and Newco the following:

(i) certificates evidencing the good standing of Azoff Management in its jurisdiction of organization as of a recent date;

(ii) the bill of contribution, duly executed by Azoff Management, and any other instrument of assignment, reasonably requested by the MSG Parties (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark, domain name or lease assignment or certificate evidencing the transfer of title of a vehicle), duly executed by Azoff Management, all in such form as is reasonably requested by the MSG Parties in order to evidence the contribution of the Contributed Business to Newco in accordance with this Agreement;

(iii) the Employment Agreement (the “ Employment Agreement ”) in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D, duly executed by Irving Azoff and Newco;

(iv) the Newco LLC Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E, duly executed by Azoff Management;

(v) appropriate documentation to assign to Newco all rights, benefits and obligations under the “Key Man Life Insurance Policy” (No. MF5566488) insuring the life of Azoff;

(vi) the Revolving Credit Agreement (the “ Revolving Credit Agreement ”) duly executed by Newco in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F; and

(vii) all other certificates, documents and instruments that are reasonably requested by the MSG Parties in connection with completing the transactions contemplated by Articles II and III of this Agreement.

(b) In addition to the other requirements set forth herein, at the Closing, the MSG Parties shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Azoff Management the following:

(i) certificates evidencing the good standing of MSG and MSG Member in their respective jurisdictions of organization as of a recent date;

(ii) the Revolving Credit Agreement, duly executed by an Affiliate of MSG;

(iii) the Newco LLC Agreement, duly executed by MSG Member;

(iv) payment of the Purchase Price in cash in immediately available funds by wire transfer to one or more bank accounts designated in writing by Azoff Management to MSG Member not less than two Business Days prior to the Closing Date; and

(v) all other certificates, documents and instruments that are reasonably requested by Azoff Management in connection with completing the transactions contemplated by Articles II and III of this Agreement.

 

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Section 4.3 Post-Closing Adjustments .

(a) Azoff Management shall deliver to MSG Member, within ten (10) days following the Closing Date, a notice (the “ Closing Adjustments Notice ”) setting forth Azoff Management’s calculation of (i) the operating cash flows of the Contributed Business (calculated on the basis of actual cash received and actual cash expenses paid, in each case to the extent relating solely to the period on and after August 1, 2013) during the period August 1, 2013 through the close of business on the day prior to the Closing Date (the “ Interim Period Statement ”), and (ii) a statement of all amounts paid by AMM prior to August 1, 2013 to the extent they relate solely to the period on or after August 1, 2013 under the Prepayment Arrangements (the “ Prepayments ” and, together with the net amount of operating cash reflected on the Interim Period Statement, the “ Closing Adjustments ”), together in each case with documentation reasonably necessary to support Azoff Management’s calculations and shall give MSG Member and its Affiliates access, during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice, to such of the employees and books and records of the Contributed Business as MSG Member may reasonably request. MSG Member must deliver written notice to Azoff Management setting forth in reasonable detail any objections it has with respect to the Closing Adjustments no later than thirty (30) days after the date on which Azoff Management delivered the Closing Adjustments Notice (the “ Notice of Objection ”). If MSG Member does not so deliver the Notice of Objection within such thirty (30) day period, the Closing Adjustments Notice shall become conclusive and binding on the parties for all purposes of this Agreement. If MSG Member does so deliver the Notice of Objection within such thirty (30) day period, then Azoff Management and MSG Member shall use good faith efforts to resolve all the objections contained in the Notice of Objection (the “ Objections ”) within such thirty (30) day period.

(b) If MSG Member and Azoff Management are unable to resolve all of the Objections within said thirty (30) day period, they shall refer any remaining Objections that have not been resolved by such date to the CPA Firm, which, acting as experts and not as arbitrators, shall make its determination as to the resolution of such remaining Objections. The CPA Firm’s determination with respect to the remaining Objections shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties. Azoff Management shall make readily available to the CPA Firm all relevant books and records and any work papers relating to the Closing Adjustment Notice and all other items reasonably requested by the CPA Firm in connection therewith.

(c) Promptly (and in any event within five (5) Business Days) after all aspects of the Closing Adjustments shall have become conclusive and binding on the parties pursuant to the foregoing provisions, (i) if the Closing Adjustments amount is a positive number (i.e., the net positive operating cash flow exceeds the Prepayments), Azoff Management will pay the absolute value thereof to Newco by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account or accounts designated by Newco and (ii) if the Closing Adjustments amount is a negative number, then Newco will pay the absolute value thereof to Azoff Management by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account or accounts designated by Azoff Management.

(d) For the avoidance of doubt, Newco shall not pay any expenses relating to any period prior to August 1, 2013. If at any time Azoff Management or its Affiliates receive or received any cash revenues or other payments in respect of the operations of the Contributed Business on or after August 1, 2013 and such revenues or other payments were not reflected in the Closing Adjustment, Azoff Management shall promptly turn over such cash revenues or other payments to Newco. If at any time Newco receives any cash revenues or other payments in respect of the operations of the Contributed Business prior to August 1, 2013, Newco shall promptly turn over such cash revenues or other payments to Azoff Management.

 

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ARTICLE V

[Intentionally omitted.]

ARTICLE VI

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF AZOFF MANAGEMENT

Except as set forth in the Azoff Disclosure Schedules for representations and warranties that provide for a Schedule or for which a Schedule is included in the Schedules attached hereto (but subject to the limitations provided in Section 12.13 (Schedules)), Azoff Management represents and warrants to and for the benefit of the MSG Parties as follows:

Section 6.1 Authority .

(a) Each of the Azoff Parties has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver the Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party, to perform its obligations thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby. The execution and delivery by each Azoff Party of the Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party, the performance by each Azoff Party of its obligations thereunder and the consummation by each Azoff Party of the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action and no other proceedings are required to authorize the Transaction Documents to which each Azoff Party is or will be a party or for each Azoff Party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. This Agreement has been, and, upon execution and delivery thereof by an Azoff Party, each of the other Transaction Documents to which an Azoff Party is or will be a party shall be, duly and validly executed and delivered by such Azoff Party and, assuming the due and valid authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto, constitute, or in the case of each such other Transaction Document, shall constitute, a valid and binding obligation of the Azoff Party party thereto, enforceable against it in accordance with its respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium or other similar Laws affecting or relating to creditors’ rights and general principles of equity. Prior to the acquisition by MSG Member of the Purchased Interest, Newco shall not have conducted any business operations or activities other than the acceptance of the contribution of the Contributed Business and the issuance of a 100% membership interest therefor. The Azoff Family Trust of 1997, dated May 27, 1997, as amended, owns all of the membership interests and any other equity in Azoff Management. Irving Azoff does not, directly or indirectly, own any assets or interests in or relating to, or conduct, any business that is, a Relevant Business other than (i) through Azoff Management and (ii) the Permitted Passive Rights. “ Permitted Passive Rights ” means passive movie participation rights, passive movie soundtrack royalties and passive royalties from music owned by the business known as Azoff Publishing, Inc., in all cases (A) acquired by Irving Azoff or one of his controlled Affiliates prior to August 1, 2013 and (B) which do not, in any year, produce more than $150,000 of income in the aggregate.

(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 6.1(b), the execution, delivery and performance by Azoff Management of this Agreement do not and will not require any consent, approval, authorization or other order of, action by, filing with or notification to any Governmental Authority, except for those that may be required by the nature of the business or ownership of the MSG Parties.

 

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Section 6.2 Non-Contravention . Except as set forth in Schedule 6.2, the execution, delivery and performance by the Azoff Parties of this Agreement do not and will not (a) violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any provision of the certificate of formation or other constituent document of any Azoff Party, (b) conflict with or violate any Law or Governmental Order applicable to any Azoff Party or any of its assets, or (c) conflict with, result in any breach of, constitute a default (or event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a default) under, require any consent under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment or acceleration of, or result in the creation of any Lien on the assets of the Contributed Business pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture or Contract, to which Azoff Management is a party or by which any of its assets are bound and affected.

Section 6.3 Financial Statements and Reports . Schedule 6.3 sets forth (i) the unaudited balance sheet of the Contributed Business as of June 30, 2013 (such unaudited balance sheet being referred to in this Agreement as the “ Balance Sheet ,” and June 30, 2013 being referred to in this Agreement as the “ Balance Sheet Date ”), and (ii) the related statements of income and retained earnings and changes of financial position for the six-month period then ended, certified by the Contributed Business’ Chief Executive Officer. The Balance Sheet and all related statements described as aforesaid are collectively referred to as the “ Financial Statements ”). The Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with the books and records of the Contributed Business; (ii) were prepared in accordance with GAAP; and (iii) fairly present the financial condition and the results of operations of the Contributed Business as of the date thereof and for the periods covered thereby.

Section 6.4 Properties, Contracts and Other Data . Schedule 6.4 contains a true and complete statement, listing, description or copies of the following:

(a) the Contributed Business’ accounts and notes receivable;

(b) a schedule for the current fiscal quarter of all prepayments, prepaid expenses, advances to employees, credits from suppliers, deposits and the like as generated by the Contributed Business’ internal information systems in the ordinary course of business, as of the date set forth thereon, and showing each of the prepayments having any book value on the books of the Contributed Business as of such date;

(c) a schedule of all items of tangible personal property as generated by the internal information systems of the Contributed Business in the ordinary course of business, as of the date shown thereon;

 

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(d) a schedule listing each client of the Contributed Business, a summary of the terms of the clients’ arrangements and a schedule of commission income by client for each of the fiscal years 2011 and 2012, and for the period January 1, 2013 through the Balance Sheet Date;

(e) all of the Intellectual Property of, and all licenses granted by or to, the Contributed Business or any Azoff Party which relate in whole or in part to the Contributed Business;

(f) a list of all internet domain names relating the Contributed Business or registered by any Azoff Party;

(g) all compensation, bonus, incentive deferred payment, retirement, pension, severance, profit-sharing, stock purchase and stock option, group life, automobile, medical, dental, disability, welfare or other employee benefit plans or insurance policies, and other similar arrangements (collectively, “ Employee Benefit Arrangements ”) generally applicable to the present or former Employees and for which the Contributed Business is responsible or its assets may be subject;

(h) all material written or oral employment or consulting agreements with, or similar commitments to, any Employees, officers or consultants of the Contributed Business to which the Contributed Business is a party or to which any of the assets of the Contributed Business may be subject;

(i) the names, titles, job description and location of each current officer, consultant or Employee of the Contributed Business, and the amount of their compensation (showing base compensation and bonus payments separately) for calendar year 2013;

(j) all other Contracts to which the Contributed Business is a party, or to which any of the assets of the Contributed Business are subject, except (i) Contracts otherwise listed in the Schedules hereto, (ii) Contracts, or any related group of Contracts, involving a liability, whether actual or contingent, of or to the Contributed Business of less than $25,000, and (iii) Contracts for the purchase or sale of merchandise, goods or services entered into in the ordinary course of business the performance of which by the Contributed Business will extend either over a period of less than one year from the date of such Contract or are cancellable or terminable within one year from the date of such contract without penalty;

(k) all Contracts (unless the particular provision described below is expressly contained in another document otherwise identified in the Schedules hereto) to which the Contributed Business is a party or to which any of the assets of the Contributed Business are subject, which (i) contains any covenant not to compete, covenant of nonsolicitation or similar restrictive covenant or otherwise significantly restricts the nature of the business activities in which the Contributed Business may engage or the customers, vendors or employees it may have, (ii) with respect to existing accounts receivable in excess of $25,000 and provides for the extension of credit on terms other than payment within sixty (60) days of invoice, (iii) provides for a guaranty or indemnity by the Contributed Business, or (iv) contains a right of first refusal in favor of another person or entity;

 

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(l) any Permit held by the Contributed Business; and

(m) all insurance policies held by the Contributed Business.

Except as otherwise set forth in Schedule 6.4 or Schedule 6.8, no breach of, or default by the Contributed Business under any Contract (or event which would, with the passage of time, notice or both, constitute a breach or default) has occurred, and to the Knowledge of Azoff Management, each such Contract remains in full force and effect.

Section 6.5 Absence of Differences from Schedules . Except as is contemplated by this Agreement or as otherwise disclosed in Schedule 6.5:

(a) No Undisclosed Liabilities . Except for (i) those liabilities specifically reflected or reserved against on the Balance Sheet, (ii) those current liabilities for trade or business obligations incurred since the Balance Sheet Date in connection with the purchase of goods or services in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices (none of which is, individually or in the aggregate, material and none of which is for breach of contract, breach of warranty, tort or infringement), (iii) those liabilities arising under any Contract (none of which liabilities is for breach of contract, breach of warranty, tort or infringement), or (iv) those liabilities otherwise disclosed in the Schedules hereto (none of which liabilities is for breach of contract, breach of warranty, tort or infringement), Azoff Management and the Contributed Business do not have, as of the date hereof, any direct or indirect Indebtedness, liability, claim, loss, damage, deficiency, obligation or responsibility, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated, accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, and whether or not of a kind required by GAAP to be set forth on a financial statement, which individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) No Material Adverse Change . Since the Balance Sheet Date, other than for matters or changes contemplated or permitted by this Agreement or that relate to the execution of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, including, without limitation, the fact that Newco will own and operate the Contributed Business following the Closing, there has not been:

(i) any material event out of the ordinary course of business of the Contributed Business materially and adversely affecting the operations or financial condition of the Contributed Business;

(ii) other than as contemplated by this Agreement, any entry into, modification or termination of any Contract, other than in the ordinary course of business;

(iii) any casualty, damage, destruction or loss;

(iv) other than as contemplated by this Agreement, any sale or other disposition of any fixed asset of the Contributed Business having a net book value in excess of $25,000, or any Lien on any such asset of the Contributed Business, other than in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(v) any default or breach by the Contributed Business under any Contract;

(vi) any material change made in executive compensation levels or in the manner in which Employees are compensated or in benefits provided to such Employees;

(vii) any change in its accounting methods or practices (including, without limitation, any change in depreciation or amortization policies or rates) of the Contributed Business or revaluation of any of its assets;

(viii) entry into any transaction, Contract or commitment other than in the ordinary course of its business and consistent with past practices;

(ix) the loss of one or more material clients or any material amounts of business, in the aggregate, or receipt of notice that any such loss is impending; or

(x) any express or deemed Tax election, filing of any amended Tax return, agreement to an extension or waiver of the statute of limitations with respect to the assessment or determination of Taxes, entry into any closing agreement with respect to any Tax, surrender of any right to claim a Tax refund, or settlement or compromise of any liability with respect to Taxes of the Contributed Business.

(c) Litigation . Schedule 6.5(c) sets forth an accurate and complete description of every pending adverse claim, audit, dispute, governmental investigation, suit, action (including, without limitation, any nonjudicial real or personal property foreclosure action), arbitration, legal, administrative or other proceeding of any nature, domestic or foreign, criminal or civil, at law or in equity (“ Litigation ”), by or against the Contributed Business or, to the Knowledge of Azoff Management (which does not include performance of litigation searches or review of court records), threatened Litigation against the Contributed Business; and, to such Knowledge of Azoff Management, every pending or threatened Litigation against any Azoff Party that relates in any way or could reasonably be expected to affect, the Contributed Business. Azoff Management has delivered to the MSG Parties and Newco copies of all relevant court papers and other documents relating to the matters referred to in Schedule 6.5(c), and Schedule 6.5(c) also sets forth a description of the current status of each such matter. Except as disclosed in Schedule 6.5(c):

(i) no such matter or matters, if decided adversely to the Contributed Business or any Azoff Party individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(ii) the Contributed Business is not in default with respect to any Governmental Order by which it is bound or to which its property is subject and there exists no Governmental Order enjoining or requiring the Contributed Business to take any action of any kind with respect to the Contributed Business;

(iii) neither Azoff Management, nor any officer, director, manager or employee of Azoff Management, has been permanently or temporarily enjoined by any Governmental Order from engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with the Contributed Business;

 

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(iv) to the Knowledge of Azoff Management, no basis exists for any claim, audit, investigation, suit or proceeding which, if decided adversely could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

(v) to the Knowledge of Azoff Management there is no basis for any Person to assert a claim against the Contributed Business predicated upon: (x) ownership or rights to ownership of any securities of Azoff Management, (y) any rights as a securities holder of Azoff Management, including, without limitation, any option, warrant or other right to acquire any securities of Azoff Management, any preemptive rights or any rights to notice or to vote, or (z) any rights under any agreement between Azoff Management and any securities holder in such holder’s capacity as such.

In addition, Schedule 6.5(c) sets forth a description of any and all audits that were commenced against Azoff Management or, to the Knowledge of Azoff Management, threatened against Azoff Management or commenced or threatened against any Azoff Party, and resolved, settled or compromised during the period January 1, 2013 through the date of this Agreement, and the terms and conditions of such resolution, settlement or compromise.

(d) Compliance with Laws . The Azoff Parties (i) have not received any notice as yet unremedied of any violation of any Laws applicable to the Contributed Business or its operations or with respect to which compliance is a condition of engaging in the Contributed Business, (ii) are in compliance with all Laws and (iii) have all Permits necessary to conduct the Contributed Business as presently conducted.

(e) Title . The Contributed Business at the Closing will have good and marketable title, or valid and effective leasehold rights in the case of leased property, to all of its assets, free and clear of all Liens, except for those created or allowed to be suffered by Newco and except for (i) the Lien for current Taxes not yet due and payable, (ii) Liens expressly permitted by this Agreement, and (iii) with respect to leased property, interests of the lessors thereof (the “ Permitted Encumbrances ”).

(f) Intellectual Property . The Azoff Parties have not received any notice of any claim, or of any basis for a claim, which asserts the rights of others with respect to any of the Intellectual Property, or which asserts or may assert that the conduct of the Contributed Business infringes or violates Intellectual Property rights of others. The Azoff Parties and the Contributed Business have in all material respects performed all of their obligations required to be performed, and are not in default (or with notice or lapse of time, or both, would be in default), under any agreement relating to any of the Intellectual Property.

(g) Labor Matters . There are, and during the past three years there have been, no unfair labor practice complaints, labor strikes, arbitrations, disputes, work slowdowns or work stoppages pending or, to the Knowledge of Azoff Management, threatened, between the Contributed Business and any of the Employees, current or former. Except as described in Schedule 6.5(g), each Employee is an “at-will” employee, and the employment of each such Employee may be terminated immediately by the Contributed Business without liability, notice or severance, except as otherwise provided by statute or decisional authority.

 

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(h) Employee Benefit Plans . There are no “multiemployer plans” within the meaning of Section 3(37) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ ERISA ”), in which Azoff Management has been a participating employer within the last six (6) years and in which Employees participate. The employee benefit arrangements of the Contributed Business that are covered by ERISA, to the Knowledge of Azoff Management, are, and during all applicable limitation periods have been in compliance with, ERISA, and all retirement or pension plans are qualified plans under the Code.

(i) Tax Matters .

(i) The Contributed Business and Azoff Management have filed with the appropriate Taxing authorities all Tax returns that were required to be filed, which Tax returns are true, correct and complete in all material respects, and has paid, or made adequate provision for the payment of, all Taxes shown thereon as owing.

(ii) The Contributed Business and Azoff Management have not waived in writing any statute of limitations in respect of any Taxes (other than a waiver that has expired or terminated).

(iii) The Contributed Business is not and has not been a member of an Affiliated Group filing a consolidated federal Tax return.

(iv) The Contributed Business is not a party to any Tax allocation, Tax indemnity or Tax sharing agreement, and Azoff Management does not have any liability for the Taxes of any other Person under Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local, or foreign Law), as transferee or successor, by contract or otherwise.

(v) There are no Liens for Taxes upon the assets of the Contributed Business except for Liens for Taxes being contested in good faith or with respect to Taxes not yet due and payable.

(vi) There is no suit, audit, claim, assessment or other proceeding pending or proposed in writing with respect to the Taxes of the Contributed Business.

(vii) Schedule 6.5(i) lists each Taxing jurisdiction in which the Contributed Business has filed or is required to file any Tax returns.

(viii) Azoff Management has provided or made available true, correct and complete copies of each Tax return of the Contributed Business for the last fiscal year of the Contributed Business.

(ix) Azoff Management has timely withheld and paid all Taxes, which may be assessable by any Taxing authority, required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any Employee, independent contractor, creditor, member or other third party.

(x) Azoff Management has not participated as a tax shelter “promoter,” “tax shelter organizer” or as an investor in a “tax shelter” within the meaning of Section 6111 of the Code.

 

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Section 6.6 Real Property . The Contributed Business does not own or use any Real Property except as described in Schedule 6.6.

Section 6.7 Tangible Personal Property . Except as indicated in Schedule 6.7:

(a) the Contributed Business has good and marketable title to each item of its tangible personal property, free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Encumbrances;

(b) no officer, director, owner, equity investor or Employee of the Contributed Business, nor any Affiliate thereof, owns directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, any item of the tangible personal property of the Contributed Business or has any other interest therein; and

(c) each item of tangible personal property owned or used by the Contributed Business is in good operating condition and repair, usable in the ordinary course of business.

Section 6.8 Contracts . Except as disclosed in Schedule 6.4 or Schedule 6.8:

(a) to the Knowledge of Azoff Management, each Contract is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the other contracting party, enforceable against the other contracting party in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and general equitable principles;

(b) the Contributed Business and the Azoff Parties have fulfilled all material obligations required pursuant to each Contract to have been performed by it prior to the date hereof, and to the Knowledge of Azoff Management, the Contributed Business will be able to fulfill, when due, all of its obligations under each Contract which remain to be performed after the date hereof; and

(c) to the Knowledge of Azoff Management, no other contracting party to any Contract has breached such Contract in any material respect within the twelve (12) month period prior to the date hereof.

Section 6.9 Insurance . The Contributed Business is not in default, nor has it ever been in default, with respect to any provision contained in any insurance policy or has failed to give any notice or present any claim under any such policy in due and timely fashion. There are no outstanding unpaid claims under any such policy. The Contributed Business has not received any notice of cancellation or non-renewal of any such policy. No such policy is terminable or cancelable by the insurer by virtue of the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein.

 

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Section 6.10 Banking Facilities . Schedule 6.10 contains a time and complete list of:

(a) each bank, savings and loan or similar financial institution in which the Contributed Business has an account or safety deposit box and the numbers of the accounts or safety deposit boxes maintained by the Contributed Business; and

(b) the names of all Persons authorized to draw on each such account or to have access to any such safety deposit box facility, together with a description of the authority (and conditions thereof, if any) of each Person with respect thereto.

Section 6.11 Relationship with Clients . The Contributed Business’ relationship with its clients is satisfactory and nothing has come to the attention of Azoff Management, including any written, oral or email correspondence from any client or any representative or advisor of a client, that, taken in the aggregate together with all other available information, causes Azoff Management to believe that the Contributed Business’ relationship with any client is not satisfactory. No client has terminated or canceled (or threatened to terminate or cancel) his Contract with the Contributed Business since January 1, 2012.

Section 6.12 Sufficiency of the Acquired Assets . The assets conveyed to Newco under this Agreement, constitute all of the assets owned, leased, used or held for use in the Contributed Business by the Azoff Parties and constitute all of the assets necessary to conduct the Contributed Business as currently conducted.

Section 6.13 Certain Interests . Neither Azoff Management nor any of its officers, directors, owners or Related Persons:

(a) has any direct or indirect financial interest in any competitor or customer of the Contributed Business (other than record and beneficial ownership of not more than 5% of the outstanding capital stock of any such Person subject to the periodic and other reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934);

(b) owns, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, or has any other interest in any tangible or intangible property which is necessary for the conduct of the Contributed Business; or

(c) has any outstanding indebtedness for borrowed money to the Contributed Business.

Section 6.14 Transactions with Related Parties . Schedule 6.14 lists and describes all transactions between or affecting the Contributed Business, on the one hand, and one or more Related Parties of Azoff Management, on the other hand.

Section 6.15 No Brokerage . There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other similar intermediary who has been retained by or on behalf of any Azoff Party or any of its Affiliates who might be entitled to any fee, commission or other payment upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.

 

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ARTICLE VII

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE MSG PARTIES

The MSG Parties jointly and severally represent and warrant to and for the benefit of Azoff Management as follows:

Section 7.1 Authority . (a) Each MSG Party has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery by each MSG Party of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party, the performance by each MSG Party of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by each MSG Party of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action on the part of each MSG Party and no other proceedings on the part of any MSG Party is required to authorize this Agreement or other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party or for any MSG Party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. This Agreement has been, and, upon execution and delivery thereof by each MSG Party, each of the other Transaction Documents to which any MSG Party is or will be a party shall be, duly and validly executed and delivered by each MSG Party and, assuming the due and valid authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto, constitute, or in the case of each such other Transaction Document, shall constitute, a valid and binding obligation of each MSG Party, enforceable against it in accordance with its respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium or other similar Laws affecting or relating to creditors’ rights and general principles of equity.

(b) The execution, delivery and performance by the MSG Parties of this Agreement do not and will not require any consent, approval, authorization or other order of, action by, filing with or notification to any Governmental Authority, except for those that may be required by the nature of the business or ownership of Azoff Management.

Section 7.2 Non-Contravention . The execution, delivery and performance by the MSG Parties of this Agreement do not and will not (a) violate, conflict with or result in the breach of, any provision of the constituent instruments of an MSG Party, (b) conflict with or violate any Law or Governmental Order applicable to an MSG Party or any of its assets or (c) conflict with, result in any breach of, constitute a default (or event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a default) under, require any consent under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment or acceleration of, or result in the creation of any Lien on any of the assets of an MSG Party pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture or Contract to which an MSG Party is a party or by which any of its assets is bound or affected.

Section 7.3 No Brokerage . There is no investment banker, broker, finder or other similar intermediary who has been retained by or on behalf of any MSG Party who might be entitled to any fee, commission or other payment from Newco or from Azoff Management or any of their respective Affiliates upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

COVENANTS

Section 8.1 Access and Information . From the date hereof until the Closing, subject to reasonable rules, regulations and policies of Azoff Management and any applicable Laws, Azoff Management and Newco shall (a) afford MSG and its representatives reasonable access, during regular business hours and upon reasonable advance notice, to the Contributed Business and (b) furnish or cause to be furnished to MSG any financial and operating data and other information that is available with respect to the Contributed Business as MSG from time to time reasonably requests.

Section 8.2 Conduct of Business . From the date hereof to the Closing, except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement Azoff Management shall conduct the Contributed Business in the ordinary course and use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact the Contributed Business and its relationships with customers, artists, vendors and employees. From the date hereof to the Closing, except for the items set forth in Schedule 8.2 or to which MSG otherwise consents in writing, Azoff Management and Newco shall not:

(i) Take, or omit to take, any action which, if taken or omitted, prior to the date of this Agreement would have caused any representation or warranty in Article VI to be inaccurate as of the date of this Agreement or as of the Closing;

(ii) Take, or omit to take, any action which, if taken or omitted after the Closing would have required the consent or approval of MSG or the MSG Designee under the LLC Agreement or would have constituted a breach of the LLC Agreement;

(iii) Sell, assign or otherwise dispose of any material asset of the Contributed Business; and

(iv) authorize or enter into any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing.

Section 8.3 Consents; Further Assurances .

(a) Subject to, and not in limitation of, Section 8.4, each of the parties shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, cooperate and use its respective commercially reasonable efforts to fulfill as promptly as practicable the conditions to Closing in this Agreement to the extent it has the ability to control the satisfaction of such conditions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the parties shall each, with the reasonable cooperation of the other, use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and maintain any required consents and approvals.

 

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(b) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall require the expenditure or payment of any funds (other than in respect of normal and usual attorneys’ fees, filing fees or other normal costs of doing business), or the giving of any other consideration by any party or its Affiliates with respect to seeking any required consents and approvals.

(c) Subject to this Section 8.3 each party shall execute and deliver such other documents, certificates, agreements and other writings and take such other commercially reasonable actions as may be necessary or desirable to evidence, consummate or implement expeditiously the transaction contemplated herein.

Section 8.4 Regulatory Approvals .

(a) Each of Azoff Management and the MSG Parties shall (a) make or cause to be made all filings required of each of them or any of their Affiliates under the HSR Act or other Antitrust Laws with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby as promptly as practicable and, in any event, within ten (10) days after the date of this Agreement in the case of all filings required under the HSR Act, (b) comply at the earliest practicable date with any request under the HSR Act or other Antitrust Laws for additional information, documents, or other materials received by each of them or any of their respective subsidiaries or Affiliates from the FTC, the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (the “ Antitrust Division ”) or any other Government Antitrust Authority in respect of such filings or such transactions, and (c) cooperate with each other in connection with any such filing (including, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, providing copies of drafts of all prepared filings to the non-filing parties prior to filing and considering all reasonable additions, deletions or changes suggested in connection therewith) and in connection with resolving any investigation or other inquiry of any Government Antitrust Authority under any Antitrust Laws with respect to any such filing or any such transaction. Each such party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to furnish to each other all information requested by the other party that is reasonably required for any application or other filing to be made pursuant to any applicable Law in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each such party shall promptly inform the other parties hereto of any oral communication with, and provide copies of written communications with, any Government Authority regarding any such filings or any such transaction. No party hereto shall independently participate in any formal meeting with any Government Authority in respect of any such filings, investigation, or other inquiry without giving the other parties hereto prior notice of the meeting and, to the extent permitted by such Government Authority, the opportunity to attend and/or participate. Subject to applicable Law, the parties hereto will consult and cooperate with one another in connection with any analyses, appearances, presentations, memoranda, briefs, arguments, opinions and proposals made or submitted by or on behalf of any party hereto or its Affiliates relating to proceedings under the HSR Act, other Antitrust Laws or other applicable Law. Any party may, if it reasonably deems it advisable and necessary, designate any competitively sensitive material provided to the other parties under this Section 8.4 as “outside counsel only.” Such materials and the information contained therein shall be given only to the outside legal counsel of the recipient and will not be disclosed by such outside counsel to employees, officers, or directors of the recipient, unless express written permission is obtained in advance from the source of the materials.

 

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(b) Each party shall use, and cause its Affiliates to use, commercially reasonable efforts to resolve such objections, if any, as may be asserted by any Government Antitrust Authority with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (an “ Antitrust Objection ”) under the HSR Act, the Sherman Act, as amended, the Clayton Act, as amended, the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, and any other United States federal or state or foreign statutes, rules, regulations, orders, decrees, administrative or judicial doctrines or other Laws that are designed to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade (collectively, the “ Antitrust Laws ”). Each party shall use, and cause its Affiliates to use, commercially reasonable efforts to take such actions as may be required to cause the expiration of the waiting or notice periods under the HSR Act or other Antitrust Laws with respect to such transactions as promptly as possible after the execution of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall require a party or any of its Affiliates to take any of the following actions, and none of Azoff Management, MSG Member nor Newco will offer, agree to take or take any of the following actions without the prior written consent of each of them, in each case in response to an Antitrust Objection (i) extend any such waiting or notice period or agree with any Government Entity not to consummate any of the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) sell, license or otherwise dispose of, or hold separate and agree to sell, license or otherwise dispose of, any investments, assets, operations, facilities or businesses, (iii) terminate, amend or assign any existing, or enter into any new, relationships, contractual rights or obligations, licenses or Contracts or (iv) agree to any changes to or restriction on, or other impairment of any ability to own or operate, any such investments, assets, operations, facilities or businesses or interests therein or any Person’s ability to vote, transfer, receive distributions or otherwise exercise full ownership rights with respect to the membership interests in Newco or the equity of any other Person.

Section 8.5 Tax Matters .

(a) From Newco’s formation until the purchase of the Purchased Interest, Newco will be treated as an entity disregarded from its owner for U.S. federal income Tax purposes and no election shall be made to treat Newco as entity subject to entity-level Tax.

(b) The parties hereto agree to treat the purchase of the Purchased Interest consistently with Situation 1 of Revenue Ruling 99-5, 1996-6 I.R.B.8, and the parties will not take an inconsistent position therewith in connection with any Tax filing or in any proceeding with a Taxing Authority.

(c) Within sixty (60) days of the date of this Agreement, Azoff Management shall prepare and deliver to MSG Member an allocation schedule setting forth Azoff Management’s determination of the allocation of the purchase price for the Purchased Interest among Newco’s assets in accordance with such assets’ fair market values (the “ Preliminary Allocation ”), MSG Member shall have thirty (30) days after receipt of the Preliminary Allocation to object to the allocation therein. If MSG Member does not object within such sixty (60) day period, the Preliminary Allocation shall become final (the “ Final Allocation ”) and the Final Allocation shall be binding upon Azoff Management, MSG Member and Newco. If MSG Member provides timely notice of a dispute with respect to the Preliminary Allocation, Azoff Management and MSG Member shall in good faith attempt to jointly agree upon the Final Allocation.

 

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If Azoff Management and MSG Member cannot agree upon the Final Allocation within sixty (60) days after MSG Member has objected to the Preliminary Allocation, then the matters in dispute shall be submitted to Deloitte LLP or another Person acceptable to Azoff Management and MSG Member (the “ Arbitrator ”), whose decision shall be final and binding on Azoff Management, MSG Member and Newco. The costs and expenses of the Arbitrator’s dispute resolution shall be borne 50% by Azoff Management and 50% by MSG Member. The parties hereto agree to act in accordance with the Final Allocation for all Tax purposes, and the parties will not take an inconsistent position therewith in connection with any Tax filing or in any proceeding with a Taxing Authority.

Section 8.6 Notification .

Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Azoff Management and Newco shall give prompt notice to the MSG Parties, and the MSG Parties shall give prompt notice to Azoff Management, (i) of any notice or other communication received by such party from any Government Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or from any Person alleging that the consent of such Person is or may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) of any actions, suits, claims, investigations or proceedings commenced relating to or otherwise affecting such Person of any of its Affiliates which relate to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (iii) if such Person becomes aware of any fact, circumstance or event that would reasonably be expected to cause any of the conditions set forth in Article IX not to be satisfied. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that neither the delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section 8.6 nor any disclosures provided thereby shall affect any of the rights, remedies or obligations of any party hereunder.

Section 8.7 Protective Covenants .

(a) Introduction . The Azoff Parties acknowledge and recognize the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company including the Contributed Business, as well as the fact that the skills and knowledge of the Company’s workforce constitute trade secrets and confidential information, and accordingly agree, as a condition to the MSG Parties entering into the Agreement, to the non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality provisions referred to in this Section.

(b) Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation . The Azoff Parties shall comply with the provisions of Section 8(a) of the Employment Agreement, the text of which, together with related definitions, is incorporated herein by reference. This Section 8.7(b) is subject to the exception set forth in Section 8(b) of the Employment Agreement, the text of which, together with related definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(c) Non-Solicitation of Employees and Others . The Azoff Parties shall comply with the provisions of Section 8(c) of the Employment Agreement, the text of which, together with related definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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(d) Confidentiality and Intellectual Property . The Azoff Parties shall comply with the provisions of Section 9 of the Employment Agreement, the text of which, together with related definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(e) Specific Performance . The Azoff Parties acknowledge and agree that the MSG Parties’ remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of this Section 8.7 would be inadequate, impracticable and difficult to prove, and the MSG Parties would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, the Azoff Parties agree that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the MSG Parties, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available.

(f) Separate Covenants; Reasonableness . The covenants contained and incorporated by reference in this Section 8.7 constitute a series of separate covenants, one for each of those counties and states in the United States and each of those foreign countries or jurisdictions referred to in Section 8 of the Employment Agreement. Except for geographic coverage, each such separate covenant contained in this Section 8.7 shall be deemed identical in terms. The Azoff Parties agree (i) the covenants contained herein are reasonable under the circumstances (i.e., in connection with the disposition to the Company of 100% of the Contributed Business and to the MSG Parties of the Purchased Interest), (ii) the MSG Parties would not enter into this Agreement but for the covenants contained in this Section 8.7, (iii) the Azoff Parties and the MSG Parties intend for the covenants contained herein to constitute a valid and enforceable agreement under Law entered into in connection with the Azoff Parties’ disposition of the Contributed Business and the Purchased Interest, including all of the goodwill the Azoff Parties created in the Contributed Business, and (iv) the Azoff Parties will not contest the validity or unenforceability of this Section 8.7 during the Restricted Period (as defined in the Employment Agreement). The term of the Restricted Period was determined by the parties to be reasonable based on the nature of the current and prospective businesses of Newco. The Azoff Parties acknowledge that they have consulted with counsel of their choosing regarding this Section 8.7 and understand that complying with this Section 8.7 limits their ability to earn a livelihood in a Competitive Business (as defined in the Employment Agreement) during the Restricted Period.

(g) Severability . If a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction in this Section 8.7 in that regard is an unenforceable restriction against the Azoff Parties, the provisions of this Agreement shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any such restriction in this Agreement is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not prejudice or in any way affect the validity or enforceability of any other article, section, paragraph, clause, sub-clause or provision. This Agreement and each article, section, paragraph, clause, sub-clause and provision hereof shall be read and construed so as to give thereto the full effect thereof subject only to any contrary provision of Law to the extent that when this Section 8.7 or any paragraph, clause, sub-clause or provision hereof would, but for the provisions of this Section 8.7(g), have been read and construed as being void and ineffective, it shall nevertheless be a valid agreement, covenant, paragraph, clause, sub-clause or provision as the case may be to the full extent to which it is not contrary to any provision at law.

 

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ARTICLE IX

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

Section 9.1 Conditions to the Obligations of the Parties . The obligations of the parties hereto to effect the Closing are subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by both parties) prior to the Closing of the following conditions:

(a) HSR . The waiting periods applicable to the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated; and

(b) No Prohibition . No Government Authority of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, judgment, injunction or other order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent), in any case which is in effect and which makes unlawful, prohibits, delays, enjoins or otherwise prevents or restrains the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby and no action by any Person seeking any of the foregoing or otherwise challenging any of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be pending.

Section 9.2 Conditions to the Obligations of the MSG Parties . The obligation of the MSG Parties to effect the Closing is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by the MSG Parties) prior to the Closing of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties . Each of the representations and warranties of Azoff Management contained in this Agreement (other than those in Sections 6.1, 6.2 and 6.15, collectively, the “ Fundamental Representations ”) shall have been true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all respects as of and as though made on the Closing Date (except for any such representation and warranty that is expressly made as of a specified earlier date, which shall be true and correct in all respects as of such specified earlier date) in each case without giving effect to any “Material Adverse Effect,” “material” or other materiality qualification, limitation or exception contained therein other than any failures to be so true and correct that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Fundamental Representation shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of and as though made on the Closing Date;

(b) Covenants . Each of the covenants and agreements of Azoff Management to be performed on or prior to the Closing shall have been performed in all material respects;

(c) Certificate . The MSG Parties shall have received a certificate, signed by an officer of Azoff Management on behalf of Azoff Management, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that the conditions set forth in Sections 9.2(a) and 9.2(b) have been satisfied; and

(d) Other Deliveries . Azoff Management shall have delivered or caused to be delivered to the MSG Parties each of the deliverables specified in Section 4.2(a).

 

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Section 9.3 Conditions to the Obligations of Azoff Management . The obligations of Azoff Management to effect the Closing are subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by Azoff Management) prior to the Closing of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties . Each of the representations and warranties of the MSG Parties contained in this Agreement, without regard to any “materiality” or “material adverse effect” qualification contained therein, shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the Closing Date (except for such representations and warranties that are made as of a specific date, which shall be true and correct in all respects as of such date), as though such representation or warranty were made as of such date; provided that for purposes of the foregoing, the representations and warranties shall be deemed to be true and correct in all respects to the extent that the aggregate effect of any inaccuracies as of the applicable date would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the MSG Parties’ ability to consummate the transaction contemplated hereby.

(b) Covenants . Each of the covenants and agreements of the MSG Parties to be performed on or prior to the Closing shall have been performed in all material respects.

(c) Certificate . Azoff Management shall have received a certificate, signed on behalf of each MSG Party by an officer thereof, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that the conditions set forth in Sections 9.3(a) and 9.3(b) have been satisfied.

ARTICLE X

TERMINATION

Section 10.1 Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:

(a) By either Azoff Management or the MSG Parties if the Closing shall not have occurred on or prior to October 31, 2013, or such later date mutually agreed upon in writing by the parties hereto;

(b) By either Azoff Management or the MSG Parties in the event that any Governmental Authority shall have issued a final, non-appealable order, decree or ruling (other than a temporary restraining order) restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

(c) By the mutual written consent of the parties; or

(d) If either Azoff Management or the MSG Parties materially defaults in the due and timely performance of any of its warranties, covenants or agreements under this Agreement, the non-defaulting party may on or prior to the Closing Date give notice of termination of this Agreement, which notice shall specify with particularity the default or defaults on which the notice is based; provided, that such termination shall be effective ten (10) days after such notice is received by the defaulting party only if such default or defaults shall not have been cured on or before the effective time for termination.

 

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Section 10.2 Effect of Termination . In the event of termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 10.1 hereof, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and of no further force or effect and there shall be no liability on the part of any of the Parties except (a) as set forth in this Section 10.2 and in Article XI hereof, and (b) that nothing herein shall relieve any of the Parties from liability for any willful breach of this Agreement.

ARTICLE XI

SURVIVAL; INDEMNIFICATION

Section 11.1 Survival . Except as provided in Section 11.8, all of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the parties contained in this Agreement or in any other Transaction Document shall survive (and not be affected in any respect by) the Closing indefinitely and any investigation conducted by any party hereto and any information which any party may receive.

Section 11.2 Indemnification by Azoff Management . Following the Closing, Azoff Management shall indemnify, defend and hold the MSG Parties, Newco and their Affiliates, and their successors and assigns, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives harmless from any and all Losses suffered that arise out of or relate to (a) the failure of any representation or warranty made by Azoff Management hereunder to be true and correct as of the Closing Date, or (b) any breach by Azoff Management of any of Azoff Management’s covenants or agreements contained herein. For the avoidance of doubt, the indemnification obligations under this Section 11.2 are obligations of Azoff Management and not of any other Azoff Party, except to the extent that any other Azoff Party becomes responsible therefor under Section 12.6.

Section 11.3 Indemnification by the MSG Parties . Following the Closing, the MSG Parties shall indemnify, defend and hold Azoff Management, Newco and their Affiliates, and their successors and assigns, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives harmless from any and all Losses directly suffered that arise out of or relate to (a) the failure of any representation or warranty made by the MSG Parties hereunder to be true and correct as of the Closing Date, or (b) any breach by the MSG Parties of any of their covenants or agreements contained herein.

Section 11.4 Indemnification Procedures . If any claim for which a party is obligated under Section 11.2 or 11.3 hereof to provide indemnification (“ Indemnifying Party ”) is asserted by any third party against or sought to be collected from any party indemnified hereunder (“ Indemnified Party ”), such Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of such claim and the amount or the estimated amount thereof to the extent then feasible (which estimate shall not be conclusive of the final amount of such claim) (such notice to include all relevant correspondence from or with any Taxing authority). The Indemnifying Party shall have thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice to assume the conduct and control, through counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party and at the expense of the Indemnifying Party, of the settlement or defense thereof; provided that the Indemnifying

 

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Party shall permit the Indemnified Party to participate in such settlement or defense through counsel chosen by the Indemnified Party so long as the fees and expenses of such counsel are borne by the Indemnified Party. The Indemnified Party shall not pay or settle any such claim during the thirty (30) day period during which the Indemnifying Party is entitled to assume control. So long as the Indemnifying Party is reasonably contesting any such claim in good faith, the Indemnified Party shall not pay or settle any such claim; provided that the Indemnified Party may pay or settle any such claim if the Indemnified Party waives its right to indemnification hereunder in respect of such claim. If the Indemnifying Party does not notify the Indemnified Party within thirty (30) days after the receipt of the Indemnified Party’s notice of a claim of indemnity hereunder that it elects to undertake the defense thereof or is not eligible to assume such defense pursuant to this Section 11.4, the Indemnified Party shall have the right in good faith to contest, pay or settle the claim but shall not thereby waive any right to indemnity therefor pursuant to this Agreement; provided that, unless the Indemnifying Party did not or was not eligible to assume the conduct and control of the claim, the Indemnified Party shall not pay or settle any such claim without the prior consent of the Indemnifying Party, unless the Indemnified Party waives its right to indemnification hereunder with respect to such claim. The Indemnifying Party shall not, except with the prior consent of the Indemnified Party, enter into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the unconditional release of the Indemnified Party from all liability with respect to the related claim (other than Tax related claims). Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any issue or claim in any Tax audit or administrative or court proceeding pursuant to which the Indemnifying Party may be liable pursuant to this Agreement, the Indemnifying Party shall have the sole right to represent the interests of Newco and any Subsidiary, provided that the Indemnifying Party shall not enter into any settlement of claims that would affect the Tax liability of Azoff Management or any MSG Party or any of their Subsidiaries other than Newco or in respect of Newco for any period after the Closing Date (after giving effect to the Indemnifying Party’s indemnification obligations hereunder).

Section 11.5 Books and Records . The Indemnified Party shall make available to the Indemnifying Party and its attorneys and accountants all books and records of the Indemnified Party relating to such proceedings or litigation, and the parties hereto agree to render to each other such assistance as they may reasonably require of each other in order to ensure the proper and adequate defense of any such action, suit or proceeding (including any necessary powers of attorney).

Section 11.6 Treatment of Indemnification Payment . Any payment made pursuant to indemnification obligations arising under this Agreement shall be treated as an adjustment to the purchase price.

Section 11.7 Insurance . If any claims are made by third parties against an Indemnified Party for which an Indemnifying Party would be liable, and it appears that such claims might also be covered by the Indemnified Party’s insurance policies, the Indemnified Party shall make a timely claim under such policies and to the extent that such party obtains any recovery from such insurance, such recovery shall be offset against any sums due from an Indemnifying Party (or shall be repaid by the Indemnified Party to the extent that an Indemnifying Party has already paid any such amounts).

 

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Section 11.8 Survival and Timing of Claims for Indemnification . The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement (other than those covenants and agreements to be performed after the Closing, which shall survive indefinitely) shall survive the Closing for a period of one year therefrom; provided, that the representations, warranties and covenants contained in Sections 6.5(b)(x), 6.5(e) and 6.5(i) shall survive the Closing until thirty (30) days after the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, including, without limitation, the statute of limitations for assessment of Taxes (including any valid extensions thereof), and the representations and warranties contained in Sections 6.1, 6.2 and 6.15, and Sections 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3, shall survive indefinitely.

Section 11.9 Exclusive Remedy .

(a) Exclusive Remedy of the MSG Parties and Newco . The sole and exclusive remedy for the recovery of money damages for any Losses under, in connection with, or relating to this Agreement of the MSG Parties and Newco against Azoff Management shall be pursuant to the indemnification provisions set forth in this Article XI (other than claims for or in the nature of fraud or willful misconduct); provided, that this exclusive remedy for damages does not preclude remedies based upon a claim under Section 2.1(b) or the bringing of an action for specific performance or other equitable remedy to require Azoff Management to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(b) Azoff Management’s Exclusive Remedy . Azoff Management’s sole and exclusive remedy for the recovery of money damages for any Losses under, in connection with, or relating to this Agreement against the MSG Parties shall be pursuant to the indemnification provisions set forth in this Article IX (other than claims for or in the nature of fraud or willful misconduct); provided, that this exclusive remedy for damages does not preclude the bringing of an action for specific performance or other equitable remedy to require an MSG Party to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

Section 11.10 Certain Limitations .

(a) Indemnification Threshold . Neither the MSG Parties, on the one hand, nor Azoff Management, on the other hand, shall be liable to indemnify the other party or Newco pursuant to this Article XI unless and until the aggregate amount of Losses that would otherwise be indemnifiable pursuant to this Article XI exceeds One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) (the “ Indemnification Threshold ”), and then only to the extent of such excess.

(b) Overall Liability Limit . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, neither the MSG Parties, on the one hand, nor Azoff Management, on the other hand, shall be directly or indirectly liable to the other party or any of the other party’s Affiliates from and after the Closing for any Losses arising under or in connection with this Agreement for an amount in the aggregate (the “ Liability Ceiling ”) as of any date of determination in excess of One Hundred and Twenty-five Million Dollars ($125,000,000); provided, that the Liability Ceiling shall not apply to any indemnification under Section 2.1(b) or for the benefit of any party with respect to any Losses arising from the fraud, willful misconduct, or gross negligence of such Party.

 

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ARTICLE XII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 12.1 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and will become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by a party and delivered to the other parties. Copies of executed counterparts transmitted by telecopy, telefax or other electronic transmission service shall be considered original executed counterparts for purposes of this Section 12.1, provided that receipt of copies of such counterparts is confirmed.

Section 12.2 Governing Law .

(A) THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY DISPUTES ARISING HEREUNDER OR (EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH THEREIN) THEREUNDER OR CONTROVERSIES RELATED HERETO, OR THERETO, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK THAT APPLY TO CONTRACTS MADE AND PERFORMED ENTIRELY WITHIN SUCH STATE WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY CHOICE OR CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) TO THE EXTENT THEY WOULD RESULT IN THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

(B) ANY ACTION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY MATTER ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT EXCLUSIVELY IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK OR ANY NEW YORK STATE COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY. BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF SUCH PERSON’S SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS AND SUCH PERSON’S PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS AND APPELLATE COURTS THEREOF. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY ACTION IN ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED COURTS BY THE MAILING OF COPIES THEREOF BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, OR BY RECOGNIZED OVERNIGHT DELIVERY SERVICE, TO SUCH PARTY AT SUCH PARTY’S ADDRESS REFERRED TO IN SECTION 12.5. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION WHICH SUCH PERSON MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY OF THE AFORESAID ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT BROUGHT IN THE COURTS REFERRED TO ABOVE AND HEREBY FURTHER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES AND AGREES, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM IN ANY SUCH COURT THAT ANY SUCH ACTION BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN

 

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BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS SECTION 12.2(B) TO THE CONTRARY, EACH PARTY AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.

(c) Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY HERETO, FOR ITSELF AND ITS AFFILIATES, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE ACTIONS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT IN THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, EACH PARTY HERETO, FOR ITSELF AND ITS AFFILIATES, FURTHER AGREES THAT ITS RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IS WAIVED BY OPERATION OF THIS SECTION AS TO ANY ACTION THAT SEEKS, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, TO CHALLENGE THE VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY PROVISION HEREOF.

Section 12.3 Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiary . This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents (including the Schedules and Exhibits hereto and thereto) contain the entire agreement by and among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and all prior negotiations, writings and understandings relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents (written or oral) are merged in and are superseded and canceled by, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. Except as provided in Article XI, this Agreement is not intended to confer upon any Person not a party hereto (or their successors and permitted assigns) any rights or remedies hereunder.

Section 12.4 Expenses . Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transactions Documents are consummated, any fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (the “ Transaction Expenses ”) shall be paid by the party incurring such Transaction Expenses.

Section 12.5 Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder will be in writing and given by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, nationally recognized overnight delivery service, such as Federal Express, or personal delivery against receipt to the party to whom it is given, in each case, at such party’s address set forth below or such other address as such party may hereafter specify by notice to the other parties hereto given in accordance herewith. Any such notice or other communication shall be deemed to have been given as of the date so personally delivered, on the next Business Day when sent by overnight delivery services or five (5) days after the date so mailed if by certified or registered mail.

 

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If to any MSG Party, to:

 

MSG Holdings, L.P.

Two Penn Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Attention:    

Chief Executive Officer
General Counsel

with a copy to:

 

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

125 Broad Street

New York, New York 10004

Attention:     John P. Mead

If to Azoff Management, to:

 

Azoff Music Management LLC

1100 Glendon Avenue

Suite 2000

Los Angeles, CA 90024

Attention:     Irving Azoff

with a copy to:

 

Loeb & Loeb LLP

10100 Santa Monica Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Attention:     Harold A. Flegelman, Esq.

If to an Azoff Party, to:

c/o Irving Azoff

1100 Glendon Avenue

Suite 2000

Los Angeles, CA 90024

with a copy to:

 

Loeb & Loeb LLP

10100 Santa Monica Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Attention:     Harold A. Flegelman, Esq.

Section 12.6 Successors and Assigns . This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns; provided , that no party hereto may, in whole or in part, assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto, except to its Controlled Affiliates (as defined in the LLC Agreement). For the avoidance of doubt, neither party hereto nor any of its transferees shall transfer its membership interest in Newco unless it obtains the binding written agreement of the transferee for the express benefit of Newco and

 

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each Member in Newco to be bound by the provisions of Article XI to the extent of the membership interest it owns. No such delegation or assignment shall relieve the delegating or assigning party of its obligations hereunder in the absence of an express written novation signed by the other parties to this Agreement. Any purported assignment or delegation in violation of this Agreement shall be null and void ab initio .

Section 12.7 Headings . The Section, Article and other headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and will not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

Section 12.8 Amendments and Waivers . This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument or instruments in writing signed by the parties hereto. Any party hereto may, only by an instrument in writing, waive compliance by any other party or parties hereto with any term or provision hereof on the part of such other party or parties hereto to be performed or complied with. No failure or delay of any party in exercising any right or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise of any right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any term or provision hereof shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. The rights and remedies of the parties hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have hereunder.

Section 12.9 Interpretation; Absence of Presumption .

(a) For the purposes hereof: (i) words in the singular shall be held to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be held to include the other gender as the context requires; (ii) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole (including all of the schedules and exhibits) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and article, section, paragraph, exhibit and schedule references are to the articles, sections, paragraphs, exhibits, and schedules to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; (iii) the word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall mean “including, without limitation,” unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise specified; and (iv) the word “or” shall not be exclusive.

(b) With regard to each and every term and condition of this Agreement and any and all agreements and instruments subject to the terms hereof, the parties hereto understand and agree that the same have or has been mutually negotiated, prepared and drafted, and if at any time the parties hereto desire or are required to interpret or construe any such term or condition or any agreement or instrument subject hereto, no consideration will be given to the issue of which party hereto actually prepared, drafted or requested any term or condition of this Agreement or any agreement or instrument subject hereto.

Section 12.10 Severability . Any provision hereof that is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability, without affecting in any way the remaining provisions hereof; provided , that the parties will attempt in good faith to reform this Agreement in a manner consistent with the intent of any such ineffective provision for the purpose of carrying out such intent; and provided further that Section 8.7(g) shall govern severability issues for Section 8.7.

 

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Section 12.11 Further Assurances . From time to time after the Closing Date, each party shall, upon the reasonable request of the others, execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered such further instruments of conveyance, assignment, transfer and assumption, and take such further action, as may reasonably be requested in order to more effectively carry out the purposes and intent to this Agreement.

Section 12.12 Business Days . If any date provided for in this Agreement shall fall on a day that is not a Business Day, the date provided for shall be deemed to refer to the next Business Day.

Section 12.13 Schedules . The schedules to this Agreement shall be arranged in sections and subsections corresponding to the numbered section and lettered subsections of this Agreement, and the exceptions and disclosures in each such section and subsection of the Schedules shall, except as provided in the next sentence, apply only to the correspondingly numbered section and lettered subsection of this Agreement. The information contained in any Schedule shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in other applicable Schedules if the applicability of such information to such other Schedules is reasonably apparent on its face.

Section 12.14 Specific Performance . Each party acknowledges that the other would suffer irreparable damage and would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages in the event that any of the covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement were not performed by such other party in accordance with its terms and therefore, each party agrees that the other party shall be entitled to specific performance, injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any other remedy to which it may be entitled at law or in equity (without the necessity of proving the inadequacy as a remedy of money damages or the posting of a bond or other security). Each of the MSG Parties and Azoff Management hereby waive any and all defenses it may have on the ground of lack of jurisdiction or competence of the court to grant such an injunction or other equitable relief. Section 8.7(e) shall govern specific performance of the provisions of Section 8.7.

Section 12.15 Public Announcements . No party shall make, or cause to be made, any press release or public announcement in respect of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or otherwise communicate with any news media regarding this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties, and the parties shall cooperate as to the timing and contents of any such press release or public announcement; provided, that a party may, without the prior consent of the other parties, make such press release or public announcement as may be required by or advisable under Law if it has used all reasonable efforts to consult with the other parties and to obtain such parties’ consent but has been unable to do so in a timely manner.

 

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Section 12.16 Bulk Transfer . The parties hereto hereby waive compliance with the provisions of any applicable bulk transfer Law of any jurisdiction in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and no representation, warranty or covenant contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to have been breached as a result of such non-compliance.

[The next page is the signature page]

 

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The parties have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

MSG HOLDINGS, L.P.
By:

/s/ James L. Dolan

Name: James L. Dolan
Title: Executive Chairman
ENTERTAINMENT VENTURES, LLC
By:

/s/ James L. Dolan

Name: James L. Dolan
Title: Executive Chairman
AZOFF MUSIC MANAGEMENT LLC
By:

/s/ Irving Azoff

Name: Irving Azoff
Title:
Solely For Purposes of Section 8.7:

/s/ Irving Azoff

Irving Azoff
Solely For Purposes of Section 8.7:
THE AZOFF FAMILY TRUST OF 1997, DATED MAY 27, 1997, AS AMENDED

/s/ Irving Azoff

By: Irving Azoff
Co-Trustee

/s/ Rochelle Azoff

By: Rochelle Azoff
Co-Trustee

[Signature Page to Formation, Contribution and Investment Agreement]


Exhibit A

DEFINITIONS

1. The following capitalized terms have the meanings indicated:

Action ” means any action (at law or in equity), suit, arbitration or proceeding.

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly, or through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with such first Person.

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

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

CPA Firm ” shall mean Deloitte LLP or such other “big four” firm of independent registered public accountants selected by Azoff Management and MSG Member.

Contract ” means any written or oral agreement, arrangement or understanding, contract, certificate, license, lease, purchase order, option, note, bond, guarantee, letter of credit, commitment, Permit, consulting or Employee Benefit Arrangement to which Azoff Management or the Contributed Business is a party or which relates to the Contributed Business.

Contributed Business ” means, the business consisting of representing music artists, managing talent in the media and entertainment industries and consulting in such industries, as owned and/or conducted by Azoff Management, and proposed to be conducted from and after August 1, 2013, including all assets (including goodwill) and rights of Azoff Management therein and thereto, together with the other businesses and assets described in Schedule 2.1(a). For the avoidance of doubt, Contributed Business does not include (i) receivables for commissions earned but not received by Azoff Management relating to the period ending on July 31, 2013 and (ii) all cash on hand and in the bank accounts of Azoff Management as of July 31, 2013.

Employee ” means any employee of the Contributed Business.

Excluded Liabilities ” means: any liabilities (other than Assumed Liabilities) of, or relating to (i) the Contributed Business which exist on the Closing Date or which arise thereafter as a result of any act, omission or circumstances taking place prior to the Closing Date; or (ii) Azoff Management or any of its Affiliates and which does not relate to the Contributed Business. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Excluded Liabilities includes (i) all payables and other liabilities of Azoff Management with respect to the period ending on July 31, 2013 and (ii) any obligation or liability of an Azoff Party associated with or arising out of Permitted Passive Rights.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

 

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Government Antitrust Entity ” means any Government Entity with jurisdiction over the enforcement of any U.S. Antitrust Law or other similar Law.

Government Authority ” means any foreign or United States federal or state (or any subdivision thereof), agency, authority, bureau, commission, department or similar body or instrumentality thereof, or any governmental court or tribunal.

Governmental Order ” shall mean any order, writ, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Authority.

HSR Act ” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

Indebtedness ” of a Person means any indebtedness for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services, or any capital lease, as well any indebtedness of others that is guaranteed by such Person.

Intellectual Property ” means domestic and foreign patents, patent applications, registered and unregistered trademarks, trade names, assumed business names, service marks, copyrights, software programs, domain names, internal systems and data bases, inventions, technology, apparatus, processes, formulae, trade secrets, know-how, licenses to use, interests in, and improvements or enhancements of, any of the foregoing.

Knowledge ” shall mean the actual knowledge of the Contributed Business and each of the executive officers, directors and key employees of Azoff Management, and the knowledge that the Contributed Business and each of such executive officers, directors and key employees of Azoff Management would have acquired upon reasonable inquiry.

Law ” or “ Laws ” means all statutes, codes, ordinances, decrees, rules, regulations, municipal by-laws, stock exchange rules or requirements, judicial or arbitral or administrative or ministerial or departmental or regulatory judgments, orders, decisions, injunctions, rulings or awards, policies, or any provisions or interpretations of the foregoing, binding on or affecting the Person referred to in the context in which such word is used.

Lien ” means any lien, charge, claim, encumbrance, pledge, security interest, conditional sale agreement or other title retention agreement, lease, mortgage, security agreement, right of first refusal, option, restriction, tenancy, license, covenant, right-of-way, easement or other Lien (including the filing of, or agreement to give, any financing statement under the UCC or any other Law of any jurisdiction).

Loss ” or “ Losses ” shall mean any and all liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses, interest, awards, judgments, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) actually suffered or incurred by a Person.

Material Adverse Effect ” means any material adverse effect on the business, results of operation or financial condition of the Contributed Business.

Newco ” means Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

 

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Permit ” means any franchise, approval, permit, consent, qualification, certification, authorization, license, order, registration, certificate, variance or other similar permit, right or authorization from any Government Authority and all pending applications therefor.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company, other form of business or legal entity or Government Authority.

Prepayment Arrangements ” means the rent deposit on Azoff Management’s offices in Los Angeles in the amount of $56,504, the prepaid general insurance premium of $13,733 and the prepaid “keyman” insurance premium of $23,121.

Protective Covenants ” means Sections 8 and 9 of the Employment Agreement.

Real Property ” of a Person shall mean all real properties owned by that Person or in which that Person has any interest or estate (including the right to use), together with all buildings, fixtures, trade fixtures, plant and all other equipment and improvements located thereon or attached thereto; all of that Person’s rights arising out of the ownership or use thereof (including air, water, oil and mineral rights), and all subleases, franchises, licenses, permits, easements and rights-of-way which are appurtenant thereto.

Related Person ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Newco LLC Agreement.

Relevant Business ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Newco LLC Agreement.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, association, limited liability company or other form of legal entity of which more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities or other equity interests therein are directly or indirectly owned by such Person and/or any of its Subsidiaries or such Person and/or any such Subsidiary is a general partner.

Tax ” or “ Taxes ” means: (a) all taxes (whether federal, state, county or local), fees, levies, customs duties, assessments or charges of any kind whatsoever, including gross income, net income, gross receipts, profits, windfall profits, sales, use, occupation, value-added, ad valorem , transfer, license, franchise, withholding, payroll, employment, excise, estimated, stamp, premium, capital stock, production, net worth, alternative or add-on minimum, environmental, business and occupation, disability, severance, or real or personal property taxes or liabilities for unclaimed property imposed by any taxing authority together with any interest, penalties, or additions to tax imposed with respect thereto; and (b) any obligations under any tax sharing, tax allocation, or tax indemnity agreements or arrangements with respect to any Taxes described in clause (a) above.

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the LLC Agreement, the Employment Agreement, the Revolving Credit Agreement and the other agreements, instruments and documents contemplated hereby and thereby, including each exhibit hereto and thereto.

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code, as amended, and any successor thereto.

 

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2. The following terms are defined in the Sections of the Agreement indicated:

 

Term

  

Section

Agreement    Preamble
Antitrust Division    8.4(a)
Antitrust Objection    8.4(b)
“Arbitrator    8.5(c)
Assumed Liabilities    2.1(b)
Azoff Management    Preamble
Azoff Parties    Preamble
Balance Sheet    6.3
Balance Sheet Date    6.3
Closing    4.1
Closing Adjustments    4.3(a)
Closing Adjustments Notice    4.3(a)
Closing Date    4.1
Employment Agreement    4.2(a)(iii)
Employee Benefit Arrangements    6.4(g)
ERISA    6.5(h)
Final Allocation    8.5(c)
Financial Statements    6.3
Fundamental Representations    9.2(a)
Global Music Rights Business    Schedule 2.1(a)
ILA Parties    Preamble
Indemnification Threshold    11.10(a)
Indemnified Party    11.4
Indemnifying Party    11.4
Interim Period Statement    4.3(a)
Liability Ceiling    11.10(b)
MSG    Preamble
MSG Member    Preamble
MSG Parties    Preamble
Newco    Recitals
Newco LLC Agreement    2.1(a)
Notice of Objection    4.3(a)
Objections    4.3(a)
Permitted Encumbrances    6.5(e)
Permitted Passive Rights    6.1(a)
Preliminary Allocation    8.5(c)
Prepayments    4.3(a)
Purchase Price    3.1(a)
Purchased Interest    3.1(a)
Revolving Credit Agreement    4.2(a)(vi)
Transaction Expenses    12.4

 

A-4


Exhibit B

[RESERVED]

 

B-1


EXHIBIT D

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, dated             , 2013 (this “ Agreement ”), by and between Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Irving Azoff (“ Executive ”).

WHEREAS, pursuant to a Formation, Contribution and Investment Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2013 (the “ Formation Agreement ”), Azoff Music Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ AMM ”), is, as of the date hereof, (i) contributing to the Company substantially all of its assets and goodwill, subject to certain liabilities, in exchange for one hundred percent (100%) of the membership interests in the Company; and immediately thereafter (ii) selling to MSG Member a fifty percent (50%) membership interest in the Company (collectively, the “ Transaction ”); and

WHEREAS, as a condition to the consummation of the Transaction, the Company and Executive are required to enter into an employment agreement; and

WHEREAS, the willingness of MSG Member and its Affiliates and the Company to enter into the Formation Agreement is contingent upon Executive’s entry into this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to enter into this Agreement in order to set forth the terms and conditions of the Company’s employment of Executive.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

1. Effectiveness; Term of Employment . This Agreement shall constitute a binding agreement between the parties. Subject to the provisions of Section 7 hereof, Executive shall be employed by the Company for the period commencing on August 1, 2013 (the “ Effective Date ”) and ending on the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date, subject to any early termination of this Agreement by Executive or the Company (the “ Employment Term ”), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

2. Position .

a. During the Employment Term, Executive shall serve as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In such position, Executive (i) shall have such rights, authority and duties as are customary for a chairman and chief executive officer, (ii) shall have the sole and exclusive authority to manage and operate the businesses of the Company, subject only to such limits as are expressly set forth in Section 2.5 of the LLC Agreement and (iii) shall use his commercially reasonable efforts to develop the businesses of the Company, including those contributed to the Company pursuant to the Formation Agreement.

b. During the Employment Term, Executive will devote substantially all of Executive’s business time and best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and will not engage in any other business, profession or occupation, for compensation or otherwise, which would conflict or interfere with the rendition of such services either directly or


indirectly; provided however , that nothing herein shall preclude Executive from accepting appointment, or continuing, to serve on any board of directors or trustees of any Person; provided however , in each case, and in the aggregate, that such activities do not conflict or interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder or conflict with Section 8.

3. Base Salary . During the Employment Term, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate as agreed by Executive and the Company (acting through MSG Member), payable in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s usual payment practices. Executive’s annual base salary is hereinafter referred to as the “ Base Salary .”

4. Annual Bonus . The Executive may be entitled to a discretionary bonus award only to the extent and as provided in Section 2.5(b) of the LLC Agreement.

5. Employee Benefits . During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans, including vacation time (the “ Employee Benefit Plans ”) and receive perquisites as in effect from time to time (collectively, “ Employee Benefits ”), on terms consistent with Executive’s past practices.

6. Business Expenses . During the Employment Term, any and all business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder shall be reimbursed by the Company consistent with Executive’s past practices, including without limitation, first-class (a) travel (including private jet, consistent with Executive’s past practices), (b) accommodations, (c) meals, (d) entertainment and (e) automobile lease, so long as such expenses do not constitute compensation to Executive under applicable law, standards, rules or regulations.

7. Termination . The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by either party only pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; provided however , that except as otherwise specified in this Section 7, Executive will be required to give the Company at least sixty (60) days advance written notice of any resignation of Executive’s employment other than in the case of a resignation by Executive for Good Reason in which case the procedures described in the “Good Reason” definition in Section 11(j) shall be followed. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 7 shall exclusively govern Executive’s rights upon termination of employment with the Company.

a. By the Company for Cause or by Executive without Good Reason .

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company for Cause; it being agreed that, for the purposes of this Section 7(a), MSG Member shall have the right to act on behalf of the Company in determining whether the Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company for Cause.

(ii) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate immediately upon Executive’s resignation without Good Reason; provided however , that Executive will be required to give the Company at least sixty (60) days advance written notice of a resignation without Good Reason, which the Company may waive at any time in its discretion.

 

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(iii) If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or if Executive resigns without Good Reason, the Company shall pay and Executive shall be entitled to receive the following payments on the effective date of termination:

(A) the Base Salary through the effective date of termination;

(B) reimbursement for any unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by Executive in accordance with Company policy prior to the effective date of termination; and

(C) such earned and vested Employee Benefits, if any, as to which Executive may be entitled under the Employee Benefit Plans (the amounts described in clauses (A) through (C) hereof being referred to as the “ Accrued Rights ”).

(iv) Following such termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause, or resignation by Executive without Good Reason, except as set forth in Section 7(a)(iii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

b. Disability or Death .

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon Executive’s death and may be terminated by the Company acting through MSG Member if Executive suffers a Disability.

(ii) Upon termination of Executive’s employment hereunder for either Disability or death, the Company shall pay to Executive or Executive’s, heirs, estate or representatives (as the case may be):

(A) the Accrued Rights payable on the effective date of termination; and

(B) in the event of termination on account of death, a lump sum payment equal to one year’s Base Salary, payable within thirty (30) days after death; and in the event of termination on account of Disability, subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Sections 8 and 9, continued payment of the Base Salary and, subject to the terms of the Company’s medical plan, provision of medical benefits on the same basis as provided prior to such termination, in each case, for twelve (12) months after the date of such termination, subject to Section 12 hereof.

(iii) Following Executive’s termination of employment due to death or Disability, except as set forth in Section 7(b)(ii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

 

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c. By Company without Cause; By Executive with Good Reason .

(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company (acting through MSG Member) without Cause, but only at any time following MSG Member’s purchase of all, but not less than all, of the Company Interest held by Azoff Member (and any Permitted Transferee of Azoff Member) under Section 6.3 of the LLC Agreement, or by Executive’s resignation with Good Reason.

(ii) If Executive is terminated without Cause or resigns with Good Reason, the Company shall pay and Executive shall be entitled to receive:

(A) the Accrued Rights payable on the effective date of termination; and

(B) subject to Executive’s execution and non-revocation of a release and non-disparagement agreement in a customary form reasonably acceptable to MSG Member and Executive and Executive’s continued compliance with Section 8 and Section 9 hereof, continued payment of the Base Salary and, subject to the terms of the Company’s medical plan, provision of medical benefits on the same basis as provided prior to such termination, in each case, until the expiration of the Employment Term as if such termination had not occurred, subject to Section 12 hereof.

(iii) Following Executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause or by Executive’s resignation for Good Reason, except as set forth in Section 7(c)(ii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

(iv) In the case of Executive’s resignation with Good Reason under sub-clause (iii) of the “Good Reason” definition in Section 11(j), Executive shall not be entitled to the payments and benefits set forth in Section 7(c)(ii)(B) unless Azoff Member exercises its buy-sell right under Section 6.2(c)(i) of the LLC Agreement and MSG Member elects to purchase and purchases all, but not less than all, of the Company Interest held by Azoff Member (and any Permitted Transferee of Azoff Member) under Section 6.3 of the LLC Agreement.

d. Expiration of Employment Term .

(i) Unless Executive’s employment is earlier terminated pursuant to Sections 7(a), 7(b) or 7(c) hereof, the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder (whether or not Executive continues as an employee of the Company thereafter) shall be deemed to occur at the close of business on the last day of the Employment Term, whereupon the Company shall pay, and Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Rights payable on the effective date of termination.

(ii) Following termination of Executive’s employment hereunder as a result of the expiration of the Employment Term, except as set forth in Section 7(d)(i), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.

 

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(iii) Unless the parties otherwise agree in writing, continuation of Executive’s employment with the Company beyond the expiration of the Employment Term shall be deemed an employment at-will and shall not be deemed to extend any of the provisions of this Agreement, and Executive’s employment may thereafter be terminated at will by either Executive or the Company acting through MSG Member; provided however , that the provisions of Sections 8, 9 and 10 hereof shall survive any termination of this Agreement or Executive’s termination of employment hereunder to the extent set forth herein.

e. Notice of Termination . Any purported termination of employment by the Company or by Executive (other than due to Executive’s death) shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 13(h) hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a “ Notice of Termination ” shall mean a notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of employment under the provision so indicated.

8. Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation . For the purposes of this Section 8, the term “Company” shall mean and include the Company and all of its Subsidiaries. Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company, as well as the fact that the skills and knowledge of the Company’s workforce constitute trade secrets and confidential information. The Executive agrees that (a) the covenants contained in Section 8 and 9 are reasonable under the circumstances (i.e., in connection with the disposition to the Company of 100% of the Contributed Business (as defined in the Formation Agreement) and to MSG Member of the Purchased Interest (as defined in the Formation Agreement)), (b) the Executive and the Company intend for the covenants contained herein to constitute a valid and enforceable agreement under law entered into in connection with the Executive’s disposition of the Contributed Business and the Purchased Interest, including all of the goodwill the Executive created in the Contributed Business, and (c) the Executive will not contest the validity or unenforceability of Sections 8 and 9 during the Restricted Period. The term of the Restricted Period was determined by the parties to be reasonable based on the nature of the current and prospective businesses of the Company. Executive acknowledges that he has consulted with counsel of his choosing regarding this Section 8 and understands that complying with this Section 8 limits Executive’s ability to earn a livelihood in a Competitive Business during the Restricted Period. In light of the foregoing, Executive accordingly agrees, as a condition of employment and as a condition to the parties entering into the Transactions, to the following non-competition and non-solicitation provisions:

a. During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly (including through any Affiliate or Related Person (as defined in the Formation Agreement) of Executive) whether in any of the 58 counties of the State of California, or in any state or county in the United States or any other foreign country or jurisdiction in which the Company does business, do, or directly or indirectly aid any Person to do, any of the following, without the prior written consent of MSG Member, except on behalf of the Company in connection with Executive’s employment hereunder:

(i) subject to Section 2.5(c) of the LLC Agreement (and limited solely to the activity described therein) engage in a Competitive Business or any aspect of a Competitive Business, have any interest or involvement (whether as agent, employee, consultant, advisor, creditor, lender, proprietor, partner, stockholder, officer, director, member, manager or other type of principal) in, participate, assist or render any services or give advice to, whether for compensation or not, any Person, other than the Company, which is engaged in or becomes engaged in a Competitive Business;

 

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(ii) except as necessary for the conduct of the affairs of the Company in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices or as necessary to comply with any applicable law, rule, regulation, court order or other governmental mandate or investigation disclose, directly or indirectly, to any Person the names of past or present business partners of the Company or the material terms of any Contract, or any trade secrets or confidential information of the Company; or

(iii) encourage, advise or assist any Person to enter into any business relationship with, or use the services of, a Competitive Business; or

(iv) directly or indirectly, call upon, solicit, advise, sign, hire, interfere with, or otherwise do or conduct, or attempt to do or conduct, business with any Person who or which has (or has had within the prior 24 months) a business relationship with the Company, or take away or interfere or attempt to interfere with any business custom, business trade, or business patronage of the Company.

b. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Executive may, directly or indirectly own, solely as a passive investment (with no personal involvement of Executive in the business), securities of any Person engaged in a Competitive Business which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if Executive (A) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such Person and (B) does not, directly or indirectly, own five percent (5%) or more of any class of securities of such Person.

c. During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, whether on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly:

(i) solicit or encourage any employee of the Company (other than Colin Hodgson and Executive’s secretarial assistants) to leave the employment of the Company;

(ii) hire any individual (other than Colin Hodgson and Executive’s secretarial assistants) who was employed by, or worked as a consultant for, the Company as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, or who left the employment of the Company coincident with, or within sixty (60) days prior to or after, the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company; or

(iii) solicit or encourage to cease to work with the Company any consultant then having a relationship with the Company.

 

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d. The “Restricted Period” means the period commencing on the Effective Date of this Agreement and ending on the first anniversary of the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company (including the actual termination of Executive’s employment following the deemed termination that occurs upon the expiration of the Employment Term). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a termination of Executive’s employment (i) pursuant to Section 7(a), the Restricted Period shall continue through and end on the fifth anniversary of the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or (ii) pursuant to Section 7(c), but only if MSG Member purchases all, but not less than all, of the Company Interest held by Azoff Member (or any Permitted Transferee of Azoff Member) under Section 6.3 of the LLC Agreement, the Restricted Period shall continue through and end on the date of the closing of the purchase. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the Restricted Period shall be extended by the length of any period during which Executive is in breach of this Section 8.

9. Confidentiality; Intellectual Property . For the purposes of this Section 9, the term “Company” shall mean and include the Company and all of its Subsidiaries.

a. Confidentiality .

(i) Executive will not at any time (whether during or after Executive’s employment with the Company), except as necessary for the conduct of the Company’s affairs in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices of the Company, (A) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of Executive or any other Person; or (B) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any Person outside the Company (other than its professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information (including the existence or terms of any Contract) concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company, or of any other Person who or which has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company on a confidential basis (“ Confidential Information ”) without the prior written authorization of MSG Member.

(ii) “ Confidential Information ” shall not include any information that is (A) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Executive’s breach of this covenant; (B) made legitimately available to Executive by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation; (C) independently developed by Executive following Executive’s termination of employment by the Company and without reference to Confidential Information, or which contains only the names and contact information for any individual or business; or (D) required by law or legal process to be disclosed; provided however, that Executive shall give prompt written notice to the Company of such requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate, at the Company’s sole cost and expense, with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.

(iii) Except as required by law or legal process, Executive will not disclose to anyone, other than Executive’s immediate family and legal or financial advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement; provided however , that Executive may disclose to any prospective future employer the provisions of Sections 8 and 9 hereof provided they agree to maintain the confidentiality of such terms.

 

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(iv) Upon termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall (A) cease, and not thereafter commence, use of any Confidential Information owned or used by the Company; (B) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Company’s option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in Executive’s possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in Executive’s office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information or otherwise relate to the business of the Company, except that Executive may retain (I) a copy of his list of professional contacts and his calendar, (II) those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information, and (III) Executive’s personal compensation statements; and (C) notify and fully cooperate with the Company regarding the delivery or destruction of any other Confidential Information of which Executive is or becomes aware. The use of any Confidential Information will be subject to the provisions of Section 8 even if Executive is permitted to retain originals or copies thereof under this Section 9(a)(iv).

(v) Executive shall not improperly use for the benefit of, bring to any premises of, divulge, disclose, communicate, reveal, transfer or provide access to, or share with the Company any confidential, proprietary or non-public information or intellectual property relating to a former employer or other third party without the prior written permission of such third party. Executive hereby indemnifies, holds harmless and agrees to defend the Company and its officers, directors, partners, employees, agents and representatives from any breach of the foregoing covenant.

(vi) Subject to the provisions of Section 8, Executive shall be free to use, but may not disclose in any manner per this Section 9(a), information in intangible form retained in the memory of Executive, including, without limitation ideas, concepts, know-how or techniques, for any purpose whatsoever.

b. Intellectual Property .

(i) If Executive has created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to or improved any works of authorship, inventions, intellectual property, materials, documents or other work product (including without limitation, research, reports, software, databases, systems, applications, presentations, textual works, content, or audiovisual materials) related to the businesses of the Company, including, without limitation, the music services business (“ Works ”), either alone or with third parties, prior to Executive’s employment by the Company, that are relevant to such employment (“ Prior Works ”), Executive hereby grants the Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, assignable, sublicensable license under all rights and intellectual property rights (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) therein for all purposes in connection with the Company’s current and future business.

 

8


(ii) If Executive creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves any Works, either alone or with third parties, at any time during Executive’s employment by the Company and within the scope of such employment and/or with the use of any the Company resources (“ Company Works ”), Executive shall promptly and fully disclose same to the Company and hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, all rights and intellectual property rights therein (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) exclusively to the Company to the extent ownership of any such rights does not vest originally in the Company.

(iii) Executive shall take all reasonably requested actions and execute all reasonably requested documents (including any licenses or assignments required by a government contract) at the Company’s expense (but without further remuneration) to assist the Company in validating, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of the Company’s rights in the Prior Works and Company Works. If the Company is unable for any other reason to secure Executive’s signature on any document for this purpose, then Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Executive’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and in Executive’s behalf and stead to execute any documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts in connection with the foregoing.

(iv) Nothing in this Section 9(b) shall affect the rights of the Company in any asset contributed to the Company under the Formation Agreement.

c. The provisions of this Section 9 shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason.

10. Specific Performance . Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 8 or Section 9 would be inadequate, impractical and difficult to prove, and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, acting through MSG Member, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to cease making any payments or providing any benefit otherwise required by this Agreement and obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available. The provisions of this Section 10 shall survive termination of Executive’s employment for any reason.

11. Defined Terms . For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

a. “ Affiliate ” means, any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, trust or other entity or organization that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such person, where “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management policies of such person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, as trustee or executor, or otherwise, and, with respect to any individual, any relative or spouse of such person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same home as such person.

 

9


b. “ Artist ” means any musician, singer, songwriter, publisher, composer, lyricist or producer.

c. “ Azoff Member ” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

d. “ Cause ” means (i) the willful and continued failure of Executive to perform substantially his material duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness and shall not include a failure to achieve particular results or to perform at any particular level), (ii) Executive’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company; (iii) any material breach by Executive of his obligations under Sections 8 or 9 hereof; (iv) Executive’s conviction of, or pleading guilty or nolo contender to, a felony under Federal or state law; or (v) a material breach by Executive of a fiduciary duty; provided however , that a termination of Executive by the Company for Cause shall not be effective unless and until (x) the Company, acting through MSG Member, has delivered to Executive a Notice of Termination; (y) Executive has been given a reasonable opportunity to make a presentation to MSG Member and to answer any questions that MSG Member may have; and (z) in the case of events of Cause described in the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (v), Executive has been given ten (10) days in which to cure such event of Cause.

e. “ Company Interest ” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

f. “ Competitive Business ” means any media, entertainment or music related businesses and opportunities, and all businesses and opportunities ancillary, related or complimentary therewith or to their respective industries (including all consulting, marketing, representing, managing, licensing, producing, ticketing, selling, branding, promoting, advertising, content creation or distribution or similar activities related thereto or in connection therewith) including without limitation any businesses and opportunities contributed to the Company under the Formation Agreement and any businesses conducted by the Company from time to time.

g. “ Contract ” means any contract, arrangement, lease, license, indenture, agreement, commitment and any other legally binding arrangement, whether oral written, between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and any Person or relating to any past or present business partner, Artist or Other Talent or Entertainment Executive or employees.

h. “ Disability ” means personal injury, illness or other cause which has rendered Executive unable to perform substantially his material duties and responsibilities hereunder for a period of one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days, or one hundred twenty (120) out of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days, as determined jointly by a physician selected by the Company reasonably acceptable to Executive (or, if he is incapacitated, his legal representative) and a physician selected by Executive (or, if he is

 

10


incapacitated, his legal representative) and reasonably acceptable to the Company. If such physicians cannot agree as to whether Executive has suffered a Disability, they shall jointly select a third physician who shall make such determination. The determination of Disability made in writing to the Company and Executive shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of the Agreement.

i. “ Entertainment Executive ” means any person performing an executive or professional role in the music, entertainment or media industries.

j. “ Good Reason ” means (i) any material breach of any of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement caused by MSG Member; (ii) any material breach of the LLC Agreement by MSG Member, which breach is not cured by MSG Member in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement; or (iii) James Dolan not serving for any reason whatsoever as the MSG Designee pursuant to Section 2.5 of the LLC Agreement. A termination of Executive’s employment by Executive for Good Reason shall be effective only if Executive delivers to MSG Member a Notice of Termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for Good Reason within sixty (60) days after learning of the circumstances constituting Good Reason. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if within twenty (20) days following Executive’s delivery of such Notice of Termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for Good Reason (the “Cure Period”), the Company has cured the circumstances giving rise to the Good Reason claim, then such Notice of Termination of Executive’s employment with the Company shall be ineffective and no Good Reason shall be deemed to exist. In the event that the Company fails to remedy the condition constituting Good Reason during the Cure Period and such failure is caused by MSG Member, Executive must terminate his employment, if at all, within ninety (90) days following the Cure Period in order for such termination of Executive’s employment to constitute a termination of Executive’s employment for Good Reason. Moreover, Executive shall be required to give the Company at least ten (10) days advance written notice of any termination of Executive’s employment for Good Reason.

k. “ LLC Agreement ” means that certain Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company, dated as of the date of this Agreement, by and between AMM and MSG Member.

l. “ MSG Member ” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

m. “ Notice of Termination ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(e) hereof.

n. “ Other Talent ” means any person engaged in the music or entertainment business other than an Artist or an Entertainment Executive including without limitation promoters, distributors, venue operators, teams and leagues.

o. “ Permitted Transferee ” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

p. “ Person ” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, trust, or other entity or organization, including without limitation, a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and charitable or philanthropic organizations.

q. “ Subsidiary(ies) ” means (i) any corporation more than fifty percent (50%) of whose stock of any class or classes having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time owned by the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries of the Company, or (ii) any partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture or other entity in which the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries of the Company has more than a fifty percent (50%) equity interest or the right to control the management of such entity.

 

11


12. Section 409(A) .

a. This Agreement is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“ Section 409A ”). The Company shall undertake to administer, interpret and construe the provisions of the Agreement in a manner that does not result in the imposition of any additional tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A. Notwithstanding any provision in the Agreement to the contrary, if upon Executive’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, Executive is then a “specified employee” (as defined in Section 409A), then, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A and avoid the imposition of taxes under Section 409A, the Company shall defer payment of nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A payable as a result of and within six (6) months following such separation from service until the earlier of (i) the first business day of the seventh month following Executive’s separation from service, or (ii) ten (10) days after the Company receives notification of Executive’s death. Upon the expiration of the applicable deferral period, all payments and benefits deferred (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such deferral) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments due under this Agreement will be paid in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein. Any such delayed payments shall be paid without interest. For purposes of this Agreement, each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided shall be construed as a separate identified payment for purposes of Section 409A. Neither party individually or in combination may accelerate, offset or assign any deferred payment, except in compliance with Section 409A. No amount shall be paid prior to the earliest date on which it is permitted to be paid under Section 409A and Executive shall have no discretion with respect to the timing of payments except as permitted under Section 409A. Any Section 409A payments which are subject to execution of a waiver and release which may be executed and/or revoked in a calendar year following the calendar year in which the payment event (such as separation from service) occurs shall commence payment only in the calendar year in which the release revocation period ends as and to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A.

b. Notwithstanding any provision in the Agreement to the contrary, the reimbursement of expenses or in-kind benefits provided pursuant to this Agreement which are subject to Section 409A shall be subject to the following conditions: (i) expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits in one taxable year shall not affect expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind

 

12


benefits in any other taxable year; (ii) the reimbursement of eligible expenses or in-kind benefits shall be made promptly, subject to the Company’s applicable policies, but in no event later than the end of the year after the year in which such expense was incurred; and (iii) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

13. Miscellaneous .

A. Governing Law . THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF. EACH OF EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY (ON BEHALF OF THEMSELVES AND THEIR SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS) HEREBY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AND OF ANY NEW YORK STATE COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY FOR PURPOSES OF ALL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. EACH OF EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY (ON BEHALF OF THEMSELVES AND THEIR SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS) IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH COURT AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH A COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. EACH OF EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY (ON BEHALF OF THEMSELVES AND THEIR SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS) HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

b. Entire Agreement; Amendments . This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the employment of Executive by the Company. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein other than those expressly set forth herein. This Agreement may not be altered, modified, or amended except by written instrument signed by the parties hereto and MSG Member.

c. No Waiver . The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver of such party’s rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.

d. Severability . If a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction in that regard is an unenforceable restriction against the Executive, the provisions of this Agreement shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any such restriction in this Agreement is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall

 

13


not prejudice or in any way affect the validity or enforceability of any other section, paragraph, clause, sub-clause and provision. This Agreement and each section, paragraph, clause, sub-clause and provision hereof shall be read and construed so as to give thereto the full effect thereof subject only to any contrary provision of law to the extent that when this Agreement or any section, paragraph, clause, sub-clause or provision hereof would, but for the provisions of this Section 13(d), have been read and construed as being void and ineffective, it shall nevertheless be a valid agreement, covenant, paragraph, clause, sub-clause or provision as the case may be to the full extent to which it is not contrary to any provision at law

e. Assignment . This Agreement, and all of Executive’s rights and duties hereunder, shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive. Any purported assignment or delegation by Executive in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void ab initio and of no force and effect. This Agreement may be assigned by the Company to a person or entity that is an Affiliate or a successor in interest to substantially all of the business operations of the Company. Upon such assignment, the rights and obligations of the Company hereunder shall become the rights and obligations of such Affiliate or successor person or entity.

f. Set Off; No Mitigation . The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder shall be subject to set-off, counterclaim or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company. In the event of a termination of employment requiring the Company to make payments to Executive, any such payments shall be offset by amounts, if any, earned by Executive through other professional activities during the period commencing on such termination of employment and ending on the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date, provided however, that Executive shall not be required to seek alternate employment.

g. Successors; Binding Agreement . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.

h. Notice . Any notice, payment, demand, or communication required or permitted to be given by any provision of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been delivered, given, and received for all purposes (i) upon delivery, if delivered personally to the Person or to an officer of the Person to whom the same is directed, (ii) on the next business day, if sent by a nationally recognized courier service (which provides proof of delivery), (iii) on the third business day, if sent by registered or certified mail (postage and charges prepaid), or (iv) on the next business day, if sent by registered or certified mail (postage and charges prepaid)), addressed as follows, or to such other address as such Person may from time to time specify by due notice in accordance with this Section 13(h):

If to the Company:

AZOFF MSG ENTERTAINMENT LLC

c/o Azoff Music Management LLC

1100 Glendon Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90024

Attention:

 

 

14


With a copy to:

Entertainment Ventures, LLC

c/o MSG Holdings, L.P.

Two Penn Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Attention: General Counsel

And a copy to:

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

125 Broad Street

New York, NY 10004

Attention: John P. Mead, Esq.

And a copy to:

Loeb & Loeb LLP

10100 Santa Monica Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Attention: Harold A. Flegelman, Esq.

If to Executive:

Irving Azoff

1100 Glendon Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90024

With a copy to:

Loeb & Loeb LLP

10100 Santa Monica Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Attention: Harold A. Flegelman, Esq.

And a copy to:

Entertainment Ventures, LLC

c/o MSG Holdings, L.P.

Two Penn Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Attention: General Counsel

 

15


i. Executive Representation; Company Acknowledgement .

(i) Executive hereby represents to the Company that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Executive and the Company and the performance by Executive of Executive’s duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise contravene, the terms of any employment agreement or other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or otherwise bound.

(ii) Company and the Executive hereby acknowledge and agree that Executive’s management and operations of the businesses of the Company hereunder shall be subject in all events to, and conducted in accordance with, the terms and conditions of that certain Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2012 (as amended), by and among Executive, Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., Front Line Management Group, Inc., and the other parties named therein.

(iii) Executive hereby represents to the Company that he does not, directly or indirectly, own any assets or interests in or relating to, or conduct, any business that is, a Competitive Business other than (A) through the Company and (B) the Permitted Passive Rights. “Permitted Passive Rights” means passive movie participation rights, passive movie soundtrack royalties and passive royalties from music owned by the business known as Azoff Publishing, Inc., in all cases (i) acquired by Irving Azoff or one of his controlled Affiliates prior to August 1, 2013 and (ii) which do not, in any year, produce more than $150,000 of income in the aggregate.

j. Prior Agreements . This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (including verbal agreements) between Executive and the Company and/or its Affiliates regarding the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment with the Company.

k. Cooperation . Executive shall provide Executive’s reasonable cooperation in connection with any action or proceeding (or any appeal from any action or proceeding) that relates to events occurring during Executive’s employment hereunder. This provision shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

l. Withholding Taxes . The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

m. Counterparts . This Agreement shall be executed using separate signature pages for each signatory, and may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. Delivery by facsimile or electronic mail of an executed counterpart hereof shall have the same force and effect as delivery of an original executed counterpart hereof.

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and the Company have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

IRVING AZOFF
AZOFF MSG ENTERTAINMENT LLC
By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]


EXHIBIT E

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

AZOFF MSG ENTERTAINMENT LLC

Dated as of             , 2013

BETWEEN

ENTERTAINMENT VENTURES, LLC

AND

AZOFF MUSIC MANAGEMENT LLC


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
ARTICLE 1   
The Company   
Section 1.1  

Formation

     1   
Section 1.2  

Name

     2   
Section 1.3  

Organizational Contributions and Actions

     2   
Section 1.4  

Registered Office; Chief Executive Office

     2   
Section 1.5  

Purpose; Duration

     2   
Section 1.6  

Liability of the Members Generally

     3   
ARTICLE 2   
Management and Operations of the Company   
Section 2.1  

Management of the Company’s Affairs

     3   
Section 2.2  

Corporate Services

     3   
Section 2.3  

Officers

     3   
Section 2.4  

Credit Facility

     4   
Section 2.5  

Approval Rights of Members

     4   
Section 2.6  

Member Loans

     6   
ARTICLE 3   
Capital   
Section 3.1  

Capital Requirements; Capital Contributions

     7   
ARTICLE 4   
Distributions and Allocations   
Section 4.1  

Capital Accounts

     7   
Section 4.2  

Book Allocation of Net Income and Net Loss

     8   
Section 4.3  

Tax Allocations

     9   
Section 4.4  

Distributions

     10   
Section 4.5  

No Interest; No Return of Capital

     11   
ARTICLE 5   
Accounting and Taxation   
Section 5.1  

Fiscal Year

     11   
Section 5.2  

Maintenance of Books and Records

     11   
Section 5.3  

Access to Books of Account

     11   
Section 5.4  

Financial Statements

     11   
Section 5.5  

Taxation

     12   
Section 5.6  

Tax Matters Member

     13   

 

-i-


ARTICLE 6   
Restrictions on Disposition of Company Interests   
Section 6.1  

Limitations on Disposition of Company Interests

     14   
Section 6.2  

Certain Rights to Dispose of Company Interests

     15   
Section 6.3  

Buy-Sell Rights

     15   
Section 6.4  

Additional Provisions Relating to Permitted Dispositions

     16   
Section 6.5  

Effect of Permitted Dispositions

     17   
Section 6.6  

Effect of Prohibited Dispositions

     17   
ARTICLE 7   
Confidentiality; Public Announcements   
Section 7.1  

Confidentiality

     18   
Section 7.2  

Public Announcements

     18   
ARTICLE 8   
Dissolution and Winding-Up of the Company   
Section 8.1  

Dissolution

     18   
Section 8.2  

Winding-Up Procedures

     19   
Section 8.3  

Distribution of Assets to Members Upon Winding-Up

     19   
Section 8.4  

Deficit Capital Accounts

     19   
ARTICLE 9   
Liability of Members and Company Officials; Indemnification   
Section 9.1  

Liability of Members and Company Officials

     19   
Section 9.2  

Indemnification

     20   
Section 9.3  

Insurance for Article 9 Matters

     20   
ARTICLE 10   
Miscellaneous   
Section 10.1  

Waiver of Rights of Partition and Dissolution

     21   
Section 10.2  

Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiary

     21   
Section 10.3  

Governing Law

     21   
Section 10.4  

Amendments and Waivers

     22   
Section 10.5  

Notices

     22   
Section 10.6  

Counterparts

     24   
Section 10.7  

Acknowledgement

     24   
Section 10.8  

Successors and Assigns

     24   
Section 10.9  

Headings

     24   
Section 10.10  

Interpretation; Absence of Presumption

     24   
Section 10.11  

Further Assurances

     25   
Section 10.12  

Business Days

     25   
Section 10.13  

Severability

     25   

 

-ii-


EXHIBITS

Exhibit A – Certain Definitions

 

-iii-


LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

This Limited Liability Company Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of             , 2013, is between Entertainment Ventures, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ MSG Member ”), and Azoff Music Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Azoff Member ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined elsewhere herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in Exhibit A .

WHEREAS, MSG Member and MSG Holdings L.P. (“ MSG ” and, together with MSG Member, the “ MSG Parties ”); and Azoff Member are parties to a Formation, Contribution and Investment Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2013 (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “ Formation Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Formation Agreement, Azoff Member shall contribute or cause to be contributed, transferred, assigned and delivered to the Company assets and liabilities of the “ Contributed Business ” (as such term is defined in the Formation Agreement), in exchange for the issuance to Azoff Member of a 100% membership interest in the Company, and the assumption by the Company of the Assumed Liabilities (as defined in the Formation Agreement);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Formation Agreement, MSG will acquire from Azoff Member 50% of the membership interests in the Company;

WHEREAS, the Members desire to enter into this Agreement, which shall constitute the limited liability company agreement of the Members under the Act, for the purpose of setting forth the agreements of the Members as to the affairs of the Company and the conduct of its business;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other covenants and conditions contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

The Company

Section 1.1 Formation .

(a) A certificate of formation of the Company was filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 16, 2013.

(b) Azoff Member is admitted as a Member of the Company effective upon the contribution of the Contributed Business and MSG Member is admitted as a Member of the Company effective upon its purchase of a Company Interest from Azoff Member under the Formation Agreement.

(c) As of the date of this Agreement, after giving effect to the transactions described in Section 1.3, Azoff Member shall have a Percentage Share equal to 50.0%, and MSG Member shall have a Percentage Share equal to 50.0%.


Section 1.2 Name .

(a) The name of the Company shall be “Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC” or such other name as may be determined by Manager from time to time.

(b) MSG Member hereby licenses the trademark “MSG” (the “ MSG Mark ”) to the Company on a gratis basis solely for use in the corporate name of the Company (i.e., Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC) and for no stand-alone or other purposes. Such license may be terminated at any time by MSG Member on 60 days written notice whereupon the Company will as promptly as practicable remove “MSG” from its corporate name and all ancillary materials (e.g., stationary and business cards). The Company shall not file or prosecute trademark or other intellectual property rights applications for, or maintain resulting registrations with, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (or similar authority in foreign jurisdictions) containing the MSG Mark or name. In furtherance of the foregoing, so long as the Company name contains the MSG Mark, the Company shall not utilize its corporate name as a consumer facing brand name or advertise or market any of its products or services using its corporate name. The Company acknowledges and agrees that MSG Member maintains full ownership in the MSG Mark for all purposes.

Section 1.3 Organizational Contributions and Actions . Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the following actions are taking place pursuant to the Formation Agreement:

(a) Azoff Member is contributing to the Company all of the Contributed Business. The Members agree that the Contributed Business has an Agreed Value of Two Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($250,000,000).

(b) The Company is issuing to Azoff Member a 100% Company Interest in the Company in exchange for the Contributed Business.

(c) MSG Member is acquiring a 50% Company Interest in the Company from Azoff Member in exchange for a cash payment of One Hundred Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($125,000,000).

Section 1.4 Registered Office; Chief Executive Office . The Company shall maintain a registered office and registered agent in Delaware to the extent required by the Act, which office and agent shall be as determined by Manager from time to time. Initially (and until otherwise determined by Manager), the registered office in Delaware, and the name and address of the Company’s registered agent in Delaware, shall be as specified in the certificate of formation of the Company as originally filed. The chief executive office of the Company shall be located at such place as shall be determined by Manager from time to time.

Section 1.5 Purpose; Duration .

(a) The purpose of the Company is to engage in any business or activity for which a limited liability company may be formed under the Act. The Company shall have all the powers necessary or convenient to accomplish the purposes of the Company or consistent with the furtherance thereof.

(b) Subject to Section 8.1, the Company shall have perpetual existence.


Section 1.6 Liability of the Members Generally . Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or the Act, no Member (or former Member) shall be obligated to make any contribution of capital to the Company or have any liability for the debts and obligations of the Company. This Section 1.6 is in furtherance of, and not in limitation of, Section 18-303(a) of the Act.

ARTICLE 2

Management and Operations of the Company

Section 2.1 Management of the Company’s Affairs . Except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 2.5 of this Agreement, Manager shall have full, complete and exclusive authority, power and discretion to (i) manage and control the business, property and affairs of the Company, (ii) make all decisions regarding those matters, (iii) supervise, direct and control the actions of the Officers of the Company, and (iv) perform any and all other actions customary or incident to the management of the Company’s business, property and affairs. Manager shall use commercially reasonable efforts to pursue the development of the businesses of the Company, including the Contributed Business. In addition to any other approvals required under the Act or this Agreement, material matters outside the ordinary course of business shall be brought to Manager for approval. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, no Member, by virtue of its status a Member, shall have any actual or apparent authority to enter into Contracts on behalf of, or otherwise to bind, the Company.

Section 2.2 Corporate Services . MSG Member shall cause MSG and its Controlled Affiliates to provide to the Company, and Azoff Member shall cause its Affiliates to provide to the Company, such corporate services as the Company may require and MSG Member and Azoff Member shall agree. Neither MSG Member nor Azoff Member shall be compensated for such services provided to the Company; provided however, that each of MSG Member and Azoff Member shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the Company for any and all direct, third-party, out-of-pocket costs and expenses (excluding corporate overhead) and other mutually agreed incremental expenses incurred by it in providing such services.

Section 2.3 Officers .

(a) Manager may from time to time appoint officers of the Company (the “ Officers ”). The Officers shall have such titles and authority as Manager shall determine from time to time. Each Officer shall perform such duties and exercise such other powers as are commonly incident to a similarly titled officer of a corporation; provided, that each Officer shall be subject to the control of Manager and the authority and responsibilities of each Officer shall be subject to the limitations, if any, imposed by any agreement between the Company and such Officer or any determination by Manager.

(b) Azoff shall serve as the initial Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and as the initial Manager, and shall manage the day-to-day business and affairs of the Company pursuant and subject to this Agreement and that certain Employment Agreement, effective as of the effective date hereof, between Azoff and the Company (the “ Azoff Employment Agreement ”). If at any time Azoff ceases to be the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company (including through the termination of his Employment Agreement), the Manager shall be Dolan or a Person designated by Dolan.


(c) The other Officers may (without limitation) include a Chief Financial Officer and one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer and one or more Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers.

(d) The Officers shall be appointed at such time and for such term as Manager shall determine. Any Officer may be removed, with or without cause, only by Manager. Vacancies in any office may be filled only by Manager.

Section 2.4 Credit Facility . As of the date hereof, Newco and MSG Member have entered into a Credit Facility, in substantially the form of Exhibit F to the Formation Agreement, pursuant to which MSG Member shall make available to Newco a revolving line of credit on the terms and conditions set forth therein.

Section 2.5 Approval Rights of Members .

(a) For the purposes of this Agreement, (i) Azoff Member hereby designates Azoff (the “ Azoff Member Designee ”) as the initial Azoff Member Designee having the sole and exclusive right, power and authority to act on behalf of, and to bind, Azoff Member in Azoff Member’s capacity as a Member; and (ii) MSG Member hereby designates Dolan (the “ MSG Member Designee ”) as the initial MSG Member Designee having the sole and exclusive right, power and authority to act on behalf of, and to bind, MSG Member in MSG Member’s capacity as a Member. Neither Member shall have the right to remove or replace the other Member’s Designee, except to the extent permitted pursuant to Article 6. Any change by a Member in its Designee shall be set forth in a written notice provided to the other Member.

(b) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall take any of the following actions without the prior written approval of the MSG Member Designee (acting on behalf of MSG Member) and the Azoff Member Designee (acting on behalf of Azoff Member):

(i) to draw upon the Credit Facility, if following such draw, the aggregate principal amount of borrowings under the Credit Facility then outstanding would exceed Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000); it being agreed that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Company may draw upon the Credit Facility (without the prior approval of the MSG Member Designee (acting on behalf of MSG Member)) if following such draw, the aggregate principal amount of borrowings under the Credit Facility then outstanding would not exceed Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000);

(ii) to award a bonus to Azoff under the Azoff Employment Agreement;

(iii) to acquire or redeem any Interest or Indebtedness, or to alter a Member’s interest in distributions (a “ Distribution ”), profits, losses, or other items of income, gain, loss and deduction;


(iv) to issue any Interests or admit any Person as a Member except as a result of a Permitted Transfer;

(v) to merge or consolidate the Company or any of Company’s Subsidiaries with any Person;

(vi) to make an Acquisition that (A) is not a Nonrecourse Transaction, (B) would require borrowings under the Credit Facility and the aggregate principal amount of borrowings under the Credit Facility outstanding thereafter would exceed Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000), or (C) following the Acquisition, the Company would have inadequate working capital for its remaining businesses, taking into account any remaining availability under the Credit Facility up to the first $25 million of borrowings;

(vii) to Dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or any of Company’s Subsidiaries;

(viii) to incur any Indebtedness, or to create any Security Liens upon the assets of the Company or any of Company’s Subsidiaries, other than (A) the Credit Facility, (B) a Nonrecourse Transaction, or (C) an advance from a Member permitted under Section 2.6;

(ix) to enter into, amend or grant any waiver under any Contract with a Related Person of a Member or any Contract with a Third Party that is related to a Contract between such Third Party and a Related Person of a Member or in which such a Related Person has a material interest, as well as any Contract in which any right can be triggered by a change in Control of the Company or a Subsidiary (but not a Membership Change in Control) or by a change in the senior management of the Company;

(x) to authorize or effect a Bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company;

(xi) to make any change in any method of accounting (for both financial reporting or tax purposes) or accounting practice or policy other than those required by GAAP or to make any tax election or to take any action inconsistent with Section 5.5;

(xii) to amend the certificate of formation of the Company or this Agreement;

(xiii) to engage in any public offering of the securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(xiv) to effectuate any change in Control of the Company (but not a Membership Change in Control);

(xv) to make Distributions of cash or property;


(xvi) to require or permit any Member to make a Capital Contribution, other than in accordance with Section 3.1; and

(xvii) to take any act which is inconsistent with the foregoing clauses (i) through (xvi).

(c) Neither Azoff Member nor any of its Affiliates shall consummate the Acquisition of, or undertake, any Relevant Business for its or their own account (and therefore not on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) or have any interest therein (whether as agent, employee, consultant, advisor, creditor, lender, proprietor, partner, stockholder, officer, director, member or other type of principal) without complying with the provisions of Section 2.5(d); it being agreed that notwithstanding Section 8(a)(i) of the Employment Agreement, Azoff Member and/or its Affiliates shall have the right to consummate such Acquisition or undertaking on the terms and conditions set forth in Section 2.5(d).

(d) If (i) Azoff Member proposes that the Company consummate an Acquisition of, or undertake, a business that is not a Relevant Business and (A) is not a Nonrecourse Transaction, (B) would require borrowings under the Credit Facility and the aggregate principal amount of borrowings under the Credit Facility outstanding thereafter would exceed Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000), or (C) following the Acquisition, the Company would have inadequate working capital for its remaining businesses, taking into account any remaining availability under the Credit Facility up to the first $25 million of borrowings, and (ii) the MSG Member Designee (acting on behalf of MSG Member) does not approve such proposal within thirty (30) days after receiving all relevant financial and other information reasonably requested by MSG Member, then, subject to the Azoff Employment Agreement, Azoff Member or any of its Affiliates shall thereupon have the right to consummate such Acquisition, or undertaking, for its or their own account (and therefore not on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries), on terms no less favorable to Azoff Member or any of its Affiliates than those presented to MSG Member, free and clear of any and all claims whatsoever of the Company, MSG Member and any of their Affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and for the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that neither Azoff Member nor any of its Affiliates shall be required to present to the Company or to MSG Member any transaction that does not involve a Relevant Business.

(e) Prior to entering into any transaction that would involve the Company or any of its Subsidiaries making any Acquisition or undertaking, Manager shall provide MSG Member 20 days prior written notice thereof. If MSG Member advises Manager that it believes such transaction would cause MSG Member or any of its Affiliates to be in violation of (i) any Law, (ii) any rule or regulation of any professional sports league to which MSG Member or any of its Affiliates is subject, or (iii) any contract to which MSG or its Affiliates is a party, and provides Manager with a reasonably detailed statement of the basis for its belief, the Company shall not enter into such transaction.

Section 2.6 Member Loans . Either Member shall have the right to advance funds to the Company, on commercially reasonable terms and conditions, but only to the extent necessary to fund current operating expenses of the Company; provided however, that no Member may make a loan under this Section 2.6 unless both Members shall have been provided the opportunity to make such advances on a pro rata basis and on the same terms and conditions.


ARTICLE 3

Capital

Section 3.1 Capital Requirements; Capital Contributions .

(a) In the event that the Members determine that the Company requires funding in addition to internally generated cash and any Capital Contributions from Members previously specifically agreed to be funded by the Members, they will first consider raising such funds through loans from Third Parties. If loans from Third Parties are not available, the Members shall consider raising funding from the Members by providing all Members with the right to make voluntary, pro rata Capital Contributions, with no such Capital Contribution to be made unless all Members agree to fund on a pro rata basis.

(b) No Member shall be obligated to make Capital Contributions to the Company, other than Capital Contributions previously specifically agreed to be funded by the Members. In the event that a Capital Contribution is to be made to the Company, the Company shall give each Member written notice of such determination at least 10 days prior to the date for making such Capital Contribution, specifying the amount of the Capital Contribution and the date on which it is to be made.

ARTICLE 4

Distributions and Allocations

Section 4.1 Capital Accounts .

(a) A Capital Account shall be maintained for each Member in accordance with the rules of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2) (iv). The Capital Account of each Member shall be credited with: (i) the amount of any Capital Contribution made in cash by such Member; (ii) the Agreed Value (net of any liabilities the Company is considered to assume or take subject to under Section 752 of the Code) of any Capital Contribution made in property other than cash by such Member; (iii) allocations to such Member of Net Income pursuant to Section 4.2; and (iv) any other item required to be credited for proper maintenance of capital accounts by the Treasury Regulations under Section 704(b) of the Code. A Member’s Capital Account shall be debited with: (w) the amount of any cash distributed to such Member; (x) any property other than cash distributed to such Member; (y) allocations to such Member of Net Loss pursuant to Section 4.2; and (z) any other item required to be debited for proper maintenance of capital accounts by the Treasury Regulations under Section 704(b) of the Code. Each Member’s Capital Account shall be adjusted as required by Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f) to reflect a revaluation of Company Property at Agreed Value upon the occurrence of any event described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f)(5)(i) or (ii) based upon the manner in which gain or loss upon a sale of all the assets of the Company for Agreed Value would be allocated. The Capital Accounts of the Members immediately following Section 1.3 hereof are as set forth on Schedule 4.1(a).

(b) In the event that any Company Interest is transferred in accordance with this Agreement, the transferee(s) of such Company Interest shall succeed to all of the transferor’s Capital Account. For purposes of Section 4.2, any allocations theretofore made to a transferring Member with respect to a transferred Company Interest shall be deemed to have been made to the transferee for purposes of making future allocations.


Section 4.2 Book Allocation of Net Income and Net Loss .

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 4.2(b) through (h), Net Income and Net Loss shall be allocated to the Members in proportion to their respective Percentage Shares.

(b) If there is a net decrease in Company Minimum Gain during a Company taxable year, each Member shall be specially allocated items of income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, for subsequent years) in proportion to, and to the extent of, an amount equal to the portion of such Member’s share of the net decrease in Company Minimum Gain during such year (which share of such net decrease shall be determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(g)(2)). It is intended that this Section 4.2(b) shall constitute a “minimum gain chargeback” described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2.

(c) If there is a net decrease during a Company taxable year in the Minimum Gain Attributable to a Member Nonrecourse Debt (as determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(3)), any Member with a share of Minimum Gain Attributable to such Member Nonrecourse Debt at the beginning of such year shall be specially allocated items of income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, for subsequent years) in proportion to, and to the extent of, an amount equal to the portion of such Member’s share of the net decrease in Minimum Gain Attributable to such Member Nonrecourse Debt (as determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(g)(2)), during such year. It is intended that this Section 4.2(c) shall constitute a “minimum gain chargeback” described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4).

(d) Items of Company loss, deduction or Section 705(a)(2)(B) Expenditure that is attributable to a Member Nonrecourse Debt (“ Member Nonrecourse Deductions ”) shall be allocated among the Members who bear the Economic Risk of Loss for such Member Nonrecourse Debt. This provision is to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(l).

(e) The Nonrecourse Deductions for each taxable year of the Company shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with their respective Percentage Shares.

(f) In the event that any Member unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations or Distributions described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5), or 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6), items of Company income and gain shall be specifically allocated to such Member in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) of the Code, the deficit balance, if any, in its Adjusted Capital Account created by such adjustments, allocations or Distributions as quickly as possible. This provision is intended to be a “qualified income offset” described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and is to be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.


(g) To the extent that an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company Property pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Code Section 743(b) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) or Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as a result of a distribution to a Member, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the Company Property) or loss (if the adjustment decreases the basis of the Company Property), and such gain or loss shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) or Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4), as the case may be.

(h) In the event that any item of Company income, gain, loss, deduction or Section 705(a)(2)(B) Expenditure is allocated pursuant to Section 4.2(b) through (g), subsequent items of Company income, gain, loss, deduction or Section 705(a)(2)(B) Expenditure (as determined for purposes of computing Net Income or Net Loss) shall, to the extent consistent with Sections 4.2(b) through (g), be allocated between the Members so as to eliminate as quickly as possible on a proportionate basis, with respect to each Member, any disparity between (i) the sum of (x) such Member’s Capital Account balance and (y) such Member’s share of Company Minimum Gain and Minimum Gain Attributable to Member Nonrecourse Debts determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(g) and (i)(5) and (ii) the Capital Account which such Member would have had if all Company Minimum Gain and Minimum Gain Attributable to any Member Nonrecourse Debt had been realized and all allocations of Net Income and Net Loss had been made pursuant to Section 4.2(a) (without giving effect to the reference therein to Section 4.2(b) through (h)).

(i) In the event that the Percentage Shares of the Members shall change pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, there shall be an interim closing of the books of the Company as of the close of the day of such change (the “ Interest Change Date ”). The Net Income or Net Loss of the Company for the period ending on the Interest Change Date shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with their respective Percentage Shares in effect prior to the Interest Change Date. The Net Income or Net Loss of the Company for any period commencing after the Interest Change Date shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with their respective Percentage Shares in effect after the Interest Change Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Interest Change Date is not the last day of a month, Net Income or Net Loss of the Company for the month in which the Interest Change Date occurs shall be prorated on a daily basis between the portion of the month ending on the Interest Change Date and the remainder of such month.

Section 4.3 Tax Allocations .

(a) For income tax purposes all items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Members in the manner set forth in Section 4.2; provided, that: (i) all items of income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to any property contributed to the Company by a Member (or revalued pursuant to the last sentence of Section 4.1(a)) shall be allocated for income tax purposes so as to take into account any variation between the adjusted tax basis of such property and its Agreed Value at the time


of contribution (or the event requiring revaluation) in accordance with Section 704(c) of the Code (and Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-l(b)(2)(iv)(f)). The Members intend that Section 704(c) be applied in a manner such that MSG Member is allocated any depreciation and amortization deductions that are attributable to its purchased tax basis in the assets it is deemed to have purchased pursuant to Section 8.5 of the Formation Agreement. To achieve such allocation, the Company may use: i) curative allocations as provided by Section 1.704-3(c) of the Treasury Regulations; or ii) remedial allocations as provided by Section 1.704-3(d) of the Treasury Regulations, as determined by the Tax Matters Member. Creditable foreign taxes shall be allocated in accordance with Treasury Regulation§ 1.704-l(b)(4)(viii). Any increase (or decrease) in taxable income or loss resulting from adjustments to the basis of the assets of the Company made pursuant to Section 743 of the Code shall be taken into account by the Member or Members to which such adjustment is attributable.

(b) In the event that the Code or any Treasury Regulations require allocations of items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit different from those set forth in this Article 4, the Tax Matters Member is hereby authorized to make new allocations in reliance on the Code and such Treasury Regulations, and no such new allocation shall give rise to any claim or cause of action by any Member; provided, that the Tax Matters Member shall further make such other offsetting allocations of items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit, to the extent permitted under the Code and Treasury Regulations, as may be required such that, considered together with such new allocations, resulting overall allocations of Net Income and Net Loss hereunder shall, to the greatest extent possible, be made in accordance with Section 4.2(a).

(c) For purposes of determining a Member’s proportional share of the Company’s “excess nonrecourse liabilities” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-3(a)(3), each Member’s interest in Net Income shall be such Member’s Percentage Share.

(d) If the Internal Revenue Service makes any adjustment pursuant to Section 482 of the Code with respect to any transaction between a Member (or an Affiliate of a Member) and the Company, Net Income and Net Loss shall nonetheless be determined on the basis of the terms of the transaction as agreed by the parties, and appropriate allocations shall be made for tax purposes to reflect the economic arrangement between the parties.

Section 4.4 Distributions .

(a) Any Distribution shall be made only to all Members simultaneously in accordance with their respective Percentage Shares at the time thereof.

(b) The Company shall, to the extent required by applicable Law, withhold Taxes from Distributions made to any Member or pay Taxes on behalf of any Member pursuant to Section 1446 of the Code or any similar provision of federal, state, local, or foreign Law. Any Taxes so withheld or paid by the Company shall be deemed to have been distributed to such Member or, to the extent that any such Tax is not withheld from a Distribution, such Member shall promptly reimburse the Company therefor.


Section 4.5 No Interest; No Return of Capital . No interest shall be payable on the Capital Contributions, or in respect of the Capital Accounts, of the Members. Except as expressly set forth herein, no Member shall have the right to require that any portion of its Capital Contributions or Capital Account be returned or otherwise paid over to it.

ARTICLE 5

Accounting and Taxation

Section 5.1 Fiscal Year . The books and records of the Company shall be kept on a GAAP basis and the fiscal year of the Company shall be the 12 month period ending on June 30 of each year, unless Manager otherwise determines in its sole discretion.

Section 5.2 Maintenance of Books and Records . At all times during the continuance of the Company, the Company shall keep or cause to be kept, at the chief executive office of the Company, full and complete books of account. The books of account shall be maintained in a manner that provides sufficient assurance that:

(a) transactions of the Company are executed in accordance with the general or specific authorization consistent with the provisions of this Agreement; and

(b) transactions of the Company are recorded in such form and manner as will: (i) permit preparation of federal, state and local income and franchise Tax returns and information returns in accordance with this Agreement and as required by Law; and (ii) permit preparation of the Company’s financial statements in accordance with GAAP and compliance with all applicable securities and other laws.

Section 5.3 Access to Books of Account . Members shall have a right of access to all of the books, records, facilities, officers and employees of the Company.

Section 5.4 Financial Statements .

(a) As soon as practicable, but in any event by no later than 60 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, the Officers of the Company shall prepare and deliver to each Member an audited consolidated balance sheet for the Company and an audited consolidated statement of operations and statement of each Member’s Capital Account as at the end of, and for, such fiscal year, prepared in accordance with GAAP and accompanied by a report of the registered public accounting firm that serves as the independent auditor of MSG or such other registered public accounting form of nationally recognized standing approved by the Members.

(b) As soon as practicable, but in any event by no later than 25 days, after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Company, the Officers of the Company shall prepare and deliver to each Member an unaudited consolidated balance sheet for the Company and unaudited consolidated statements of operations and a statement of each Member’s Capital as at the end of, and for, such fiscal quarter and for the entire current fiscal year through the end of such fiscal quarter.


(c) As soon as practical, but in any event no later than 20 days after the end of each month, the Officers of the Company shall cause to be prepared and delivered to each Member a monthly financial report on the Company’s businesses, in reasonable detail. The Officers of the Company shall also provide such other financial and other information as a Member may request from time to time.

(d) New or revised accounting and auditing principles, standards and practices shall be recommended to the Members for approval.

Section 5.5 Taxation .

(a) The Members intend that the Company shall be treated as a “partnership” for United States federal, state, local and foreign income and franchise Tax purposes and each Member agrees to take all reasonable actions, including the execution of such amendments of this Agreement and the execution or amendment of other documents, to enable the Company to qualify for and receive such treatment as a “partnership” for such purposes.

(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, all elections by the Company (and any Tax position that will have a material effect on a Member) for federal, state and local income and franchise Tax purposes shall be recommended to the Members for adoption. The Tax Matters Member (at the expense of the Company) shall prepare and file or cause to be prepared and filed all income Tax and other Tax returns required to be filed by the Company and the Tax Matters Member shall provide copies of any such income Tax returns to the other Members for their review and comment at least 15 days prior to filing.

(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.5(b), the Company shall file an election under Section 754 of the Code and in accordance with the applicable Regulations to cause the basis of the Company’s assets to be adjusted for Federal tax purposes as provided by Sections 734 or 743 of the Code.

(d) The Members agree that for Federal and applicable state and local income tax purposes, the transactions under the Formation Agreement pursuant to which MSG Member acquired a Company Interest from Azoff Member will be reported by the Members as a sale of an undivided 50% of the assets of the Contributed Business to MSG Member followed by the contribution of those assets to the capital of the Company by MSG Member and the simultaneous contribution to the capital of the Company by Azoff Member of its retained undivided 50% interest in the assets of the Contributed Business. The Members agree to file all applicable income tax returns consistent with the foregoing.

(e) The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver to the Members for each fiscal year of the Company Internal Revenue Service Schedules K-1 prepared by the Company’s accountants and such other tax information with respect to such year as is necessary under applicable law for inclusion in the Members’ Federal and state income tax and other tax returns, which shall be provided concurrently to all Members following preparation thereof.


Section 5.6 Tax Matters Member .

(a) Subject to Section 5.5(b), the Tax Matters Member shall have all of the powers and authority of a Tax matters partner under the Code. The Tax Matters Member shall represent the Company (at the Company’s expense) in connection with all administrative and/or judicial proceedings by the Internal Revenue Service or any Taxing authority involving any Tax return of the Company, and may expend the Company’s funds for professional services and costs associated therewith. The Tax Matters Member shall provide to the Members prompt notice of any communication to or from or agreements with a federal, state or local authority regarding any return of the Company, including a summary of the provisions thereof. In consideration of the services performed by the Tax Matters Member, the Company shall pay to the Tax Matters Member fees commensurate with those commonly charged in the industry by arm’s-length parties, which amount shall not exceed the aggregate amount of costs and expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Member in the performance of its services for the Company unless approved in writing by all of the Members.

(b) Azoff Member shall be the Tax Matters Member as long as it does not resign from such position and Azoff Member is a Member and Azoff is the Manager. If Azoff Member resigns or is no longer a Member, or if Azoff is no longer the Manager or if the Company does not have a Tax Matters Member for any other reason, the Member designated by the Manager shall be the Tax Matters Member and shall serve at the pleasure of the Manager.

(c) The representation of the Company in any governmental Tax audit of the Company shall be undertaken at the Company’s expense. The Tax Matters Member shall not be required to take any action or incur any expenses for the prosecution of any administrative or judicial remedies in its capacity as Tax Matters Member unless the parties hereto agree on a method of sharing expenses incurred in connection with the prosecution of such remedies. As long as the Tax Matters Member is not grossly negligent and acts in good faith, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Tax Matters Member from and against any and all liabilities incurred by the Tax Matters Member in connection with any activities or undertakings taken by it in its capacity as Tax Matters Member.

(d) The Members will furnish the Tax Matters Member with such information (including information specified in Section 6230(e) of the Code) as it may reasonably request to permit it to provide the Internal Revenue Service with sufficient information to allow proper notice to the Members in accordance with Section 6223 of the Code.

(e) If any Member intends to file a Notice of Inconsistent Treatment under Section 6222(b) of the Code, that Member will, at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the filing of that notice, notify the other Members of the intent and the manner in which the Member’s intended treatment of a Company item is (or may be) inconsistent with the treatment of that item by the other Members.

(f) The Tax Matters Member will not enter into any extension of the period of limitations for making assessments on behalf of any other Member without first securing the written consent of that Member.

(g) No Member will file, pursuant to Section 6227 of the Code, a request for administrative adjustment (a “ Request for Administrative Adjustment ”) of Company items for any Company Taxable year without first notifying all other Members. If all


other Members agree with the requested adjustment, the Tax Matters Member will file the Request for Administrative Adjustment on behalf of the requesting Member. If unanimous consent is not obtained within thirty (30) days (or, if shorter, within the period required to timely file the Request for Administrative Adjustment), any Member, including the Tax Matters Member, may file a Request for Administrative Adjustment on its own behalf.

(h) The Tax Matters Member shall not, in its capacity as Tax Matters Member, file a petition under Sections 6226, 6228 or any other Sections of the Code with respect to any Company item, or other Tax matters involving the other Members, without the unanimous consent of all the Members. Any Member intending to file a petition under Sections 6226, 6228 or any other Sections of the Code with respect to any Company item, or other Tax matters involving the other Members, will notify the other Members of that intention and the nature of the contemplated proceeding. If any Member intends to seek review of any court decision rendered as a result of a proceeding instituted under the preceding part of this Section 5.6, that Member will notify the other Members of that intended action.

(i) The Tax Matters Member will not bind the other Members to a settlement agreement without obtaining the written concurrence of the other Members that would be bound by that agreement. Any other Member that enters into a settlement agreement with the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to any Company items, as defined by Section 6231(a)(3) of the Code, will notify the other Members of that settlement agreement and its terms within thirty (30) days from the date of settlement.

(j) The provisions of this Section 5.6 will survive the termination of this Agreement or the termination of any Member’s Company Interest and will remain binding on the Members for a period of time necessary to resolve any and all matters regarding the federal and, if applicable, state income Taxation of the Members. Each Member shall retain its records with respect to each fiscal year until the expiration of the period within which additional federal or state income Tax may be assessed for such year.

ARTICLE 6

Restrictions on Disposition of Company Interests

Section 6.1 Limitations on Disposition of Company Interests . Except for Permitted Dispositions, the Members will not Dispose of all or any part of their Company Interest without obtaining the prior written consent of the other Member, which consent may be given or withheld in the sole and absolute discretion of such other Member. For purposes of this Article 6, any Membership Change in Control shall be deemed a Disposition of such Member’s Company Interest. For purposes of Article 6, all Company Interests held by a Member and its Affiliates shall be aggregated, and such Article shall apply to all such Company Interests as if they were held by MSG Member or Azoff Member, as applicable.


Section 6.2 Certain Rights to Dispose of Company Interests .

(a) For a period of ninety (90) days following each and every five-year anniversary of the effective date hereof, each Member will have the right to exercise the buy-sell rights procedure set forth in Section 6.3.

(b) If (i) Azoff’s employment under the Azoff Employment Agreement is terminated by the Company with Cause or by Azoff without Good Reason, or (ii) Azoff’s employment under the Azoff Employment Agreement is terminated by reason of Azoff’s death or Disability, (iii) Azoff is no longer the Azoff Member Designee for any reason other than the events described in Section 6.2(c)(i), or (iv) Azoff Member materially breaches any provision of this Agreement, which breach is not cured within thirty (30) days of MSG Member’s notice thereof to Azoff Member, then MSG Member shall have the right, for a period of ninety (90) days after such event, to exercise the buy-sell rights set forth in Section 6.3.

(c) If (i) Azoff terminates his employment under the Azoff Employment Agreement with Good Reason or (ii) Azoff’s employment under the Azoff Employment Agreement is terminated by reason of Azoff’s death or Disability, then Azoff Member shall have the right, for a period of ninety (90) days after such event, to exercise the buy-sell rights set forth in Section 6.3.

Section 6.3 Buy-Sell Rights .

(a) The Member having the right to exercise the buy-sell rights herein is referred to as the “ Initiating Member ” and the other Member is referred to as the “ Responding Member .”

(b) If an Initiating Member wishes to exercise its buy-sell right, such Member shall deliver timely to the Responding Member written notice (the “ Buy-Sell Offer Notice ”) of such election, which notice shall include (i) a description of the circumstances that triggered the buy-sell right, and (ii) the purchase price (which shall be payable exclusively in cash (unless otherwise agreed by both Members)) at which the Initiating Member would be ready, willing and able to sell all, but not less than all, of its Company Interest (and any Company Interest held by any Permitted Transferees of the Initiating Member) to the Responding Member (the “ Buy-Sell Price ”).

(c) Within thirty (30) days after delivery of the Buy-Sell Offer Notice pursuant to Section 6.3(b) (the “ Buy-Sell Election Date ”), the Responding Member shall deliver to the Initiating Member a written notice (the “ Response Notice ”) stating whether the Responding Member elects to (i) sell all, but not less than all, of its Company Interest (and any Company Interest held by any Permitted Transferees of the Responding Member) to the Initiating Member for the Buy-Sell Price, or (ii) purchase all, but not less than all, of the Initiating Member’s Company Interest (and any Company Interest held by any Permitted Transferee of the Initiating Member) for the Buy-Sell Price. The failure of the Responding Member to deliver the Response Notice by the Buy-Sell Election Date shall be deemed to be an election by the Responding Member to sell all, but not less than all, of its Company Interest (and any Company Interest held by any Permitted Transferees of the Responding Member) to the Initiating Member at the Buy-Sell Price.


(d) The closing of any purchase and sale of a Company Interest pursuant to this Section 6.3 shall take place not later than thirty (30) days after the Response Notice is delivered pursuant to Section 6.3(c), or such other date as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members. The Buy-Sell Price shall be paid at a closing by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by the selling Member (the “ Selling Member ”). At such closing, the Selling Member shall deliver (and cause each of its Permitted Transferees to deliver) to the purchasing Member (the “ Purchasing Member ”) good and marketable title to its Company Interest, free and clear of all Security Liens, other than Permitted Encumbrances. Each Member agrees to cooperate and take all actions and execute all documents reasonably necessary or appropriate to reflect the purchase of the Selling Member’s Company Interest by the Purchasing Member and to obtain all required regulatory or other approvals, and the Buy-Sell closing shall be delayed until all such required approvals have been obtained.

(e) If a Buy-Sell transaction covers Company Interests owned by the Permitted Transferees of a Member, such Member shall cause those Permitted Transferees to sell their Company Interests in accordance with this Section 6.3.

(f) Upon the closing of any Buy-Sell transaction, the Buyer shall repay or cause to be repaid all borrowings under the Credit Facility and the closing of any such Buy-Sell transaction will be conditioned on such repayment. The Credit Facility will terminate upon the closing of such Buy-Sell transaction.

Section 6.4 Additional Provisions Relating to Permitted Dispositions .

(a) Each Member shall, to the extent reasonably requested from time to time by the other Member, cooperate and cause its Affiliates to cooperate (and, together with the requesting Member, cause the Company and the Company’s Subsidiaries to cooperate) with the requesting Member promptly to (and, in the case of a Member, to cause the Company to) make all filings, give all notices and seek to secure all consents, approvals and waivers (including all Governmental Actions/Filings) that may be reasonably required in order to consummate, or otherwise in connection with, a proposed Permitted Disposition.

(b) Unless and to the extent waived by the non-transferring Member in its discretion, the transferee in a Permitted Disposition shall deliver to the non-transferring Member an agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the non-transferring Member, by which such transferee shall: (i) agree, for the benefit of the non-transferring Member (and its Successors), to become a party to and be bound by this Agreement as a “Member” (with the same effect as if the transferee had initially been named herein as the Member making the transfer); (ii) assume and agree to perform when due all of the obligations of the transferring Member under this Agreement; and (iii) make appropriate representations regarding compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder as they apply to the Permitted Disposition and such other representations as are reasonable and customary in such a transaction.


Section 6.5 Effect of Permitted Dispositions .

(a) Upon consummation of any Permitted Disposition:

(i) unless already a Member, the transferee shall be admitted as a Member in the Company and be deemed to be a party to this Agreement as a “Member” (with the same effect as if the transferee had initially been named herein as the Member making the transfer) and succeed to the applicable portion of the Company Interest (including the applicable portion of the Percentage Share) at the time of the transferring Member;

(ii) the transferred Company Interest shall continue to be subject to all the provisions of this Agreement, including the remainder of this Article 6;

(iii) the Capital Account (whether positive or negative) of the transferring Member (in proportion to the portion of its Percentage Share transferred) shall be transferred to the name of such transferee Member at the close of business on the effective date of such Permitted Disposition; and

(iv) if the transferring Member has transferred its entire Company Interest, subject to Sections 6.5(b) and 10.8, the transferring Member shall cease to be a Member (and accordingly, except as expressly otherwise provided in Section 6.5(b) or 10.8, shall cease to be responsible for the performance of any of the obligations of a Member under this Agreement).

(b) No Permitted Disposition (and no resulting withdrawal of the transferring Member from the Company) shall:

(i) relieve the transferring Member of any of the liabilities or obligations of the transferring Member under this Agreement required to have been paid or performed prior to the consummation of such Permitted Disposition (or of any liability it may have arising out of any breach, misrepresentation, violation or default by the transferring Member prior to such consummation);

(ii) result in the termination of, or relieve the transferring Member (or any of its Affiliates) of, or otherwise affect, any of the liabilities or obligations of the transferring Member or its Affiliates under, any agreement between the Company and any Member or any of its Affiliates (each such agreement to continue in effect in accordance with its terms); or

(iii) dissolve the Company.

Section 6.6 Effect of Prohibited Dispositions . No actual or purported Disposition of any Company Interest of a Member (or any portion thereof), or of any other right or interest of a Member under this Agreement, whether voluntary or involuntary, in violation of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid or effective.


ARTICLE 7

Confidentiality; Public Announcements

Section 7.1 Confidentiality . From and after the date of this Agreement, each Member shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, maintain the confidentiality of, and shall not use for the benefit of themselves or others, any confidential information concerning the Company or its business (the “ Confidential Information ”); provided , however, that this Section 7.1 shall not restrict: (a) any disclosure by a Member or Affiliate thereof of any Confidential Information required or advisable to be disclosed by applicable Law or any securities exchange requirements (but only such portion of the Confidential Information that it is legally required or advisable to disclose), but if permitted by applicable Law, such Member or Affiliate shall give the Company prompt notice and a reasonable opportunity to contest such disclosure or seek an appropriate protective order; (b) any disclosure on a confidential basis to the attorneys and accountants of such Member or Affiliate; and (c) any disclosure of information that: (i) is publicly available as of the date of this Agreement; (ii) after the date of this Agreement, becomes publicly available through no fault of the disclosing party; or (iii) is received by such Member or Affiliate from a third party not, to the knowledge of such Member of Affiliate, subject to any obligation of confidentiality with respect to such information.

Section 7.2 Public Announcements . No party shall make, or cause to be made, any press release or public announcement in respect of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or otherwise communicate with any news media regarding this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties, and the parties shall cooperate as to the timing and contents of any such press release or public announcement; provided, that a party may, without the prior consent of the other parties, make such press release or public announcement as may be required by Law if it has used all reasonable efforts to consult with the other parties and to obtain such parties’ consent but has been unable to do so in a timely manner.

ARTICLE 8

Dissolution and Winding-Up of the Company

Section 8.1 Dissolution . The Company shall be liquidated and dissolved and its affairs wound up in the manner hereinafter provided only upon the happening of any of the following events:

(i) the happening of any event that triggers a liquidation of the Company under the Act that cannot be waived by the Members;

(ii) there being no members of the Company;

(iii) the determination of the Members by unanimous consent to liquidate the Company; or

(iv) the sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets.


Section 8.2 Winding-Up Procedures . If a dissolution of the Company pursuant to Section 8.1 occurs, subject to the exercise by the Members of any rights they might have under the terms and conditions of this Agreement or the Act, Manager shall proceed as promptly as practicable to wind up the affairs of the Company in an orderly and businesslike manner and distribute the assets thereof, within the time required by Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(b)(2) (or any successor thereto) if applicable. A final accounting shall be made by the Members. As part of the winding up of the affairs of the Company, the following steps will be taken:

(a) The assets of the Company shall be sold (and the Capital Accounts of each Member adjusted in accordance with Section 4.1 to take into account the Net Income or Net Loss on such sale or sales) except to the extent that, with the approval of Manager in its sole discretion, some or all of the assets of the Company are retained by the Company for distribution to the Members as hereinafter provided. The Capital Account for each Member shall be adjusted in accordance with Section 4.1 as if the Company sold such retained assets for their Agreed Values and the Net Income or Net Loss from such sale were allocated in accordance with Section 4.2. Any asset retained for distribution in accordance herewith shall be distributed at its Agreed Value (net of liabilities that the distributee Member is considered to assume or take subject to under Section 752 of the Code).

(b) The Company shall comply with Section 18-804(b) of the Act.

(c) Distributions of the assets of the Company after a dissolution of the Company shall be conducted as follows:

(i) to creditors, including Members and Officers who are creditors, to the extent otherwise permitted by law, in satisfaction of liabilities of the Company (whether by payment or the making of reasonable provision for payment thereof) other than liabilities for which reasonable provision for payment has been made and liabilities for Distributions to Members and former Members under Section 18-601 of the Act;

(ii) to Members and former Members in satisfaction of other liabilities (if any) for Distributions under Section 18-601 of the Act; and

(iii) thereafter, to the Members in proportion to their Percentage Share.

Section 8.3 Distribution of Assets to Members Upon Winding-Up . In the event that Manager proposes to distribute Company Property to the Members in connection with the winding up of the Company, the value of the Company Property shall be determined in good faith by Manager.

Section 8.4 Deficit Capital Accounts . No Member shall have any obligation to restore any negative balance in its Capital Account upon dissolution or liquidation of the Company.

ARTICLE 9

Liability of Members and Company Officials; Indemnification

Section 9.1 Liability of Members and Company Officials .

(a) Each Member, in its capacity as such, may act (or refrain from acting), solely according to the interests (or the perceived interests) of such Member and none of the foregoing shall be deemed to breach any duty that, pursuant to this Agreement or applicable Law, such Member otherwise would be deemed to have to the Company or the other Member. A Member Designee, in his


or her capacity as such, may act (or refrain from acting) solely according to the interests of instructions of the Member that designated such Member Designee and none of the foregoing shall be deemed to breach any duty that pursuant to this Agreement or applicable Law that such Member Designee would otherwise be deemed to have to the Company or any Member. The Member Designee shall not owe any duty to the Company or the Members. All acts and omissions of the Member Designee in such capacity shall be imputed to the Member that designated such Member Designee, provided that in such context such Member shall have the benefit of the protections afforded to the Member Designee and the Member pursuant to this Section 9.1.

(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, this Agreement is not intended to, and does not, create or impose any fiduciary duties on the Members or their Affiliates or Member Designees, which duties are hereby waived and eliminated.

Section 9.2 Indemnification . The Company shall have the power and authority to indemnify and hold harmless any Person made, or threatened to be made, a party to an action or proceeding, whether civil, criminal or investigative (a “ Proceeding ”), including an action by or in the right of the Company, by reason of the fact that such Person was or is a Member, a Tax Matters Member, Member Designee or Officer of the Company, an Affiliate of a Member, a Tax Matters Member, Member Designee or Officer of the Company, or an officer, director, shareholder, partner, member, employee, manager or agent of any of the foregoing (each such Person, an “ Indemnified Person ”), against all judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses (including expert witness fees, accounting fees, attorneys’ fees, investigation costs and costs of discovery) incurred as a result of such Proceeding, or any appeal therein (and including indemnification against active or passive negligence, gross negligence or breach of duty), if such Person acted in good faith, for a purpose which the Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company, and in the case of a criminal Proceeding, in addition, such Person had no reasonable cause to believe that his, her or its conduct was unlawful; provided, that nothing contained herein shall permit any Person to be indemnified or held harmless if and to the extent that the liability sought to be indemnified or held harmless against results from (i) any act or omission of such Person that involved actual fraud or willful misconduct or (ii) any transaction from which such Person derived improper personal benefit. The termination of any such civil or criminal Proceeding by judgment, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere , or its equivalent, shall not in itself create a presumption that any such Person did not act in good faith or for a purpose which he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company or that he had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

Section 9.3 Insurance for Article 9 Matters . The Company may purchase and maintain insurance, on behalf of the Officers and the Member Designees, Members and such other Persons as Manager shall determine, against any liability that may be asserted against or expense that may be incurred by such Person in connection with the Company’s activities, regardless of whether the Company would have the power to indemnify such Person against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement.


ARTICLE 10

Miscellaneous

Section 10.1 Waiver of Rights of Partition and Dissolution . Each of the Members hereby irrevocably waives all rights it may have at any time to maintain any action for dissolution of the Company, or division or sale of the Company Property, as now or hereafter permitted under the Act or any other applicable Law. Each Member hereby waives and renounces its rights to seek a court decree of dissolution or to seek the appointment of a court receiver for the Company as now or hereafter permitted under the Act or any other applicable law. Subject to provisions of Law that cannot be waived by the Members and to circumstances involving a breach of this Agreement by the other Member, each Member covenants that it will not (except with the consent of Manager) file a bill for Company accounting. Nothing in this Section 10.1 limits the right of either Member to institute or maintain an appropriate action to enforce or exercise any right expressly granted to it under this Agreement.

Section 10.2 Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiary . This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents contain the entire agreement by and among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and all prior negotiations, writings and understandings relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, are merged in and are superseded and canceled by, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents. This Agreement is not intended to confer upon any Person not a party hereto (or their successors and permitted assigns), other than an Indemnitee under Article 9, any rights or remedies hereunder.

Section 10.3 Governing Law .

(A) THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY DISPUTES ARISING HEREUNDER OR CONTROVERSIES RELATED HERETO SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE THAT APPLY TO CONTRACTS MADE AND PERFORMED ENTIRELY WITHIN SUCH STATE, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE ACT IS MANDATORILY APPLICABLE.

(B) ANY ACTION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY MATTER ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT EXCLUSIVELY IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS SITTING IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE. BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF SUCH PERSON’S PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS AND APPELLATE COURTS THEREOF. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY ACTION IN ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED COURTS BY THE MAILING OF COPIES THEREOF BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, OR BY RECOGNIZED OVERNIGHT DELIVERY SERVICE, TO SUCH PARTY AT SUCH PARTY’S ADDRESS REFERRED TO IN SECTION 10.5. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION WHICH SUCH PERSON MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY OF THE AFORESAID ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT BROUGHT IN THE COURTS REFERRED TO ABOVE AND HEREBY FURTHER IRREVOCABLY


WAIVES AND AGREES, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM IN ANY SUCH COURT THAT ANY SUCH ACTION BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS SECTION 10.3(B) TO THE CONTRARY, EACH PARTY AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.

(c) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE ACTIONS OF THE PARTIES HERETO PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT IN THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.

Section 10.4 Amendments and Waivers . This Agreement and the certificate of formation of the Company may be modified or amended only with the approval of all of the Members. Any Member may, only by an instrument in writing, waive compliance by any other Member with any term or provision hereof on the part of such other Member to be performed or complied with. No failure or delay of any Member in exercising any right or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise of any right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The waiver by any Member of a breach of any tern or provision hereof shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. The rights and remedies of the Members hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have hereunder.

Section 10.5 Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder will be in writing and given by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, or nationally recognized overnight delivery service, such as Federal Express, or personal delivery against receipt to the party to whom it is given, in each case, at such party’s address set forth below or such other address as such party may hereafter specify by notice to the other parties hereto given in accordance herewith. Any such notice or other communication shall be deemed to have been given as of the date so personally delivered, on the next Business Day when sent by overnight delivery services or five days after the date so mailed if by certified or registered mail.

If to the Company, to:

Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC

1100 Glendon Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90024


with a copy to:

Madison Square Garden, L.P.

Two Penn Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Attention: General Counsel

And

Azoff Music Management LLC

1100 Glendon Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90024

And

Loeb & Loeb LLP

10100 Santa Monica Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Attention: Harold A. Flegelman

If to MSG Member:

Entertainment Ventures, LLC

c/o MSG Holdings, L.P.

Two Penn Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Attention: General Counsel

And

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

125 Broad Street

New York, NY 10004

Attention: John P. Mead

If to Azoff Member:

Azoff Music Management LLC

1100 Glendon Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90024

with a copy to:

Loeb & Loeb LLP

10100 Santa Monica Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Attention: Harold A. Flegelman


Section 10.6 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and will become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. Copies of executed counterparts transmitted by telecopy, telefax or other electronic transmission service shall be considered original executed counterparts for purposes of this Section 10.6, provided that receipt of copies of such counterparts is confirmed.

Section 10.7 Acknowledgement . The Company, MSG Member, the MSG Member Designee, Azoff Member and the Azoff Member Designee, hereby acknowledge and agree that the exercise by Azoff, Azoff Member, and the Azoff Member Designee of their respective rights under this Agreement shall be subject to, and exercised in accordance with, in all events the terms and conditions of that certain Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2012 (as amended), by and among Azoff, Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., Front Line Management Group, Inc., and the other parties named therein.

Section 10.8 Successors and Assigns . This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Members and their respective successors and permitted assigns; provided, that, except in connection with Permitted Dispositions, no Member may assign its rights or delegate its obligations, in whole or in part, under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Members and pursuant to Article 6. Any purported assignment or delegation in violation of this Agreement shall be null and void ab initio.

Section 10.9 Headings . The section, article and other headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and will not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

Section 10.10 Interpretation; Absence of Presumption .

(a) For the purposes hereof: (i) words in the singular shall be held to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be held to include the other gender as the context requires; (ii) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole (including all of the Schedules and Exhibits) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and article, section, paragraph, exhibit and schedule references are to the articles, sections, paragraphs, exhibits, and schedules to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; (iii) the word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall mean “including, without limitation,” unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise specified; (iv) the word “or’’ shall not be exclusive; and (v) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to “the parties hereto” or “the parties to this Agreement” shall mean MSG Member, on the one hand, and Azoff Member, on the other hand.

(b) With regard to each and every term and condition of this Agreement and any and all agreements and instruments subject to the terms hereof, the parties hereto understand and agree that the same have or has been mutually negotiated, prepared and drafted, and if at any time the parties hereto desire or are required to interpret or construe any such term or condition or any agreement or instrument subject hereto, no consideration will be given to the issue of which party hereto actually prepared, drafted or requested any term or condition of this Agreement or any agreement or instrument subject hereto.


Section 10.11 Further Assurances .

(a) From time to time after the date of this Agreement, upon the reasonable request of MSG Member, Azoff Member shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered such further documents and take such further action as MSG Member may reasonably request in order more effectively to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.

(b) From time to time after the date of this Agreement, upon the reasonable request of Azoff Member, MSG Member shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered such further documents and take such further action as Azoff Member may reasonably request in order more effectively to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 10.12 Business Days . If any date provided for in this Agreement shall fall on a day that is not a Business Day, the date provided for shall be deemed to refer to the next Business Day.

Section 10.13 Severability . Any provision hereof that is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability, without affecting in any way the remaining provisions hereof, provided that the parties will attempt in good faith to reform this Agreement in a manner consistent with the intent of any such ineffective provision for the purpose of carrying out such intent.

[The next page is the signature page]


The parties have caused this Limited Liability Company Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.

 

ENTERTAINMENT VENTURES, LLC
By:

 

Name:
Title:
AZOFF MUSIC MANAGEMENT LLC
By:

 

Name:
Title:

[Signature Page to Limited Liability Company Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

Certain Definitions

1. As used in the Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings (terms defined in the singular to include the plural and vice versa and references in this Exhibit A to sections constitute references to sections of the Agreement unless otherwise expressly indicated):

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

Acquisition ” means (i) any acquisition of assets of, or a majority of the equity interests in, or (ii) an investment made in, a Person, or division or line of business of a Person, not affiliated with the Company (or any subsequent investment made in a Person, division or line of business previously acquired in an Acquisition, or in which an investment was made in an Acquisition).

Action ” means any actual or threatened action (at law or in equity), suit, arbitration, hearing, review, inquiry, proceeding or investigation.

Adjusted Capital Account ” means, with respect to any Member, the balance, if any, in such Member’s Capital Account as of the end of the relevant fiscal year, after giving effect to the following adjustments: (a) add to such balance any amounts which such Member is obligated to restore pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) or the penultimate sentence of each of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(g)(l) and 1.704-2(i)(5); and (b) subtract from such balance the items described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)( 4), (5) and ( 6). The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account is intended to comply with the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

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

Agreed Value ” means: (a) with respect to all property hereafter transferred to the Company as a Capital Contribution, the fair market value of the property on the date that it is contributed to the Company as determined by Manager; and (b) with respect to all property distributed by the Company to a Member, the fair market value of the property on the date of distribution as determined by Manager; and (c) with respect to the revaluation of Company Property in accordance with this Agreement, the fair market value of such Company Property at the time of the event requiring such revaluation as determined by Manager.

Azoff ” means Irving Azoff.

Bankruptcy ” of a Person means (a) the institution of any proceedings under any federal or state Law for the relief of debtors, including the filing by or against that Person of a voluntary or involuntary case under the United States Bankruptcy Code,

 

A-2


which proceedings, if involuntary, are not dismissed within sixty (60) days after their filing; (b) an assignment of the property of that Person for the benefit of creditors; (c) the appointment of a receiver, trustee or conservator of any substantial portion of the assets of that Person, which appointment, if obtained ex parte, is not dismissed within sixty (60) days thereafter; (d) the seizure by a sheriff, receiver, trustee or conservator of any substantial portion of the assets of that Person; (e) the failure by that Person generally to pay its debts as they become due within the meaning of Section 303(h)(1) of the United States Bankruptcy Code, as determined by a bankruptcy court of competent jurisdiction; or (f) that Person’s admission in writing of its inability to pay its debts as they become due.

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

Capital Account ” means the capital account of a Member in the Company, calculated as set forth in Section 4.1(a).

Capital Contributions ” means the sum of the amount of cash and the Agreed Value of property contributed by a Member to the capital of the Company.

Cause ” has the meaning set forth in the Azoff Employment Agreement.

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

Company ” means the limited liability company formed under the Act pursuant to the Agreement.

Company Interest ” means, with respect to any particular Member, the entire limited liability company interest (as such term is defined in the Act) of such Member, including: (a) (x) such Member’s rights to share in the income, gain, loss, deductions and credits of, and the right to receive Distributions from, the Company, and (y) all other rights, benefits and privileges enjoyed by such Member (under the Act, this Agreement or otherwise) in its capacity as a Member, including rights to vote, consent and approve or otherwise participate in the management of the Company.

Company Minimum Gain ” means, with respect to each Nonrecourse Liability of the Company, the amount of gain (of whatever character) that would be realized by the Company if it disposed of the Company Property subject to such liability in a taxable transaction in full satisfaction of such liability (and for no other consideration), and by then aggregating the amounts so computed. It is further understood that Company Minimum Gain shall be determined in a manner consistent with the rules of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(d), including without limitation the requirement that if the book value of property (as determined for purposes of computing Net Income and Net Loss) subject to one or more Nonrecourse Liabilities differs from its adjusted Tax basis, Company Minimum Gain shall be determined with reference to such book value.

 

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Company Nonrecourse Liabilities ” means nonrecourse liabilities (or portions thereof) of the Company for which no Member bears the Economic Risk of Loss.

Company Official ” means: (a) an Officer; or (b) an individual serving, at the request of Manager, in another Person (x) in a similar capacity as that referred to in clause (a) or (y) as a director (or in a similar capacity), or as a trustee (or similar fiduciary capacity), with respect to such Person.

Company Property ” means all property, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible, owned by the Company (or treated as owned by the Company for federal income Tax purposes).

Contract ” means any written or oral agreement, arrangement or understanding, certificate, license, lease, purchase order, option, note, bond, guarantee, letter of credit, commitment, consulting agreement, arrangement, understanding, or Employee Benefit Agreement to which an Azoff Party, the Company or the Contributed Business is a party or which relate to the Contributed Business.

Control ” means, as to any Person, both (i) ownership of fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the outstanding voting securities or beneficial interests of such Person, and (ii) the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. The term “ Controlled ” shall have a correlative meaning.

Controlled Affiliates ” means (i) in the case of MSG Member, Affiliates of MSG Member that are Controlled, directly or indirectly, by The Madison Square Garden Company, Dolan or a Permitted Transferee Family Member of Dolan, or a Person that Controls, directly or indirectly, the Madison Square Garden arena, and (ii) in the case of Azoff Member, Affiliates of Azoff Member that are Controlled, directly or indirectly, by Azoff.

Disability ” has the meaning set forth in the Azoff Employment Agreement.

Disposition ” means: (a) any sale, assignment, alienation, gift, exchange, conveyance, transfer, pledge, hypothecation, granting of a security interest or other disposition or attempted disposition whatsoever, whether voluntary or involuntary; or (b) the coming into existence, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, of any Security Lien other than a Security Lien (as to which no enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure proceeding shall have been commenced) for Taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies, or any other Security Lien imposed or arising by operation of law for any liabilities or obligations, which Taxes, assessments, governmental charges or levies, or other liabilities or obligations, as the case may be, are either (w) not yet due and payable, (x) due but payable without penalty, (y) not overdue for a period of more than 30 days or (z) being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and as to which appropriate reserves are being maintained. For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that a statutory conversion of a Person into another form of Person does not constitute a Disposition. The term “ Dispose ” means to make or consummate a “Disposition.”

 

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Distributable Cash ” means such cash generated by the Company’s income from operations and other sources as determined by Manager in its sole discretion, reduced by amounts that Manager determines in its sole discretion to be retained by the Company to meet, satisfy or establish, or to be used for, expenses, reserves, debt and interest payments, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dispositions, contingencies, development of new businesses or other purposes.

Dolan ” means James L. Dolan.

Economic Risk of Loss ” with respect to any liability of the Company means the economic risk of loss borne by a Member with respect to such liability as determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-2.

GAAP ” means United States generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time, as applied by the Company from time to time.

Good Reason ” has the meaning set forth in the Azoff Employment Agreement.

Governmental Action/Filing ” means any authorization, consent, order, clearance (including expiration or termination of a specified waiting period), permit, license, waiver, approval or similar action of, or registration, declaration or other filing with, any Governmental Authority.

Governmental Authority ” means any governmental or quasi-governmental authority, including: (a) the United States or any other country, any state, province, territory or possession of the United States or any other country, and any local or other governmental body, or other political subdivision, in or of any of the foregoing; and (b) any agency, board, bureau, court, commission, department, instrumentality or administration of any of the forgoing.

Indebtedness ” of a Person means any indebtedness for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services, or any capital lease, as well as any indebtedness of others that is guaranteed by such Person.

Interest ” means any equity, ownership interest, participation or profits right or other interest in a Person (including a Company Interest) or any right to acquire any of the foregoing including through options, warrants and convertible securities.

Law ” or “ Laws ” means all statutes, codes, ordinances, decrees, rules, regulations, municipal by-laws, rules and requirements of any national securities exchange, judicial or arbitral or administrative or ministerial or departmental or regulatory judgments, orders, decisions, rulings or awards, policies, or any provisions or interpretations of the foregoing, including general principles of common and civil law and equity, binding on or affecting the Person referred to in the context in which such word is used.

Manager ” shall mean the Person having the duties and responsibilities conferred upon the Manager by this Agreement.

 

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Members ” means MSG Member, Azoff Member and any other Person admitted as a member of the Company, in each case so long as such Person remains a member of the Company.

Member Nonrecourse Debt ” means any nonrecourse debt of the Company for which any Member bears the Economic Risk of Loss.

Membership Change in Control ” means a circumstance in which (i) Azoff Member ceases to be Controlled, directly or indirectly, by Azoff or a Permitted Transferee Family Member of Azoff, or (ii) MSG Member ceases to be Controlled, directly or indirectly, by (A) The Madison Square Garden Company, (B) Dolan or a Permitted Transferee Family Member of Dolan, or (C) a Person that Controls the Madison Square Garden arena.

Minimum Gain Attributable ” to a Member Nonrecourse Debt, with respect to any Member Nonrecourse Debt, shall mean the same as the partner’s share of partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain as provided in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(5).

MSG ” means MSG Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.

Net Income or Net Loss ” means, for any Taxable year of the Company, the Taxable income or loss, respectively, of the Company for federal income tax purposes, except that: (a) any income of the Company that is exempt from federal income Tax and not otherwise taken into account in computing taxable income or loss shall be added to such Taxable income or subtracted from such loss; (b) any expenditures of the Company described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code or treated as expenditures described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code pursuant to Treas. Reg. Section 1.704-l(b)(2)(iv)(i) and not otherwise taken into account under this definition (any such expenditures being referred to for purposes of the Agreement as “ Section 705(a)(2)(B) Expenditures ”) shall be subtracted from such Taxable income or added to such loss; (c) an amount of gain or loss that would have been recognized by the Company if property distributed by the Company to a Member had instead been sold in a Taxable disposition for its Agreed Value at the time of Distribution shall be taken into account; and (d) items of income, gain, loss and deduction (including depreciation, cost recovery, and amortization deductions) relating to property contributed by a Member to the Company or revalued pursuant to the last sentence of Section 4.1(a) shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-3(d) (or, in the case of Company Property with respect to which the Tax Matters Member has elected to use a method other than the remedial method pursuant to Section 4.3(a), in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g)). Except as otherwise provided in the regulations issued under Section 704(b) of the Code, such amounts shall be computed without regard to any basis adjustment for federal income Tax purposes under Sections 732, 734 and 743 of the Code resulting from an election under Section 754 of the Code.

Nonrecourse Deductions ” shall have the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(b)(1) and 1.704-2(c).

Nonrecourse Liability ” means any Company liability (or portion thereof) for which no Member bears the Economic Risk of Loss.

 

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Nonrecourse Transaction ” means Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on commercially reasonable terms and conditions, (i) the proceeds of which are used solely to consummate an Acquisition; and (ii) the liability, recourse and security for which is limited solely to the assets of the Person being Acquired.

Percentage Share ” means, with respect to each Member, as set forth in Section 1.1(c), subject to adjustment as provided in this Agreement.

Permitted Disposition ” means (i) a direct transfer of a Company Interest permitted or required pursuant to Article 6, or (ii) a Disposition of a Company Interest to a Permitted Transferee.

Permitted Transferee ” means (i) a Controlled Affiliate, or (ii) a Permitted Transferee Family Member.

Permitted Transferee Family Member ” means, in the case of a Member who is a natural Person, (A) a spouse or lineal descendent or ancestor of such Person, (B) the conservators, guardians, executors, administrators, testamentary trustees, legatees or beneficiaries of such Person, or (C) a Permitted Transferee Trust.

Permitted Transferee Trust ” means, in the case of a Member who is a natural Person, a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust (whether irrevocable, partially irrevocable or entirely revocable), or custodianship, the beneficiaries of which may include only such Person, such Person’s spouse (or ex-spouse), such Person’s lineal descendants (including adopted), or, if such Person has no then-living spouse or lineal descendants, then to the ultimate beneficiaries of any such trust or to the estate of a deceased beneficiary.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership (including any general, limited or limited liability partnership), limited liability company, joint venture, joint-stock company, trust, estate, unincorporated organization, governmental or regulatory body or other entity or association.

Related Person ” means as to each Member, (i) such Member, (ii) each Affiliate of such Member, (iii) each director, officer or general partner of, or any stockholder, member or limited partner known to the Member to own an equity interest greater than 10% in, such Member or any Affiliate of such Member, (iv) each Person other than the Company in which such Member or, to the knowledge of such Member, any Affiliate of such Member has an equity interest greater than 10%, excluding any business in which the Company has an interest, directly or indirectly, or (v) any member of the “immediate family” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of a Member or an Affiliate of a Member.

Relevant Business ” means a “Competitive Business” as such term is defined in the Employment Agreement.

Section 705(a)(2)(B) Expenditure ” has the meaning ascribed to that term in the definition of “Net Income or Net Loss.”

 

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Security Lien ” means any pledge, lien, mortgage, security interest (of any nature whatsoever) securing the payment or performance of any liability or other obligation, claim or other encumbrance.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any specified Person, each of: (a) any other Person not less than a majority of the overall equity in which is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by such specified Person; (b) any other Person in respect of which such specified Person has the power, directly or indirectly, to elect a majority of the board of directors or other persons performing similar functions (it being understood that such other persons performing similar functions may include, for example and without limitation, the board of directors of the sole, or managing, corporate general partner of a limited partnership or the members of a management committee of a partnership, limited partnership or limited liability company performing functions similar to that of a board of directors); and (c) without limitation of clauses (i) and (ii), any other Person who or which, directly or indirectly, is Controlled by such specified Person (it being understood, with respect to each of clauses (a) and (b), that a pledge for collateral security purposes of an equity interest in a Person shall not be deemed to affect the ownership of such equity interest except to the extent that the pledgee exercises its remedies and disposes of such equity interest).

Successor ” means: (a) with respect to any current Member, any future Member which is a direct or indirect transferee (whether by Permitted Disposition, merger, consolidation or otherwise) of the Company Interest of such current Member; and (b) with respect to any former Member, the current Member which is the direct or indirect transferee (whether by Permitted Disposition, merger, consolidation or otherwise) of the Company Interest of such former Member.

Tax ” has the meaning set forth in the Formation Agreement.

Tax Matters Member ” means the “tax matters partner” (as defined in Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code) of the Company.

Third Party ” means any Person other than MSG Member or Azoff Member or any Related Person of MSG Member or Azoff Member.

Transaction Documents ” has the meaning set forth in the Formation Agreement.

Treasury Regulations ” means final and temporary regulations promulgated under the Code.

 

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2. The following Glossary of Defined Terms sets forth the location of the definitions of certain other defined terms used in the Agreement:

GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS

 

Term

  

Section

“Azoff Employment Agreement”    2.3(b)
“Azoff Member”    Preamble
“Azoff Member Designee”    2.5(a)
“Buy-Sell Election Date”    6.3(c)
“Buy-Sell Offer Notice”    6.3(b)
“Buy-Sell Price”    6.3(b)
“Confidential Information”    7.1
“Contributed Business”    Recitals
“Distribution”    2.5(b)(iii)
“Formation Agreement”    Preamble
“Indemnified Person”    9.2
“Initiating Member”    6.3(a)
“Interest Change Date”    4.2(i)
“Member Nonrecourse Deductions”    4.2(d)
“MSG”    Recitals
“MSG Mark”    1.2(b)
“MSG Member”    Preamble.
“MSG Member Designee”    2.5(a)
“MSG Parties”    Recitals
“Officers”    2.3(a)
“Proceeding”    9.2
“Purchasing Member”    6.3(d)
“Request for Administrative Adjustment”    5.6(g)
“Responding Member”    6.3(a)
“Response Notice”    6.3(c)
“Selling Member”    6.3(d)

 

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EXHIBIT F

LOAN AGREEMENT

by and between

AZOFF MSG ENTERTAINMENT LLC as Borrower

and

ENTERTAINMENT VENTURES, LLC as Lender

[ ], 2013


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              Page  

1.

 

DEFINITIONS

     1   
 

1.1

  

General Terms

     1   
 

1.2

  

Accounting Terms

     8   
 

1.3

  

Other Definitional Provisions

     8   

2.

 

CREDIT

     8   
 

2.1

  

Revolving Loan Facility

     8   
 

2.2

  

Payments and Prepayments

     9   
 

2.3

  

Loan Ledger

     10   
 

2.4

  

Statements

     10   
 

2.5

  

Interest and Fees

     10   
 

2.6

  

Method for Making Payments

     11   
 

2.7

  

Termination or Reduction of Revolving Commitment

     11   
 

2.8

  

Loan Types

     11   
 

2.9

  

Determination of Interest Period

     11   
 

2.10

  

Additional Costs, Etc. With Respect to LIBOR Rate Advances

     12   
 

2.11

  

Payments to be Free of Deductions

     12   

3.

 

CONDITIONS OF ADVANCES

     13   
 

3.1

  

Borrower’s Written Request

     13   
 

3.2

  

No Event of Default

     13   
 

3.3

  

Representations and Warranties True and Correct

     13   
 

3.4

  

Other Requirements

     13   

4.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     13   
 

4.1

  

Representations and Warranties of the Borrower

     13   
 

4.2

  

Representations and Warranties of Lender

     16   
 

4.3

  

Survival of Warranties

     16   

5.

 

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

     16   
 

5.1

  

Financial Statements; Other Information

     16   
 

5.2

  

Notices

     17   
 

5.3

  

Preservation of Existence, Etc.

     18   
 

5.4

  

Compliance with Laws

     18   
 

5.5

  

Inspection of Property and Books and Records

     18   
 

5.6

  

Use of Proceeds

     18   

 

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6.

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

  19   

6.1

Encumbrances

  19   

6.2

Maintenance of Existence; Consolidations and Mergers

  19   

6.3

Use of Proceeds

  19   

7.

FINANCIAL COVENANTS

  19   

7.1

Members’ Capital

  19   

8.

DEFAULT, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF BANK

  19   

8.1

Defaults

  19   

8.2

Waiver of Demand

  21   

9.

MISCELLANEOUS

  21   

9.1

Waiver

  21   

9.2

Costs and Attorneys’ Fees

  21   

9.3

Expenditures by Lender

  22   

9.4

Reliance by Lender

  22   

9.5

Parties

  22   

9.6

CHOICE OF LAW

  22   

9.7

CONSENT TO JURISDICTION

  22   

9.8

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

  23   

9.9

Severability

  23   

9.10

Application of Payments

  23   

9.11

Marshaling; Payments Set Aside

  23   

9.12

Section Titles

  24   

9.13

Continuing Effect

  24   

9.14

Notices

  24   

9.15

Equitable Relief

  25   

9.16

Indemnification

  25   

9.17

Counterparts

  26   

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A Form of Revolving Note
Exhibit B Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit C Form of Notice of LIBOR Continuation

 

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LOAN AGREEMENT

THIS LOAN AGREEMENT, together with all exhibits and schedules attached hereto and hereby made a part hereof (as further defined hereby, the “ Agreement ”), is made as of [—], 2013, by and between Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Borrower ”), and Entertainment Ventures, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Lender ”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS , Borrower desires to borrow from Lender up to Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000), and Lender is willing to make certain loans and to extend credit to Borrower of up to such amount upon the terms and conditions set forth herein;

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the terms and conditions contained herein, and of any loans or extensions of credit heretofore, now or hereafter made to or for the benefit of Borrower by Lender, and for other consideration the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, Borrower and Lender hereby agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS .

 

  1.1 General Terms .

When used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Affiliate ” means, as to any Person, any other Person which, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if the controlling Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the other Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Without limitation, any director, executive officer or beneficial owner of five percent (5%) or more of the equity of a Person shall, for the purposes of this Agreement, be deemed to control the other Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lender shall not be deemed an “Affiliate” of Borrower or of any Subsidiary of Borrower.

Agreement ” means this Loan Agreement, as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time.

Applicable Base Rate ” means the interest rate that would be charged to the Lender for a borrowing substantially equivalent to the requested Base Rate Advance that Lender could make under the Lender Credit Agreement.

Applicable LIBOR Rate ” means the interest rate that would be charged to the Lender for a borrowing substantially equivalent to the requested LIBOR Rate Advance that the Lender could make under the Lender Credit Agreement.

Asset Sale ” means the sale, lease, assignment, transfer, or other disposition of any Property to any person other than a Subsidiary of the Borrower other than (a) sales, leases, assignments, transfers, rentals or other disposals of Property in the Ordinary

 

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Course of Business; (b) sales, transfers or other dispositions of obsolete, surplus or worn-out Property that is no longer necessary in the business of the Borrower for aggregate consideration not to exceed $250,000 during any Fiscal Year; or (c) sales, discounting or forgiveness of accounts receivable in connection with the collection or compromise thereof, in each case in the Ordinary Course of Business.

Azoff Parties ” shall have the meaning given such term in the Formation, Contribution and Investment Agreement.

Bankruptcy Code ” means the Federal Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as amended and in effect from time to time and regulations issued from time to time thereunder.

Base Rate Advance ” means that portion of the Revolving Loan bearing interest calculated by reference to the Base Rate in the Lender Credit Agreement.

Borrower ” shall have the meaning given such term in the preamble hereto.

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law to close in, or are in fact closed in, the State of New York and, if the applicable Business Day relates to any LIBOR Rate Advance or Base Rate Advance, a day on which dealings are carried on in the London interbank market.

Buy-Sell Transaction ” means a buy-sell transaction pursuant to Article 6 of the Operating Agreement.

Calculation Agent ” means Entertainment Ventures, LLC.

Change in Control ” means (a) the “Members” (as defined in the Operating Agreement) on the date of this Loan Agreement shall own less than 51% of the membership interests of Borrower, (b) any Person (other than the “Members” as set forth in clause (a) above) shall own 30% or more of the membership interests of Borrower or (c) either of the Members as of the date hereof undergoes a Membership Change of Control.

Closing Date ” means the date on which all of the conditions set forth in Section 3 have been satisfied.

Code ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same is in effect on the date hereof in the State of New York.

Commitment Fee ” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2.5(b) .

Contingent Obligation ” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect liability, contingent or otherwise, of such Person with respect to any indebtedness, lease, dividend or other obligation of another Person if the primary purpose or intent of the Person incurring such liability, or the primary effect thereof, is to provide assurance to the obligee of such liability that such liability will be paid or discharged, or that any agreements relating thereto will be complied with, or that the holders of such liability will be protected (in whole or in part) against loss with respect thereto. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be equal to the amount of the obligation so guaranteed or otherwise supported or, if not a fixed and determined amount, the maximum amount so guaranteed or supported.

 

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Default ” means the occurrence or existence of any one or more of the events described in Section 8.1 hereof.

Dollars ”, “ dollars ” and “ $ ” each mean lawful money of the United States of America.

Employment Agreement ” means that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of [—], 2013, between Borrower and Irving Azoff, as amended from time to time.

Event of Default ” means a Default or an event which through the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would mature into a Default.

Financing Agreements ” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 4.1 .

Fiscal Month ” means a calendar month.

Fiscal Quarter ” means a fiscal quarter, comprised of the three (3) months ending March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each Fiscal Year.

Fiscal Year ” means the fiscal year of Borrower ending on June 30th of each year.

Formation, Contribution and Investment Agreement ” means that certain Formation, Contribution and Investment Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2013, among Azoff Music Management LLC, MSG Holdings, L.P., Entertainment Ventures, LLC and the other parties named therein, as amended from time to time.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth from time to time in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (or agencies with similar functions of comparable stature and authority within the accounting profession), which are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination.

Governmental Authority ” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any central bank (or similar monetary or regulatory authority) thereof, any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, and any corporation or other entity owned or controlled, through stock or capital ownership or otherwise, by any of the foregoing.

Indebtedness ” of any Person means, without duplication: (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money; (b) all obligations issued, undertaken or assumed as the deferred purchase price of Property or services (other than trade payables incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business or accrued expenses paid on customary terms in the Ordinary Course of Business);

 

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(c) all reimbursement or payment obligations with respect to letters of credit, surety bonds and other similar instruments; (d) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, including obligations so evidenced incurred in connection with the acquisition of Property, assets or businesses; (e) all indebtedness referred to in clauses (a) through (d) above secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon or in Property (including accounts and contracts rights) owned by such Person, even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such Indebtedness; and (f) all Contingent Obligations in respect of indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (a) through (e) above.

Indemnified Matters ” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 9.16 .

Indemnitees ” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 9.16 .

Insurance Settlement ” means any settlement or receipt of funds by the Borrower in connection with (i) insurance proceeds with respect to destruction or impairment of any Property, (ii) awards of compensation with respect to the destruction or condemnation of all or part of such Property, or (ii) compensation with respect to the exercise of eminent domain or a similar action by any Governmental Authority.

Interest Period ” means any period relating to LIBOR Rate Advances, the commencement of which shall be determined in accordance with Section 2.9 and expiring six (6) months thereafter, as specified by Borrower in accordance with Section 3.1 .

knowledge ” or “ aware ” means and includes (a) the actual knowledge or awareness of Borrower (which shall include the actual knowledge and awareness of each of the other officers, directors and managers of Borrower), including without limitation, their successors in their respective capacities and (b) the knowledge or awareness which a prudent business person would have obtained in the conduct of his business after making reasonable inquiry and reasonable diligence with respect to the particular matter in question.

Lender ” shall have the meaning given such term in the preamble hereto.

Lender Credit Agreement ” means, as of any date, (i) that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2010, by and between Madison Square Garden L.P., the Lender, as a guarantor, and the lenders and agents party thereto from time to time, as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time or (ii) any successor or replacement credit agreement to which Madison Square Garden L.P. or one of its Subsidiaries is a party that succeeded, supplanted, replaced or otherwise substituted for the credit agreement described in clause (i), as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

Liabilities ” means all of the liabilities, obligations, and indebtedness of Borrower to Lender of any and every kind and nature under or with respect to the Financing Agreements, whether heretofore, now or hereafter owing, arising, due or payable and howsoever evidenced, created, incurred, acquired, or owing, whether individually or collectively, direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, primary or secondary, fixed or otherwise (including obligations of performance) and whether arising or existing under written agreement, oral agreement or operation of law.

 

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LIBOR Rate Advances ” means that portion of the Revolving Loan bearing interest calculated by reference to the LIBOR Rate in the Lender Credit Agreement.

LIBOR Rate Continuation ” means the continuation of a LIBOR Rate Advance in accordance with Section 3 .

Lien ” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, charge or deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other) or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including, but not limited to, those created by, arising under or evidenced by the filing of any financing statement naming the owner of the asset to which such lien relates as debtor, under the Code or any comparable law), and any contingent or other agreement to provide any of the foregoing.

Loan Ledger ” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2.3 .

Loan Types ” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2.8 .

Loans ” means the Revolving Loan.

Margin Stock ” means “margin stock” as such term is defined in Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or any entity succeeding to any of its principal functions.

Material Adverse Effect ” means (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of Borrower to perform in any material respect its obligations under the Financing Agreements; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of the Financing Agreements.

Maximum Revolving Facility ” means $50,000,000, as it may be reduced from time to time in accordance with Section 2.7 .

Members’ Capital ” means the members’ equity as shown on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower required to be delivered in accordance with Section 5.1 .

Net Cash Proceeds ” means proceeds received in cash (including by way of deferred payment, when received) from the sale, transfer or other disposition of any Property, including insurance proceeds and awards of compensation received with respect to the destruction or condemnation of all or part of such property, net of: (a) the reasonable and customary costs of such sale, transfer or other disposition (including financial advisory and legal fees and commissions); (b) taxes paid or a good faith estimate of the taxes payable with respect to such proceeds, and (c) appropriate amounts to be provided by the recipient of such proceeds as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with the assets sold or disposed of in such sale, transfer or other disposition.

 

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Nonrecourse Lien ” means a Lien limited solely to the assets of the Person or Property being acquired in a Nonrecourse Transaction.

Nonrecourse Transaction ” means the incurrence of Indebtedness by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on commercially reasonable terms and conditions (i) the proceeds of which are used solely to consummate an acquisition; and (ii) the liability, recourse and security for which is limited solely to the assets of the Person or Property being acquired.

Note ” means the Revolving Note.

OFAC ” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 4.1(i)

Operating Agreement ” means that certain Limited Liability Company Agreement of Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC, dated as of [—], 2013, between Azoff Music Management LLC and Entertainment Ventures, LLC, as amended from time to time.

Ordinary Course of Business ” means, in respect of any transaction involving Borrower or any Subsidiary of Borrower, the ordinary course of such Person’s business, as conducted by any such Person in accordance with past practice and undertaken by such Person in good faith and not for purposes of evading any covenant or restriction in the Financing Agreements.

Person ” means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or Governmental Authority.

Post-Default Rate ” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2.5(a) .

Property ” means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, and whether tangible or intangible.

Requirement of Law ” means, as to any Person, any law (statutory or common), ordinance, treaty, rule, regulation, order, policy, other legal requirement or determination of an arbitrator or of a Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its Property or to which such Person or any of its Property is subject.

Responsible Officer ” means the chief executive officer or the president of Borrower, or any other officer having substantially the same authority and responsibility; or, with respect to compliance with financial covenants or delivery of financial information, the chief financial officer or the treasurer of Borrower, or any other officer having substantially the same authority and responsibility.

Revolving Commitment ” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2.1(a) .

Revolving Loan ” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2.1(a) .

Revolving Note ” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2.1(a) .

 

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SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any entity succeeding to any of its principal functions.

Senior Debt ” means, as of any date of determination and without duplication, the sum of (i) the outstanding principal amount of Borrower’s Indebtedness under the Financing Agreements, plus (ii) the outstanding principal amount of any other Indebtedness owing by Borrower to Lender, in each case, at such time.

Solvent ” means, with respect to any Person, that such Person at the time of determination (a) is not “insolvent” as that term is defined in Section 101(32) of the Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. § 101(32)), Section 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (“ UFTA ”) or Section 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act (“ UFCA ”), (b) does not have “unreasonably small capital,” as that term is used in Section 548(a)(2)(B)(ii) of the Bankruptcy Code or Section 5 of the UFCA, (c) is not engaged or about to engage in a business or a transaction for which its remaining Property is “unreasonably small” in relation to such business or transaction as that term is used in Section 4 of the UFTA, (d) is not able to pay its debts as they mature or become due, within the meaning of Section 548(a)(2)(B)(iii) of the Bankruptcy Code, Section 4 of the UFTA and Section 6 of the UFCA, and (e) does not now own assets having a value both at “fair valuation” and at “present fair saleable value” greater than the amount required to pay such Person’s “debts” as such terms are used in Section 2 of the UFTA and Section 2 of the UFCA.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other 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, a majority of the 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 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 (or have the power to be or control) a managing director, manager or general partner of such limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity.

Term ” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2.7 .

Termination Date ” shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2.7 .

Threshold Amount ” shall mean $250,000.

United States ” and “ U.S. ” each means the United States of America.

 

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  1.2 Accounting Terms .

Calculations and determinations of financial and accounting terms used and not otherwise specifically defined hereunder shall be made and determined, both as to classification of items and as to amount, in accordance with GAAP. Any disputes with respect to calculations of the financial covenants shall be resolved by the Calculation Agent. If any changes in accounting principles or practices from GAAP are occasioned by the promulgation of rules, regulations, pronouncements and opinions by or required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (or any successor thereto or agencies with similar functions), which results in a change in the method of accounting in the calculation of financial covenants, standards or terms contained in the Financing Agreements, the parties hereto agree to enter into negotiations to amend such provisions so as equitably to reflect such changes to the end that the criteria for evaluating Borrower’s financial condition and performance will be the same after such changes as they were before such changes; and if the parties fail to agree on the amendment of such provisions, Borrower shall continue to provide calculations for all financial covenants, perform all financial covenants and otherwise observe all financial standards and terms in accordance with applicable accounting principles and practices in effect immediately prior to such changes. Calculations with respect to financial covenants required to be stated in accordance with applicable accounting principles and practices in effect immediately prior to such changes shall be reviewed and certified by Borrower’s independent certified public accountants.

 

  1.3 Other Definitional Provisions .

Whenever the context so requires, the neuter gender includes the masculine and feminine, the singular number includes the plural, and vice versa.

 

2. CREDIT .

 

  2.1 Revolving Loan Facility .

(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 3 below and subject to the other provisions and conditions of this Agreement, Lender shall make an advance or advances to Borrower on a revolving credit basis (each advance, a “ Revolving Loan ”) up to, in the aggregate, the amount of the Maximum Revolving Facility (such commitment being referred to herein as the “ Revolving Commitment ”). Each advance to Borrower under this Section 2.1 shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or an integral multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof (or such other amount as Lender may agree in its discretion), and shall, on the day of such advance, be deposited in immediately available funds in such account as Borrower may, from time to time, designate. The Revolving Loan made under this Section 2.1 shall be evidenced, in part, by a promissory note of even date herewith in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Revolving Note ”) with the blanks appropriately filled in. The Liabilities evidenced by the Revolving Note shall become immediately due and payable as provided in Section 8.1 hereof, and, without notice or demand, upon the termination of the Revolving Commitment pursuant to Section 2.7 hereof.

 

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  2.2 Payments and Prepayments .

(a) Required Repayment . The aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Loan shall not at any time exceed the Maximum Revolving Facility. Borrower shall, if at any time any such excess shall arise, promptly pay to Lender such amount for application to the Revolving Loan as may be necessary to eliminate the excess. The Borrower shall, in any event, repay the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Loan on the Termination Date.

(b) Mandatory Prepayments .

(i) Asset Sales . The Borrower shall be obligated to make a mandatory prepayment of the Revolving Loan in the amount of 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds of an Asset Sale no later than five (5) Business Days following the Borrower’s receipt thereof; provided that, so long as a Default has not occurred and is not continuing, the Borrower shall have the option to reinvest such Net Cash Proceeds (or a portion thereof) in productive assets of a kind used or usable in the business of the Borrower within 180 days, by delivery of written notice to the Lender within five (5) Business Days following the receipt by the Borrower of such Net Cash Proceeds detailing the proposed reinvestment and the portion of Net Cash Proceeds to be reinvested. Any Net Cash Proceeds subject to such a notice that are not reinvested within such 180-day period shall be repaid by the Borrower at the end of such period, including interest on such amount, to be calculated as if such amount had been a Base Rate Advance.

(ii) Insurance Proceeds . The Borrower shall be obligated to make a mandatory prepayment of the Revolving Loan in the amount of 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds of an Insurance Settlement no later than five (5) Business Days following the Borrower’s receipt thereof; provided that, so long as a Default has not occurred and is not continuing, the Borrower shall have the option to reinvest such Net Cash Proceeds (or a portion thereof) in productive assets of a kind used or usable in the business of the Borrower within 180 days, by delivery of written notice to the Lender within five (5) Business Days following the receipt by the Borrower of such Net Cash Proceeds detailing the proposed reinvestment and the portion of Net Cash Proceeds to be reinvested. Any Net Cash Proceeds subject to such a notice that are not reinvested within such 180-day period shall be repaid by the Borrower at the end of such period, including interest on such amount, to be calculated as if such amount had been a Base Rate Advance.

(iii) Buy-Sell Transaction . The Borrower shall be obligated to make a mandatory prepayment of the full amount of the Revolving Loan and all other Liabilities under the Financing Agreements concurrently with any closing of a Buy-Sell Transaction pursuant to Article 6 of the Operating Agreement.

(c) Voluntary Prepayments . Subject to Section 2.10 , Borrower may voluntarily prepay the Liabilities in full or in part, without premium or penalty, upon three (3) Business Day’s prior irrevocable written notice to Lender for LIBOR Rate Advances.

 

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  2.3 Loan Ledger .

Lender shall maintain a loan ledger (the “ Loan Ledger ”) on its internal systems in which shall be recorded (a) all Loans made by Lender to Borrower pursuant to the Financing Agreements, (b) all payments made by Borrower on all such Loans and advances, and (c) all other appropriate debits and credits as provided in the Financing Agreements, including, without limitation, all fees, charges, expenses and interest. All entries in the Loan Ledger shall be made in accordance with Lender’s customary accounting practices as in effect from time to time. Borrower promises to pay to Lender the amount reflected as owing by it under its Loan Ledger and all of its other obligations hereunder as such amounts become due or are declared due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise) pursuant to the terms of the Financing Agreements. Any dispute as to (i) amounts shown in the Loan Ledger and/or (ii) amounts owed under the Financing Agreements shall be resolved in good faith by the Calculation Agent whose determination shall be rebuttably presumed to be correct.

 

  2.4 Statements .

Until such time as Lender shall have rendered to Borrower written statements of account as provided herein, the balance in the Loan Ledger maintained in good faith by the Lender, and as set forth on Lender’s most recent printout, shall be rebuttably presumptive evidence of the amounts due and owing Lender by Borrower.

 

  2.5 Interest and Fees .

(a) Interest . Borrower shall pay to Lender interest on the outstanding principal balance of the Loans, other than the outstanding principal amount of LIBOR Rate Advances, at a per annum rate equal to Applicable Base Rate. Borrower shall pay to Lender interest on the outstanding principal balance of LIBOR Rate Advances at a per annum rate equal to the Applicable LIBOR Rate. Accrued interest shall be payable (i) quarterly in arrears not later than the last Business Day of each quarter, commencing with the last Business Day of September 2013, (ii) upon termination of the Revolving Commitment and, (iii) at any time after the occurrence of a Default, upon demand. All interest and fees provided for under this Agreement shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days elapsed. Following the occurrence of a Default and during the continuance thereof, upon notice from Lender to Borrower, Borrower shall pay to Lender interest from the date of such Default at a rate (the “ Post-Default Rate ”) equal to the applicable rate set forth above for each of the Liabilities plus two percent (2%) per annum on the outstanding balance of all of the Liabilities.

(b) Commitment Fee . Borrower shall pay to Lender a commitment fee (the “ Commitment Fee ”) on the average daily unused portion of the Maximum Revolving Facility at a per annum rate equal to 0.75%. The Unused Fee shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each calendar quarter, commencing with the last Business Day of [—] 2013, on the Termination Date and, at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default, upon demand. The Commitment Fee shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days elapsed.

 

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  2.6 Method for Making Payments .

Unless otherwise agreed in writing from time to time hereafter, all payments which Borrower is required to make to Lender under this Agreement shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such account as the Lender may, from time to time, designate by written notice to the Borrower.

 

  2.7 Termination or Reduction of Revolving Commitment .

(a) The Revolving Commitment shall be effective until [—], 20201 (the “ Term ”), unless sooner terminated in full by Borrower or otherwise. Borrower may, upon notice to the Lender, terminate or from time to time permanently reduce the Revolving Commitment, provided that (a) any such notice shall be received by the Lender not later than 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) ten (10) Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (b) any such partial reduction shall be in an amount of $100,000 or any whole multiple thereof, and (c) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitment if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent repayments hereunder, the total outstanding amount of the Loans would exceed the Revolving Commitment. The Revolving Commitment shall terminate concurrently with the closing of any Buy-Sell Transaction pursuant to Article 6 of the Operating Agreement. Upon the earlier of (i) expiration of the Term, (ii) the acceleration of the Liabilities in accordance with Section 8 , or (iii) the termination in full of the Revolving Commitment (the “ Termination Date ”), all of the Liabilities shall become immediately due and payable without notice or demand and the Lender shall have no further obligation to make advances under Section 2.1 . Notwithstanding any termination, until all of the Liabilities shall have been fully paid and satisfied, all of Lender’s rights and remedies under the Financing Agreements shall survive.

(b) The Revolving Commitment shall be permanently reduced by the amount of Net Cash Proceeds from an Asset Sale or Insurance Settlement that are repaid by the Borrower in accordance with Section 2.2(b)(i) and (ii) .

 

  2.8 Loan Types .

The Revolving Loan shall consist of Base Rate Advances and/or LIBOR Rate Advances (the “ Loan Types ”), as duly requested by Borrower pursuant to this Agreement. LIBOR Rate Advances shall be for at least an aggregate principal amount of $500,000, and if greater, for integral multiples of $100,000 in excess thereof (or such other amount as Lender may agree in its discretion).

 

  2.9 Determination of Interest Period .

By giving notice to Lender as set forth in Section 3.1 below with respect to a borrowing of a LIBOR Rate Advance, or a continuation of the same, Borrower shall, subject to the other provisions of this Section 2 , specify the applicable Interest Period. The determination of the Interest Period shall be subject to the following provisions:

(a) the initial Interest Period for any LIBOR Rate Advance shall commence on the date of such LIBOR Rate Advance which shall be a Business Day and each Interest Period (if any) occurring thereafter for such LIBOR Rate Advance shall commence on the day on which the next preceding Interest Period for such LIBOR Rate Advance expires;

 

111   Seven years from the Closing under the Formation Agreement.

 

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(b) if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day which is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on the next succeeding Business Day; provided , however , that if any such Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day which is after the last Business Day of the last month of such Interest Period, such Interest Period shall expire on the next preceding Business Day;

(c) there shall be no more than four (4) Interest Periods for Borrower in the aggregate in effect at any one time;

(d) all Interest Periods shall be for six months; and

(e) no Interest Period may be selected which extends beyond the Term.

 

  2.10 Additional Costs, Etc. With Respect to LIBOR Rate Advances .

If Lender funds any LIBOR Rate Advance or LIBOR Rate Continuation through a LIBOR borrowing under the Lender Credit Agreement and Lender becomes responsible for any additional costs under the Lender Credit Agreement in respect of such borrowing, Lender shall promptly notify Borrower of such additional costs and Borrower shall promptly reimburse Lender for all such additional costs.

 

  2.11 Payments to be Free of Deductions .

All payments by Borrower on the Liabilities (including LIBOR Rate Advances) shall be made without setoff or counterclaim, and free and clear of and without deduction for any taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions, withholdings, compulsory loans, restrictions or conditions of any nature now or hereafter imposed or levied by any country or any political subdivision thereof or taxing or other authority therein unless Borrower is required by law to make such deduction or withholding. If any such obligation is imposed upon Borrower with respect to any amount payable by it hereunder, it will pay to Lender on the date on which such amount becomes due and payable hereunder and in Dollars, such additional amount as shall be necessary to enable Lender to receive the same net amount which it would have received on such due date had no such obligation been imposed upon Borrower. If Borrower shall be required by law to make such deduction or withholding it will deliver to Lender tax receipts or other appropriate evidence of payment.

 

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3. CONDITIONS OF ADVANCES, CONTINUATIONS .

Notwithstanding any other provisions contained in this Agreement, the making of any Base Rate Advance, LIBOR Rate Advance, and LIBOR Rate Continuation shall be conditioned upon the following:

 

  3.1 Borrower’s Written Request .

As to any advance under this Agreement (whether LIBOR Rate Advance or Base Rate Advance), Lender shall have received written notice from the Borrower by 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) not fewer than five (5) Business Days prior to the proposed date such advance is to be made. Such written notice shall be in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto and delivered in “.pdf” format via e-mail to each of the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and General Counsel of the Lender. As to any LIBOR Rate Continuation, Lender shall have received written notice from the Borrower by 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) not fewer than (5) Business Days prior to the proposed date such continuation is to occur. Such written notice of a continuation shall be in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto and delivered in “.pdf” format via e-mail to each of the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and General Counsel of the Lender.

 

  3.2 No Event of Default .

There shall not have occurred any Event of Default which is then continuing, nor shall any Event of Default occur after giving effect to the advance, continuation or Loan.

 

  3.3 Representations and Warranties True and Correct .

The representations and warranties of Borrower contained in the Financing Agreements shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of (a) any advance, continuation or Loan, or (b) each notice given pursuant to Section 3.1 , as the case may be, as though made on and as of such date (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date).

 

  3.4 Other Requirements .

Lender shall have received, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender, all certificates, orders, authorizations, consents, affidavits, applications, schedules, opinions, instruments, and other documents which are provided for hereunder or which the Lender may at any time reasonably request, including as to the receipt of all necessary authorizations of a borrowing under the Operating Agreement.

 

4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES .

 

  4.1 Representations and Warranties of the Borrower .

Borrower represents and warrants that as of the date of the execution of this Agreement, and continuing so long as any of Liabilities remain outstanding, and (even if there shall be no Liabilities outstanding) so long as this Agreement remains in effect as follows:

 

  (a) Existence and Power .

Borrower: (a) is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware; (b) has the limited liability company power and authority and all governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own its assets, carry on its business, and (ii) execute, deliver, and perform its obligations under the Financing

 

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Agreements; (c) is duly qualified as a limited liability company and licensed and in good standing, under the laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of Property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license; and (d) is in compliance with all Requirements of Law; except, in each case referred to in clauses (b)(i), (c) or (d), to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  (b) Corporate Authorization; No Contravention .

The execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of this Agreement, the Note and any other agreements and documents contemplated hereby (together, the “ Financing Agreements ”) have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and do not: (i) contravene the terms of any of Borrower’s organizational documents; (ii) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, any document evidencing any Contractual Obligation to which Borrower is a party or any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority to which Borrower or its Property is subject; or (iii) violate any Requirement of Law.

 

  (c) Governmental Authorization; Compliance .

No approval, consent, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, Borrower of the Financing Agreements except those obtained or made on or prior to the Closing Date.

 

  (d) Binding Effect .

The Financing Agreements constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower, enforceable against Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles relating to enforceability.

 

  (e) No Default .

No Default or Event of Default exists or would result from the incurring of any Liabilities by Borrower. Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default under or with respect to any Contractual Obligation in any respect which, individually or together with all such defaults, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or that would, if such default had occurred after the Closing Date, create a Default or an Event of Default. Borrower knows of no dispute regarding any Contractual Obligation which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  (f) Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations .

The proceeds of the Loans are intended to be, and shall be, used solely for the purposes set forth in and permitted by Section 5.6 . Borrower is not engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of buying or carrying Margin Stock.

 

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  (g) Investment Company Act .

Borrower is not an “investment company”, nor a company “controlled” by an “investment company,” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

  (h) Solvency .

Before and after giving effect to the transactions to occur on the Closing Date, Borrower is Solvent. Borrower shall not cease to be Solvent at any time, including by the execution and delivery of the Financing Agreements or by the transactions contemplated hereunder or thereunder.

 

  (i) Sanctioned Persons; FCPA .

Neither the Borrower nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any member, manager, officer, agent, employee or Affiliate of the Borrower is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“ OFAC ”). The Borrower will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the Revolving Loans or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Person for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC. No part of the proceeds of the Revolving Loans shall be used, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.

 

  (j) No Violation of Law .

Borrower is not in violation of any Requirement of Law where such violation would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  (k) No Breach of Transaction Agreements .

(i) Azoff Music Management LLC (A) is not in breach or default of any provision of the Operating Agreement and (B) to the knowledge of the Borrower, has not taken any action or failed to take any action that, with passage of time or giving of notice, or both, would be a breach or default under the Operating Agreement.

(ii) Irving Azoff (A) is not in breach or default of any provision of the Employment Agreement and (B) to the knowledge of the Borrower, has not taken any action or failed to take any action that, with passage of time or giving of notice, or both, would be a breach or default under the Employment Agreement.

(iii) None of the Azoff Parties (A) is in breach or default of any provision of the Formation, Contribution and Investment Agreement applicable to such Azoff Party and (B) to the knowledge of the Borrower, has not taken any action or failed to take any action that, with passage of time or giving of notice, or both, would be a breach or default under the Formation, Contribution and Investment Agreement.

 

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  4.2 R epresentations and Warranties of Lender .

Lender represents and warrants that, as of the date of the execution of this Agreement, and continuing until the Termination Date, and so long as this Agreement remains in effect as follows:

 

  (a) Due Authorization and Non-Contravention

The Lender has the requisite authority to execute, deliver, and perform its obligations under the Financing Agreements and the execution, delivery and performance of its obligations under the Financing Agreements does not conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of any document evidencing any Contractual Obligation to which Lender is a party, or any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority to which Borrower or its Property is subject or violate any Requirement of Law.

 

  4.3 Survival of Warranties .

Lender and Borrower both acknowledge that the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

5. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS .

Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as Lender shall have any Revolving Commitment hereunder, or any Loan or other Liability shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, unless Lender waives compliance in writing:

 

  5.1 Financial Statements; Other Information .

Borrower shall furnish to Lender:

(a) Not later than sixty (60) days after the end of each Fiscal Year commencing with the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2014, a copy of the audited consolidated balance sheet of Borrower as at the end of such year and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, members’ equity and cash flows for such Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Fiscal Year (if any), and accompanied by the opinion of any nationally-recognized independent public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to Lender which report shall state that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial position for the periods indicated in conformity with GAAP;

(b) Not later than thirty (30) days after the end of each Fiscal Quarter, a copy of the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of Borrower, and the related consolidated statements of income, members’ equity and cash flows as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter and for the portion of the Fiscal Year then ended, all such statements to be certified on behalf of Borrower by an appropriate Responsible Officer as fairly presenting in all material respects, in accordance with GAAP, the financial position and the results of operations of Borrower, subject to normal year-end adjustments and absence of footnote disclosure;

 

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(c) to the extent any Default has occurred and is continuing, together with each delivery of financial statements pursuant to Section 5.1(b) or (c) , a management report, in reasonable detail, signed by a Responsible Officer of Borrower, describing the operations and financial condition of Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the month and the portion of the Fiscal Year then ended (or for the month and Fiscal Year then ended in the case of annual financial statements);

(d) promptly upon receipt thereof, copies of any reports submitted by Borrower’s certified public accountants in connection with each annual, interim or special audit or review of any type of the financial statements or internal control systems of Borrower made by such accountants, including any comment letters submitted by such accountants to management of Borrower in connection with their services; and

(e) reasonably promptly, such additional business, financial, corporate affairs and other information as Lender may from time to time reasonably request.

 

  5.2 Notices .

Borrower shall promptly notify Lender of any of the following (and in no event later than three (3) Business Days after a Responsible Officer becoming aware thereof): (a) the occurrence or existence of any Default or Event of Default; (b) any breach or non-performance of, any default under, or any acceleration of, any Contractual Obligation of Borrower, or any violation of, or non-compliance with, any Requirement of Law, which, in any case, could reasonably be expected to result, either individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect, including a description of such breach, non-performance, default, violation or non-compliance and the steps, if any, Borrower has taken, is taking or proposes to take in respect thereof; (c) any dispute, litigation, investigation, proceeding or suspension which may exist at any time between Borrower and any Governmental Authority which could reasonably be expected to result, either individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect; (d) the commencement of, or any material development in, any litigation or proceeding affecting Borrower (i) in which the amount of damages claimed is $250,000 or more, (ii) in which injunctive or similar relief is sought and which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or (iii) in which the relief sought is an injunction or other stay of the performance of this Agreement; and (e) any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by Borrower; Each notice pursuant to this Section 5.2 shall be accompanied by a written statement by a Responsible Officer on behalf of Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein, and stating what action Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto (if applicable) and at what time. Each notice of a Default or an Event of Default shall describe with particularity any and all clauses or provisions of this Agreement that have been breached or violated.

 

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  5.3 Preservation of Existence, Etc .

Borrower shall (a) preserve and maintain in full force and effect its limited liability company existence and good standing under the laws of its state of formation; (b) take all action to preserve and maintain in full force and effect all rights, privileges, qualifications, permits, licenses and franchises necessary in the normal conduct of its business and except as could not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) preserve or renew all of its registered trademarks, trade names and service marks, the non-preservation of which could reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  5.4 Compliance with Laws .

Borrower shall comply, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, in all material respects, with all Requirements of Law of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over it or its business, except (a) such as may be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently prosecuted, (b) as to which a bona fide dispute exists, (c) for which appropriate reserves have been established on Borrower’s financial statements, or (d) where the failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  5.5 Inspection of Property and Books and Records .

Borrower shall maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of Borrower. Borrower shall permit representatives and agents of Lender to visit and inspect their offices, to examine their respective limited liability company financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss their respective affairs, finances and accounts with their respective officers, and independent public accountants, at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to Borrower; provided , however , when a Default exists Lender may do any of the foregoing at the expense of Borrower at any time during normal business hours and without advance notice.

 

  5.6 Use of Proceeds .

Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Loans solely for Borrower’s working capital needs in the Ordinary Course of Business and acquisitions authorized under the Operating Agreement that, in each case, do not result in the contravention of any Requirement of Law or violate this Agreement.

 

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6. NEGATIVE COVENANTS .

Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as Lender shall have any Revolving Commitment hereunder, or any Loan or other Liabilities shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, unless Lender waives compliance in writing:

 

  6.1 Encumbrances .

Borrower shall not, and Borrower shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on any of its assets other than the following: (a) Liens securing the payment of taxes, either not yet due or the validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and as to which Borrower shall, if appropriate under GAAP, have set aside on its books and records adequate reserves; (b) deposits under workmen’s compensation, unemployment insurance, social security and other similar laws, or to secure the performance of bids, tenders or contracts (other than for the repayment of borrowed money) or to secure indemnity, performance or other similar bonds for the performance of bids, tenders or contracts (other than for the repayment of borrowed money) or to secure statutory obligations or surety or appeal bonds, or to secure indemnity, performance or other similar bonds in the Ordinary Course of Business; (c) any Liens (if any) in favor of Lender; or (d) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s or other like Liens arising in the Ordinary Course of Business; or (d) a Nonrecourse Lien. Borrower shall not permit the filing of any financing statement naming Borrower as debtor, except for financing statements filed with respect to Liens expressly permitted by this Agreement.

 

  6.2 Maintenance of Existence; Consolidations and Mergers .

Borrower shall not merge, amalgamate, liquidate, consolidate with or into, dissolve, wind up or sell, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except for a merger in which Borrower is the surviving entity.

 

  6.3 Use of Proceeds .

Borrower shall not and shall not suffer or permit any of its Subsidiaries to use any portion of the Loan proceeds, directly or indirectly, in any manner which is in contravention of any Requirement of Law or in violation of this Agreement.

 

7. FINANCIAL COVENANTS .

 

  7.1 Members’ Capital .

Borrower shall not at any time permit its Members’ Capital to be less than $1.

 

8. DEFAULT, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF BANK .

 

  8.1 Defaults .

If any of the following events (“ Defaults ”) shall occur:

(a) Borrower fails to pay (i) any of the principal of the Senior Debt when such principal is due or is declared due (whether by scheduled maturity, required repayment, mandatory prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise), or (ii) interest on any Senior Debt when such interest is due (and such failure continues unremedied for five (5) Business Days), or (iii) any other amount due hereunder in respect of any Senior Debt (and such failure continues unremedied for five (5) Business Days);

 

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(b) Borrower fails or neglects to perform, keep or observe any of its covenants, conditions or agreements contained in:

(i) Sections 5.3, 6.2 and Article 7 ;

(ii) Sections 5.1 , 5.4 , 5.5 , 5.6 , 6.1 , or 6.3 and such failure shall continue for five (5) Business Days; or

(iii) any other covenant, condition or agreement contained in the Financing Agreements and such failure shall continue for thirty (30) days;

(c) any warranty or representation now or hereafter made by Borrower is untrue or incorrect in any material respect when made, and such breach of the warranty or representation (i) cannot be cured or (ii) is not cured within 10 days after the Borrower becomes aware of such breach;

(d) any schedule, certificate, written statement, report, financial data, written notice, or writing furnished at any time by Borrower to Lender is untrue or incorrect in any material respect on the date as of which the facts set forth therein are stated or certified or any of the foregoing omits to state a fact necessary to make the statements therein contained not misleading in any material respect;

(e) a proceeding under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement of debt, insolvency, readjustment of debt or receivership law or statute is filed (i) against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and (1) an adjudication or appointment is made or order for relief is entered, or (2) such proceeding remains undismissed for a period in excess of sixty (60) days, or (ii) by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; or Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries takes any corporate, limited liability company or partnership action, as applicable, to authorize any of the foregoing;

(f) Borrower voluntarily or involuntarily dissolves or is dissolved, or terminates or is terminated other than pursuant to a transaction permitted under the terms of this Agreement;

(g) Borrower ceases to be Solvent or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due;

(h) as to any Indebtedness issued, assumed or guaranteed by Borrower, other than in a Nonrecourse Transaction, with a principal balance in excess of the Threshold Amount in the aggregate at any time (i) a default shall occur and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such Indebtedness and the effect of such default is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Indebtedness; or (ii) any such Indebtedness shall be declared to be due and payable or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment or an optional permitted prepayment) prior to the stated maturity thereof;

 

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(i) a Change in Control shall occur; or

(j) Lender delivers written notice to the Borrower that the Operating Agreement, Employment Agreement, or Formation, Contribution and Investment Agreement, has been breached by an Azoff Party, and such breach is not cured within thirty (30) days;

then Lender may, upon notice to Borrower (x) terminate Lender’s obligation to make advances to Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof, and/or (y) declare all of the Liabilities to be immediately due and payable, whereupon all of the Liabilities shall become immediately due and payable, except that in the event a Default described in Section 8.1(e) hereof shall exist or occur, all of the Liabilities shall automatically, without notice of any kind, be immediately due and payable.

 

  8.2 Waiver of Demand .

Demand, presentment, protest and notice of nonpayment are hereby waived by Borrower.

 

9. MISCELLANEOUS .

 

  9.1 Waiver .

Lender’s failure, at any time or times hereafter, to require strict performance by Borrower of any provision of the Financing Agreements shall not waive, affect or diminish any right of Lender thereafter to demand strict compliance and performance therewith. Any suspension or waiver by Lender of a Default by Borrower under the Financing Agreements shall not suspend, waive or affect any other Default by Borrower under the Financing Agreements, whether the same is prior or subsequent thereto and whether of the same or of a different kind or character. None of the undertakings, agreements, warranties, covenants and representations of Borrower contained in the Financing Agreements and no Default by Borrower under the Financing Agreements shall be deemed to have been suspended or waived by Lender unless such suspension or waiver is in writing signed by an officer of Lender, and directed to Borrower specifying such suspension or waiver. All Defaults shall continue until the same are waived by Lender in accordance with the preceding sentence.

 

  9.2 Costs and Attorneys’ Fees .

If at any time or times hereafter Lender employs counsel in connection with any matters contemplated by or arising out of the Financing Agreements whether (a) to commence, defend, or intervene in any litigation or to file a petition, complaint, answer, motion or other pleadings, (b) to take any other action in or with respect to any suit or proceeding (bankruptcy or otherwise), or (c) to enforce any rights of Lender, including, without limitation, Lender’s rights to collect any of the Liabilities, then in any of such events, all of the reasonable attorneys’ fees arising from such services, and any expenses, costs and charges relating thereto, including, without limitation, all reasonable fees of all paralegals and other staff employed by such attorneys, together with interest following demand for payment thereof at the rate applicable to the Revolving Loan from time to time prescribed in Section 2.5(a) hereof, shall be part of the Liabilities, payable on demand.

 

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  9.3 Expenditures by Lender .

In the event Borrower shall fail to pay taxes, insurance, assessments, costs or expenses which Borrower is, under any of the terms hereof, required to pay, or fails to keep its assets or the assets of any of its Subsidiaries free from Liens or encumbrances, except as permitted herein, Lender may, in its sole discretion, make expenditures for any or all of such purposes, and the amount so expended, together with interest thereon at the rate applicable to the Revolving Loan prescribed in Section 2.5(a) hereof, shall be part of the Liabilities, payable on demand.

 

  9.4 Reliance by Lender .

All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made herein by Borrower shall, notwithstanding any investigation by Lender, be deemed to be material to and to have been relied upon by Lender.

 

  9.5 Parties .

Whenever in the Financing Agreements there is reference made to any of the parties hereto, such reference shall be deemed to include, wherever applicable, a reference to the successors and assigns of Borrower and the successors and assigns of Lender, and the provisions of the Financing Agreements shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of said successors and assigns. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations under the Financing Agreements without the prior written consent of Lender and Lender may not sell, assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Borrower.

 

  9.6 CHOICE OF LAW .

THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

  9.7 CONSENT TO JURISDICTION .

(a) THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY NEW YORK STATE COURT OR FEDERAL COURT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE OR, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.

 

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  9.8 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .

(a) EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, AS APPLICABLE, BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS ARTICLE 9 .

 

  9.9 Severability .

Wherever 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 shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

 

  9.10 Application of Payments .

Notwithstanding any contrary provision contained in this Agreement, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Borrower irrevocably waives the right to direct the application of any and all payments at any time or times hereafter received by Lender from Borrower, and Borrower does hereby irrevocably agree that Lender shall have the continuing exclusive right to apply and reapply any and all payments received at any time or times hereafter against the Liabilities in such manner as Lender may deem advisable, notwithstanding any entry by Lender upon any of its books and records.

 

  9.11 Marshaling; Payments Set Aside .

Lender shall be under no obligation to marshal any assets in favor of Borrower or any other party or against or in payment of any or all of the Liabilities. To the extent that Borrower makes a payment or payments to Lender or Lender exercises its rights of setoff, and such payment or payments or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside and/or required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party under any bankruptcy law, state or federal law, common law or equitable cause, then, to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such enforcement or setoff had not occurred.

 

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  9.12 Section Titles .

Article, section and subsection titles contained in this Agreement shall be without substantive meaning or content of any kind whatsoever and are not a part of the agreement between the parties.

 

  9.13 Continuing Effect .

The Financing Agreements shall continue in full force and effect so long as any Liabilities shall be owed to Lender, and (even if there shall be no Liabilities outstanding) so long as the Financing Agreements has not been terminated as provided in Section 2.7 hereof.

 

  9.14 Notices .

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any notice required or desired to be served, given or delivered hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be deemed to have been validly served, given or delivered (a) three (3) days after deposit in the United States mails, with proper postage prepaid, (b) one (1) Business Day after deposited with a reputable overnight courier with all charges prepaid, or (c) when delivered, if hand-delivered by messenger, all of which shall be properly addressed to the party to be notified and sent to the address or number indicated as follows:

 

  (i) If to Lender at:

Entertainment Ventures, LLC

c/o MSG Holdings, L.P.

Two Penn Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Attention: General Counsel

With a copy to:

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

125 Broad Street New York,

New York 10004

Attention: John P. Mead, Esq.

 

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  (ii) If to Borrower at:

Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC

1100 Glendon Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90024

Attention:

With copies to:

Loeb & Loeb LLP

10100 Santa Monica Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Attention: Harold Flegelman

or to such other address or number as each party designates to the other in the manner herein prescribed.

 

  9.15 Equitable Relief .

Borrower recognizes that, in the event Borrower fails to perform, observe or discharge any of its obligations or liabilities under the Financing Agreements, any remedy at law may prove to be inadequate relief to Lender; therefore, Borrower agrees that Lender, if Lender so requests, shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief in any such case without the necessity of proving actual damages and the granting of any such relief shall not preclude Lender from pursuing any other relief or remedies for such breach.

 

  9.16 Indemnification .

Borrower agrees to defend, protect, indemnify and hold harmless Lender and its Affiliates and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, attorneys, consultants and agents (collectively, the “ Indemnitees ”) from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, claims, costs, expenses and disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for and consultants of such Indemnitees in connection with any investigative, administrative or judicial proceeding, whether or not such Indemnitees shall be designated a party thereto), which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against such Indemnitees (whether direct, indirect, or consequential and whether based on any federal or state laws or other statutory regulations, including, without limitation, securities, environmental and commercial laws and regulations, under common law or at equitable cause or on contract or otherwise) in any manner relating to or arising out of the Financing Agreements, or any act, event or transaction related or attendant thereto, the agreements of Lender contained herein, the making of the Loans, the management of such Loans (including any liability under federal, state or local environmental laws or regulations) or the use or intended use of the proceeds of such Loans (collectively, the “ Indemnified Matters ”); provided that Borrower shall have no obligation to any Indemnitee hereunder with respect to Indemnified Matters caused by or resulting from the willful misconduct or gross negligence of such Indemnitee. To the extent that the undertaking

 

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to indemnify, pay and hold harmless set forth in this Section 9.16 may be unenforceable because it is violative of any law or public policy, Borrower shall contribute the maximum portion which it is permitted to pay and satisfy under applicable law, to the payment and satisfaction of all Indemnified Matters incurred by the Indemnitees.

 

  9.17 Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed and accepted in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original with the same effect as if the signatures were on the same instrument. The delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement by telecopier shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , this Loan Agreement has been duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC,
As Borrower
By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

Loan Agreement Signature Page


Entertainment Ventures, LLC
As Lender
By:

 

Name:

James L. Dolan

Title:

Executive Chairman

Loan Agreement Signature Page


EXHIBIT A

TO

LOAN AGREEMENT

FORM OF REVOLVING NOTE

 

New York, New York
$50,000,000 [DATE], 2013

FOR VALUE RECEIVED , Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of Entertainment Ventures, LLC , an Delaware limited liability company (“ Lender ”), in such coin or currency of the United States which shall be legal tender in payment of all debts and dues, public and private, at the time of payment, the principal sum of FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS AND NO CENTS ($50,000,000.00), or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all advances made to Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1 of the Loan Agreement (as hereinafter defined), together with interest from and after the date hereof on the unpaid principal balance outstanding at the rates provided for in, and calculated in accordance with the terms of, the Loan Agreement (as hereinafter defined).

This Revolving Note (this “ Note ”) is the Revolving Note referred to in, and is issued pursuant to, that certain Loan Agreement between Borrower and Lender dated as of the date hereof (hereinafter, as amended from time to time heretofore, now or hereafter, the “ Loan Agreement ”), and is entitled to all of the benefits of the Loan Agreement. All of the terms, covenants and conditions of the Loan Agreement are hereby made a part of this Note and are deemed incorporated herein in full. All capitalized terms used herein, unless otherwise specifically defined in this Note, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Loan Agreement.

Time is of the essence of this Note. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Borrower, for itself and its legal representatives, successors and assigns, expressly waives presentment, demand, protest, notice of dishonor, notice of non-payment, notice of maturity, notice of protest, presentment for the purpose of accelerating maturity, diligence in collection, and the benefit of any exemption or insolvency laws.

Wherever possible, each provision of this Note shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Note shall be prohibited or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remainder of such provision or remaining provisions of this Note. No delay or failure on the part of Lender in the exercise of any right or remedy hereunder or under the Loan Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor as an acquiescence in any default, nor shall any single or partial exercise by Lender of any right or remedy preclude any other right or remedy.

This Note shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.

 

Exhibit A – Page 1


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower has caused this Note to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
By

 

Its

 

 

Exhibit A – Page 2


EXHIBIT B

TO

LOAN AGREEMENT

NOTICE OF BORROWING

[Date]

Entertainment Ventures, LLC

Two Penn Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Attention: General Counsel

Attention: Treasurer

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Email: [ Email address of each of the above officers ]

Via E-mail

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Borrower ”), pursuant to Section 3.1 of the Loan Agreement dated as of [—], 2013 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Loan Agreement ”) between Borrower and Entertainment Ventures, LLC (“ Lender ”), hereby gives irrevocable notice to Lender that the undersigned requests an advance under the Loan Agreement as described below:

(i) the Business Day on which such advance is to be made is (the “ Borrowing Date ”).

(ii) the amount of the advance to be made on the Borrowing Date is $        .

(iii) the advance shall be [ a Base Rate Advance] [a LIBOR Rate Advance with an Interest Period of six months beginning on the Borrowing Date and expiring on             , 201  ].

Borrower hereby certifies that on the date hereof and on the Borrowing Date, immediately before and after giving effect to the advance requested hereby, the conditions set forth in Section 3 of the Loan Agreement have been satisfied.


Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Loan Agreement to the extent defined therein.

 

Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC
By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

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EXHIBIT C

TO

LOAN AGREEMENT

FORM OF NOTICE OF LIBOR RATE CONTINUATION

[Date]

Entertainment Ventures, LLC

Two Penn Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Attention: General Counsel

Attention: Treasurer

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Email: [ Email address of each of the above officers ]

Via E-mail

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Borrower ”), pursuant to Section 3.1 of the Loan Agreement dated as of [—], 2013 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Loan Agreement ”) between Borrower and Entertainment Ventures, LLC (“ Lender ”), hereby gives irrevocable notice to Lender that the undersigned requests a continuation of a LIBOR Rate Advance under the Loan Agreement for the Revolving Loan as described below:

(i) the Business Day to continue such advance shall be (the “ Effective Date ”).

(ii) the advance to be continued is a LIBOR Rate Advance with an Interest Period of six months expiring on the Effective Date.

(iii) the amount of the advance to be continued on the Effective Date is $        .

Borrower hereby certifies that on the date hereof and on the Effective Date, immediately before and after giving effect to the continuation requested hereby, the conditions set forth in Section 3 have been satisfied.

 

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Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Loan Agreement to the extent defined therein.

 

Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC
By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit 99.1

THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

TWO PENNSYLVANIA PLAZA

NEW YORK, NY 10121

[●], 2015

Dear Stockholder:

I am pleased to report that the previously announced spin-off by The Madison Square Garden Company, which we refer to as “MSG,” of its MSG Spinco, Inc. subsidiary is expected to become effective on [●], 2015. MSG Spinco, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which we refer to as “Spinco,” will become a public company on that date and will own the sports and entertainment businesses currently owned and operated by MSG and own, lease or operate the arenas and other venues currently owned, leased or operated by MSG. Spinco’s Class A Common Stock will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which we refer to as “NYSE,” under the symbol “MSG” and we expect that The Madison Square Garden Company will change its symbol on NYSE to “MSGN” in connection with spin-off.

Holders of record of MSG’s Class A Common Stock as of the close of business, New York City time, on [●], 2015, which will be the record date, will receive one share of Spinco Class A Common Stock for every [●] share(s) of MSG’s Class A Common Stock held. Holders of record of MSG’s Class B Common Stock as of the close of business on the record date will receive one share of Spinco Class B Common Stock for every [●] share(s) of MSG Class B Common Stock held. No action is required on your part to receive your Spinco shares. You will not be required either to pay anything for the new shares or to surrender any shares of MSG stock.

No fractional shares of Spinco stock will be issued. If you otherwise would be entitled to a fractional share you will receive a check for the cash value thereof, which generally will be taxable to you. In due course you will be provided with information to enable you to compute your tax bases in both MSG and Spinco stock. MSG expects to obtain an opinion from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP substantially to the effect that, among other things, the distribution by MSG of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock to the holders of MSG Class A Common Stock and MSG Class B Common Stock, respectively (i.e., the distribution), will qualify as a tax-free distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, MSG has received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service concluding that certain limited aspects of the distribution will not prevent the distribution from satisfying certain requirements for tax-free treatment under the Internal Revenue Code.

The enclosed information statement describes the distribution of shares of Spinco stock and contains important information about Spinco, including financial statements. I suggest that you read it carefully. If you have any questions regarding the distribution, please contact MSG’s transfer agent, Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, at 1-800-468-9716.

Sincerely,

James L. Dolan

Executive Chairman


Table of Contents

Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A Registration Statement on Form 10 relating to these securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION STATEMENT

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 24, 2015

INFORMATION STATEMENT

MSG Spinco, Inc.

Distribution of

Class A Common Stock

Par Value, $0.01 Per Share

Class B Common Stock

Par Value, $0.01 Per Share

This information statement is being furnished in connection with the distribution by The Madison Square Garden Company (“MSG”) to holders of its common stock of all the outstanding shares of MSG Spinco, Inc. (“Spinco”) common stock. Prior to such distribution, we, Spinco, will enter into a series of transactions with MSG pursuant to which we will own the entertainment and sports businesses that were owned and operated by MSG through its MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports business segments and own, lease or operate the arenas and other venues that were owned, leased or operated by MSG, as described in this information statement.

Shares of our Class A Common Stock will be distributed to holders of MSG Class A Common Stock of record as of the close of business, New York City time, on [●], 2015, which will be the record date. Each such holder will receive one share of our Class A Common Stock for every [●] share(s) of MSG’s Class A Common Stock held on the record date. Shares of our Class B Common Stock will be distributed to holders of MSG’s Class B Common Stock as of the close of business on the record date. Each holder of MSG’s Class B Common Stock will receive one share of our Class B Common Stock for every [●] share(s) of MSG’s Class B Common Stock held on the record date. We refer to this distribution of securities as the “Distribution.” The Distribution will be effective at 11:59 p.m. on [●], 2015. For MSG stockholders who own common stock in registered form, in most cases the transfer agent will credit their shares of Spinco common stock to book entry accounts established to hold their MSG common stock. Our distribution agent will send these stockholders a statement reflecting their Spinco common stock ownership shortly after [●], 2015. For stockholders who own MSG common stock through a broker or other nominee, their shares of Spinco common stock will be credited to their accounts by the broker or other nominee. Stockholders will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares, which generally will be taxable. See “The Distribution — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.”

No stockholder approval of the Distribution is required or sought. We are not asking you for a proxy and you are requested not to send us a proxy. MSG stockholders will not be required to pay for the shares of our common stock to be received by them in the Distribution, or to surrender or to exchange shares of MSG common stock in order to receive our common stock, or to take any other action in connection with the Distribution. There is currently no trading market for our common stock. We will apply to list our Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “MSG” and we expect that The Madison Square Garden Company will change its symbol on NYSE to “MSGN” in connection with the Distribution. We will not list our Class B Common Stock on any stock exchange.

IN REVIEWING THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT, YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE MATTERS DESCRIBED UNDER THE CAPTION “RISK FACTORS” BEGINNING ON PAGE 22.

WE ARE AN EMERGING GROWTH COMPANY AS DEFINED IN THE JUMPSTART OUR BUSINESS STARTUPS ACT OF 2012. REFER TO “ RISK FACTORS — GENERAL RISKS — THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO US AS AN ‘EMERGING GROWTH COMPANY’ MAY MAKE OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK LESS ATTRACTIVE TO INVESTORS” AND “BUSINESS — EMERGING GROWTH COMPANY STATUS.”

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

 

THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES.

 

 

Stockholders of MSG with inquiries related to the Distribution should contact MSG’s transfer agent, Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, at 1-800-468-9716.

The date of this information statement is [●], 2015.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

SUMMARY

     1   

OUR COMPANY

     1   

Our Strengths

     1   

Our Strategy

     2   

Key Challenges

     4   

Company Information

     5   

THE DISTRIBUTION

     6   

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     10   

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE DISTRIBUTION

     11   

THE DISTRIBUTION

     16   

General

     16   

Manner of Effecting the Distribution

     16   

Reasons for the Distribution

     17   

Results of the Distribution

     17   

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution

     18   

Listing and Trading of Our Common Stock

     20   

Reason for Furnishing this Information Statement

     21   

RISK FACTORS

     22   

Risks Relating to Our Sports Business

     22   

Risks Relating to Our Entertainment Business

     25   

General Risks

     26   

BUSINESS

     38   

General

     38   

Our Strengths

     38   

Our Strategy

     39   

Our Business

     41   

Other Investments

     50   

Garden of Dreams Foundation

     51   

Regulation

     51   

Competition

     52   

Employees

     53   

Properties

     53   

Legal Proceedings

     54   

Financial Information about Segments and Geographic Areas

     54   

Emerging Growth Company Status

     55   

DIVIDEND POLICY

     56   

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     57   

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     63   

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     64   

Introduction

     65   

Proposed Distribution and Basis of Presentation

     66   

Business Overview

     67   

MSG Entertainment

     67   

MSG Sports

     70   

Corporate Expenses and Venue Operating Costs

     75   

Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates

     75   

Impact of Current Economic Conditions

     76   

Results of Operations

     77   

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     103   

 

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     Page  

Seasonality of Our Business

     107   

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Critical Accounting Policies

     107   

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

     115   

Corporate Governance

     115   

Our Directors

     116   

Our Executive Officers

     122   

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     124   

Introduction

     124   

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

     124   

Executive Compensation Program Objectives and Philosophy

     126   

Compensation Practices and Policies

     126   

Elements of MSG’s Compensation Program

     128   

Employment Agreements

     135   

Key Elements of 2016 Expected Compensation from the Company

     138   

Historical Compensation Information

     139   

Grants of MSG Plan-Based Awards

     142   

Outstanding MSG Equity Awards at June 30, 2015

     144   

MSG Stock Vested

     145   

MSG Pension Benefits

     145   

MSG Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

     148   

Termination and Severance

     148   

Our Equity Compensation Plan Information

     152   

Our Employee Stock Plan

     152   

Our Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors

     156   

Our Cash Incentive Plan

     159   

Treatment of Outstanding Options, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards

     160   

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     162   

Introduction

     162   

Relationship Between MSG and Us After the Distribution

     162   

Relationship between Cablevision and Us after the Distribution

     165   

Dolan Family Arrangements

     166   

Certain Relationships and Potential Conflicts of Interest

     166   

Related Party Transaction Approval Policy

     167   

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

     169   

Beneficial Ownership Of Stock

     169   

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

     171   

Rule 144

     171   

Employee Stock Awards

     171   

Non-Employee Director Stock Awards

     171   

Registration Rights Agreements

     171   

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     173   

Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock

     173   

Preferred Stock

     176   

Certain Corporate Opportunities and Conflicts

     177   

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law

     178   

Limitation on Personal Liability

     178   

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     180   

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     181   

INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-1   

 

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SUMMARY

The following is a summary of certain of the information contained in this information statement. This summary is included for convenience only and should not be considered complete. This summary is qualified in its entirety by more detailed information contained elsewhere in this information statement, which should be read in its entirety.

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “we”, “us”, “our”, “Spinco” or the “Company” refer to MSG Spinco, Inc., together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Where we describe in this information statement our business activities, we do so as if the transfer of the MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports business segments, including the venues, of MSG to Spinco has already occurred.

We expect that on or about the time of the Distribution, The Madison Square Garden Company will change its name to “MSG Networks Inc.” and MSG Spinco, Inc. will assume the name “The Madison Square Garden Company.” We expect our Class A Common Stock to trade on NYSE under the symbol “MSG.” MSG will change its symbol on NYSE to “MSGN” in connection with the Distribution.

OUR COMPANY

Spinco is a sports and entertainment business comprised of dynamic and powerful assets and brands that grew from the legendary Madison Square Garden Arena (also referred to as “The Garden”), widely known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” Drawing on its celebrated history, the Company builds iconic brands that set the standard for excellence and innovation while forging deep connections with diverse and passionate audiences. With a portfolio of celebrated venues, legendary sports teams and exclusive entertainment productions, the Company’s two business segments — MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment — work together to deliver exceptional experiences that endure for generations.

The Company operates in two business segments:

 

    MSG Sports . Our sports business owns and operates the following sports franchises: the New York Knicks (the “Knicks”) of the National Basketball Association (the “NBA”), the New York Rangers (the “Rangers”) of the National Hockey League (the “NHL”), the New York Liberty (the “Liberty”) of the Women’s National Basketball Association (the “WNBA”), the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (the “AHL”) and the Westchester Knicks of the NBA Development League (the “NBADL”). In addition, MSG Sports promotes, produces and/or presents a broad array of other live sporting events, including professional boxing, college basketball, professional bull riding and tennis.

 

    MSG Entertainment . Our entertainment business presents or hosts live entertainment events, including concerts, family shows, performing arts and special events, in our diverse collection of venues and arenas. Those venues include The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, the Forum, The Chicago Theatre and the Wang Theatre. MSG Entertainment also creates, produces and/or presents live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and New York Spring Spectacular , both featuring the Radio City Rockettes (the “Rockettes”), that are performed in the Company’s venues.

Our Strengths

 

    Ownership of legendary sports franchises;

 

    Iconic venues in top live entertainment markets;

 

    Diverse collection of marquee entertainment brands and content, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, New York Spring Spectacular and the Rockettes;

 



 

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    Powerful presence in the New York City metropolitan area with established core assets and expertise for strategic expansion;

 

    Strong industry relationships that create opportunities for new content and brand extensions;

 

    Deep connection with loyal and passionate fan bases that span a wide demographic mix;

 

    First-class experience in managing venues, bookings, marketing and sales in multiple markets;

 

    Ability to forge strategic partnerships that utilize the Company’s assets, core competencies and scale, while allowing the Company to benefit from growth in those businesses;

 

    Established history of successfully planning and executing comprehensive venue renovations;

 

    Extensive range of proprietary marketing assets, including an industry-leading customer database that allows us to drive engagement with our brands; and

 

    Strong and seasoned management team.

Our Strategy

Spinco pursues opportunities that capitalize on our iconic venues, popular sports franchises and exclusive entertainment content, as well as our venue management, bookings, marketing and sales expertise. We believe the Company’s unique combination of assets, the depth of our relationships within the sports and entertainment industries and strong connection with our diverse and passionate audiences, set the Company apart in the industry and represent a substantial opportunity for growth. Specific initiatives we are focused on include:

 

    Developing championship caliber teams . The core of MSG Sports’ strategy is to develop teams that seek to consistently compete for championships in their respective leagues, and support and drive revenue streams across the Company. We continue to explore new ways to increase engagement and revenue opportunities across the teams’ broad consumer and corporate customer bases.

 

    Monetizing our exclusive sports content . The Company will enter into long-term media rights agreements (the “media rights agreements”) with MSG that will provide a significant recurring and growing revenue stream to the Company, subject to the terms of such agreements. In addition, the media rights agreements and the relationship with MSG will provide our fans with the ability to watch locally televised home and away games of the Knicks and Rangers, as well as other programming related to our teams, on MSG’s award-winning regional sports networks.

 

    Utilizing our integrated approach to marketing and sales . MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment possess powerful assets which can create significant value for our business when used in a complementary manner. For example:

 

    Our sale of marketing partnerships allows us to use and sell our broad array of MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment assets together in order to maximize their collective value, both for the Company and for our marketing partners. This ability to offer compelling, broad-based marketing platforms which we believe are unparalleled in sports and entertainment has enabled us to attract world-class partners, such as our “Marquee” marketing partner, JPMorgan Chase, and our “Signature” marketing partners — Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, Kia, Lexus and SAP.

 

   

We continue to forge deep direct-to-consumer relationships with customers and fans, with a focus on understanding how consumers interact with every aspect of the Company. A key component of this strategy is our large and growing proprietary customer database which drives revenue and engagement across segments, benefiting the Company through ticket sales, merchandise sales and sponsorship activation. This database provides us a greater opportunity to cross-promote our

 



 

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products and services, introducing customers to our wide range of assets and brands. For example, we have used our database to drive ticket sales to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and New York Spring Spectacular from fans of our sports teams.

 

    Growing our entertainment brands . Building on our hallmark Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Rockettes brands, MSG Entertainment is focused on enhancing existing productions and developing new productions. In March 2015, MSG Entertainment officially debuted a new large scale theatrical production at Radio City Music Hall — called New York Spring Spectacular — featuring the Rockettes.

 

    Utilizing a unique and powerful venue strategy. The Company has built a portfolio of venues through which we deliver high-quality live entertainment. In addition to our New York venues: The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre, we own the Forum in Inglewood, CA and The Chicago Theatre and have a long-term booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston. These venues, along with our venue management capabilities, our effective bookings strategy and our proven expertise in sponsorships, marketing, ticketing and promotions have positioned the Company as an industry leader in live entertainment. We intend to leverage our unique assets, expertise and approach to drive growth and stockholder value, and to ensure we continue to create unmatched experiences for the benefit of all of our stakeholders.

 

    Maximizing the live entertainment experience for our customers. We will use our first-class operations, coupled with new innovations and our ability to attract top talent, to deliver an unforgettable experience for our customers — whether they are first-time visitors, season ticket holders, or suite holders — ensuring they return to our venues. We have a track record of designing world-class facilities that exceed our customers’ expectations. This includes our renovations of Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, The Garden and the Forum, which now provide top-quality amenities such as state-of-the-art lighting, sound and staging, a full suite of hospitality offerings and enhanced premium products. In addition to better onsite amenities, we will continue to explore new ways to utilize technology to improve the customer experience and create communities around our live events. From the way our customers buy their food and beverage; to how we market and process their tickets; to the content we provide them to enhance their sports and entertainment experience, we want to give our customers the best in-venue experience in the industry.

 

    Leveraging our live entertainment expertise to increase productivity across our venues. Part of what drives our success is our “artist first” approach. This includes our renovation of the Forum, which has set a new bar for the artist experience by delivering superior acoustics and an intimate feel, along with amenities such as nine star-caliber dressing rooms and dedicated areas for production and touring crews. This talent-friendly environment, coupled with more date availability and our top-tier service, is not only attracting artists to our West Coast venue, but bringing them back for repeat performances. We will continue to use our “artist first” approach to attract the industry’s top talent with the goal of increasing utilization across all of our venues through more multi-night concerts and other events, and more recurring high-profile shows that help expand our base of events.

We will also continue to explore the creation of proprietary content that enables the Company to benefit from being both content owner and venue operator. One recent example of this strategy is the New York Spring Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, designed to become an annual tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike. We see additional opportunity to use our venues as physical gathering places for communities that form and interact online and expanding that experience through the creation of “connected” venues that bring people together both inside and outside our venues.

 



 

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    Selectively expanding our venues in key music and entertainment markets. With the Forum in Inglewood, California, we created the country’s only arena-sized venue dedicated to music and entertainment, which quickly established a strong presence in the market. We believe that, similar to Los Angeles, there are other select markets where our proven ability to develop music and entertainment-focused venues — coupled with our unique capabilities, expertise and “artist first” approach — will deliver a differentiated experience for artists, fans and partners. We intend to capitalize on this opportunity by identifying key markets where we can selectively expand our network of owned and operated venues, and pursue strategic partnerships with third parties to enhance and operate venues not owned by Spinco. Controlling and booking an expanding network of world-class venues provides us with a number of avenues for growth, including driving increased bookings, greater marketing and sponsorship opportunities, and economies of scale.

 

    Exploring additional ways to strengthen our core assets . Our commitment to strengthening our core assets is exemplified by the transformation of The Garden into a state-of-the-art facility (the “Transformation”) that enhances the experience for our customers, partners, athletes and entertainers and continues to attract even more marquee events, while driving growth across several categories, including ticket, suite, sponsorship, food, beverage and merchandise sales. The Transformation is designed to ensure The Garden’s continued and lasting prominence as a sports and entertainment venue and has driven significant revenue for the Company. The Transformation is discussed in greater detail under “Business — Our Business — Our Venues — The Garden Transformation.”

 

    Continuing to explore external strategic opportunities . We will continue to seek strategic opportunities to add compelling assets and brands that resonate with our customers and partners, fit with our core competencies and allow new opportunities for growth across the Company. One of the ways we try to capitalize on our unique combination of dynamic assets, established industry relationships and deep customer connections is through strategic partnerships that bring together the expertise and capabilities of each partner, and enable us to team with recognized leaders in their fields and benefit from growth in those businesses. For example, in September 2013, we invested in Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC (“Azoff-MSG”), backed by one of the music and entertainment industry’s most respected and influential executives. The joint venture owns and operates existing music, media and entertainment businesses, while allowing us to pursue various businesses in the entertainment space. In addition, in March 2014, we became an investor in Tribeca Enterprises LLC (“Tribeca Enterprises”), bringing together two of New York’s cultural and entertainment icons to enhance the reach and impact of both brands, while creating new avenues for growth with one of the most respected teams in the film and entertainment industry. We also co-produced New York Spring Spectacular with The Weinstein Company, a known leader in the development of content, and have also joined with The Weinstein Company on certain other live theatrical productions.

Key Challenges

Following the Distribution, we may face a number of challenges, both pre-existing and as a result of the Distribution, including:

 

    intense competition in the markets and industries in which we operate;

 

    dependence upon the continued popularity of our sports teams and our live productions;

 

    the risk that New York Spring Spectacular , because it is a new production, may not achieve long-term popularity among audiences;

 

    the trend in recent years of increasing operating expense, resulting in increasing net losses (see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Results of Operations”);

 



 

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    lack of an operating history as a stand-alone public company;

 

    amount of, as well as volatility and less predictability in, our operating results and cash flow because Spinco’s results will not reflect the generally more predictable cash flow of the MSG Media business segment; and

 

    volatility in the market price and trading volume of our common stock.

Company Information

We are a Delaware corporation with our principal executive offices at Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY, 10121. Our telephone number is +1 (212) 465-6000. Spinco is a holding company and conducts substantially all of its operations through its subsidiaries.

Spinco was incorporated on March 4, 2015 as an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG. Prior to the Distribution, the Company will acquire the subsidiaries, businesses and other assets owned by MSG, directly or indirectly, that are described in this information statement. Where we describe in this information statement our business activities, we do so as if these transfers have already occurred.

We expect that on or about the time of the Distribution, The Madison Square Garden Company will change its name to “MSG Networks Inc.” and MSG Spinco, Inc. will assume the name “The Madison Square Garden Company.” We expect our Class A Common Stock to trade on NYSE under the symbol “MSG.” MSG will change its symbol on NYSE to “MSGN” in connection with the Distribution.

 



 

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THE DISTRIBUTION

Please see “The Distribution” for a more detailed description of the matters described below.

 

Distributing Company

MSG, which is a sports, entertainment and media business. In addition to the MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment business segments that are being transferred to Spinco, MSG also owns and operates regional sports networks under its MSG Media business segment.

 

Distributed Company

Spinco, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of MSG, which will own and operate the sports and entertainment businesses currently owned and operated by MSG through its MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment segments and will own, lease or operate the arenas and other venues currently owned, leased or operated by MSG, as described in this information statement. Please see “Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for information concerning these businesses.

 

Distribution Ratio

Each holder of MSG Class A Common Stock will receive a distribution of one share of our Class A Common Stock for every [●] share(s) of MSG Class A Common Stock held on the record date and each holder of MSG Class B Common Stock will receive a distribution of one share of our Class B Common Stock for every [●] share(s) of MSG Class B Common Stock held on the record date.

 

Securities to be Distributed

Based on [●] shares of MSG Class A Common Stock and [●] shares of MSG Class B Common Stock outstanding on [●], 2015, approximately [●] shares of our Class A Common Stock and [●] shares of our Class B Common Stock will be distributed. The shares of our common stock to be distributed will constitute all of the outstanding shares of our common stock immediately after the Distribution. MSG stockholders will not be required to pay for the shares of our common stock to be received by them in the Distribution, or to surrender or exchange shares of MSG common stock in order to receive our common stock, or to take any other action in connection with the Distribution.

 

Fractional Shares

Fractional shares of our common stock will not be distributed. Fractional shares of our Class A Common Stock will be aggregated and sold in the public market by the distribution agent and stockholders will receive a cash payment in lieu of a fractional share. Similarly, fractional shares of our Class B Common Stock will be aggregated, converted to Class A Common Stock, and sold in the public market by the distribution agent. The aggregate net cash proceeds of these sales will be distributed ratably to the stockholders who would otherwise have received fractional interests. These proceeds generally will be taxable to those stockholders.

 

 

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Distribution Agent, Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Shares

Wells Fargo Shareowner Services will be the distribution agent, transfer agent and registrar for the shares of our common stock.

 

Record Date

The record date is the close of business New York City time, on [●], 2015.

 

Distribution Date

11:59 p.m. on [●], 2015.

 

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution

MSG expects to obtain an opinion from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP substantially to the effect that, among other things, the distribution by MSG of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock to the holders of MSG Class A Common Stock and MSG Class B Common Stock, respectively (i.e., the Distribution), will qualify as a tax-free distribution under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Accordingly, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Distribution will not result in the recognition of gain to MSG with respect to the distribution of our Class A Common Stock or our Class B Common Stock to the MSG stockholders and, except to the extent a stockholder receives cash in lieu of fractional shares of our common stock, no income, gain or loss will be recognized by, and no amount will be included in the income of such holder upon the receipt of shares of our common stock pursuant to the Distribution. The opinion will not be binding on the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or the courts. See “The Distribution — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.” Additionally, MSG has received a private letter ruling from the IRS concluding that certain limited aspects of the Distribution will not prevent the Distribution from satisfying certain requirements for tax-free treatment under the Code. While certain transactions related to the Distribution that are not addressed (or expected to be addressed) by either the opinion or the private letter ruling could result in the recognition of income or gain by MSG, the impact of any such resulting tax is not expected to be material to MSG. The opinion and the private letter ruling will rely on factual representations and reasonable assumptions, which if incorrect or inaccurate may jeopardize the ability to rely on such opinion and letter ruling.

 

Stock Exchange Listing

There is not currently a public market for our common stock. We will apply for our Class A Common Stock to be listed on NYSE under the symbol “MSG” and we expect that The Madison Square Garden Company will change its symbol on NYSE to “MSGN” in connection with the Distribution. It is anticipated that trading will commence on a when-issued basis prior to the Distribution. On the first trading day following the date of the Distribution, when-issued trading in respect of our Class A Common Stock will end and regular-way trading will begin. Our Class B Common Stock will not be listed on a securities exchange.

 



 

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Relationship between MSG and Us after the Distribution

Following the Distribution, we will be a public company and MSG will have no continuing stock ownership interest in us. Prior to the Distribution, we and MSG will enter into a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) and several ancillary agreements for the purpose of accomplishing the distribution of our common stock to MSG’s common stockholders. These agreements also will govern our relationship with MSG subsequent to the Distribution and provide for the allocation of employee benefit, tax and some other liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to the Distribution. These agreements also will include arrangements with respect to transition services (the “Transition Services Agreement”) and a number of on-going commercial relationships. The Distribution Agreement includes an agreement that we and MSG agree to provide each other with appropriate indemnities with respect to liabilities arising out of the businesses being transferred to us by MSG. In connection with the Distribution, we will enter into media rights agreements with MSG that will provide our fans with the ability to watch locally televised home and away games of the Knicks and Rangers, as well as other programming related to our teams, on MSG’s award-winning regional sports networks. We are also party to other arrangements with MSG and its subsidiaries. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

 

  Following the Distribution there will be an overlap between the executive officers of the Company and MSG. James L. Dolan will serve as the Executive Chairman of both the Company and MSG, and Lawrence J. Burian will serve as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of both the Company and MSG. In addition, immediately following the Distribution, [●] of the members of our Board of Directors (or the “Board”) will also be directors of MSG, and our Executive Chairman will continue to serve as an officer of MSG concurrently with his service on our Board. Certain of our directors and/or officers will also serve as directors, officers and/or employees of Cablevision Systems Corporation (“Cablevision”) and/or AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks”).

 

  See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions — Certain Relationships and Potential Conflicts of Interest” and “Description of Capital Stock — Certain Corporate Opportunities and Conflicts” for a discussion of the policies that will be in place for dealing with potential conflicts of interest that may arise from our ongoing relationship with MSG, Cablevision and AMC Networks.

 

Control by Dolan Family

Following the Distribution, we will be controlled by Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities. We have been informed that Charles F. Dolan, these family members and the related entities will enter into a stockholders agreement (the “Stockholders Agreement”) relating, among other things, to the voting of their shares of our Class B Common Stock. As a result,

 

 

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following the Distribution, we will be a “controlled company” under the corporate governance rules of NYSE. Our Board of Directors has elected not to comply with the NYSE requirements for a majority independent board of directors and an independent corporate governance and nominating committee because of our status as a controlled company. Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities also control MSG, Cablevision and AMC Networks.

 

  See “Risk Factors — General Risks — We are Controlled by the Dolan Family.” Immediately following the Distribution, six of the members of our Board of Directors will be members of the Dolan family.

 

Post-Distribution Dividend Policy

We do not expect to pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. All decisions regarding the payment of dividends will be made by our Board of Directors from time to time in accordance with applicable law.

 

Risk Factors

Stockholders should carefully consider the matters discussed under “Risk Factors.”

 



 

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The operating and balance sheet data included in the following selected financial data table have been derived from the combined financial statements of Spinco. The financial information presented below for periods prior to the Distribution date does not necessarily reflect what our results of operations and financial position would have been if we had operated as a separate publicly-traded entity during those periods. The selected financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with the combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement and with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
    Years Ended June 30,  
     2015     2014     2014     2013     2012  
     (in thousands)  

Operating Data:

          

Revenues

   $ 816,586      $ 700,172      $ 913,615      $ 722,943      $ 728,867   

Operating expenses:

          

Direct operating

     568,004        540,752        714,825        533,282        530,307   

Selling, general and administrative

     168,188        153,226        221,109        176,139        171,757   

Depreciation and amortization

     85,119        65,249        91,709        72,551        62,940   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

  (4,725   (59,055   (114,028   (59,029   (36,137 )

Other income (expense):

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

  (35,049   (75   (1,323   —        —     

Interest income (expense), net

  335      (167   20      (1,609   (867 )

Miscellaneous

  191      95      95      3,497      7,072   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from operations before income taxes

  (39,248   (59,202   (115,236   (57,141   (29,932 )

Income tax expense

  (317   (1,272   (1,697   (1,133   (6,350 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

$ (39,565 $ (60,474 $ (116,933 $ (58,274 $ (36,282 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Data:

Total assets

$ 2,208,373    $ 2,157,765    $ 2,137,191    $ 1,732,863    $ 1,580,868   

Total divisional equity

  1,259,567      1,245,174      1,191,203      916,764      828,735   

 

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE DISTRIBUTION

The following is a brief summary of the terms of the Distribution. Please see “The Distribution” for a more detailed description of the matters described below.

 

Q: What is the Distribution?

 

A: The Distribution is the method by which MSG will separate the businesses of our Company from MSG’s other business, creating two separate, publicly-traded companies. In the Distribution, MSG will distribute to its stockholders all of the shares of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock that it owns. Following the Distribution, we will be a separate company from MSG, and MSG will not retain any ownership interest in us. The number of shares of MSG common stock you own will not change as a result of the Distribution.

 

Q: What is being distributed in the Distribution?

 

A: Approximately [ ] million shares of our Class A Common Stock and [ ] million shares of our Class B Common Stock will be distributed in the Distribution, based upon the number of shares of MSG Class A Common Stock and MSG Class B Common Stock outstanding on the record date. The shares of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock to be distributed by MSG will constitute all of the issued and outstanding shares of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock immediately after the Distribution. For more information on the shares being distributed in the Distribution, see “Description of Capital Stock — Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.”

 

Q: What will I receive in the Distribution?

 

A: Holders of MSG Class A Common Stock will receive a distribution of one share of our Class A Common Stock for every [ ] share(s) of MSG Class A Common Stock held by them on the record date, and holders of MSG Class B Common Stock will receive a distribution of one share of our Class B Common Stock for every [ ] share(s) of MSG Class B Common Stock held by them on the record date. As a result of the Distribution, your proportionate interest in MSG will not change and you will own the same percentage of equity securities and voting power in Spinco as you previously did in MSG. For a more detailed description, see “The Distribution.”

 

Q: What is the record date for the Distribution?

 

A: Record ownership will be determined as the close of business New York City time, on [ ], 2015, which we refer to as the record date. The person in whose name shares of MSG common stock are registered at the close of business on the record date is the person to whom shares of the Company’s common stock will be issued in the Distribution. As described below, MSG Class A Common Stock will not trade on an ex-dividend basis with respect to our common stock and, as a result, if a record holder of MSG Class A Common Stock sells those shares after the record date and on or prior to the Distribution date, the seller will be obligated to deliver to the purchaser the shares of our common stock that are issued in respect of the transferred MSG Class A Common Stock.

 

Q: When will the Distribution occur?

 

A: We expect that shares of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will be distributed by the distribution agent, on behalf of MSG, effective at 11:59 p.m. on [ ], 2015, which we refer to as the “Distribution date.”

 

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Q: What will the relationship between MSG and us be following the Distribution?

 

A: Following the Distribution, we will be a public company and MSG will have no continuing stock ownership interest in us. In connection with the Distribution, we and MSG will enter into a Distribution Agreement and several other agreements for the purpose of accomplishing the Distribution of our common stock to MSG’s common stockholders. These agreements also will govern our relationship with MSG subsequent to the Distribution and provide for the allocation of employee benefit, tax and some other liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to the Distribution. These agreements will also include arrangements with respect to transition services under the Transition Services Agreement and a number of ongoing commercial relationships. The Distribution Agreement will provide that we and MSG agree to provide each other with appropriate indemnities with respect to liabilities arising out of the businesses being transferred to us by MSG. In connection with the Distribution, we will enter into media rights agreements with MSG that will provide our fans with the ability to watch locally televised home and away games of the Knicks and Rangers, as well as other programming related to our teams, on MSG’s award-winning regional sports networks. We will also be party to other arrangements with MSG and its subsidiaries. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.” Following the Distribution, we and MSG will both be controlled by Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities.

Following the Distribution there will be an overlap between the executive officers of the Company and MSG. James L. Dolan will serve as the Executive Chairman of both the Company and MSG, and Lawrence J. Burian will serve as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of both the Company and MSG. In addition, immediately following the Distribution, [●] of the members of our Board of Directors will also be directors of MSG, and our Executive Chairman will continue to serve as an officer of MSG concurrently with his service on our Board.

See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions — Relationship Between MSG and Us After the Distribution” for a discussion of the policy that will be in place for dealing with potential conflicts of interest that may arise from our ongoing relationship with MSG, Cablevision and AMC Networks.

 

Q: What do I have to do to participate in the Distribution?

 

A: No action is required on your part. Stockholders of MSG on the record date for the Distribution are not required to pay any cash or deliver any other consideration, including any shares of MSG common stock, for the shares of our common stock distributable to them in the Distribution.

 

Q: If I sell, on or before the Distribution date, shares of MSG Class A Common Stock that I held on the record date, am I still entitled to receive shares of Spinco Class A Common Stock distributable with respect to the shares of MSG Class A Common Stock I sold?

 

A: No. No ex-dividend market will be established for our Class A Common Stock until the first trading day following the Distribution date. Therefore, if you own shares of MSG Class A Common Stock on the record date and thereafter sell those shares on or prior to the Distribution date, you will also be selling the shares of our Class A Common Stock that would have been distributed to you in the Distribution with respect to the shares of MSG Class A Common Stock you sell. Conversely, a person who purchases shares of MSG Class A Common Stock after the record date and on or prior to the Distribution date will be entitled to receive from the seller of those shares the shares of our Class A Common Stock issued in the Distribution with respect to the transferred MSG Class A Common Stock.

 

Q: How will fractional shares be treated in the Distribution?

 

A: If you would be entitled to receive a fractional share of our Class A Common Stock in the Distribution, you will instead receive a cash payment. See “The Distribution — Manner of Effecting the Distribution” for an explanation of how the cash payments will be determined.

 

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Q: How will MSG distribute shares of Spinco common stock to me?

 

A: Holders of shares of MSG Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock on the record date will receive shares of the same class of our common stock, in book-entry form. See “The Distribution — Manner of Effecting the Distribution” for a more detailed explanation.

 

Q: What is the reason for the Distribution?

 

A: The potential benefits considered by MSG’s board of directors in making the determination to consummate the Distribution included the following:

 

    to increase the aggregate value of the stock of MSG and the Company above the value that the stock of MSG would have had if it had continued to represent an interest in both the businesses of MSG and the Company, by (i) allowing each company to use its stock to pursue and achieve strategic objectives including evaluating and effectuating acquisitions and increasing the long-term attractiveness of equity compensation programs in a significantly more efficient and effective manner with significantly less dilution to existing stockholders and (ii) allowing each company to offer a more focused investment profile to investors; and

 

    to provide each of MSG and the Company with increased flexibility to fully pursue its business plan including capital expenditures, investments and acquisitions that would be more difficult to consider or effectuate in the absence of the Distribution. This flexibility reflects the belief that investors in a company with the mix of assets that each of MSG and the Company will own following the Distribution will be more receptive to strategic initiatives that MSG and the Company may respectively pursue.

MSG’s board of directors also considered several factors that might have a negative effect on MSG as a result of the Distribution. MSG’s common stock may come under initial selling pressure as certain MSG stockholders sell their shares because they are not interested in holding an investment in MSG’s remaining business. Moreover, certain factors such as a lack of comparable public companies may limit investors’ ability to appropriately value MSG’s common stock. In addition, the Distribution would separate from MSG the businesses and assets of the Company, which represent significant value, in a transaction that produces no direct economic consideration for MSG. Because the Company will no longer be part of MSG, the Distribution also will separate the outright ownership of the rights to Knicks and Rangers games from MSG and affect the terms of, or limit the ability of MSG to pursue, cross-company business transactions and initiatives with Spinco. Finally, following the Distribution, MSG and its remaining business will need to absorb certain corporate and administrative costs previously allocated to its MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment segments.

MSG’s board of directors considered certain aspects of the Distribution that may be adverse to the Company. The Company’s common stock may come under initial selling pressure as certain MSG stockholders sell their shares in the Company because they are not interested in holding an investment in the Company’s businesses. Moreover, certain factors such as a lack of comparable public companies may limit investors’ ability to appropriately value the Company’s common stock. Because the Company will no longer be part of MSG, the Distribution also will limit the ability of the Company to pursue cross-company business transactions and initiatives with other businesses of MSG. In addition, after the Distribution, the Company’s results will not reflect the generally more predictable cash flow from the MSG Media business segment, which may result in more volatile and less predictable operating results and cash flow for the Company. Finally, as a result of the Distribution, the Company will bear significant incremental costs associated with being a publicly held company.

 

Q: What are the federal income tax consequences to me of the Distribution?

 

A:

MSG expects to obtain an opinion from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP substantially to the effect that, among other things, the distribution by MSG of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock to the holders of MSG Class A Common Stock and MSG Class B Common Stock, respectively (i.e., the

 

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  Distribution), will qualify as a tax-free distribution under the Code. Accordingly, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Distribution will not result in the recognition of gain to MSG with respect to the distribution of our Class A Common Stock or our Class B Common Stock to the MSG stockholders and, except to the extent that you receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of our common stock, you will not recognize income, gain or loss, and no amount will be included in your income upon the receipt of shares of our common stock pursuant to the Distribution. The opinion will not be binding on the IRS or the courts. See “The Distribution — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.” Additionally, MSG has received a private letter ruling from the IRS concluding that certain limited aspects of the Distribution will not prevent the Distribution from satisfying certain requirements for tax-free treatment under the Code. The opinion and the private letter ruling will rely on factual representations and reasonable assumptions, which if incorrect or inaccurate may jeopardize the ability to rely on such opinion and letter ruling.

 

Q: Does Spinco intend to pay cash dividends?

 

A: No. We do not expect to pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. All decisions regarding the payment of dividends will be made by our Board of Directors from time to time in accordance with applicable law.

 

Q: How will Spinco common stock trade?

 

A: There is not currently a public market for our common stock. We will apply to list our Class A Common Stock on NYSE under the symbol “MSG” and we expect that The Madison Square Garden Company will change its symbol on NYSE to “MSGN” in connection with the Distribution. It is anticipated that trading will commence on a when-issued basis prior to the Distribution. On the first trading day following the Distribution date, when-issued trading in respect of our Class A Common Stock will end and regular-way trading will begin. Our Class B Common Stock will not be listed on a securities exchange.

 

Q: Will the Distribution affect the trading price of my MSG Class A Common Stock?

 

A: Yes. After the distribution of our Class A Common Stock, the trading price of MSG Class A Common Stock may be lower than the trading price of the MSG Class A Common Stock immediately prior to the Distribution. Moreover, until the market has evaluated the operations of MSG without the operations of MSG Sports, MSG Entertainment and our venues and arenas, which collectively comprise Spinco, the trading price of MSG Class A Common Stock may fluctuate significantly. MSG believes that the separation of the Company from MSG offers its stockholders the greatest long-term value. However, the combined trading prices of MSG Class A Common Stock and Spinco Class A Common Stock after the Distribution may be lower than the trading price of MSG Class A Common Stock prior to the Distribution. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 21.

 

Q: Can MSG decide to cancel the Distribution?

 

A: Yes. The occurrence of the Distribution will be subject to certain conditions, including the final approval of the MSG board of directors. The MSG board of directors may, in its sole and absolute discretion, determine to impose or waive conditions to the Distribution or abandon the Distribution. For example, it is expected that the Distribution will be conditioned upon the completion of a debt financing by MSG that meets the needs of both MSG and Spinco to effect the Distribution and operate independently following the Distribution. If the MSG board of directors decides to cancel the Distribution or otherwise materially amend the terms of the Distribution, MSG will notify stockholders of such decision by issuing a press release and/or filing a current report on Form 8-K.

 

Q: Do I have appraisal rights?

 

A: No. Holders of MSG common stock are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Distribution.

 

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Q: Who is the transfer agent for Spinco common stock?

 

A: Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 64874, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0854.

 

Q: Where can I get more information?

 

A: If you have questions relating to the mechanics of the Distribution of shares of Spinco common stock, you should contact the distribution agent:

Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 64874, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0874. Telephone: 1-800-468-9716. Corporate website: http://www.wellsfargo.com/shareownerservices.

If you have questions relating to the Distribution or Spinco, you should contact:

The Madison Square Garden Company

Investor Relations Department

Two Pennsylvania Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Telephone: 1-212-631-5422

 

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THE DISTRIBUTION

General

We will distribute all of the outstanding shares of our Class A Common Stock to the holders of MSG Class A Common Stock and all of the outstanding shares of our Class B Common Stock to the holders of MSG Class B Common Stock. We refer to this distribution of securities as the “Distribution.” In the Distribution, each holder of MSG common stock will receive a distribution of one share of our common stock for every [ ] share(s) of MSG common stock held as of the close of business, New York City time, on [ ], 2015, which will be the record date.

Manner of Effecting the Distribution

The general terms and conditions relating to the Distribution are set forth in the Distribution Agreement between us and MSG. Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distribution will be effective at 11:59 p.m. on [ ], 2015. For most MSG stockholders who own MSG common stock in registered form on the record date, our transfer agent will credit their shares of our common stock to book entry accounts established to hold these shares. Our distribution agent will send these stockholders a statement reflecting their ownership of our common stock. Book entry refers to a method of recording stock ownership in our records in which no physical certificates are used. For stockholders who own MSG common stock through a broker or other nominee, their shares of our common stock will be credited to these stockholders’ accounts by the broker or other nominee. As further discussed below, fractional shares will not be distributed. Following the Distribution, stockholders whose shares are held in book entry form may request that their shares of our common stock be transferred to a brokerage or other account at any time, as well as delivery of physical stock certificates for their shares, in each case without charge.

MSG STOCKHOLDERS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK RECEIVED IN THE DISTRIBUTION, OR TO SURRENDER OR EXCHANGE SHARES OF MSG COMMON STOCK IN ORDER TO RECEIVE OUR COMMON STOCK, OR TO TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE DISTRIBUTION. NO VOTE OF MSG STOCKHOLDERS IS REQUIRED OR SOUGHT IN CONNECTION WITH THE DISTRIBUTION, AND MSG STOCKHOLDERS HAVE NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE DISTRIBUTION.

Fractional shares of our common stock will not be issued to MSG stockholders as part of the Distribution or credited to book entry accounts. In lieu of receiving fractional shares, each holder of MSG common stock who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share of our common stock will receive cash for the fractional interest, which generally will be taxable to such holder. An explanation of the tax consequences of the Distribution can be found below in the subsection captioned “— Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.” The distribution agent will, as soon as practicable after the Distribution date, aggregate fractional shares of our Class A Common Stock into whole shares and sell them in the open market at the prevailing market prices and distribute the aggregate proceeds, net of brokerage fees, ratably to MSG Class A stockholders otherwise entitled to fractional interests in our Class A Common Stock. Similarly, fractional shares of our Class B Common Stock will be aggregated, converted to Class A Common Stock, and sold in the public market by the distribution agent. The amount of such payments will depend on the prices at which the aggregated fractional shares are sold by the distribution agent in the open market shortly after the Distribution date.

See “Executive Compensation — Treatment of Outstanding Options, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards,” for a discussion of how outstanding MSG options, restricted shares, restricted stock units and performance awards will be affected by the Distribution.

In order to be entitled to receive shares of our common stock in the Distribution, MSG stockholders must be stockholders of record of MSG common stock at the close of business New York City time, on the record date, [ ], 2015.

 

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Reasons for the Distribution

MSG’s board of directors has determined that separation of our businesses from MSG’s other business is in the best interests of MSG and its stockholders. The potential benefits considered by MSG’s board of directors in making the determination to consummate the Distribution included the following:

 

    to increase the aggregate value of the stock of MSG and the Company above the value that the stock of MSG would have had if it had continued to represent an interest in both the businesses of MSG and the Company, by (i) allowing each company to use its stock to pursue and achieve strategic objectives including evaluating and effectuating acquisitions and increasing the long-term attractiveness of equity compensation programs in a significantly more efficient and effective manner with significantly less dilution to existing stockholders and (ii) allowing each company to offer a more focused investment profile to investors; and

 

    to provide each of MSG and the Company with increased flexibility to fully pursue its business plan including capital expenditures, investments and acquisitions that would be more difficult to consider or effectuate in the absence of the Distribution. This flexibility reflects the belief that investors in a company with the mix of assets that each of MSG and the Company will own following the Distribution will be more receptive to strategic initiatives that MSG and the Company may respectively pursue.

MSG’s board of directors also considered several factors that might have a negative effect on MSG as a result of the Distribution. MSG’s common stock may come under initial selling pressure as certain MSG stockholders sell their shares because they are not interested in holding an investment in MSG’s remaining business. In addition, the Distribution would separate from MSG the businesses and assets of the Company, which represent significant value, in a transaction that produces no direct economic consideration for MSG. Because the Company will no longer be part of MSG, the Distribution also will separate the outright ownership of the rights to Knicks and Rangers games from MSG and affect the terms of, or limit the ability of MSG to pursue, cross-company business transactions and initiatives with Spinco. Finally, following the Distribution, MSG and its remaining business will need to absorb certain corporate and administrative costs previously allocated to its MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment segments.

MSG’s board of directors considered certain aspects of the Distribution that may be adverse to the Company. The Company’s common stock may come under initial selling pressure as certain MSG stockholders sell their shares in the Company because they are not interested in holding an investment in the Company’s businesses. Moreover, certain factors such as a lack of comparable public companies may limit investors’ ability to appropriately value the Company’s common stock. Because the Company will no longer be part of MSG, the Distribution also will limit the ability of the Company to pursue cross-company business transactions and initiatives with other businesses of MSG. Finally, as a result of the Distribution, the Company will bear significant incremental costs associated with being a publicly held company.

Results of the Distribution

After the Distribution, we will be a public company owning and operating the sports and entertainment businesses currently constituting MSG’s MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment segments and owning, leasing or operating the arenas and other venues currently owned, leased or operated by MSG. Immediately after the Distribution, we expect to have approximately [ ] holders of record of our Class A Common Stock and [ ] holders of record of our Class B Common Stock and approximately [ ] million shares of Class A Common Stock and [ ] million shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding, based on the number of stockholders of record and outstanding shares of MSG common stock on [ ], 2015 and after giving effect to the delivery to stockholders of cash in lieu of fractional shares of our common stock. The actual number of shares to be distributed will be determined on the record date. You can find information regarding options, restricted stock units and restricted stock that will be outstanding after the Distribution in the section captioned, “Executive Compensation — Treatment of Outstanding Options, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards.” We and MSG will both be controlled by Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities.

 

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In connection with the Distribution, we will enter into media rights agreements with MSG that will provide our fans with the ability to watch locally televised home and away games of the Knicks and Rangers, as well as other programming related to our teams, on MSG’s award-winning regional sports networks. Prior to the Distribution, we will enter into a number of agreements with MSG (and certain of its subsidiaries) pursuant to which we will provide management and other services to MSG, including with respect to such areas as employee matters, tax and other services. We will also be party to other arrangements with MSG and its subsidiaries pursuant to which MSG will provide certain services to us.

The Distribution will not affect the number of outstanding shares of MSG common stock or any rights of MSG stockholders.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution

The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Distribution to us, MSG and MSG stockholders. This summary is based on the Code, the regulations promulgated under the Code by the Department of Treasury, and interpretations of such authorities by the courts and the IRS, all as of the date of this information statement and all of which are subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect. This summary is limited to holders of MSG common stock that are U.S. holders, as defined below, that hold their shares of MSG common stock as capital assets, within the meaning of section 1221 of the Code. Further, this summary does not discuss all tax considerations that may be relevant to holders of MSG common stock in light of their particular circumstances, nor does it address the consequences to holders of MSG common stock subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as tax-exempt entities, partnerships (including arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes), persons who acquired such shares of MSG common stock pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation, financial institutions, insurance companies, dealers or traders in public securities, and persons who hold their shares of MSG common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale, synthetic security, integrated investment or other risk-reduction transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This summary does not address any U.S. federal estate, gift or other non-income tax consequences or any applicable state, local, foreign, or other tax consequences. Each stockholder’s individual circumstances may affect the tax consequences of the Distribution.

For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of MSG common stock that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

    an individual who is a citizen or a resident of the United States;

 

    a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized under the laws of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof;

 

    an estate, the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

    a trust, if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or (ii) it has a valid election in place under applicable U.S. Department of Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

If a partnership (including any arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares of MSG common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partner of a partnership holding shares of MSG common stock should consult its tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the Distribution.

MSG expects to obtain an opinion from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP substantially to the effect that, among other things, the distribution by MSG of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock to the holders

 

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of MSG Class A Common Stock and MSG Class B Common Stock, respectively (i.e., the Distribution), will qualify as a tax-free distribution under the Code. The opinion will not be binding on the IRS or the courts. Additionally, MSG has received a private letter ruling from the IRS concluding that certain limited aspects of the Distribution will not prevent the Distribution from satisfying certain requirements for tax-free treatment under the Code. While certain transactions related to the Distribution that are not addressed (or expected to be addressed) by either the opinion or the private letter ruling could result in the recognition of income or gain by MSG, the impact of any such resulting tax is not expected to be material to MSG. The opinion and the private letter ruling will rely on factual representations and reasonable assumptions, which if incorrect or inaccurate may jeopardize the ability to rely on such opinion and letter ruling.

On the basis of the opinion and the ruling we expect to receive, and assuming that MSG common stock is a capital asset in the hands of a MSG stockholder on the Distribution date:

 

    Except for any cash received in lieu of a fractional share of our common stock, a MSG stockholder will not recognize any income, gain or loss as a result of the receipt of our common stock in the Distribution.

 

    A MSG stockholder’s holding period for our common stock received in the Distribution will include the period for which that stockholder’s MSG common stock was held.

 

    A MSG stockholder’s tax basis for our common stock received in the Distribution will be determined by allocating to that common stock, on the basis of the relative fair market values of MSG common stock and our common stock at the time of the Distribution, a portion of the stockholder’s basis in its MSG common stock. A MSG stockholder’s basis in its MSG common stock will be decreased by the portion allocated to our common stock. Within a reasonable period of time after the Distribution, MSG will provide its stockholders who receive our common stock pursuant to the Distribution with a worksheet for calculating their tax bases in our common stock and their MSG common stock.

 

    The receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of our common stock generally will be treated as a sale of the fractional share of our common stock, and a MSG stockholder will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the stockholder’s basis in the fractional share of our common stock, as determined above. The gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holding period for the fractional share of our common stock, as determined above, is more than one year.

 

    The Distribution will not be a taxable transaction to us or MSG. However, certain transactions related to the Distribution that are not expected to be addressed by either the opinion or the private letter ruling could result in the recognition of income or gain by MSG, but the impact of any such resulting tax is not expected to be material to MSG.

If the Distribution does not qualify for tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then, in general, MSG would recognize taxable gain in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the common stock of our Company over MSG’s tax basis therein, (i.e., as if it had sold the common stock of our Company in a taxable sale for its fair market value.) In addition, the receipt by MSG stockholders of common stock of our Company would be a taxable distribution, and each U.S. holder that participated in the Distribution would recognize a taxable distribution as if the U.S. holder had received a distribution equal to the fair market value of our common stock that was distributed to it, which generally would be treated first as a taxable dividend to the extent of MSG’s earnings and profits, then as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of each U.S. holder’s tax basis in its MSG common stock, and thereafter as capital gain with respect to any remaining value.

Even if the Distribution otherwise qualifies for tax-free treatment under the Code, the Distribution may be disqualified as tax-free to MSG and would result in a significant U.S. federal income tax liability to MSG (but not to the MSG stockholders) under Section 355(e) of the Code if the Distribution were deemed to be part of a plan (or series of related transactions) pursuant to which one or more persons acquire, directly or indirectly, stock

 

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representing a 50% or greater interest by vote or value, in MSG or us. For this purpose, any acquisitions of MSG’s stock or our stock within the period beginning two years before the Distribution and ending two years after the Distribution are presumed to be part of such a plan, although MSG or we may be able to rebut that presumption. The process for determining whether a prohibited acquisition has occurred under the rules described in this paragraph is complex, inherently factual and subject to interpretation of the facts and circumstances of a particular case. MSG or we might inadvertently cause or permit a prohibited change in the ownership of MSG or us to occur, thereby triggering tax to MSG, which could have a material adverse effect. If such an acquisition of our stock or MSG’s stock triggers the application of Section 355(e), MSG would recognize taxable gain equal to the excess of the fair market value of the common stock of our Company held by it immediately before the Distribution over MSG’s tax basis therein, but the Distribution would be tax-free to each MSG stockholder. In certain circumstances, under the tax disaffiliation agreement between MSG and us (the “Tax Disaffiliation Agreement”), we would be required to indemnify MSG against that taxable gain if it were triggered by an acquisition of our stock. Please see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions — Relationship Between MSG and Us After the Distribution — Tax Disaffiliation Agreement” for a more detailed discussion of the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement between MSG and us.

Payments of cash in lieu of a fractional share of any common stock of our Company made in connection with the Distribution may, under certain circumstances, be subject to backup withholding, unless a holder provides proof of an applicable exception or a correct taxpayer identification number, and otherwise complies with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are not additional tax and may be refunded or credited against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the holder furnishes the required information to the IRS.

U.S. Treasury regulations require certain MSG stockholders with significant ownership in MSG that receive shares of our stock in the Distribution to attach to their U.S. federal income tax return for the year in which such stock is received a detailed statement setting forth such data as may be appropriate to show that the Distribution is tax-free under the Code. Within a reasonable period of time after the Distribution, MSG will provide its stockholders who receive our common stock pursuant to the Distribution with the information necessary to comply with such requirement.

The Company has not made a determination as to whether we will be deemed to be a “United States real property holding corporation” (a “USRPHC”), as defined in section 897(c)(2) of the Code. In general, we will be a USRPHC if 50% or more of the fair market value of our assets constitute “United States real property interests” within the meaning of the Code. However, the determination of whether we are a USRPHC turns on the relative fair market value of our United States real property interests and our other assets, and because the USRPHC rules are complex, we can give no assurance as to our USRPHC status after the Distribution. A beneficial owner of MSG common stock that is not a U.S. holder should consult its tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences that would be applicable to such holder if we are treated as a USRPHC after the Distribution.

EACH MSG STOCKHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT ITS TAX ADVISOR ABOUT THE PARTICULAR CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION TO SUCH STOCKHOLDER, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS, AND POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAX LAW THAT MAY AFFECT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES DESCRIBED ABOVE.

Listing and Trading of Our Common Stock

There is not currently a public market for our common stock. We will apply for our Class A Common Stock to be listed on NYSE under the symbol “MSG” and we expect that The Madison Square Garden Company will change its symbol on NYSE to “MSGN” in connection with the Distribution. Assuming that such listing application is approved, it is anticipated that trading will commence on a when-issued basis prior to the Distribution. On the first trading day following the Distribution date, when-issued trading in our Class A Common Stock will end and regular-way trading will begin. “When-issued trading” refers to trading which occurs before a security is actually issued. These transactions are conditional with settlement to occur if and

 

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when the security is actually issued and NYSE determines transactions are to be settled. “Regular way trading” refers to normal trading transactions, which are settled by delivery of the securities against payment on the third business day after the transaction.

We cannot assure you as to the price at which our Class A Common Stock will trade before, on or after the Distribution date. Until our Class A Common Stock is fully distributed and an orderly market develops in our Class A Common Stock, the price at which such stock trades may fluctuate significantly. In addition, the combined trading prices of our Class A Common Stock and MSG Class A Common Stock held by stockholders after the Distribution may be less than, equal to, or greater than the trading price of the MSG Class A Common Stock prior to the Distribution. Our Class B Common Stock will not be listed on a securities exchange or publicly traded.

The shares of our common stock distributed to MSG stockholders will be freely transferable, except for shares received by people who may have a special relationship or affiliation with us or shares subject to contractual restrictions. People who may be considered our affiliates after the Distribution generally include individuals or entities that control, are controlled by, or are under common control with us. This may include certain of our officers, directors and significant stockholders. Persons who are our affiliates will be permitted to sell their shares only pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, or in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act. As described under “Shares Eligible for Future Sale  — Registration Rights Agreements,” we expect that certain persons will have registration rights with respect to our stock.

Reason for Furnishing this Information Statement

This information statement is being furnished by MSG solely to provide information to stockholders of MSG who will receive shares of our common stock in the Distribution. It is not, and is not to be construed as, an inducement or encouragement to buy or sell any of our securities. We and MSG will not update the information in this information statement except in the normal course of our and MSG’s respective public disclosure obligations and practices.

 

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RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the following risk factors and all the other information contained in this information statement in evaluating us and our common stock.

Risks Relating to Our Sports Business

Our Sports Business Faces Intense and Wide-Ranging Competition, Which May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.

The success of a sports business, like ours, is dependent upon the performance and/or popularity of its franchises. Our Knicks and Rangers and other sports franchises compete, in varying respects and degrees, with other live sporting events, and with sporting events delivered over television networks, radio, the Internet and online services, mobile applications and other alternative sources. For example, our sports teams compete for attendance, viewership and advertising with a wide range of alternatives available in the New York City metropolitan area. During some or all of the basketball and hockey seasons, our sports teams face competition, in varying respects and degrees, from professional baseball (including the Yankees and the Mets), professional football (including the Giants and the Jets), professional soccer (including the New York Red Bulls and the New York City Football Club) and each other. For fans who prefer the unique experience of NHL hockey, we must compete with two other NHL hockey teams located in the New York City metropolitan area (the Islanders and the Devils) as well as, in varying respects and degrees, with other NHL hockey teams and the NHL itself. Similarly, for those fans attracted to the equally unique experience of NBA basketball, we must compete with another NBA team located in the New York City metropolitan area (the Nets) as well as, in varying respects and degrees, with other NBA teams and the NBA itself.

As a result of the large number of options available, we face strong competition for the New York area sports fan. We must compete with these other sports teams and sporting events, in varying respects and degrees, including on the basis of the quality of the teams we field, their success in the leagues in which they compete, our ability to provide an entertaining environment at our games, prices we charge for tickets and the viewing availability of our teams on multiple media alternatives. Given the nature of sports, there can be no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively, including with companies that may have greater resources than we have, and as a consequence, our business and results of operations may be materially negatively affected.

Our Businesses Are Substantially Dependent on the Continued Popularity and/or Competitive Success of the Knicks and Rangers, Which Cannot Be Assured.

Our financial results have historically been dependent on, and are expected to continue to depend in large part on, the Knicks and Rangers remaining popular with our fan bases and, in varying degrees, on the teams achieving on-court and on-ice success, which can generate fan enthusiasm, resulting in sustained ticket, premium seating, suite, concession and merchandise sales during the season. In addition, the popularity of our teams can impact television ratings, which could affect the long-term value of the telecast rights for the Knicks and/or Rangers. Furthermore, success in the regular season may qualify a team for participation in post-season playoffs, which provides us with additional revenue by increasing the number of games played by our teams and, more importantly, by generating increased excitement and interest in our teams, which can improve attendance and television ratings in subsequent seasons. There can be no assurance that any sports team, including the Knicks and Rangers, will compete in post-season play in the future.

Our Basketball and Hockey Decisions, Especially Those Concerning Player Selection and Salaries, May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.

Creating and maintaining our sports teams’ popularity and/or on-court and on-ice competitiveness is key to the success of our sports business. Accordingly, efforts to improve our revenues and earnings from operations from period to period may be secondary to actions that management believes will generate long-term value. As

 

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with other sports teams, the competitive positions of our sports teams depend primarily on our ability to develop, obtain and retain talented players, coaches and team executives, for which we compete with other professional sports teams. Our efforts in this regard may include, among other things, trading for highly compensated players, signing draft picks, free agents or current players to new contracts, engaging in salary arbitration with existing players and terminating and waiving players. Any of these actions could increase expenses for a particular period, subject to any salary cap restrictions contained in the respective leagues’ collective bargaining agreements (each, a “CBA”). There can be no assurance that any actions taken by management to increase our long-term value will be successful.

A significant factor in our ability to attract and retain talented players is player compensation. NBA and NHL player salaries have generally increased significantly and may continue to increase. Although collective bargaining agreements between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (“NBPA”) and the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (“NHLPA”) generally cap league-wide player salaries at a prescribed percentage of league-wide revenues, we may pay our players different aggregate salaries and a different proportion of our revenues than other NBA or NHL franchises. Future collective bargaining agreements may increase the percentage of league-wide revenues to which NBA or NHL players are entitled or impose other conditions, which may further increase our costs. In addition, we may also be obligated to pay the NBA a luxury tax each year, the calculation of which is determined by a formula based on the aggregate salaries paid to our NBA players. The Knicks incurred a luxury tax expense of $8.3 million, $38.1 million and $5.1 million with respect to the 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, respectively. If the Knicks are ultimately an NBA luxury tax payer for either of the 2015-16 or 2016-17 seasons, our NBA luxury tax obligations may increase substantially. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — MSG Sports — Expenses — Player Salaries, Escrow System/Revenue Sharing and NBA Luxury Tax — NBA Luxury Tax.”

We have incurred, and may in the future incur, significant charges for costs associated with transactions relating to players on our sports teams for season-ending and career-ending injuries and for trades, waivers and contract terminations of players and other team personnel, including team executives. These transactions can result in significant charges as the Company recognizes the estimated ultimate costs of these events in the period in which they occur, although amounts due to these individuals are generally paid over their remaining contract terms. These expenses add to the volatility of the results of our MSG Sports segment.

The Actions of the Basketball and Hockey Leagues May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.

The governing bodies of the NBA (including the WNBA and the NBADL) and the NHL have certain rights under certain circumstances to take actions that they deem to be in the best interests of their respective leagues, which may not necessarily be consistent with maximizing our results of operations and which could affect our teams in ways that are different than the impact on other teams. Certain of these decisions by the NBA or the NHL could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations. From time to time, we may disagree with or challenge actions the leagues take or the power and authority they assert. The following discussion highlights certain areas in which decisions of the NBA and the NHL could materially affect our businesses.

The NBA and the NHL may assert control over certain matters, under certain circumstances, that may affect our revenues such as the national and international rights to telecast the games of league members, including the Knicks and Rangers, licensing of the rights to produce and sell merchandise bearing the logos and/or other intellectual property of our teams and the leagues, and the Internet-based activities of our teams. The NBA and NHL have each entered into agreements regarding the national and international telecasts of NBA and NHL games. We receive a share of the income the NBA and the NHL generate from these contracts, which expire from time to time. There can be no assurance that the NBA or the NHL will be able to renew these contracts following their expiration on terms as favorable to us as those in the current agreements or that we will continue

 

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to receive the same level of revenues in the future. We receive significant revenues from MSG for the right to telecast games of the Knicks and Rangers. Changes to league rules, regulations and/or agreements, including national and international telecast rights, could also impact the availability of games covered by our local telecast rights and could negatively affect the rights fees we receive from MSG and our business and results of operations. The leagues have asserted control over certain other important decisions, under certain circumstances, such as the length and format of the playing season, including preseason and playoff schedules, the operating territories of the member teams, admission of new members, franchise relocations, labor relations with the players associations, collective bargaining, free agency, and luxury taxes and revenue sharing. Decisions on these matters, some of which are also subject to the terms of the relevant collective bargaining agreement, may materially negatively affect our business and results of operations. In addition, the NBA imposes a luxury tax and escrow system with respect to player salaries and a revenue sharing plan. For fiscal year 2014, the Knicks recorded $23.1 million in revenue sharing expenses, net of escrow receipts. For a discussion of the NBA luxury tax impacts, see “— Our Basketball and Hockey Decisions, Especially Those Concerning Player Selection and Salaries, May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations” above.

The NBA and the NHL have imposed certain restrictions on the ability of owners to undertake some types of transactions in respect of teams, including a change in ownership, a relocation of a team and certain types of financing transactions. In certain instances, these restrictions could impair our ability to proceed with a transaction that is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders if we were unable to obtain any required league approvals in a timely manner or at all.

The leagues impose certain rules that define, under certain circumstances, the territories in which we operate, including the markets in which our games can be telecast. Changes to these rules could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.

Each league’s governing body has imposed a number of rules, regulations, guidelines, bulletins, directives, policies and agreements upon its teams. Changes to these provisions may apply to our sports teams and their personnel, and the Company as a whole, regardless of whether we agree or disagree with such changes, have voted against such changes or have challenged them through other means, and it is possible that any such changes could materially negatively affect our business and results of operations to the extent they are ultimately determined to bind our teams. The commissioners of each of the NBA and NHL assert significant authority to take certain actions on behalf of their respective leagues under certain circumstances. Decisions by the commissioners of the NBA and the NHL, including on the matters described above, may materially negatively affect our businesses and results of operations. The leagues’ governing documents and our agreements with the leagues purport to limit the manner in which we may challenge decisions and actions by a league commissioner or the league itself.

Injuries to Players on Our Sports Teams Could Hinder Our Success.

To the degree that our financial results are dependent on our sports teams’ popularity and/or on-court and on-ice success, the likelihood of achieving such popularity or competitive success may, given the nature of sports, be substantially impacted by serious and/or untimely injuries to key players. Nearly all of our Knicks and Rangers players, including those with multi-year contracts, have partially or fully guaranteed contracts, meaning that in some cases (subject to the terms of the applicable player contract and CBA), a player or his estate may be entitled to receive his salary even if the player dies or is unable to play as a result of injury. These salaries represent significant financial commitments for our sports teams. We are generally insured against having to pay salaries in the event of a player’s death and seek to obtain disability insurance policies for substantially all of our material player contracts. In the event of injuries sustained resulting in lost services (as defined in the insurance policies), generally the insurance policies provide for payment to us of a portion of the player’s salary for the remaining term of the contract or until the player can resume play, in each case following a deductible number of missed games. Such insurance may not be available in every circumstance or on terms that are commercially feasible or such insurance may contain significant dollar limits and/or exclusions from coverage for preexisting

 

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medical conditions. We may choose not to obtain (or may not be able to obtain) such insurance in some cases and we may change coverage levels (or be unable to change coverage levels) in the future.

In the absence of disability insurance, we may be obligated to pay all of an injured player’s salary. In addition, player disability insurance policies do not cover any NBA luxury tax that we may be required to pay under the NBA CBA. For purposes of determining NBA luxury tax under the NBA CBA, salary payable to an injured player is included in team salary, unless and until that player’s salary is removed from the team salary for purposes of calculating NBA luxury tax which, pursuant to the terms of the NBA CBA, requires a waiting period of one year and satisfaction of other conditions. Replacement of an injured player may result in an increase in salary and NBA luxury tax expense for us.

Risks Relating to Our Entertainment Business

Our Entertainment Business Faces Intense and Wide-Ranging Competition Which May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.

Our entertainment business competes, in certain respects and to varying degrees, with other leisure-time activities such as television, radio, motion pictures, sporting events, other live performances, the Internet, and online and mobile services, including sites for online content distribution, video on demand and other alternative sources of entertainment and information, in addition to competing for concerts with other event venues for total entertainment dollars in our marketplace. The success of our entertainment business is largely dependent on the continued success of our Radio City Christmas Spectacular , and, to a lesser extent, the availability of, and our venues’ ability to attract concerts, family shows and other events, competition for which is intense, and the ability of acts to attract strong attendance at our venues. For example, The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre all compete with other entertainment options in the New York City metropolitan area. The Forum, The Chicago Theatre and the Wang Theatre face similar competition from other entertainment options in their respective markets and elsewhere.

Further, in order to maintain the competitive positions of The Garden and our other venues, we must invest on a continuous basis in state-of-the-art technology and facility maintenance while maintaining a competitive pricing structure for events that may be held in our venues, many of which have alternative venue options available to them in New York and other cities. In addition, we invest a substantial amount in our Radio City Christmas Spectacular and in new productions, including New York Spring Spectacular , a new large-scale theatrical production for Radio City Music Hall, to continue to attract audiences. We cannot assure you that such investments will generate revenues that are sufficient to justify our investment or even that exceed our expenses.

The Success of Our Entertainment Business Depends on the Continued Popularity of Our Live Productions, Particularly the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, the Decline of Which Could Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.

The financial results of our entertainment business are dependent on the popularity of our live productions, particularly the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, which represented 31% of our MSG Entertainment segment’s revenues in fiscal year 2014. Should the popularity of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular decline, our revenues from ticket sales, and concession and merchandise sales would likely also decline, and we might not be able to replace the lost revenue with revenues from other sources.

Our Strategy for Our Entertainment Business Includes the Development of New Live Productions and the Possible Addition of New Venues, Each of Which Could Require Us to Make Considerable Investments for Which There Can Be No Guarantee of Success.

As part of our business strategy, we intend to develop new productions and live entertainment events, which may include expansions or enhancements of our existing productions or relationships or the creation of entirely new live productions. Expansion or enhancement of productions and/or the development of new productions

 

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could require significant upfront investment in sets, staging, creative processes, casting and advertising and dislocation of other alternative sources of entertainment that may have played in our venues absent these productions. For example, we invested in New York Spring Spectacular , a new large-scale theatrical production for Radio City Music Hall. To the extent that any efforts at expanding or enhancing productions or creating new productions do not result in a viable live show, or to the extent that any such productions do not achieve expected levels of popularity among audiences, we may be subject to a write-down of all or a portion of such investments. In addition, any delay in launching such productions or enhancements could result in the incurrence of operating costs which may not be recouped. For example, the Company postponed and significantly revised New York Spring Spectacular from its planned debut in March 2014. Our strategy also involves the possible investment in, or the operation or acquisition of, venues, in our current markets and markets beyond New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. Any such additions may involve purchasing or acquiring control of, or an investment in, existing venues, renovating acquired venues or constructing new venues and could require significant investment. For example, in January 2014 we re-opened the Forum, the iconic arena in Inglewood, CA, which we acquired in June 2012. In pursuing such an expansion strategy, we will face risks, potentially including risks associated with the construction of new facilities or renovations of existing facilities, such as cost overruns and construction delays, risks associated with financing, such as the potential lack of available financing to commence or complete an acquisition, development or renovation, risks associated with operating in new or existing markets and the risk that we may lose all or a part of our investment in any additional venues.

General Risks

Our Business Has Been Adversely Impacted and May, in the Future, Be Materially Adversely Impacted by an Economic Downturn and Financial Instability.

Our businesses depend upon the ability and willingness of consumers and businesses to purchase tickets (including season tickets) at our facilities, to license suites at The Garden and to spend on concessions and merchandise. In addition, our business is dependent upon advertising and sponsorship revenues. As a result, instability and weakness of the U.S. and global economies and the negative effects on consumers’ and businesses’ discretionary spending may materially negatively affect our business and results of operations.

We Have in Past Periods Incurred Substantial Operating Losses, Negative Adjusted Operating Cash Flow and Negative Cash Flow and There is No Assurance We Will Have Operating Income, Positive Adjusted Operating Cash Flow or Positive Cash Flow in the Future.

We have in past periods incurred significant operating losses and negative cash flow and there is no assurance that we will have operating income or positive cash flow in the future. Our MSG Entertainment segment recognized operating losses during the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 and our MSG Sports segment recognized an operating loss during the year ended June 30, 2014 due to increased operating expenses. Significant operating losses may limit our ability to raise necessary financing, or to do so on favorable terms, as such losses could be taken into account by potential investors, lenders and the organizations that issue investment ratings on our indebtedness. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — MSG Sports — Factors Affecting Operating Results” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — MSG Entertainment — Factors Affecting Operating Results.”

Our Operating Results and Cash Flow Can Vary Substantially from Period to Period.

Our operating results and cash flow reflect significant variation from period to period and will continue to do so in the future. Therefore, period-to-period comparisons of our operating results may not necessarily be meaningful and the operating results of one period are not indicative of our financial performance during a full fiscal year. This variability may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Severe Weather May Impact Events at Our Venues, Which May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.

Weather conditions in the New York metropolitan area and other locations in which we own or operate venues may affect patron attendance as well as sales of concessions and merchandise, among other things. Weather conditions may also require us to cancel or postpone events. Any of these events may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.

Our Business Could be Adversely Affected by Terrorist Activity or the Threat of Terrorist Activity and Other Developments that Discourage Congregation at Prominent Places of Public Assembly.

The success of our businesses is dependent upon the willingness and ability of patrons to attend events at our venues. The venues we operate, like all prominent places of public assembly, could be the target of terrorist activities or other actions that discourage attendance. Any such activity at one of our venues could result in a material negative effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, terrorist activity or other actions that discourage attendance at other locations, or even the threat of such activity, could result in reduced attendance at our venues. Similarly, a major epidemic or pandemic, or the threat of such an event, could adversely affect attendance at our events.

We May Pursue Acquisitions and Other Strategic Transactions to Complement or Expand our Business that May Not be Successful; We Have Significant Investments in Businesses We Do Not Control.

From time to time, we explore opportunities to purchase or invest in other businesses, venues or assets that could complement, enhance or expand our current business or that might otherwise offer us growth opportunities. Any transactions that we are able to identify and complete may involve risks, including the commitment of significant capital, the incurrence of indebtedness, the diversion of management’s attention and resources from our existing business to develop and integrate the acquired or combined business, the risk of not achieving the intended results and the exposure to losses if the underlying transactions or ventures are not successful. We have significant investments in businesses that we account for under the equity method of accounting. We do not control the day-to-day operations of these businesses. Additionally, these businesses are subject to laws, rules and other circumstances, and have risks in their operations, which may be similar to, or different from, those to which we are subject. To the extent that these investments are not successful, we may be subject to a write-down of all or a portion of such investments. Any of the foregoing risks could result in a material negative effect on our business and results of operations or adversely impact the value of our investments.

We Do Not Own All of Our Venues and Our Failure to Renew Our Leases or Booking Agreement on Economically Attractive Terms May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations; Our Lease on Radio City Music Hall Requires Us to Maintain a Certain Net Worth or Meet Certain Other Requirements.

The lease on Radio City Music Hall expires in 2023. We have the option to renew the lease for an additional ten years by providing two years’ notice prior to the initial expiration date. Similarly, we lease the Beacon Theatre pursuant to a lease that expires in 2026. We have entered into a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston. Our booking agreement expires in 2019 and we have the option to renew the agreement at that time for an additional ten years by providing two years’ notice prior to the initial expiration date. If we are unable to renew these leases or the booking agreement on economically attractive terms, our business could be materially negatively affected. In addition, the Spinco entity that guarantees the Radio City Music Hall lease is required to maintain a certain net worth or, if such net worth is not maintained, the entity must either post a letter of credit or provide cash collateral.

We Are Subject to Extensive Governmental Regulation and Our Failure to Comply with These Regulations May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.

Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations.

 

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We hold liquor licenses at each of our venues and are subject to licensing requirements with respect to the sale of alcoholic beverages in the jurisdictions in which we serve those beverages. Failure to receive or retain, or the suspension of, liquor licenses or permits could interrupt or terminate our ability to serve alcoholic beverages at the applicable venue and could have a material negative effect on our business and our results of operations. Additional regulation relating to liquor licenses may limit our activities in the future or significantly increase the cost of compliance, or both. In the jurisdictions in which our venues are located, we are subject to statutes that generally provide that serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated or minor patron is a violation of the law and may provide for strict liability for such violations. Our liability insurance coverage may not be adequate or available to cover any potential liability.

We and our venues are subject to environmental laws and regulations relating to the use, disposal, storage, emission and release of hazardous and non-hazardous substances, as well as zoning and noise level restrictions which may affect, among other things, the operations of our venues. Additionally, certain laws and regulations could hold us strictly, jointly and severally responsible for the remediation of hazardous substance contamination at our facilities or at third-party waste disposal sites, and could hold us responsible for any personal or property damage related to any contamination. Any requirements to dispose of, or remediate, such hazardous or non-hazardous materials and any associated costs and impact on operations of such efforts may be heightened as a result of the purchase, construction or renovation of a venue.

Our venues are subject to zoning and building regulations including permits relating to the operation of The Garden. In addition, The Garden requires a zoning special permit. The original permit was granted by the New York City Planning Commission in 1963 and renewed in July 2013 for 10 years. In connection with the renewal, certain government officials and special interest groups sought to use the renewal process to pressure us to improve Penn Station or to relocate The Garden. There can be no assurance regarding the future renewal of the permit or the terms thereof.

Our businesses are, and may in the future be, subject to a variety of other laws and regulations, including licensing, permitting, and historic designation and similar requirements; working conditions, labor, immigration and employment laws; health, safety and sanitation requirements; compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act; and privacy laws.

Our failure to comply with applicable governmental laws and regulations, or to maintain necessary permits or licenses, could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.

Our Properties are Subject to, and Benefit from, Certain Easements, the Availability of Which May Not Continue on Terms Favorable to Us or at All.

Our properties are subject to, and benefit from, certain easements. For example, the “breezeway” into the Madison Square Garden Complex (which includes both The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden) from Seventh Avenue in New York City is a significant easement that we share with other property owners. Our ability to continue to utilize this and other easements, including for advertising purposes, requires us to comply with a number of conditions. Moreover, certain adjoining property owners have easements over our property, which we are required to maintain so long as those property owners meet certain conditions. It is possible that we will be unable to continue to access or maintain any easements on terms favorable to us, or at all, which could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.

We May Be Exposed to Business, Reputational and Litigation Risk if There is Loss, Disclosure or Misappropriation of or Access to Our Customers’ or Employees’ Personal Information or Other Breaches of Our Information Security.

Through our operations, we collect and store certain personal information and payment card information that our customers provide to make purchases, register on our web sites, or otherwise communicate and interact

 

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with us. These activities require the use of online services and centralized data storage, including through third party service providers. Our ability to safeguard our customers’ personal information and other confidential information, including Company and employee data, is important to our business. We take these matters seriously and have taken significant steps to protect consumer, employee and confidential information. Nevertheless, our information technology and other systems that maintain and transmit consumer information may be compromised by a malicious penetration of our network security, or that of a third party service provider. As a result, our customers’ or employees’ personal information may be lost, disclosed, accessed or taken without their consent, and the security of our other confidential information may be compromised.

Any penetration of our network security or other misappropriation or misuse of personal consumer or employee information could subject us to business interruption and litigation and our reputation could be damaged, which could have an material negative effect on our business and results of operations.

A Change to or Withdrawal of New York City Real Estate Tax Exemption May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.

Many arenas, ballparks and stadiums nationally and in New York City have received significant public support, such as tax exempt financing, other tax benefits, direct subsidies and other contributions, including for public infrastructure critical to the facilities such as parking lots and transit improvements. Our Madison Square Garden Complex benefits from a more limited real estate tax exemption pursuant to an agreement with the City of New York, subject to certain conditions, and legislation enacted by the State of New York in 1982. For fiscal year 2015 this tax exemption will result in an annual after-tax benefit to net income of approximately $23.4 million. From time to time there have been calls to repeal or amend the tax exemption. Repeal or amendment would require legislative action by New York State. There can be no assurance that the tax exemption will not be amended in a manner adverse to us or repealed in its entirety, either of which could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.

We May Require Financing to Fund Our Ongoing Operations and Capital Expenditures, the Availability of Which is Highly Uncertain.

The capital and credit markets can experience volatility and disruption. Such markets can exert extreme downward pressure on stock prices and upward pressure on the cost of new debt capital and can severely restrict credit availability for most issuers.

Our business has been characterized by significant expenditures for properties, businesses, renovations and productions. In the future we may engage in transactions that depend on our ability to obtain financing. We may also seek financing to fund our ongoing operations.

Depending upon conditions in the financial markets and/or the Company’s financial performance, we may not be able to raise capital on favorable terms, or at all. In addition, as described above, the leagues in which our sports teams compete may have, under certain circumstances, approval rights over certain financing transactions, and in connection with those rights, could affect our ability to obtain such financing. If we are unable to pursue our current and future spending programs, we may be forced to cancel or scale back those programs. Failure to successfully pursue our capital expenditure and other spending plans could negatively affect our ability to compete effectively and have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.

Our Business is Subject to Seasonal Fluctuations.

Our revenues have been seasonal and we expect they will continue to be seasonal. For example, 35% of our MSG Entertainment segment’s revenues and 12% of our combined revenues in fiscal year 2014 were derived from our Radio City Christmas Spectacular franchise. Revenues of the MSG Entertainment segment are highest in the second quarter of our fiscal year when these performances primarily occur. As a result, MSG Entertainment

 

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earned a disproportionate amount of its revenue and operating income in the second quarter of each fiscal year. Similarly, because of the nature of the NBA and NHL playing seasons, revenues from our sports teams are concentrated in the second and third quarters of each fiscal year.

Organized Labor Matters May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.

Our business is dependent upon the efforts of unionized workers. Any labor disputes, such as strikes or lockouts, with the unions with which we have collective bargaining agreements could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations (including our ability to produce or present concerts, theatrical productions, sporting events and other events).

NBA players are covered by a CBA between the NBPA and the NBA. NHL players are covered by a CBA between the NHLPA and the NHL. Both the NBA and the NHL have experienced labor difficulties in the past and may have labor issues in the future. Labor difficulties may include players’ strikes or management lockouts. For example, the NBA has experienced labor difficulties, including a lockout during the 1998-99 season, which resulted in the regular season being shortened from 82 to 50 games, and a lockout during the 2011-12 season, which resulted in the regular season being shortened from 82 games to 66 games. The current NBA CBA expires after the 2020-21 season (although the NBA and NBPA each have the right to terminate the CBA effective following the 2016-17 season). The NHL has also experienced labor difficulties, including a lockout during the 1994-95 NHL season, which resulted in the regular season being shortened from 84 to 48 games, a lockout beginning in September 2004, which resulted in the cancellation of the entire 2004-05 NHL season and a lockout during the 2012-13 NHL season, which resulted in the regular season being shortened from 82 to 48 games. The current NHL CBA expires on September 15, 2022 (although the NHL and NHLPA each have the right to terminate the CBA effective following the 2019-20 season).

The Unavailability of Systems Upon Which We Rely May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.

We rely upon various internal and third-party software or systems in the operation of our business, including, with respect to ticket sales, credit card processing, point of sale transactions, database, inventory, human resource management and financial systems. From time to time, certain of these arrangements may not be covered by long-term agreements. The failure or unavailability of these internal or third-party services or systems, depending upon its severity and duration, could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.

We May Become Subject to Infringement or Other Claims Relating to Our Content or Technology.

From time to time, third parties may assert against us alleged intellectual property (e.g., copyright, trademark and patent) or other claims relating to our productions, technologies or other content or material, some of which may be important to our business. In addition, our productions could potentially subject us to claims of defamation or similar types of allegations. Any such claims, regardless of their merit, could cause us to incur significant costs. In addition, if we are unable to continue use of certain intellectual property rights, our business and results of operations could be materially negatively impacted.

There Is the Risk of Personal Injuries and Accidents in Connection with Our Venues, Which Could Subject Us to Personal Injury or Other Claims; We are Subject to the Risk of Adverse Outcomes In Other Types of Litigation.

There are inherent risks associated with producing and hosting events and operating, maintaining or renovating our venues. As a result, personal injuries, accidents and other incidents have occurred and may occur from time to time, which could subject us to claims and liabilities. Incidents in connection with events at any of our venues could also reduce attendance at our events, and cause a decrease in our revenue and operating income.

 

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While we seek to obtain contractual indemnities for events at our venues and we maintain insurance policies that provide coverage for incidents in the ordinary course of business, there can be no assurance that such indemnities or insurance will be adequate at all times and in all circumstances.

From time to time, we become subject to other kinds of litigation. The outcome of litigation is inherently unpredictable. As a result, we could incur liability from litigation which could be material and for which we may have inadequate or no insurance coverage or be subject to other forms of relief which might adversely affect the Company.

Because There Has Not been Any Public Market for Our Common Stock, the Market Price and Trading Volume of Our Common Stock May be Volatile and You May Not be Able to Resell Your Shares at or Above the Initial Market Price of Our Stock Following the Distribution.

Prior to the Distribution, there will have been no regular way trading market for our common stock. We cannot predict the extent to which investors’ interest will lead to a liquid trading market or whether the market price of our common stock will be volatile. The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly for many reasons, including in response to the risk factors listed in this information statement or for reasons unrelated to our specific performance, such as reports by industry analysts, investor perceptions, or negative developments for our customers, competitors or suppliers, as well as general economic and industry conditions.

The Combined Post-Distribution Value of MSG and Spinco Shares May Not Equal or Exceed the Pre-Distribution Value of MSG Shares.

MSG will transfer the listing of its MSG Class A Common Stock to NYSE effective July 27, 2015. After the Distribution, MSG Class A Common Stock will continue to be listed and traded on NYSE. We will apply to list Spinco Class A Common Stock on NYSE under the symbol “MSG” and we expect that The Madison Square Garden Company will change its symbol on NYSE to “MSGN” in connection with the Distribution. We cannot assure you that the combined trading prices of MSG Class A Common Stock and Spinco Class A Common Stock after the Distribution, as adjusted for any changes in the combined capitalization of these companies, will be equal to or greater than the trading price of MSG Class A Common Stock prior to the Distribution. Until the market has fully evaluated the business of MSG without the business of Spinco, the price at which MSG Class A Common Stock trade may fluctuate significantly. Similarly, until the market has fully evaluated the business of Spinco, the price at which shares of Spinco Class A Common Stock trade may fluctuate significantly.

The Distribution Could Result in Significant Tax Liability.

MSG expects to obtain an opinion from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP substantially to the effect that, among other things, the distribution by MSG of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock to the holders of MSG Class A Common Stock and MSG Class B Common Stock, respectively (i.e., the Distribution), will qualify as a tax-free distribution under the Code. Accordingly, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Distribution will not result in the recognition of gain to MSG with respect to the distribution of our Class A Common Stock or our Class B Common Stock to the MSG stockholders and, except to the extent a stockholder receives cash in lieu of fractional shares of our common stock, no income, gain or loss will be recognized by, and no amount will be included in the income of such holder upon the receipt of shares of our common stock pursuant to the Distribution. The opinion will not be binding on the IRS or the courts. See “The Distribution —Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.” Additionally, MSG has received a private letter ruling from the IRS concluding that certain limited aspects of the Distribution will not prevent the Distribution from satisfying certain requirements for tax-free treatment under the Code. While certain transactions related to the Distribution that are not addressed (or expected to be addressed) by either the opinion or the private letter ruling could result in the recognition of income or gain by MSG, the impact of any such resulting tax is not expected to be material to MSG. The opinion and the private letter ruling will rely on factual representations and reasonable assumptions, which if incorrect or inaccurate may jeopardize the ability to rely on such opinion and letter ruling.

 

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If the Distribution does not qualify for tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then, in general, MSG would recognize taxable gain in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the common stock of our Company over MSG’s tax basis therein (i.e., as if it had sold the common stock of our Company in a taxable sale for its fair market value). In addition, the receipt by MSG stockholders of common stock of our Company would be a taxable distribution, and each U.S. holder that participated in the Distribution would recognize a taxable distribution as if the U.S. holder had received a distribution equal to the fair market value of our common stock that was distributed to it, which generally would be treated first as a taxable dividend to the extent of MSG’s earnings and profits, then as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of each U.S. holder’s tax basis in its MSG common stock, and thereafter as capital gain with respect to any remaining value. It is expected that the amount of any such taxes to MSG stockholders and MSG would be substantial. See “The Distribution — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.”

We May Have a Significant Indemnity Obligation to MSG if the Distribution Is Treated as a Taxable Transaction.

We will enter into a Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with MSG, which will set out each party’s rights and obligations with respect to deficiencies and refunds, if any, of federal, state, local or foreign taxes for periods before and after the Distribution and related matters such as the filing of tax returns and the conduct of IRS and other audits. Pursuant to the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, we will be required to indemnify MSG for losses and taxes of MSG resulting from the breach of certain covenants and for certain taxable gain recognized by MSG, including as a result of certain acquisitions of our stock or assets. If we are required to indemnify MSG under the circumstances set forth in the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, we may be subject to substantial liabilities, which could materially adversely affect our financial position.

The Tax Rules Applicable to the Distribution May Restrict Us from Engaging in Certain Corporate Transactions or From Raising Equity Capital Beyond Certain Thresholds for a Period of Time After the Distribution.

To preserve the tax-free treatment of the Distribution to MSG and its stockholders, under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with MSG, for the two-year period following the Distribution, we will be subject to restrictions with respect to:

 

    entering into any transaction pursuant to which 50% or more of our shares or assets would be acquired, whether by merger or otherwise, unless certain tests are met;

 

    issuing equity securities, if any such issuances would, in the aggregate, constitute 50% or more of the voting power or value of our capital stock;

 

    certain repurchases of our common shares;

 

    ceasing to actively conduct our business;

 

    amendments to our organizational documents (i) affecting the relative voting rights of our stock or (ii) converting one class of our stock to another;

 

    liquidating or partially liquidating; and

 

    taking any other action that prevents the Distribution and certain related transactions from being tax-free.

These restrictions may limit our ability during such period to pursue strategic transactions of a certain magnitude that involve the issuance or acquisition of our stock or engage in new businesses or other transactions that might increase the value of our business. These restrictions may also limit our ability to raise significant amounts of cash through the issuance of stock, especially if our stock price were to suffer substantial declines, or through the sale of certain of our assets. For more information, see the sections entitled “The Distribution — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions — Relationship Between MSG and Us After the Distribution — Tax Disaffiliation Agreement.”

 

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We Do Not Have an Operating History as a Public Company.

In the past, our operations have been a part of MSG and MSG provided us with various financial, operational and managerial resources for conducting our businesses. Following the Distribution, we will maintain our own credit and banking relationships and perform our own financial and operational functions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully put in place the financial, operational and managerial resources necessary to operate as a public company or that we will be able to be profitable doing so.

Our Historical Financial Results as Business Segments of MSG and Our Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements May Not be Representative of Our Results as a Separate, Stand-Alone Company.

The historical financial information we have included in this information statement has been derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of MSG and does not necessarily reflect what our financial position, results of operations or cash flows would have been had we been a separate, stand-alone company during the periods presented. Although MSG did account for our sports and entertainment businesses as separate business segments, we were not operated as a separate, stand-alone company for the historical periods presented. The historical costs and expenses reflected in our combined financial statements include an allocation for certain corporate functions historically provided by MSG, including general corporate expenses and employee benefits and incentives. These allocations were based on what we and MSG considered to be reasonable reflections of the historical utilization levels of these services required in support of our business. The historical information does not necessarily indicate what our results of operations, financial position, cash flows or costs and expenses will be in the future. Our pro forma financial information set forth under “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information” reflects changes to our funding and operations as a result of the separation. However, there can be no assurances that this unaudited pro forma combined financial information will appropriately reflect our costs as a publicly-traded company.

We May Incur Material Costs and Expenses as a Result of Our Separation from MSG.

We may incur costs and expenses greater than those we currently incur as a result of our separation from MSG. These increased costs and expenses may arise from various factors, including financial reporting and costs associated with complying with federal securities laws (including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”)). In addition, we expect to either maintain similar or have increased corporate and administrative costs and expenses to those we incurred while part of MSG, even though following the Distribution Spinco will be a smaller, stand-alone company. We cannot assure you that these costs will not be material to our business.

If, Following the Distribution, We are Unable to Satisfy the Requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or Our Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is Not Effective, the Reliability of Our Financial Statements May be Questioned and Our Stock Price May Suffer.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires any company subject to the reporting requirements of the U.S. securities laws to do a comprehensive evaluation of its and its consolidated subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting. To comply with this statute, we will eventually be required to document and test our internal control procedures, our management will be required to assess and issue a report concerning our internal control over financial reporting, and our independent auditors will be required to issue an opinion on the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The rules governing the standards that must be met for management to assess our internal control over financial reporting are complex and require significant documentation, testing and possible remediation to meet the detailed standards under the rules. During the course of its testing, our management may identify material weaknesses or deficiencies which may not be remedied in time to meet the deadline imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. If our management cannot favorably assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting or our auditors identify material weaknesses in our internal controls, investor confidence in our financial results may weaken, and our stock price may suffer.

 

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The Reduced Disclosure Requirements Applicable to Us as an “Emerging Growth Company” May Make Our Class A Common Stock Less Attractive to Investors.

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and we may avail ourselves of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements of public companies that are not “emerging growth companies,” including, but not limited to, an exemption from complying with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and, like smaller reporting companies, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirement of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We may remain an emerging growth company for up to five full fiscal years following the Distribution. We would cease to be an emerging growth company, and, therefore, become ineligible to rely on the above exemptions, (a) if we have more than $1 billion in annual revenue in a fiscal year, (b) if we issue more than $1 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period or (c) on the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) which would generally occur after: (i) we have filed at least one annual report; (ii) we have been a Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reporting company for at least 12 months; and (iii) the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions.

If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result of the exemptions available to us as an emerging growth company, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our value may be more volatile than that of an otherwise comparable company that does not avail itself of the same or similar exemptions.

We are Controlled by the Dolan Family.

We have two classes of common stock:

 

    Class A Common Stock, which is entitled to one vote per share and is entitled collectively to elect 25% of our Board of Directors; and

 

    Class B Common Stock, which is generally entitled to ten votes per share and is entitled collectively to elect the remaining 75% of our Board of Directors.

As of the Distribution date, the Dolan family, including trusts for the benefit of members of the Dolan family, will collectively own all of our Class B Common Stock, approximately [●]% of our outstanding Class A Common Stock and approximately [●]% of the total voting power of all our outstanding common stock. Of this amount, Charles F. Dolan, a director and the father of James L. Dolan, the Executive Chairman, and his spouse control approximately 59% of our outstanding Class B Common Stock, approximately [●]% of our outstanding Class A Common Stock and approximately [●]% of the total voting power of all our outstanding common stock. The members of the Dolan family holding Class B Common Stock will execute prior to the Distribution a stockholders agreement that has the effect of causing the voting power of the holders of our Class B Common Stock to be cast as a block with respect to all matters to be voted on by holders of Class B Common Stock. Under the Stockholders Agreement, the shares of Class B Common Stock owned by members of the Dolan family group (representing all of the outstanding Class B Common Stock) are to be voted on all matters in accordance with the determination of the Dolan Family Committee. The Dolan Family Committee will consist of Charles F. Dolan and his six children, James L. Dolan, Thomas C. Dolan, Patrick F. Dolan, Kathleen M. Dolan, Marianne E. Dolan and Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney (collectively, the “Dolan Siblings”). The Dolan Family Committee generally acts by vote of a majority of the Dolan Siblings, except that approval of a going-private transaction must be approved by a two-thirds vote and approval of a change-in-control transaction must be approved by not less than all but one of the Dolan Siblings. The Dolan family is able to prevent a change in control of our Company and no person interested in acquiring us will be able to do so without obtaining the consent of the Dolan family. Charles F. Dolan,

 

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members of his family and certain related family entities, by virtue of their stock ownership, have the power to elect all of our directors subject to election by holders of Class B Common Stock and are able collectively to control stockholder decisions on matters on which holders of all classes of our common stock vote together as a single class. These matters could include the amendment of some provisions of our certificate of incorporation and the approval of fundamental corporate transactions.

In addition, the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66-  2 3 % of the outstanding shares of the Class B Common Stock, voting separately as a class, is required to approve:

 

    the authorization or issuance of any additional shares of Class B Common Stock, and

 

    any amendment, alteration or repeal of any of the provisions of our certificate of incorporation that adversely affects the powers, preferences or rights of the Class B Common Stock.

As a result, Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities also collectively have the power to prevent such issuance or amendment.

The members of the Dolan family group have entered into an agreement with the Company in which they agree that, during the 12-month period beginning on the Distribution date, the Dolan family group must obtain the prior approval of a majority of the Company’s Independent Directors prior to acquiring common stock of the Company through a tender offer that results in members of the Dolan family group owning more than 50% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. For purposes of this agreement, the term “Independent Directors” means the directors of the Company who have been determined by our Board of Directors to be independent directors for purposes of NYSE corporate governance standards.

Following the Distribution, the Company and MSG will still be controlled by the Dolan family group. The Dolan family group also controls Cablevision and AMC Networks.

We Have Elected to Be a “Controlled Company” for NYSE Purposes Which Allows Us Not to Comply with Certain of the Corporate Governance Rules of NYSE.

We have been informed that, prior to the Distribution, Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities will enter into a Stockholders Agreement relating, among other things, to the voting of their shares of our Class B Common Stock. As a result, following the Distribution, we will be a “controlled company” under the corporate governance rules of NYSE. As a controlled company, we will have the right to elect not to comply with the corporate governance rules of NYSE requiring: (i) a majority of independent directors on our Board, (ii) an independent corporate governance and nominating committee and (iii) an independent compensation committee. Our Board of Directors has elected for the Company to be treated as a “controlled company” under NYSE corporate governance rules and not to comply with the NYSE requirement for a majority independent board of directors and for an independent corporate governance and nominating committee because of our status as a controlled company. Nevertheless, we expect our Board of Directors to elect to comply with the NYSE requirement for an independent compensation committee.

Future Stock Sales, Including as a Result of the Exercise of Registration Rights by Certain of Our Stockholders, Could Adversely Affect the Trading Price of Our Class A Common Stock.

All of the shares of Class A Common Stock will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act unless the shares are owned by our “affiliates” as that term is defined in the rules under the Securities Act. Shares held by “affiliates” may be sold in the public market only if registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 which is summarized under “Shares Eligible for Future Sale.” Further, we plan to file a registration statement to cover the shares issued under our equity-based benefit plans.

 

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As described under “Shares Eligible for Future Sale — Registration Rights Agreements,” certain parties have registration rights covering a portion of our shares. We expect to enter into registration rights agreements with Charles F. Dolan, certain Dolan family interests, the Dolan Children’s Foundation and the Dolan Family Foundation that provide them with “demand” and “piggyback” registration rights with respect to approximately [●] shares of Class A Common Stock, including shares issuable upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock. Sales of a substantial number of shares of Class A Common Stock could adversely affect the market price of the Class A Common Stock and could impair our future ability to raise capital through an offering of our equity securities.

Transfers and Ownership of Our Common Stock Are Subject to Restrictions Under Rules of the NBA and the NHL and Our Certificate of Incorporation Provides Us with Remedies Against Holders Who Do Not Comply with Those Restrictions.

The Company is the owner of professional sports franchises in the NBA and the NHL. As a result, transfers and ownership of our common stock are subject to certain restrictions under the constituent documents of the NBA and the NHL as well as the Company’s consent agreements with the NBA and the NHL in connection with their approval of the Distribution. These restrictions are described under “Description of Capital Stock – Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock – Transfer Restrictions.” In order to protect the Company and its NBA and NHL franchises from sanctions that might be imposed by the NBA or the NHL as a result of violations of these restrictions, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, if a transfer of shares of our common stock to a person or the ownership of shares of our common stock by a person requires approval or other action by a league and such approval or other action was not obtained or taken as required, the Company shall have the right by written notice to the holder to require the holder to dispose of the shares of common stock which triggered the need for such approval. If a holder fails to comply with such a notice, in addition to any other remedies that may be available, the Company may redeem the shares at 85% of the fair market value of those shares.

We Will Share Certain Key Executives and Directors with MSG, Cablevision and/or AMC, Which Means Those Executives Will Not Devote Their Full Time and Attention to Our Affairs and the Overlap May Give Rise to Conflicts.

Following the Distribution, there will be an overlap between the officers of the Company and MSG. James L. Dolan will serve as the Executive Chairman of both the Company and MSG, and Lawrence J. Burian will serve as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of both the Company and MSG. As a result, following the Distribution, not all of our executive officers will be devoting their full time and attention to the Company’s affairs. In addition, immediately following the Distribution, [●] members of our Board of Directors will also be directors of MSG. Furthermore, following the Distribution, certain of our directors and/or officers will also serve as directors, officers and/or employees of Cablevision and/or AMC Networks concurrently with their service as directors and/or officers of the Company. The overlapping officers and directors may have actual or apparent conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting each company. For example, there will be the potential for a conflict of interest when we or MSG, Cablevision, and/or AMC Networks and their respective subsidiaries and successors (each of the foregoing an “Other Entity”) look at certain acquisitions and other corporate opportunities that may be suitable for more than one of the companies. Also, conflicts may arise if there are issues or disputes under the commercial arrangements that will exist between an Other Entity on the one hand and us on the other hand. In addition, after the Distribution, certain of our directors and officers will continue to own stock and options to purchase stock of an Other Entity, as well as cash performance awards with any payout based on those companies’ performance, including [●]. These ownership interests could create actual, apparent or potential conflicts of interest when these individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for our Company and an Other Entity. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions — Certain Relationships and Potential Conflicts of Interest” for a discussion of certain procedures we will institute to help ameliorate such potential conflicts that may arise.

 

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Our Overlapping Directors and Executive Officers with MSG, Cablevision and/or AMC Networks May Result in the Diversion of Corporate Opportunities to MSG, Cablevision and/or AMC Networks and Other Conflicts and Provisions in Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation May Provide Us No Remedy in That Circumstance.

The Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation will acknowledge that directors and officers of the Company (the “Overlap Persons”) may also be serving as directors, officers, employees, consultants or agents of an Other Entity, and that the Company may engage in material business transactions with such Other Entities. The Company will renounce its rights to certain business opportunities and the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that no director or officer of the Company who is also serving as a director, officer, employee, consultant or agent of one or more of the Other Entities will be liable to the Company or its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty that would otherwise occur by reason of the fact that any such individual directs a corporate opportunity (other than certain limited types of opportunities set forth in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation) to one or more of the Other Entities instead of the Company, or does not refer or communicate information regarding such corporate opportunities to the Company. These provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will also expressly validate certain contracts, agreements, arrangements and transactions (and amendments, modifications or terminations thereof) between the Company and the Other Entities and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, provide that the actions of the overlapping directors or officers in connection therewith are not breaches of fiduciary duties owed to the Company, any of its subsidiaries or their respective stockholders. See “Description of Capital Stock — Certain Corporate Opportunities and Conflicts.”

 

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BUSINESS

We are a Delaware corporation with our principal executive offices at Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY, 10121. Our telephone number is +1 (212) 465-6000. Spinco is a holding company and conducts substantially all of its operations through its subsidiaries.

Spinco was incorporated on March 4, 2015 as an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG. Prior to the Distribution, the Company will acquire the subsidiaries, businesses and other assets owned by MSG, directly or indirectly, that are described in this information statement. Where we describe in this information statement our business activities, we do so as if these transfers have already occurred.

We expect that on or about the time of the Distribution, The Madison Square Garden Company will change its name to “MSG Networks Inc.” and MSG Spinco, Inc. will assume the name “The Madison Square Garden Company.” We expect our Class A Common Stock to trade on NYSE under the symbol “MSG.” MSG will change its symbol on NYSE to “MSGN” in connection with the Distribution.

General

Spinco is a live sports and entertainment business comprised of dynamic and powerful assets and brands that grew from The Garden, widely known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” Drawing on its celebrated history, the Company builds iconic brands that set the standard for excellence and innovation while forging deep connections with diverse and passionate audiences. With a portfolio of celebrated venues, legendary sports teams, and exclusive entertainment productions, the Company’s two business segments — MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment — work together to deliver exceptional experiences that endure for generations.

MSG Sports owns and operates the following professional sports franchises: the Knicks of the NBA, the Rangers of the NHL, the Liberty of the WNBA, the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL and the Westchester Knicks of the NBADL. In addition, MSG Sports promotes, produces and/or presents a broad array of other live sporting events, including professional boxing, college basketball, professional bull riding and tennis.

MSG Entertainment presents or hosts live entertainment events, including concerts, family shows, performing arts and special events, in our diverse collection of venues. Those venues include The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, the Forum, The Chicago Theatre and the Wang Theatre. In addition, MSG Entertainment creates, produces and/or presents live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and New York Spring Spectacular , both featuring the Rockettes.

Our Strengths

 

    Ownership of legendary sports franchises;

 

    Iconic venues in top live entertainment markets;

 

    Diverse collection of marquee entertainment brands and content, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, New York Spring Spectacular and the Rockettes;

 

    Powerful presence in the New York City metropolitan area with established core assets and expertise for strategic expansion;

 

    Strong industry relationships that create opportunities for new content and brand extensions;

 

    Deep connection with loyal and passionate fan bases that span a wide demographic mix;

 

    First-class experience in managing venues, bookings, marketing and sales in multiple markets;

 

    Ability to forge strategic partnerships that utilize the Company’s assets, core competencies and scale, while allowing the Company to benefit from growth in those businesses;

 

    Established history of successfully planning and executing comprehensive venue renovations;

 

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    Extensive range of proprietary marketing assets, including an industry-leading customer database that allows us to drive engagement with our brands; and

 

    Strong and seasoned management team.

Our Strategy

Spinco pursues opportunities that capitalize on our iconic venues, popular sports franchises and exclusive entertainment content, as well as our venue management, bookings, marketing and sales expertise. We believe the Company’s unique combination of assets, the depth of our relationships within the sports and entertainment industries and strong connection with our diverse and passionate audiences, set the Company apart in the industry and represent a substantial opportunity for growth. Specific initiatives we are focused on include:

 

    Developing championship caliber teams. The core of MSG Sports’ strategy is to develop teams that seek to consistently compete for championships in their respective leagues, and support and drive revenue streams across the Company. We continue to explore new ways to increase engagement and revenue opportunities across the teams’ broad consumer and corporate customer bases.

 

    Monetizing our exclusive sports content. The Company will enter into media rights agreements with MSG that will provide a significant recurring and growing revenue stream to the Company, subject to the terms of such agreements. In addition, the media rights agreements and the relationship with MSG will provide our fans with the ability to watch locally televised home and away games of the Knicks and Rangers, as well as other programming related to our teams, on MSG’s award-winning regional sports networks.

 

    Utilizing our integrated approach to marketing and sales. MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment possess powerful assets which can create significant value for our business when used in a complementary manner. For example:

 

    Our sale of marketing partnerships allows us to use and sell our broad array of MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment assets together in order to maximize their collective value, both for the Company and for our marketing partners. This ability to offer compelling, broad-based marketing platforms which we believe are unparalleled in sports and entertainment has enabled us to attract world-class partners, such as our “Marquee” marketing partner, JPMorgan Chase, and our “Signature” marketing partners — Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, Kia, Lexus and SAP.

 

    We continue to forge deep direct-to-consumer relationships with customers and fans, with a focus on understanding how consumers interact with every aspect of the Company. A key component of this strategy is our large and growing proprietary customer database which drives revenue and engagement across segments, benefiting the Company through ticket sales, merchandise sales and sponsorship activation. This database provides us a greater opportunity to cross-promote our products and services, introducing customers to our wide range of assets and brands. For example, we have used our database to drive ticket sales to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and New York Spring Spectacular from fans of our sports teams.

 

    Growing our entertainment brands. Building on our hallmark Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Rockettes brands, MSG Entertainment is focused on enhancing existing productions and developing new productions. In March 2015, MSG Entertainment opened a new large scale theatrical production at Radio City Music Hall — called New York Spring Spectacular — featuring the Rockettes.

 

   

Utilizing a unique and powerful venue strategy. The Company has built a portfolio of venues through which we deliver high-quality live entertainment. In addition to our New York venues: The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre, we own the Forum in Inglewood, CA and The Chicago Theatre and have a long-term booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston. These venues, along with our venue management capabilities,

 

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our effective bookings strategy and our proven expertise in sponsorships, marketing, ticketing and promotions have positioned the Company as an industry leader in live entertainment. We intend to leverage our unique assets, expertise and approach to drive growth and stockholder value, and to ensure we continue to create unmatched experiences for the benefit of all of our stakeholders.

 

    Maximizing the live entertainment experience for our customers. We will use our first-class operations, coupled with new innovations and our ability to attract top talent, to deliver an unforgettable experience for our customers — whether they are first-time visitors, season ticket holders, or suite holders — ensuring they return to our venues. We have a track record of designing world-class facilities that exceed our customers’ expectations. This includes our renovations of Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, The Garden and the Forum, which now provide top-quality amenities such as state-of-the-art lighting, sound and staging, a full suite of hospitality offerings and enhanced premium products. In addition to better onsite amenities, we will continue to explore new ways to utilize technology to improve the customer experience and create communities around our live events. From the way our customers buy their food and beverage; to how we market and process their tickets; to the content we provide them to enhance their sports and entertainment experience, we want to give our customers the best in-venue experience in the industry.

 

    Leveraging our live entertainment expertise to increase productivity across our venues. Part of what drives our success is our “artist first” approach. This includes our renovation of the Forum, which has set a new bar for the artist experience by delivering superior acoustics and an intimate feel, along with amenities such as nine star-caliber dressing rooms and dedicated areas for production and touring crews. This talent-friendly environment, coupled with more date availability and our top-tier service, is not only attracting artists to our West Coast venue, but bringing them back for repeat performances. We will continue to use our “artist first” approach to attract the industry’s top talent with the goal of increasing utilization across all of our venues through more multi-night concerts and other events, and more recurring high-profile shows that help expand our base of events.

We will also continue to explore the creation of proprietary content that enables the Company to benefit from being both content owner and venue operator. One recent example of this strategy is the New York Spring Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, designed to become an annual tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike. We see additional opportunity to use our venues as physical gathering places for communities that form and interact online and expanding that experience through the creation of “connected” venues that bring people together both inside and outside our venues.

 

    Selectively expanding our venues in key music and entertainment markets. With the Forum in Inglewood, California, we created the country’s only arena-sized venue dedicated to music and entertainment, which quickly established a strong presence in the market. We believe that, similar to Los Angeles, there are other select markets where our proven ability to develop music and entertainment-focused venues — coupled with our unique capabilities, expertise and “artist first” approach — will deliver a differentiated experience for artists, fans and partners. We intend to capitalize on this opportunity by identifying key markets where we can selectively expand our network of owned and operated venues, and pursue strategic partnerships with third parties to enhance and operate venues not owned by Spinco. Controlling and booking an expanding network of world-class venues provides us with a number of avenues for growth, including driving increased bookings, greater marketing and sponsorship opportunities, and economies of scale.

 

   

Exploring additional ways to strengthen our core assets . Our commitment to strengthening our core assets is exemplified by the transformation of The Garden into a state-of-the-art facility that enhances the experience for our customers, partners, athletes and entertainers and continues to attract even more marquee events, while driving growth across several categories, including ticket, suite, sponsorship, food, beverage and merchandise sales. The Transformation is designed to ensure The Garden’s

 

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continued and lasting prominence as a sports and entertainment venue and has driven significant revenue for the Company. The Transformation is discussed in greater detail under “— Our Business — Our Venues — The Garden Transformation.”

 

    Continuing to explore external strategic opportunities . We will continue to seek strategic opportunities to add compelling assets and brands that resonate with our customers and partners, fit with our core competencies and allow new opportunities for growth across the Company. One of the ways we try to capitalize on our unique combination of dynamic assets, established industry relationships and deep customer connections is through strategic partnerships that bring together the expertise and capabilities of each partner, and enable us to team with recognized leaders in their fields and benefit from growth in those businesses. For example, in September 2013, we invested in Azoff-MSG, backed by one of the music and entertainment industry’s most respected and influential executives. The joint venture owns and operates existing music, media and entertainment businesses, while allowing us to pursue various businesses in the entertainment space. In addition, in March 2014, we became an investor in Tribeca Enterprises, bringing together two of New York’s cultural and entertainment icons to enhance the reach and impact of both brands, while creating new avenues for growth with one of the most respected teams in the film and entertainment industry. We also co-produced New York Spring Spectacular with The Weinstein Company, a known leader in the development of content, and have also joined with The Weinstein Company on certain other live theatrical productions.

Our Business

MSG Sports

Our MSG Sports segment owns and operates sports franchises, as well as promotes, produces and/or presents a broad array of other live sporting events.

Our Sports Franchises

The Knicks and Rangers are two of the most recognized franchises in professional sports, with storied histories and passionate, multi-generational fan bases. These teams are major occupants of The Garden, traditionally playing a combined total of 82 regular season home games, often to at or near capacity attendance. In addition, the New York Liberty currently play 17 regular season home games at The Garden each year. The number of home games increases if our teams qualify for the playoffs.

New York Knicks

As an original franchise of the NBA, the Knicks have a rich history that includes eight trips to the NBA Finals and two NBA Championships, as well as some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. The Knicks enjoy the fierce allegiance of generations of passionate and knowledgeable fans and are focused on fielding a championship caliber team over the long-term. In 2014, Phil Jackson, whose extraordinary history of success includes 13 NBA championships, was named president of the Knicks. The Knicks ranked in the top three in the NBA for ticket sales receipts for the 2014-15 regular season, which marked the fifth consecutive year that Knicks season tickets sold out.

New York Rangers

The Rangers hockey club is one of the “original six” franchises of the NHL. Winners of four Stanley Cup Championships, the Rangers have won 11 conference titles over their history. For the 2014-15 season, the Rangers, led by head coach Alain Vigneault, captured their first Presidents’ Trophy since 1994 for the league’s best regular season record, and qualified for the playoffs for the ninth time in the last 10 years. The Rangers are known to have one of the most passionate, loyal and enthusiastic fan bases in all of sports and ranked in the top three in the NHL for ticket sales receipts for the 2014-15 regular season.

 

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New York Liberty

The Liberty was established in October 1996, when New York was selected as one of eight charter members of the WNBA. The Liberty have won three conference championships and appeared in the playoffs 12 times. In May 2015, NBA Hall of Fame player Isiah Thomas was named president of the Liberty. The Liberty are supported by an enthusiastic and loyal fan base.

Westchester Knicks

In March 2014, the Company acquired the right to own and operate an NBADL team, which has been named the Westchester Knicks. The 2014-15 season marked the debut of the new team, which plays its home games at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York. The Westchester Knicks serve as the exclusive affiliate of the Knicks.

Hartford Wolf Pack

The Hartford Wolf Pack, a minor-league hockey team, is a player development team for the Rangers and is also competitive in its own right in the AHL. The Rangers send draft picks and other players to the Hartford Wolf Pack for skill development and injury rehabilitation, and can call up players for the Rangers roster to enhance the team’s competitiveness. The Hartford Wolf Pack have reached the playoffs 15 times out of 18 seasons.

The Role of the Leagues in Our Operations

As franchises in professional sports leagues, our teams are members of their respective leagues and, as such, may be subject to certain limitations, under certain circumstances, on the control and management of their affairs. The respective league constitutions, under which each league is operated, together with the CBAs each league has signed with its players’ association, contain numerous provisions that, as a practical matter in certain circumstances, could impact the manner in which we operate our businesses. In addition, under the respective league constitutions, the commissioner of each league, either acting alone or with the consent of a majority (or, in some cases, a supermajority) of the other teams in the league, may be empowered in certain circumstances to take certain actions felt to be in the best interests of the league, whether or not such actions would benefit our teams and whether or not we consent or object to those actions.

While the precise rights and obligations of member teams vary from league to league, the leagues have varying degrees of control exercisable under certain circumstances over the length and format of the playing season, including preseason and playoff schedules; the operating territories of the member teams; national and international media and other licensing rights; admission of new members and changes in ownership; franchise relocations; indebtedness affecting the franchises; and labor relations with the players’ associations, including collective bargaining, free agency, and rules applicable to player transactions, luxury taxes and revenue sharing. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — MSG Sports — Expenses.” From time to time, we may disagree with or challenge actions the leagues take or the power and authority they assert, although the leagues’ governing documents and our agreements with the leagues purport to limit the manner in which we may challenge decisions and actions by a league commissioner or the league itself.

Other Sports Properties

MSG Sports also promotes, produces and/or presents a broad array of live sporting events outside of its sports teams’ games, including professional boxing, college basketball, professional bull riding, tennis, and college wrestling. Our sports business includes events that have been among the most popular in our history, as well as perennial highlights on our annual calendar, and also features some of The Garden’s longest-running associations.

 

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Professional boxing, beginning with John L. Sullivan in 1882, has had a long association with The Garden. This includes hosting Muhammad Ali’s and Joe Frazier’s 1971 “Fight of the Century,” considered among the greatest sporting events in modern history, as well as bouts featuring dozens of other boxing greats. These have included Jack Dempsey, Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Emile Griffith, Willie Pep, Oscar De La Hoya, Sugar Ray Leonard, Lennox Lewis, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Robinson, Felix Trinidad, Roy Jones, Jr., Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Miguel Cotto and Wladimir Klitschko, who in April 2015 successfully defended his heavyweight titles against Bryant Jennings.

College basketball has been a mainstay at The Garden for decades, with the sport’s longest running holiday showcase, the Holiday Festival, first tipping off over 50 years ago. In addition to St. John’s University calling The Garden its home away from home, the popular Big East Tournament celebrated its 33rd anniversary at The Garden in 2015. Popular college basketball events also include visits from Duke University’s Blue Devils, the annual Jimmy V Classic and the post-season NIT Finals. In March 2014, the East Regional Finals of The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship was held at The Garden for the first time in more than 50 years, and is scheduled to return in 2017. Other upcoming college sporting events include: the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2018; a Big Ten basketball and hockey doubleheader which will take place annually for three years starting in 2016; and the NCAA Wrestling Championships, a three-day event that in March 2016 will make its Garden and New York City debut.

In February 2015, The Garden welcomed the 64th NBA All-Star Game, marking the fifth time the arena has hosted the illustrious professional basketball event. Additionally, The Garden hosts the annual BNP Paribas Showdown tennis event, which, since debuting in 2009, has featured tennis luminaries such as Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena and Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova. In August 2015, The Garden will welcome for the first time ever the League of Legends Championship Series, a two-day event around the popular eSports game.

MSG Entertainment

Our MSG Entertainment segment is one of the country’s leaders in live entertainment. MSG Entertainment presents or hosts live entertainment events, including concerts, family shows, performing arts events and special events, in our diverse collection of venues and arenas. It also creates, produces and/or presents live productions that are performed in the Company’s venues. This includes the Radio City Christmas Spectacular , which is the top grossing live holiday family show in North America, and New York Spring Spectacular , which opened in March 2015, both of which feature the Rockettes. The venues we own or operate include The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, the Forum and The Chicago Theatre. In addition, we have a long-term exclusive booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre. The scope of our collection of venues enables us to showcase acts that cover a wide spectrum of genres and popular appeal. MSG Entertainment focuses on delivering unforgettable memories through spectacular productions, live events and unrivaled experiences in exceptional settings, creating demand for an association with our brands by artists and premier companies, and for our productions by the public. With a foundation of world-class expertise in live entertainment, including the historic traditions of “The World’s Most Famous Arena” and Radio City Music Hall, as well as our other venues, MSG Entertainment has a proven ability to utilize the strength of its industry relationships, marketing assets, customer database and live event expertise to create performance, promotion and distribution opportunities for artists, events and productions, and to increase utilization of our venues.

Our Bookings and Other Entertainment Business Activities

MSG Entertainment is an established industry leader responsible for booking a wide variety of live entertainment events in our venues, which perennially include some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. Over the last several years, our venues have been a key destination for artists such as the Eagles, U2, Bruno Mars, Madonna, Phish, Elton John, Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers Band, Bruce Springsteen, Maroon 5, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry, Stevie Wonder, Sting and Paul Simon, Coldplay, One Direction, Ariana Grande, Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chappelle. In December 2013, MSG

 

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Entertainment announced a unique new partnership between The Garden and Billy Joel that made the legendary performer a staple of “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” playing monthly performances since January 2014. This partnership has been a great success, with all 24 announced performances through December 2015 sold out. As part of this extraordinary run, Billy Joel played his 65 th show at The Garden in July 2015, setting a new record for the most performances by any artist at “The World’s Most Famous Arena.”

Our venues have also hosted family shows such as Sesame Street Live, Marvel Universe Live and Disney Junior Live ; special events such as “America’s Got Talent,” and the MTV Video Music Awards; appearances by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi; graduations, television upfronts and product launches; and theatrical productions such as A Christmas Story and How The Grinch Stole Christmas!

Although we primarily license our venues to third-party promoters for a fee, we also promote or co-promote shows in which case we have economic risk relating to the event. MSG Entertainment currently does not promote or co-promote events outside of our venues.

Our Productions

One of MSG Entertainment’s core properties, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular , has been performed at Radio City Music Hall for 82 years and during the 2014 holiday season, it sold more than one million tickets. Featuring the world-famous Rockettes, the critically acclaimed Radio City Christmas Spectacular features show-stopping performances, festive holiday scenes and state-of-the-art special effects. As part of our strategic commitment to invest in our core assets, the Company continues to seek opportunities to enhance the Radio City Christmas Spectacular , which, in 2014, led to the return of “Rag Dolls,” one of the show’s classic numbers and a fan favorite.

We acquired the rights to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in 1997, and those rights are separate from, and do not depend on the continuation of, our lease of Radio City Music Hall. We also hold rights to the Rockettes in the same manner.

In March 2015, we further extended the Rockettes brand with the opening of a new theatrical production built specifically for Radio City Music Hall — called New York Spring Spectacular — that takes audiences on a heartwarming and wondrous journey through New York City. New York Spring Spectacular weaves together one-of-a-kind puppetry, state-of-the-art technology and dynamic dance numbers performed by the legendary Rockettes.

The brand-new live theatrical production is led by an award-winning creative team that includes Tony and Drama Desk Award winner Warren Carlyle as director and choreographer; Tony Award-winning director and Artistic Director of the American Repertory Theater Diane Paulus and American playwright and Drama Desk Award winner Randy Weiner as the show’s co-creative directors and brilliant young playwright Joshua Harmon. The Company and Weinstein Live Entertainment co-produced the 2015 production of New York Spring Spectacular , which features an opening number choreographed by Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mia Michaels, along with an all-star cast that includes co-stars Tony Award-winning actress Laura Benanti and Emmy Award-winning choreographer Derek Hough, along with Whoopi Goldberg, Bella Thorne, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, who serve as voices for the show’s sophisticated large-scale puppets. In its inaugural year, we sold nearly 300,000 tickets for the New York Spring Spectacular .

We continue to strengthen and broaden our Rockettes brand, targeting the most prominent and effective vehicles that elevate their visibility and underscore their reputation as beloved American cultural icons. The Rockettes have appeared or performed at high profile events, including Presidential Inaugurations, the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop, the Super Bowl XLV numeral unveil, the Major League Baseball Home Run Derby, television shows (“America’s Got Talent,” “Project

 

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Runway,” “The Today Show” and “The Colbert Report”), and fashion events (Michael Kors Fashion’s Night Out and Capezio Anniversary Gala), among many others. We continue to pursue carefully considered brand extension opportunities including television and public appearances, strategic partnerships, dance education and new merchandising lines.

Our Interactive Initiatives

The Company has a collection of web sites and mobile and digital platforms, which are housed throughout Spinco’s business segments. These interactive initiatives include more than 20 web sites, social networking sites and mobile applications for our properties, including sites and applications dedicated to our sports teams. Web sites include thegarden.com, radiocity.com, beacontheatre.com, fabulousforum.com, chicagotheatre.com, radiocitychristmas.com, newyorkspringspectacular.com and rockettes.com, as well as sites dedicated to our sports teams (nyknicks.com, newyorkrangers.com, knicksnow.com, blueshirtsunited.com and newyorkliberty.com). Like our MSG Sports business, the online operations relating to our sports teams may, in certain circumstances, be subject to certain agreements, rules, policies, regulations and directives of the leagues in which the respective team operates. See “— Our Business — Regulation.” This interactive business generates revenue for the Company’s segments via the sale of advertising and sponsorships on these digital properties. Additionally, it offers strategic marketing assets that create opportunities to market directly to our fans and cross-promote across our businesses.

Our Venues

The Company operates a mix of iconic venues that continue to build on their historic prominence as destinations for unforgettable experiences and events. Individually, these venues are each premier showplaces, with a passionate and loyal following of fans, performers and events. Taken together, we believe they represent an outstanding collection of venues.

We own or operate under long-term leases a total of six venues in New York City, Chicago and Inglewood, CA and have a long-term booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston. Our New York City venues are the Madison Square Garden Complex (which includes both The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden), Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre. We also own the Forum in Inglewood, CA and the landmark Chicago Theatre.

The Garden

The Garden has been a celebrated center of New York life since it first opened its doors in 1879. Over its 136-year history, there have been four Garden buildings, each known for showcasing the best of the era’s live sports and entertainment offerings. We believe that The Garden has come to epitomize the power and passion of live sports and entertainment to people around the world, with an appearance at The Garden often representing a pinnacle of an athlete’s or performer’s career. Known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” The Garden has been the site of some of the most memorable events in sports and entertainment, and, along with The Theater at Madison Square Garden, has hosted hundreds of events and millions of visitors this past year. In 2009, Billboard Magazine ranked The Garden the number one venue of the decade in its respective class based upon gross ticket sales. Billboard Magazine also ranked The Garden the second highest-grossing entertainment venue of its size in the world based on the magazine’s 2014 full year rankings. Music industry subscribers of the trade magazine Pollstar have voted The Garden “Arena of the Year” 18 out of the last 22 years.

The Garden is home to the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty and is associated with countless “big events,” inspired performances and one-of-a-kind moments. The Garden’s highlights include “The Fight of the Century” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1971 (considered among the greatest sporting events in history); the 1970 Knicks’ NBA Championship; the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup Championship; three Democratic National Conventions and one Republican National Convention; Marilyn Monroe’s famous birthday serenade to President John F. Kennedy; Frank Sinatra’s “Main Event” concert in 1974; the only U.S. concerts from the reunited

 

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Cream; and the 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concerts. In September 2015, His Holiness Pope Francis will celebrate Mass at The Garden as part of his widely anticipated U.S. visit. This momentous occasion will mark the first time a current pope has visited The Garden since Pope John Paul II in 1979.

The Garden has also hosted four prominent benefit concerts, which galvanized the public to respond to national and global crises, including the first of its kind, “The Concert for Bangladesh” in 1972, as well as “The Concert for New York City,” following the events of 9/11; “From the Big Apple to the Big Easy,” held after Hurricane Katrina in 2005; and “12-12-12, The Concert for Sandy Relief” in 2012.

January 2014 marked the start of monthly performances by the legendary Billy Joel at The Garden, with all 24 announced shows through December 2015 sold out. As part of this incredible two-year run, Billy Joel played his 65th show at The Garden in July — setting a new record for the most performances by any artist at The Garden, as well as extending his record to 19 consecutive sold out shows. Since Billy Joel’s first show at The Garden in 1978, the internationally acclaimed, six-time Grammy-winning New Yorker has played an important role in the venue’s iconic history with many unforgettable performances, including at both the “The Concert for New York City” and “12-12-12, The Concert for Sandy Relief” benefit concerts.

The current Madison Square Garden Complex, located between 31st and 33rd Streets and Seventh and Eighth Avenues on Manhattan’s West Side, opened on February 11, 1968 with a salute to the U.S.O. hosted by Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. From a structural standpoint, the construction of the current Garden was considered an engineering wonder for its time, including its famous circular shape and unique, cable-supported ceiling, which contributes to its intimate feel. It was the first large structure built over an active railroad track. The builder, R.E. McKee, had a national reputation and was later recognized as a “Master Builder” by the construction industry. Architect Charles Luckman had one of the largest firms in the country and designed such buildings as the Prudential Tower in Boston, NASA’s flight center in Houston and the Forum in Inglewood, CA.

We own the Madison Square Garden Complex, the platform on which it is built and development rights (including air rights) above our property. Madison Square Garden sits atop Pennsylvania Station, a major commuter hub in Manhattan, which is owned by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak). While the development rights we own would permit us to expand in the future, any such use of development rights would require various approvals from the City of New York. With the successful completion of the Transformation in October 2013, The Garden, once again, seats up to approximately 21,000 spectators for sporting and entertainment events. The Garden, along with The Theater at Madison Square Garden, contains approximately 1,100,000 square feet of floor space over 11 levels.

The Garden Transformation

October 25, 2013 marked the debut of a fully transformed The Garden. The completion of The Garden’s three-year, top-to-bottom Transformation is driving growth across several categories, including tickets, suites, sponsorships, food, beverage and merchandise sales and will continue to have multiple benefits, including:

 

    Providing a state-of-the-art venue that can continue to attract concerts, as well as other large, high-profile sports, entertainment and other special events which benefit our customers, as well as the New York City economy;

 

    Improving the experience of customers from the first row to the last;

 

    Increasing our attractiveness to free agents in basketball and hockey;

 

    Supporting our efforts to maximize our season ticket sales for our teams;

 

    Increasing the breadth of VIP offerings and venue-based opportunities available to marketing partners; and

 

    Augmenting revenue streams.

The Transformation is an example of our strategic commitment to invest in our core assets and continue our legacy of bringing premier events to New York City. In March 2014, we welcomed back the East Regional

 

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Finals of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship for the first time in over 50 years, and we look forward to hosting this prestigious event again in 2017. In February 2015, we also brought the NBA All-Star Game to New York City for the first time since 1998.

Focused on the total fan experience, the Transformation was designed to benefit everyone in attendance, whether they are first time visitors, season ticket subscribers, athletes, artists, suite holders or marketing partners. Our customers now have access to a full list of amenities including: improved sightlines; additional entertainment and dining options; new concourses; upgraded hospitality areas; new technology; and a completely transformed interior, where the intimacy of the arena bowl and The Garden’s world famous ceiling have been maintained. The Transformation of The Garden is intended to ensure that attending an event at The Garden is unlike anywhere else and is specifically highlighted by:

 

    The new Chase Square Seventh Avenue entrance, which is nearly double the size of the previous entrance and features interactive kiosks, retail space, climate-controlled space, and broadcast area;

 

    Public concourses that are double or triple in width, some with spectacular city views;

 

    A new wide selection of food and beverage options, including exclusive food offerings from our MSG Signature Collection, featuring some of New York’s top chefs;

 

    Improved upper bowl sightlines that put patrons over 17 degrees closer to the action;

 

    New bridges that provide one-of-a-kind views of the arena floor and offer a unique perspective for fans, also referred to as the Chase Bridges;

 

    State-of-the-art lighting, sound and LED video systems in high definition, and new fiber-optic cabling throughout the building;

 

    Improved locker rooms, dressing rooms, green rooms and production offices;

 

    Additional restrooms with 50 percent more capacity;

 

    Unique exhibits throughout the building that celebrate The Garden’s storied history, including our Garden 366 visual retrospective and the Defining Moments exhibit on the Madison and Garden Concourse levels; and

 

    Corporate offerings that include:

 

    21 Event Level suites that offer a lounge/entertaining atmosphere;

 

    58 Madison Level suites that are 40 percent larger than our previous suite offerings and located as close as 23 rows up from the arena floor;

 

    18 transformed Signature Level suites; and

 

    Three new club spaces: the 1879 Club presented by J.P. Morgan, the Delta SKY360 Club on the Event Level and the Madison Club presented by Foxwoods on the 7th floor of The Garden.

The Theater at Madison Square Garden

The Theater at Madison Square Garden, which has approximately 5,600 seats, opened as part of the fourth Madison Square Garden Complex in 1968, with seven nights of performances by Judy Garland. Since then, some of the biggest and most exciting names in live entertainment have played the theater, including The Who, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, Elton John, James Taylor, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Pentatonix, Sara Bareilles, Ellie Goulding, Ricky Gervais, Neil Young, Radiohead, Jerry Seinfeld and Van Morrison. The Theater at Madison Square Garden has also hosted boxing events and the NBA Draft; award shows such as The Daytime Emmys; and other special events including “Wheel of Fortune” and audition shows for “America’s Got Talent.” We also

 

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host a variety of theatrical productions, family shows and other special events in The Theater, including A Christmas Story, Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, Sesame Street Live and Disney Junior Live On Tour! . The Theater at Madison Square Garden is the sixth highest-grossing entertainment venue of its size in the world, based on Billboard Magazine’s 2014 full year rankings.

Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall has a rich history as a national theatrical and cultural mecca since it was first built by theatrical impresario S.L. “Roxy” Rothafel in 1932. Known as “The Showplace of the Nation,” it was the first building in the Rockefeller Center complex and, at the time, the largest indoor theater in the world. Radio City Music Hall hosts concerts, family shows and special events, but is perhaps best known as home to the country’s number one live holiday family show, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular , starring the world-famous Rockettes, and which was joined by a brand new production with the opening of New York Spring Spectacular in March 2015 (see “— MSG Entertainment — Our Productions”). Entertainers who have graced the Great Stage include: Yes, Jason Mraz, Bastille, Jack White and Leonard Cohen, as well as Dave Chappelle for 10 shows in 2014 and Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga for four shows in 2015. In 2009, Billboard Magazine ranked Radio City Music Hall the number one venue of the decade in its respective class based upon gross ticket sales. Radio City Music Hall is the highest-grossing entertainment venue of its size in the world, based on Billboard Magazine’s 2014 full year rankings.

In 1978, Radio City Music Hall was designated a New York City landmark by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission and a national landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. We acquired the lease in 1997, and in 1999, in another example of our commitment to invest in our core assets to help drive our long-term business, we invested in a complete restoration that returned the legendary theater to its original grandeur. Our acclaimed restoration included burnishing the ceilings of Radio City Music Hall with 720,000 sheets of gold and aluminum leaf, replacing the existing stage curtain with a new 112-foot wide golden silk curtain, and replacing its approximately 6,000 seats. All furniture, wall fabric, carpeting, lighting fixtures and appointments were cleaned, repaired or remade, and the three-story tall mural “The Fountain of Youth,” by Ezra Winter, which looms above the grand staircase, was cleaned of decades of grime, varnish and polyurethane. State-of-the-art sound systems, lighting and HDTV capabilities were also installed.

We lease Radio City Music Hall, located at Sixth Avenue and 50th Street in Manhattan, pursuant to a long-term lease agreement. The lease on Radio City Music Hall expires in 2023. We have the option to renew the lease for an additional ten years by providing two years’ notice prior to the initial expiration date.

Beacon Theatre

In November 2006, we entered into a long-term lease agreement to operate the legendary Beacon Theatre, a venue with approximately 2,800 seats, which sits on the corner of Broadway and 74th Street in Manhattan. The Beacon Theatre was conceived of by S. L. “Roxy” Rothafel and is considered the “older sister” to Radio City Music Hall. Designed by Chicago architect Walter Ahlschlager, the Beacon Theatre opened in 1929 as a forum for vaudeville acts, musical productions, drama, opera, and movies. The Beacon Theatre was designated a New York City landmark by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1979 and a national landmark on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Over its history, the Beacon Theatre has been a venerable rock and roll room for some of the greatest names in music including Steely Dan, Coldplay, Crosby Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, Elton John, John Fogerty, Ray LaMontagne, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Eddie Vedder and Bob Dylan, as well as The Allman Brothers Band, which played their 238th show at the Beacon Theatre in October 2014, marking their final concert as a band. The venue has also hosted film premieres including the opening and closing films for the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival, and comedy events, including a five-night run by Eddie Izzard in 2014, along with numerous luminaries such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2009 and 2013, and President Bill Clinton in 2006, when the Rolling Stones played a private concert in honor of his 60th birthday.

 

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In order to ensure that we could deliver a first-class experience to customers and performers, in August of 2008 we closed the Beacon Theatre for a seven-month restoration project to return the theater to its original 1929 grandeur. The restoration of the Beacon Theatre focused on all historic, interior public spaces of the building, backstage and back-of-house areas, and was based on extensive historic research, as well as detailed, on-site examination of original, decorative painting techniques that had been covered by decades-old layers of paint. The Beacon Theatre has won several architectural awards recognizing its outstanding restoration. The widely acclaimed, comprehensive restoration was similar to our restoration of Radio City Music Hall, and reflects our commitment to New York City. The Beacon Theatre was the third highest-grossing entertainment venue of its size in the world, based on Billboard Magazine’s 2014 full year rankings.

Our lease on the Beacon Theatre expires in 2026.

The Forum

In June 2012, we added a West Coast home with the purchase of the Forum in Inglewood, CA, which serves the Greater Los Angeles area, providing us with an iconic arena in each of the country’s two largest entertainment markets. Following an extensive reinvention of the historic venue, on January 15, 2014, the Forum re-opened with the first of six concerts by the legendary Eagles and is once again a thriving destination for both artists and music fans.

The Forum is now the only arena-sized venue in the country dedicated to music and entertainment, and offers something exceptional for everyone — artists, promoters, music fans, VIP customers and marketing partners. Architecturally, the interior of the bowl has been completely modernized and features superior acoustics, along with flexible seating that ranges from 7,000 seats to 17,800 seats — allowing the venue to accommodate a wide variety of premier events. Fans seated on the floor have access to one of the largest general admission floors in the country, with approximately 8,000 square feet of new event level hospitality offerings, including food and beverage, merchandise and restrooms. The new Forum also offers exclusive spaces for VIP customers, including the historic Forum Club, which has been completely re-imagined with thematic music-inspired detailing.

For artists, the Forum delivers a first-class experience that includes nine, star-caliber dressing rooms with upgraded amenities. Among the key features that were resurrected in an effort to replicate the original design is the exterior color of the venue, which has returned to the 1960’s “California sunset red,” and is now officially known as “Forum Red.” Other outdoor features include the addition of a distinct and iconic Forum marquee that reflects the architecture of the venue and a 40,000 square foot terrace that surrounds the perimeter of the building and offers upgraded food and beverage amenities, elevating the guest experience. Since re-opening in 2014, the Forum has received several architectural awards recognizing its outstanding restoration.

The original Forum was designed by renowned architect, Charles Luckman, who also designed The Garden that opened in 1968. The historic West Coast venue, which opened in 1967, has played host to some of the greatest musical performers of all time, including The Rolling Stones, The Jackson 5, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Madonna, Van Halen, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Prince and many others. In addition, the Forum was home to the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings until 1999. Since re-opening in 2014, the Forum has received several architectural awards recognizing its outstanding restoration.

According to Pollstar data for 2014, the reinvented Forum has already become number one in its class in terms of concert market share in Los Angeles. Since re-opening, the venue has already hosted an impressive lineup of entertainers, including: the Eagles, Justin Timberlake, Paul Simon and Sting, Sam Smith, U2, Maroon 5, Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith, Queen with Adam Lambert, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Arcade Fire and Kings of Leon as well as His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In May 2014, the Forum also hosted its first boxing match since 2004, featuring Juan Manuel Marquez and Mike Alvarado, and in August 2014, welcomed the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards.

 

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The Chicago Theatre

In October 2007, to extend our presence outside of New York and provide us with an anchor for content and distribution in a key market in the Midwest, we purchased the legendary Chicago Theatre, a venue with approximately 3,600 seats. The Chicago Theatre, which features its famous six-story-high “C-H-I-C-A-G-O” marquee, was built in 1921 and designed in the French Baroque style by architects Cornelius W. Rapp and George L. Rapp. It is the oldest surviving example of this architectural style in Chicago today, and was designated a Chicago landmark building in 1983 by the Mayor of Chicago and the Chicago City Council.

Today, The Chicago Theatre has become a highly attractive destination for concerts, comedy shows and other live events, hosting a wide range of entertainers, including Bob Dylan, Mumford & Sons, David Byrne, Neil Young, Steve Winwood, Jerry Seinfeld, The National, Kanye West, Louis C.K., Death Cab for Cutie, Conan O’Brien, Aziz Ansari and Steely Dan. The venue has also hosted theatrical tours, including A Christmas Story . The Chicago Theatre was ranked the eighth highest-grossing entertainment venue of its size in the world, based on Billboard Magazine’s 2014 full year rankings.

Wang Theatre

Since August 2008, we have had a booking agreement with respect to the historic Wang Theatre in Boston. Under the booking agreement, we have been utilizing our diverse relationships and experience in event production and entertainment marketing to maximize the quantity and diversity of performances staged at the Wang Theatre. These performances have included theatrical productions and family shows such as the Tony award-winning Annie the Musical , Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical, A Christmas Story , and Dr.   Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! as well as concerts, including multi-night runs by Steely Dan, Sting, Neil Young, Eddie Izzard, Jerry Seinfeld, and Furthur and performances from Jason Mraz, Leonard Cohen, Wilco, Tegan and Sara, John Legend and The Shins. The Wang Theatre seats approximately 3,600.

Our booking agreement expires in 2019. We have the option to renew the agreement at that time for an additional ten years by providing two years’ notice prior to the initial expiration date.

Other Investments

We continue to explore additional opportunities that strengthen our existing position within the sports and entertainment landscape and/or allow us to exploit our assets and core competencies for growth.

In September 2013, the Company acquired a 50 percent interest in Azoff-MSG. The Azoff-MSG entity owns and operates businesses in the entertainment industry and is currently focused on music management, performance rights, comedy and productions, and strategic marketing. This strategic partnership brings together the expertise and capabilities of each partner with the goal of jointly entering into attractive new businesses that generate revenue and cash flow. Since the joint venture began, Azoff-MSG has made investments for 50 percent interests in Levity Entertainment Group, Digital Brand Architects, Pop2Life, and Burns Entertainment. The core music management business continues to expand, and the development of the global music rights business is making significant progress. Azoff-MSG will remain focused on capitalizing on investment opportunities within its existing businesses as well as on others in its pipeline, with the goal of accelerating its revenue growth and profit trajectory.

In August 2013, the Company, in a new partnership with the owners of Brooklyn Bowl, invested in building a new venue in Las Vegas which was modeled after the Brooklyn Bowl destination in New York. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates” for further discussion.

In March 2014, the Company announced that it purchased a 50 percent interest in Tribeca Enterprises, the company that owns and operates the acclaimed Tribeca Film Festival, bringing together two of New York’s most

 

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important cultural and entertainment icons to enhance the reach and impact of both brands. The annual Film Festival supports and promotes both emerging and established directors and has attracted an international audience of more than 4.5 million attendees since it was founded in 2002. Tribeca Enterprises’ businesses also include Tribeca Digital Studios, a branded entertainment content business; Tribeca Cinemas, a unique event space; and Tribeca Film, an independent film distribution label. This joint venture augments our portfolio of premier New York City live entertainment brands, while also providing us with a high-profile entry into the festival business, with a team that has created one of the most successful festivals in the world. We will also explore joint sponsorship opportunities, which we believe provide a compelling opportunity to drive incremental growth at both companies. Meanwhile, Tribeca Enterprises now has access to our marketing and promotional expertise and platforms, along with our knowledge of ticketing and booking, which we expect will increase both awareness and attendance for the Tribeca Film Festival, along with other Tribeca Enterprises events.

On July 1, 2014, the Company completed its previously announced sale of Fuse to SiTV Media, Inc., which has since been renamed Fuse Media, Inc., the parent company of NUVOtv. NUVOtv is an English language entertainment network created for modern Latinos. As part of the transaction, the Company received a 15 percent equity interest in SiTV Media, LLC, which has since been renamed Fuse Media, LLC (“Fuse Media”). The Company’s 15 percent equity interest in Fuse Media was subject to potential reduction if Fuse Media did not meet certain performance goals, however, those goals were satisfied during the six months ended December 31, 2014.

Garden of Dreams Foundation

Spinco has a close association with The Garden of Dreams Foundation (the “Foundation”), a non-profit charity that is dedicated to making dreams come true for children facing obstacles. The Foundation works with 25 partner organizations throughout the tri-state area, including hospitals, wish organizations and community-based organizations, to reach children who are facing challenges such as homelessness, extreme poverty, illness and foster care. Since it began in 2006, the Foundation has used the magic of Spinco’s businesses — the Rangers, Knicks, Liberty and MSG Entertainment — to brighten the lives of more than 275,000 children and their families. The Foundation takes pride in its commitment to truly change lives, hosting more than 500 events and programs each year. They include: events with the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty; special celebrations and event attendance at The Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre; visits by Madison Square Garden celebrities; The Garden of Dreams Talent Show, where children perform on the Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall; The Garden of Dreams Prom, which brings together teens who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend their own prom; toy and coat drives; and the “Make A Dream Come True Program,” where children enjoy unforgettable experiences with celebrities and at events. In addition, through its Garden of Dreams Giving program, the Foundation helps its partner organizations meet the critical needs of the children they serve, including through direct support of scholarships and tangible, targeted community projects. The Foundation has served its partners by refurbishing pediatric wards at area hospitals, activity rooms at community facilities and foster care visiting areas at family services centers, and by rejuvenating neighborhood playgrounds and basketball courts — with plans for many more vital civic enhancements in the years to come.

Regulation

Our sports and entertainment businesses are subject to legislation governing the sale and resale of tickets and consumer protection statutes generally.

In addition, many of the events produced or promoted by our sports and entertainment businesses are presented in our venues which are, like all public spaces, subject to building and health codes and fire regulations imposed by the state and local governments in the jurisdictions in which our venues are located. These venues are also subject to zoning and outdoor advertising regulations, and, with respect to Radio City Music Hall and The Beacon Theatre, landmark regulations which restrict us from making certain modifications to our facilities as of right or from operating certain types of businesses. These venues also require a number of licenses in order for us

 

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to operate, including occupancy permits, exhibition licenses, food and beverage permits, liquor licenses and other authorizations. In addition, our venues are subject to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires us to maintain certain accessibility features at each of our facilities. See “Risk Factors — General Risks — We Are Subject to Extensive Governmental Regulation and Our Failure to Comply with These Regulations May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.”

The professional sports leagues in which we operate, primarily the NBA and NHL, claim the right under certain circumstances to regulate important aspects of our sports business and our team-related interactive businesses. See “— Our Business — MSG Sports — The Role of the Leagues in Our Operations.”

Our sports and entertainment businesses are also subject to certain regulations applicable to our Internet web sites and mobile applications. We maintain various web sites and mobile applications that provide information and content regarding our businesses, offer merchandise and tickets for sale and make available sweepstakes and/or contests. The operation of these web sites and applications may be subject to a range of federal, state and local laws such as privacy, accessibility for persons with disabilities and consumer protection regulations. The online and mobile operations relating to our sports teams may, in certain circumstances, be subject to certain agreements, rules, policies, regulations and directives of the leagues in which the respective team operates. See “— Our Business — MSG Sports — The Role of the Leagues in Our Operations.” In addition, any of our web sites intended primarily for children under 12 years of age must comply with certain limits on commercial matter.

Competition

Competition in Our Sports Business

Our sports business operates in a market in which numerous sports and entertainment opportunities are available. In addition to the NBA, NHL, WNBA and NBADL teams that we own and operate, the New York City metropolitan area is home to two Major League Baseball teams (the Yankees and the Mets), two National Football League teams (the Giants and the Jets), two additional NHL teams (the Islanders and the Devils), a second NBA team (the Nets) and two Major League Soccer franchises (the New York Red Bulls and the New York City Football Club). In addition, there are a number of other amateur and professional teams that compete in other sports, including at the collegiate and minor league levels. New York is also home to the U.S. Open tennis event each summer, as well as many other non-sports related entertainment options.

As a result of the large number of options available, we face strong competition for the New York area sports fan. We must compete with these other sporting events in varying respects and degrees, including on the basis of the quality of the teams we field, their success in the leagues in which they compete, our ability to provide an entertaining environment at our games and the prices we charge for our tickets. In addition, for fans who prefer the unique experience of NHL hockey, we must compete with the Islanders and Devils as well as, in varying respects and degrees, with other NHL hockey teams and the NHL itself. Similarly, for those fans attracted to the equally unique experience of NBA basketball, we must compete with the Nets as well as, in varying respects and degrees, with other NBA teams and the NBA itself. In addition, we also compete to varying degrees with other productions and live entertainment events for advertising and sponsorship dollars.

The amount of revenue we earn is influenced by many factors, including the popularity and on-court or on-ice performance of our professional sports teams and general economic conditions. In particular, when our teams have strong on-court and on-ice performance, we benefit from increased demand for tickets, potentially greater food and merchandise sales from increased attendance and increased sponsorship opportunities. When our teams make the playoffs, we also benefit from the attendance and in-game spending at the playoff games at the Arena. The year-to-year impact of team performance is somewhat moderated by the fact that a significant portion of our revenues derive from rights fees, suite rental fees and sponsorship and signage revenue, all of which are generally contracted on a multi-year basis. Nevertheless, the long-term performance of our business is tied to the success and popularity of our teams.

 

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See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Sports Business — Our Sports Business Faces Intense and Wide-Ranging Competition, Which May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.”

Competition in Our Entertainment Business

Our entertainment business competes, in certain respects and to varying degrees, with other live performances, sporting events, movies, home entertainment (including the Internet and online services, television, home video and gaming devices) and the large number of other entertainment and public attraction options available to members of the public. Our businesses typically represent alternative uses for the public’s entertainment dollar. The primary geographic area in which we operate, New York City, is among the most competitive entertainment markets in the world, with the world’s largest live theater industry and extensive performing arts venues, twelve major professional sports teams, numerous museums, galleries and other attractions, and numerous movie theaters available to the public. Our venues outside of New York City similarly compete with other entertainment options in their respective markets and elsewhere. We compete with these other entertainment options on the basis of the quality of our productions and the public’s interest in our content, as well as on the price of our tickets and the quality and location of our venues.

We compete for bookings with a large number of other venues both in the cities in which our venues are located and in alternative locations capable of booking the same productions and events. Generally, we compete for bookings on the basis of the size, quality, expense and nature of the venue required for the booking.

In addition to competition for ticket sales and bookings, we also compete to varying degrees with other productions and sporting events for advertising and sponsorship dollars.

See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Entertainment Business — Our Entertainment Business Faces Intense and Wide-Ranging Competition Which May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.”

Employees

As of [ ], 2015 we had approximately [ ] full-time union and non-union employees and [ ] part-time union and non-union employees. Approximately [ ]% of our employees were represented by unions as of [ ], 2015. Labor relations in general and in the sports and entertainment industry in particular can be volatile, though our current relationships with our unions taken as a whole are positive. We have from time to time faced labor action or had to make contingency plans because of threatened or potential labor actions.

The NHL players and the NBA players are covered by CBAs between the NHLPA and the NHL and between the NBPA and the NBA, respectively. Both the NHL and the NBA have experienced labor difficulties in the past and may have labor issues in the future. On June 30, 2011 the prior CBA between the NBA and NBPA expired and there was a work stoppage for approximately five months until a new CBA was entered into in December 2011. On September 15, 2012 the prior CBA between the NHL and NHLPA expired and there was a work stoppage for approximately four months until a new CBA was entered into in January 2013. See “Risk Factors — General Risks — Organized Labor Matters May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.”

Properties

We own the Madison Square Garden Complex, which includes The Garden (with a maximum capacity of approximately 21,000 seats) and The Theater at Madison Square Garden (approximately 5,600 seats) in New York City, comprising approximately 1,100,000 square feet; a training center in Greenburgh, NY with approximately 105,000 square feet of space; The Chicago Theatre (approximately 3,600 seats) in Chicago

 

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comprising approximately 72,600 square feet; and the Forum (approximately 17,800 seats) in Inglewood, CA comprising approximately 307,000 square feet.

Significant properties that are leased in New York City include approximately 266,000 square feet housing Spinco’s administrative and executive offices, approximately 577,000 square feet comprising Radio City Music Hall (approximately 6,000 seats) and approximately 57,000 square feet comprising the Beacon Theatre (approximately 2,800 seats). We also lease storage space in various other locations and parking locations in Inglewood, CA for the Forum. For more information on our venues, see “— Our Business — Our Venues.”

Our Madison Square Garden Complex is subject to and benefits from various easements, including the “breezeway” into Madison Square Garden from Seventh Avenue in New York City (which we share with other property owners). Our ability to continue to utilize this and other easements requires us to comply with certain conditions. Moreover, certain adjoining property owners have easements over our property, which we are required to maintain so long as those property owners meet certain conditions.

Legal Proceedings

In March 2012, the Company was named as a defendant in two purported class action antitrust lawsuits brought in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the NHL and certain NHL member clubs, regional sports networks and cable and satellite distributors. The second complaint, which was substantially identical to the first, was dismissed after its named plaintiff was named as a co-plaintiff in the first complaint. The operative complaint primarily asserts that certain of the NHL’s current rules and agreements entered into by defendants, which are alleged by the plaintiffs to provide certain territorial and other exclusivities with respect to the television and online distribution of live hockey games, violate Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief against the defendants’ continued violation of the antitrust laws, treble damages, attorneys’ fees and pre- and post-judgment interest. On July 27, 2012, the Company and the other defendants filed a motion to dismiss. On December 5, 2012, the court issued an opinion and order largely denying the motion to dismiss. On April 8, 2014, following the conclusion of fact discovery, all defendants filed motions for summary judgment seeking dismissal of the case in its entirety. On August 8, 2014, the Court denied the motions for summary judgment. On May 14, 2015, the court denied plaintiffs’ class certification motion with respect to damages but granted it with respect to injunctive relief. Both plaintiffs and defendants filed petitions with the Court of Appeals seeking pretrial review of these rulings. On June 10, 2015, the parties entered into a proposed settlement (the “Settlement”) of the lawsuit and the Settlement was filed with the Court on June 11, 2015. The Settlement would not result in any changes to the Company’s distribution of NHL games on the MSG Networks or in any MSG payment obligations. The Settlement is subject to Court approval. If the Settlement is approved by the Court, the lawsuit and all appeals will be withdrawn with prejudice. On June 15, 2015, the Court granted preliminary approval of the Settlement, directed that notice of the proposed Settlement be sent to the putative class and scheduled a hearing on final approval for August 31, 2015. If the Court does not approve the Settlement by September 15, 2015, any party to the Settlement may void the Settlement. In the event that the Settlement is voided, the defendants, including the Company, will continue to vigorously defend the claims.

The Company is a defendant in various other lawsuits. Although the outcome of these other lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that resolution of these other lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Financial Information about Segments and Geographic Areas

Substantially all revenues and assets of the Company’s reportable segments are attributed to or located in the United States and are primarily concentrated in the New York City metropolitan area. Financial information by business segments for each of the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Combined Financial Statements as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 and For the Three Years Ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 — Notes to Combined Financial Statements — Note 18” and “Combined Financial Statements as of March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) and June 30, 2014 and For the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 — Notes to Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) — Note 13.”

 

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Emerging Growth Company Status

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act and we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies.” These exemptions generally include not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

Although we are still evaluating the JOBS Act, we may take advantage of some or all of the reduced regulatory and reporting requirements that will be available to us as long as we qualify as an emerging growth company, except that we have irrevocably elected not to take advantage of the extension of time to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards available under Section 102(b) of the JOBS Act.

We will, in general, remain as an emerging growth company for up to five full fiscal years following the Distribution. We would cease to be an emerging growth company and, therefore, become ineligible to rely on the above exemptions, if we:

 

    have more than $1 billion in annual revenue in a fiscal year;

 

    issue more than $1 billion of non-convertible debt during the preceding three-year period; or

 

    become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2, which would occur after: (i) we have filed at least one annual report pursuant to the Exchange Act; (ii) we have been an SEC-reporting company for at least 12 months; and (iii) the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

We do not expect to pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. All decisions regarding the payment of dividends will be made by our Board of Directors from time to time in accordance with applicable law.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2015 and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and the unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended June 30, 2014 are based on the historical combined financial statements of the Company. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements presented below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our combined annual and interim financial statements and corresponding notes thereto included elsewhere in this information statement. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements reflect certain known impacts as a result of the Distribution to separate the Company from MSG. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements have been prepared giving effect to the Distribution as if this transaction had occurred as of July 1, 2013 for the unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended June 30, 2014 and for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2015, and as of March 31, 2015 for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet.

In connection with the Distribution, the Company will acquire the subsidiaries, businesses and other assets owned by MSG, directly or indirectly, as described in this information statement including the sports and entertainment businesses, as well as the venues, of MSG. These transfers to us by MSG are treated as a contribution to our capital at MSG’s historical cost.

The unaudited pro forma combined financial information set forth below have been derived from the combined annual and interim financial statements of the Company including the unaudited condensed combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2015 and the unaudited condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and for the year ended June 30, 2014 included elsewhere within this information statement. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information also reflects certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable given the information currently available.

The costs to operate our business as an independent public entity are expected to exceed the historical allocations, including corporate and administrative charges from MSG of approximately $[●] million and $[●] million for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and for the year ended June 30, 2014, respectively reflected in the accompanying annual and interim combined financial statements presented elsewhere within this information statement and principally relate to areas that include, but are not limited to:

 

    increased corporate personnel overhead expenses as a result of the assumption of corporate personnel by Spinco whose expense was previously allocated to a significantly greater extent to the former media division (as compared to anticipated transition services reimbursements);

 

    additional professional fees associated with audits, tax, legal and other services;

 

    increased insurance premiums;

 

    costs relating to board of directors’ fees;

 

    stock market listing fees, investor relations costs and fees for preparing and distributing periodic filings with the SEC; and

 

    other administrative costs and fees, including anticipated incremental executive compensation costs related to existing and new executive management and excluding future share-based compensation expense.

The preliminary estimates for these net incremental expenses in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016 range between approximately $[●] million and $[●] million on an annual basis going forward. The pro forma impact of such incremental costs has not been reflected herein as many of the costs expected to comprise this increase are not factually supportable at this time. Actual expenses could vary from this range estimate and such variations could be material.

 

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Costs related to the separation of approximately $[●] million have been incurred by MSG for the nine months ended March 31, 2015. These costs include accounting, legal and consulting fees. MSG has assumed all of these costs to date and anticipates that it will be responsible for all similar costs prior to the separation of Spinco from MSG. Therefore, in the historical and unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2015, no transaction costs incurred by MSG were allocated to Spinco or otherwise reflected in our financial results.

In connection with the Distribution, the Company will enter into media rights agreements covering the Knicks and the Rangers which will provide MSG exclusive media rights to team games in their local markets. Each of the media rights agreements has a stated term of 20 years, with an annual rights fee in the first year of $100 million for the Knicks and $30 million for the Rangers. The rights fee in each media rights agreement is to increase annually and is subject to adjustments in certain circumstances, including if we do not make available a minimum number of games in any year. MSG has certain rights to match third party offers received by the Knicks or Rangers, as the case may be, for the media rights following the term of the agreement. The pro forma adjustments to our historical statements of operations reflect the incremental revenues from these new agreements.

In addition, Spinco and MSG will enter into an Advertising Agreement pursuant to which Spinco will have the exclusive right and obligation to sell MSG Networks’ advertising availabilities for an initial stated term of seven years, subject to certain termination rights, including Spinco’s right to terminate if Spinco and MSG are no longer affiliates and MSG’s right to terminate if certain sales thresholds are not met unless Spinco pays MSG the shortfall. All MSG personnel who worked on advertising sales will transfer to Spinco. The pro forma adjustments to our historical statements of operations reflect the incremental revenues and expenses from this agreement.

These unaudited pro forma combined financial statements reflect other adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the pro forma combined results of operations and combined financial position of the Company as of and for the periods indicated. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information is for illustrative and informational purposes only and is not intended to represent or be indicative of what our financial condition or results of operations would have been had the Company operated historically as a company independent of MSG or if the Distribution had occurred on the dates indicated. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information also should not be considered representative of our future combined financial condition or combined results of operations.

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

March 31, 2015

(in thousands)

 

     Historical
      Spinco (a)       
    

Pro Forma

   Adjustments   

  Pro Forma
Combined
 

ASSETS

  

 

Current Assets:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,141       $ [●] (b)    $ [●]     

Restricted cash

     20,530         —          20,530   

Accounts receivable, net

     78,264         —          78,264   

Net related party receivables

     671         —          671   

Prepaid expenses

     32,851         —          32,851   

Loan receivable from MSG

     30,543         —          30,543   

Other current assets

     35,730         —          35,730   
    

 

    

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

     212,730         —          [●]     

Investments and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates

     244,339         —          244,339   

Property and equipment, net

     1,202,109         —          1,202,109   

Amortizable intangible assets, net

     24,059         —          24,059   

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

     166,850         —          166,850   

Goodwill

     277,166         —          277,166   

Other assets

     81,120         —          81,120   
    

 

    

 

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,208,373       $ —        $ [●]     
    

 

    

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ / DIVISIONAL EQUITY

       

Current Liabilities:

       

Accounts payable

   $ 3,432       $ —        $ 3,432   

Net related party payables

     1,399         —          1,399   

Accrued liabilities:

       

Employee related costs

     97,582         —          97,582   

Other accrued liabilities

     130,463         —          130,463   

Deferred revenue

     336,687         —          336,687   
    

 

    

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     569,563         —          569,563   

Defined benefit and other postretirement obligations

     72,545         —          72,545   

Other employee related costs

     51,924         —          51,924   

Other liabilities

     50,236         —          50,236   

Deferred tax liability

     204,538         —          204,538   
    

 

    

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     948,806         —          948,806   
    

 

    

 

 

 

 

Equity

       

MSG investment

     1,294,129         [●] (b),(c)      [●]     

Common stock—Class A

     —           [●] (c),(d)      [●]     

Common stock—Class B

     —           [●] (c),(d)      [●]     

Additional paid-in capital

     —           [●] (c),(e)      [●]     

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (34,562      —          (34,562
    

 

    

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ / divisional equity

     1,259,567         —          [●]     
    

 

    

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ / divisional equity

   $ 2,208,373       $ —        $ [●]     
    

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2015

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Historical
         Spinco (a)           
     Pro Forma
     Adjustments     
  Pro Forma
        Combined        
 

Revenues

   $ 816,586       $ 43,374 (f),(g)    $ 859,960   

Operating expenses:

       

Direct operating

     568,004         6,270 (h)      574,274   

Selling, general and administrative

     168,188         —          168,188   

Depreciation and amortization

     85,119         —          85,119   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
     821,311         6,270        827,581   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income

     (4,725      37,104        32,379   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

       

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (35,049      —          (35,049

Interest income

     2,216         —          2,216   

Interest expense

     (1,881      —          (1,881

Miscellaneous

     191         —          191   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
     (34,523      —          (34,523
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations before income taxes

     (39,248      37,104        (2,144

Income tax expense

     (317      [●] (i)      [●]   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (39,565    $ [●]      $ [●]   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma loss per share

       

Basic and diluted

        $ [●] (j) 

Pro forma weighted-average common shares outstanding:

       

Basic and diluted

          [●] (j) 

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended June 30, 2014

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Historical
Spinco (a)
     Pro Forma
      Adjustments      
  Pro Forma
Combined
 

Revenues

   $ 913,615       $ 55,909 (f),(g)    $ 969,524   

Operating expenses:

       

Direct operating

     714,825         7,324 (h)      722,149   

Selling, general and administrative

     221,109         —          221,109   

Depreciation and amortization

     91,709         —          91,709   
    

 

    

 

 

 

 
     1,027,643         7,324        1,034,967   
    

 

    

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

     (114,028      48,585        (65,443
    

 

    

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

       

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

     (1,323      —          (1,323

Interest income

     1,548         —          1,548   

Interest expense

     (1,528      —          (1,528

Miscellaneous

     95         —          95   
    

 

    

 

 

 

 
     (1,208      —          (1,208
    

 

    

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations before income taxes

     (115,236      48,585        (115,236

Income tax expense

     (1,697      [●] (i)      [●]   
    

 

    

 

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (116,933    $ [●]      $ [●]   
    

 

    

 

 

 

 

Pro forma loss per share

       

Basic and diluted

          $ [●] (j) 

Pro forma weighted-average common shares outstanding

       

Basic and diluted

          [●] (j) 

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

a) Historical combined financial statements reflect the historical financial position and results of operations of Spinco.

 

b) Reflects the cash contribution from MSG on or prior to the Distribution date.

 

c) Adjustment reflects the pro forma recapitalization of our equity. As of the Distribution date, MSG’s net investment in our Company will be distributed to MSG’s stockholders through the distribution of all the common stock of Spinco.

 

d) Reflects approximately [●] million shares of Class A Common Stock, par value of $0.01 per share, and approximately [●] million shares of Class B Common Stock, par value of $0.01. The number of shares of common stock is based on the number of shares of MSG Class A and Class B Common Stock outstanding on March 31, 2015 and an expected distribution ratio of one share of Spinco common stock for every [●] shares of MSG common stock held on the record date. The actual number of shares outstanding will not be known until the record date for the Distribution.

 

e) Reflects additional paid-in capital of $[●], representing the contribution to the Company by MSG of the assets, liabilities and businesses described in this Information Statement, valued at MSG’s historical cost.

 

f) Reflects the pro forma adjustment for the increased rights fees payable to Spinco under the new media rights agreements of $33.0 million and $43.7 million for the Knicks and Rangers, collectively, for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and for the year ended June 30, 2014, respectively. The Company entered into a long-term media rights agreement with MSG that will provide a significant recurring and growing revenue stream to the Company, subject to the terms of such agreements, and will provide Knicks and Rangers fans the opportunity to watch team games on MSG’s regional sports networks. See “Certain Relationships And Related Party Transactions — Media Rights Agreements.”

 

g) Pursuant to the Advertising Agreement, with MSG, Spinco will obtain the exclusive right and obligation to sell MSG Networks’ advertising availabilities for an initial stated term of seven years. This adjustment reflects the pro forma impact of the advertising sales commission revenue based on the historical results of MSG Networks’ advertising department of $10.3 million and $12.2 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and for the year ended June 30, 2014. See “Certain Relationships And Related Party Transactions — Advertising Agreement.”

 

h) Reflects the expense associated with MSG advertising personnel, who will transfer to Spinco in connection with the Advertising Agreement, of $6.3 million and $7.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and for the year ended June 30, 2014, respectively.

 

i) The income tax effects of pro forma adjustments are recorded at the applicable statutory tax rates, net of adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowance, resulting in an overall tax impact of zero.

 

j) Pro forma earnings per share and pro forma weighted-average basic shares outstanding are based on the number of shares of MSG Class A and Class B Common Stock outstanding of [●] million and [●] million during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and for the year ended June 30, 2014, respectively, adjusted for an assumed distribution ratio of one share of our common stock for every [●] shares of MSG Class A and Class B Common Stock held on the record date for the Distribution.

 

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The operating and balance sheet data included in the following selected financial data table have been derived from the combined financial statements of Spinco. The financial information presented below for periods prior to the Distribution date does not necessarily reflect what our results of operations and financial position would have been if we had operated as a separate publicly-traded entity during those periods. The selected financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with the combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement and with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
    Years Ended June 30,  
     2015     2014     2014     2013     2012  
     (in thousands)  

Operating Data:

          

Revenues

   $ 816,586      $ 700,172      $ 913,615      $ 722,943      $ 728,867   

Operating expenses:

          

Direct operating

     568,004        540,752        714,825        533,282        530,307   

Selling, general and administrative

     168,188        153,226        221,109        176,139        171,757   

Depreciation and amortization

     85,119        65,249        91,709        72,551        62,940   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

  (4,725   (59,055   (114,028   (59,029   (36,137 )

Other income (expense):

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

  (35,049   (75   (1,323   —        —     

Interest income (expense), net

  335      (167   20      (1,609   (867 )

Miscellaneous

  191      95      95      3,497      7,072   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from operations before income taxes

  (39,248   (59,202   (115,236   (57,141   (29,932 )

Income tax expense

  (317   (1,272   (1,697   (1,133   (6,350 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

$ (39,565 $ (60,474 $ (116,933 $ (58,274 $ (36,282 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Data:

Total assets

$ 2,208,373    $ 2,157,765    $ 2,137,191    $ 1,732,863    $ 1,580,868   

Total divisional equity

  1,259,567      1,245,174      1,191,203      916,764      828,735   

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) contains forward-looking statements. In this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, there are statements concerning our future operating and future financial performance, including the opening of New York Spring Spectacular, the Company’s new large-scale theatrical production, the benefit of The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden and the Forum being available for events for a full fiscal year, expected growth in suite rental revenue and sponsorship and signage revenues and increases in rights fee revenues from our new rights agreements with MSG. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” “continue,” “intends,” “plans,” and similar words and terms used in the discussion of future operating and future financial performance identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties and that actual results or developments may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Factors that may cause such differences to occur include, but are not limited to:

 

    the level of our revenues, which depends in part on the popularity and competitiveness of our sports teams and the level and popularity of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular , New York Spring Spectacular and other entertainment events which are presented in our venues;

 

    costs associated with player injuries, and waivers or contract terminations of players and other team personnel;

 

    changes in professional sports teams’ compensation, including the impact of signing free agents and trades, subject to league salary caps and the impact of luxury tax obligations;

 

    the level of our capital expenditures and other investments;

 

    general economic conditions, especially in the New York City metropolitan area where we conduct the majority of our operations;

 

    the demand for sponsorship arrangements and for advertising;

 

    competition, for example, from other teams, other venues and other sports and entertainment options;

 

    changes in laws, NBA or NHL rules, regulations, guidelines, bulletins, directives, policies and agreements (including the leagues’ respective collective bargaining agreements with their players’ associations, salary caps, revenue sharing, NBA luxury tax thresholds and telecast rights) or other regulations under which we operate;

 

    any NBA or NHL work stoppage;

 

    seasonal fluctuations and other variation in our operating results and cash flow from period to period;

 

    the level of our expenses, including our corporate expenses as a stand-alone publicly traded company;

 

    the successful development of new live productions or enhancements to existing productions and the investments associated with such development or enhancements;

 

    the acquisition or disposition of assets and/or the impact of, and our ability to, successfully pursue acquisitions or other strategic transactions;

 

    the operating and financial performance of our strategic acquisitions and investments, including those we do not control;

 

    the costs associated with, and the outcome of, litigation and other proceedings to the extent uninsured;

 

    the impact of governmental regulations or laws, including the continued benefit of certain tax exemptions and the ability to maintain necessary permits or licenses;

 

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    financial community and rating agency perceptions of our business, operations, financial condition and the industry in which we operate;

 

    our ownership of professional sports franchises in the NBA and NHL and certain transfer restrictions on our common stock;

 

    our status as an emerging growth company; and

 

    the additional factors described under “Risk Factors” in this information statement.

We disclaim any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein, except as otherwise required by applicable federal securities laws.

All dollar amounts included in the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are presented in thousands, except as otherwise noted.

Introduction

Our MD&A is provided as a supplement to the audited combined annual financial statements and unaudited interim condensed combined financial statements and footnotes thereto included elsewhere in this information statement to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of our operations. The information included in this MD&A should be read in conjunction with the annual and interim combined financial statements included in this information statement as well as the financial data set forth under “Selected Financial Data” and the pro forma combined financial information set forth under “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information.” Our MD&A is organized as follows:

Proposed Distribution and Basis of Presentation . This section provides a general description of the proposed spinoff that would separate The Madison Square Garden Company into two distinct publicly-traded companies.

Business Overview . This section provides a general description of our business, as well as other matters that we believe are important in understanding our results of operations and financial condition and in anticipating future trends.

Combined Results of Operations . This section provides an analysis of our results of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, and the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Our discussion is presented on both a combined and segment basis. Our segments are MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports.

Liquidity and Capital Resources . This section provides a discussion of our financial condition as of March 31, 2015, as well as an analysis of our cash flows for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The discussion of our financial condition and liquidity includes summaries of (i) our primary sources of liquidity and (ii) our contractual obligations and off balance sheet arrangements that existed at June 30, 2014.

Seasonality of Our Business . This section discusses the seasonal performance of our MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment segments. Because of the seasonality of these segments, our results for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of full-year performance.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Critical Accounting Policies . This section discusses accounting policies considered to be important to our financial condition and results of operations and which require significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in their application. In addition, all of our significant accounting policies, including our critical accounting policies, are discussed in the notes to our annual combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement.

 

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Proposed Distribution and Basis of Presentation

At meetings on October 27, 2014 and December 18, 2014, the MSG board of directors authorized and directed the Company’s management to explore spin-off transactions, including a spin-off of the MSG sports and entertainment businesses from the MSG media business.

The spin-off is expected to be completed through a tax-free pro rata distribution by MSG of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock to the holders of MSG Class A Common Stock and MSG Class B Common Stock, respectively. During March 2015, the newly formed registrant, Spinco, was incorporated in the State of Delaware.

As part of the Distribution, it is anticipated that Spinco’s opening balance sheet will be funded with a cash investment of $[●] from MSG.

Completion of the proposed Distribution is subject to certain conditions, including final approval by the MSG board of directors, certain approvals by the NBA and NHL, receipt of a tax opinion, the filing and effectiveness of a registration statement, of which this information statement forms a part, with the SEC and the completion of a debt financing by MSG that meets the needs of both MSG and Spinco to effect the Distribution and operate independently following the Distribution. There can be no assurance that the spin-off transaction will be completed.

The stand-alone combined financial statements of Spinco (the “combined financial statements”) were prepared on a stand-alone basis derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of MSG. These financial statements reflect the combined historical results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 1-B, Allocation of Expenses and Related Disclosure in Financial Statements of Subsidiaries, Divisions or Lesser Business Components of Another Entity . References to U.S. GAAP issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, also referred to as the “Codification” or “ASC.”

Historically, separate financial statements have not been prepared for Spinco, and it has not operated as a stand-alone business from MSG. The combined financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held by MSG or by other MSG subsidiaries but are specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to Spinco. All significant intercompany transactions between MSG and Spinco have been included as components of MSG investment in the combined financial statements, as they are to be considered effectively settled upon effectiveness of the Distribution. The combined financial statements are presented as if the Spinco businesses had been combined for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities in the combined financial statements have been reflected on a historical cost basis, as immediately prior to the Distribution of all the assets and liabilities presented are wholly-owned by MSG and are being transferred to Spinco at carry-over basis.

The combined statements of operations include allocations for certain support functions that are provided on a centralized basis and not historically recorded at the business unit level, such as expenses related to finance, human resources, information technology, and facilities, among others. As part of the Distribution, certain support functions are being transferred to Spinco and, therefore, charges were reflected in order to properly burden all business units comprising MSG’s historical operations. These expenses have been allocated to MSG on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro-rata basis of combined revenues, headcount or other measures of Spinco or MSG. Management believes the assumptions underlying the combined financial statements, including the assumptions regarding allocating general corporate expenses are reasonable. Nevertheless, the combined financial statements may not include all of the actual expenses that would have been incurred by the Company and may not reflect its combined results of operations, financial position and cash flows had it been a stand-alone company during the periods presented. Actual costs that would have been incurred if the Company had been a stand-alone company would depend on multiple factors, including organizational structure and strategic decisions made in various areas, including information technology and infrastructure.

 

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Business Overview

The Company is a live sports and entertainment business comprised of dynamic and powerful assets and brands. The Company is comprised of two business segments: MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports, which are strategically aligned to work together to drive our overall business, which is built on a foundation of iconic venues and compelling content, including live sports and entertainment events that we create, produce and present. The Company conducts a significant portion of its operations at venues that it either owns or operates under long-term leases or booking arrangements. The Company owns The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the Forum in Inglewood, CA and The Chicago Theatre in Chicago. In addition, the Company leases Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City, and has a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston. A description of our segments follows:

MSG Entertainment

Our MSG Entertainment segment, which represented approximately 33% of our combined revenues for the year ended June 30, 2014, is one of the country’s leaders in live entertainment . MSG Entertainment presents or hosts live entertainment events, including concerts, family shows, performing arts and special events in our diverse collection of venues. Those venues include The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, the Forum, The Chicago Theatre and the Wang Theatre. The scope of our collection of venues enables us to showcase acts that cover a wide spectrum of genres and popular appeal. Over the last several years, our venues have hosted artists such as Billy Joel, the Eagles, Madonna, Phish, Elton John, Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers Band, Bruce Springsteen, Maroon 5, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Ed Sheeran, Katie Perry, Stevie Wonder, Sting and Paul Simon, Coldplay, One Direction, Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chappelle; family shows such as Sesame Street Live, Yo Gabba Gabba Live and Disney Junior Live! ; special events such as the Tony Awards, America’s Got Talent and appearances by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, along with graduations, television upfronts and product launches; and theatrical productions such as A Christmas Story, How The Grinch Stole Christmas! and Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana . Although we primarily license our venues to third-party promoters for a fee, we also promote or co-promote shows in which case we have economic risk relating to the event. MSG Entertainment currently does not promote or co-promote events outside of our venues.

MSG Entertainment also creates, produces and/or presents live productions that are performed in the Company’s venues. This includes the Radio City Christmas Spectacular , which is the top grossing live holiday family show in North America, and New York Spring Spectacular , which opened in March 2015, both of which feature the Rockettes. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular has been performed at Radio City Music Hall for 82 years and more than one million tickets were sold for performances during the 2014 holiday season. In addition, during the 2014 holiday season the Company presented the theater version of the show in Omaha, Houston and, for the 13th year, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The Company regularly evaluates the theatrical productions of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular presented outside of New York and has made the decision to end these productions as the Company continues to explore new approaches to best showcase the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Rockettes brands. The theatrical productions of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular presented outside of New York generated direct contribution to AOCF of approximately $4,400 during the 2014 holiday season. As a result of the decision to end these productions, in future periods, the Company will not benefit from the annual AOCF that such productions historically contributed to the Company and the Company does not have any immediate plans to replace this lost AOCF with other touring productions. Nevertheless, the Company decided to end such productions because it believes that this decision will benefit the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Rockettes brands over the long-term and allow management to focus its attention on the New York production of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular , New York Spring Spectacular and other initiatives .

Revenue Sources

Our primary sources of revenue in our MSG Entertainment segment are ticket sales to our live audiences for events that we produce or promote/co-promote and license fees for our venues paid by third-party promoters in connection with events that we do not produce or promote/co-promote . We also generate revenue from other sources, including facility and ticketing fees, concessions, sponsorships and signage, a portion of suite license

 

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fees at The Garden, merchandising and tours of our venues. The levels of revenue and expense we record in our MSG Entertainment segment for a given event depends to a significant extent on whether we are promoting or co-promoting the event or are licensing our venue to a third party.

Ticket Sales and Suite Licenses

For our productions and for entertainment events in our venues that we promote, we recognize revenues from the sale of tickets to our audiences. We sell tickets to the public through our box office, via our web sites and ticketing agencies and through group sales. The amount of revenue we earn from ticket sales depends on the number of shows and the mix of events that we promote, the seating capacity of the venue used, the extent to which we can sell to our seating capacity and our ticket prices.

The Garden has 21 Event Level suites, 58 Madison Level suites, and 18 Signature Level suites. Suite licenses at The Garden are generally sold to corporate customers pursuant to multi-year licenses. Under standard suite licenses, the licensees pay an annual license fee, which varies depending on the location of the suite. The license fee includes, for each seat in the suite, tickets for events at The Garden for which tickets are sold to the general public, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, suite holders pay for food and beverage service in their suites at The Garden. Revenues from the sale of suite licenses are shared between our MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports segments.

Venue License Fees

For entertainment events held at our venues that we do not produce, promote or co-promote, we typically earn venue license fees from the third-party promoter of the event. The amount of license fees we charge varies by venue, as well as by the size of the production and the number of days of the event, among other factors. Our fees include both the cost of renting space in our venues and costs for providing production services, such as front-of-house and back-of-house staffs, including stagehands, box office staff, ushers, security, staging, lighting and sound, and building services.

Whether we are promoting an event or licensing our venues to a third-party promoter has a significant impact on the level of revenues and the costs that we record in our MSG Entertainment segment.

Facility and Ticketing Fees

For all public and ticketed entertainment events held in our venues, we also earn additional revenues on substantially all tickets sold, whether we promote or co-promote the event or license the venue to a third party. These revenues are earned in the form of certain fees and assessments, including the facility fee we charge on tickets we sell, and vary by venue.

Concessions

We sell food and beverages during substantially all entertainment events held at our venues. In addition to concession-style sales of food and beverages, which represent the majority of our concession revenues, we also provide catering for our suites at The Garden for a fee.

Merchandise

We earn revenues from the sale of merchandise relating to our proprietary productions and other live entertainment events that take place at our venues. The majority of our merchandise revenues are generated through on-site sales during performances of our productions and other live events. We also generate revenues from the sales of our Radio City Christmas Spectacular merchandise, such as ornaments and apparel, through traditional retail channels. Typically, revenues from our merchandise sales at our non-proprietary events relate to sales of merchandise provided by the artist, the producer or promoter of the event and are generally subject to a revenue sharing arrangement.

 

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Venue Signage and Sponsorship

We earn revenues through the sale of signage space and sponsorship rights in connection with our venues, productions and other live entertainment events. Signage revenues generally involve the sale of advertising space at The Garden during entertainment events and otherwise in our venues.

Sponsorship rights may require us to use the name, logos and other trademarks of a sponsor in our advertising and in promotions for our venues, productions and other live entertainment events. Sponsorship arrangements may be exclusive within a particular sponsorship category or non-exclusive and generally permit a sponsor to use the name, logos and other trademarks of our productions, events and venues in connection with their own advertising and in promotions in our venues or in the community.

Expenses

Our MSG Entertainment segment’s principal expenses are payments made to performers and promoters, staging costs and day-of-event costs associated with events, and advertising costs. We charge a portion of our actual expenses associated with the ownership, lease, maintenance and operation of our venues, along with a portion of our corporate expenses to our MSG Entertainment segment. However, the operating results of our MSG Entertainment segment benefit from the fact that no rent is charged to the segment for use of the Company’s owned venues. We do not allocate to our segments any depreciation expense on property and equipment related to The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden or the Forum.

Performer Payments

Our productions are performed by talented actors, dancers, singers, musicians and entertainers. In order to attract and retain this talent, we are required to pay our performers an amount that is commensurate both with their abilities and with demand for their services from other entertainment companies. Our productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular , typically feature ensemble casts (such as the Rockettes), where there is no single “headline” performer. As a result, most of our performers are paid based on a standard “scale,” pursuant to collective bargaining agreements we negotiate with the performers’ unions. For New York Spring Spectacular , certain performers have individually negotiated contracts.

Staging Costs

Staging costs for our proprietary events as well as others that we promote include the costs of sets, lighting, display technologies, special effects, sound and all of the other technical aspects involved in presenting a live entertainment event. These costs vary substantially depending on the nature of the particular show, but tend to be highest for large-scale theatrical productions, such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular . For concerts we promote, the performer usually provides a fully-produced show. As with performer salaries, the staging costs associated with a given production are an important factor in the determination of ticket prices.

Day-of-Event Costs

For days on which MSG Entertainment stages its productions, promotes an event or provides one of our venues to a third-party promoter under a license fee arrangement, the event is charged the variable costs associated with such event, including box office personnel, stagehands, ticket takers, ushers, security, and other similar expenses. In situations where we provide our venues to a third-party promoter under a license fee arrangement, day-of-event costs are typically included in the license fees charged to the promoter.

Marketing and Advertising Costs

We incur significant costs promoting our productions and other events through outdoor and newspaper advertisements, television and radio advertising and social, digital and search advertising. In light of the intense competition for entertainment events, such expenditures are a necessity to drive interest in our productions and encourage members of the public to purchase tickets to our shows.

 

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Touring Expenses

For the Radio City Christmas Spectacular production presented outside of New York, we paid the logistical costs associated with travel and equipment, as well as fees and expenses, including the costs of venue staff, for the use of third-party venues. The Company regularly evaluates the theatrical productions of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular presented outside of New York and has made the decision to end these productions as the Company continues to explore new approaches to best showcase the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the Rockettes brands.

Factors Affecting Operating Results

The operating results of our MSG Entertainment segment are largely dependent on our ability to attract concerts, family shows and other events to our venues, as well as the continuing popularity of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Our MSG Entertainment segment recognized operating losses during the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. These results reflect the impact of The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden being shut down because of the Transformation for the off-season following the Knicks and Rangers playoffs during these fiscal years thus limiting MSG Entertainment’s ability to present or host events at these venues.

Our MSG Entertainment segment’s future performance is dependent in part on general economic conditions, and the effect of these conditions on our customers. Weak economic conditions may lead to lower demand for suite licenses and tickets to our live productions, concerts, family shows and other events, which would also negatively affect concession and merchandise sales, as well as lower levels of sponsorship and venue signage. These conditions may also affect the number of concerts, family shows and other events that take place in the future. An economic downturn could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

The Company has invested in New York Spring Spectacular, a large-scale theatrical production for Radio City Music Hall, which opened in March 2015, and continues to explore additional opportunities to expand our presence in the entertainment industry. Any new investment may not initially contribute to operating income, but is intended to become operationally profitable over time. Our results will also be affected by investments in, and the success of, new productions.

MSG Sports

Our MSG Sports segment, which represented approximately 67% of our combined revenues for the year ended June 30, 2014, owns and operates sports franchises, including the Knicks, a founding member of the NBA, and the Rangers, one of the “original six” franchises of the NHL. MSG Sports also owns and operates the Liberty of the WNBA, one of the league’s founding franchises, and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, which is the primary player development team for the Rangers and is also competitive in its own right in the AHL. In March 2014, the Company acquired the rights to own and operate an NBADL team, named the Westchester Knicks, which began operations during the 2014-15 season and plays its home games at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York. The Knicks, Rangers and Liberty play home games at The Garden. The Liberty have historically played 17 regular season home games at The Garden. However, due to the Transformation, they played their 2013, 2012 and 2011 seasons at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey before returning to The Garden for their 2014 season. Our sports business also features other sports properties, including the presentation of a wide variety of live sporting events including professional boxing, college basketball, professional bull riding, tennis and college wrestling.

Revenue Sources

We earn revenue in our MSG Sports segment from several primary sources: ticket sales and a portion of suite license fees at The Garden, our share of distributions from NHL and NBA league-wide national and international television contracts and other league-wide revenue sources, venue signage and other sponsorships,

 

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concessions and merchandising . Our MSG Sports segment also earns substantial fees from MSG Media for the local right to telecast the games of our professional sports teams . We also earn venue license fees, primarily from the rental of The Garden to third-party promoters holding their sports events at our arena . The amount of revenue we earn is influenced by many factors, including the popularity and on-court or on-ice performance of our professional sports teams and general economic conditions . In particular, when our teams have strong on-court and on-ice performance, we benefit from increased demand for tickets, potentially greater food and merchandise sales from increased attendance and increased sponsorship opportunities. When our teams make the playoffs, we also benefit from the attendance and in-game spending at the playoff games at the Arena. The year-to-year impact of team performance is somewhat moderated by the fact that a significant portion of our revenues derive from rights fees, suite rental fees and sponsorship and signage revenue, all of which are generally contracted on a multi-year basis. Nevertheless, the long-term performance of our business is tied to the success and popularity of our teams.

Ticket Sales, Suite Licenses, Venue Licenses, Facility and Ticketing Fees

Ticket sales have historically constituted the largest single source of revenue for our MSG Sports segment . We sell tickets to our sports teams’ home games through season tickets, which are typically held by long-term season subscribers, through group sales, and through single-game tickets, which are purchased by fans either individually or in multi-game packages . The prices of our tickets vary, depending on the sports team and the location of the seats . We generally review and set the price of our tickets before the start of each team’s season . We also earn revenue from the sale of tickets to live sporting events that we promote other than our teams’ games.

Revenues from the sale of suite licenses are shared between the MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports segments. See “— MSG Entertainment — Revenue Sources” for further discussion.

In addition to our teams’ home games, we also present or host other live sporting events at our venues . When the Company acts as the promoter of such events, the Company typically earns revenues from ticket sales and incurs expenses associated with the event . When these events are promoted by third-party promoters, the Company typically earns venue license fees and/or revenues from ticket sales from the promoter for use of our venues . When licensing our venues, the amount recorded as revenue also includes the event’s variable costs such as the costs of front-of-house and back-of-house staffs, including union laborers, box office staff, ushers, security and building services, which we pass along to the promoter . The mix of live sporting events, including whether we are the promoter of an event or license our venues to a third-party promoter, could have a significant impact on the level of revenues and event related costs that we record in our MSG Sports segment.

Our MSG Sports segment also earns revenues in the form of certain fees and assessments added to ticket prices for events held at our venues, regardless of whether we act as promoter for such events . This currently includes a facility fee the Company charges on tickets it sells to all events at our venues, except for team season tickets and certain other limited exceptions.

Telecast Rights

We earn revenue from the sale of telecast rights for our sports teams’ home and away games and also through the receipt of our share of fees paid for league-wide telecast rights, which are awarded under contracts negotiated and administered by each league.

After the Distribution, telecast rights for the Knicks and Rangers will continue to be held by MSG. Prior to the Distribution, these rights were subject to an inter-segment arrangement between MSG Sports and MSG’s regional sports networks. In connection with the Distribution, the Company and MSG will enter into media rights agreements covering the telecast rights for the Knicks and Rangers . See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions — Relationship Between MSG and Us After the Distribution — Media Rights Agreements” for a

 

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description of the media rights agreements. The financial success of our MSG Sports segment is significantly dependent on the rights fees we receive from MSG in connection with the telecast of our Knicks and Rangers games. Our combined financial statements reflect the historical intercompany rights fee charges .

National and international telecast arrangements differ by league . Fees paid by telecasters under these arrangements are pooled by each league and then generally shared equally among all teams.

Venue Signage and Sponsorships

We earn revenues through the sale of signage space and sponsorship rights at The Garden in connection with our sports teams and certain other sporting events . Our strategy is to develop marketing partnerships with world-class brands by creating customized platforms that achieve our partners’ business objectives. Signage sales generally involve the sale of advertising space within The Garden during our teams’ home games and include the sale of signage on the ice and on the boards of the hockey rink during Rangers games, courtside during Knicks and Liberty games, and/or on the various scoreboards and display panels at The Garden . We offer both television camera-visible and non-camera-visible signage space.

Sponsorship rights generally require us to use the name, logos and other trademarks of a sponsor in our advertising and in promotions for our sports teams and during our sports events . Sponsorship arrangements may be exclusive within a particular sponsorship category or non-exclusive and generally permit a sponsor to use the name, logos and other trademarks of our sports teams and venues in connection with their own advertising and in promotions on-court, on-ice or in the community.

Concessions

We sell food and beverages during all sporting events held at our venues . In addition to concession-style sales of food and beverages, which represent the majority of our concession revenues, we also provide higher-end dining at our full service restaurant and clubs and catering for suites at The Garden.

Merchandise

We earn revenues from the sale of our sports teams’ merchandise both through the in-venue (and in some cases, online) sale of items bearing the logos or other marks of our sports teams and through our share of league distributions of royalty and other revenues from the leagues’ licensing of team and league trademarks, which revenues are generally shared equally among the teams in the leagues . By agreement among the teams, each of the leagues in which we operate acts as agent for the teams to license their logos and other marks, as well as the marks of the leagues, subject to certain rights retained by the teams to license these marks within their arenas and the geographic areas in which they operate.

Expenses

The most significant expenses in our MSG Sports segment are player and other team personnel salaries and charges for transactions relating to players for career-ending and season-ending injuries, trades, and waivers and contract termination costs of players and other team personnel. We also incur costs for travel, player insurance, league operating assessments (including a 6% NBA assessment on regular season ticket sales), NHL and NBA revenue sharing and NBA luxury tax. We charge a portion of our actual expenses associated with the ownership, lease, maintenance and operation of our venues, along with a portion of our corporate expenses, to our MSG Sports segment. However, the operating results of our MSG Sports segment benefit from the fact that no rent is charged to the segment for use of the Company’s owned venues. We do not allocate to our segments any depreciation expense on property and equipment related to The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden or the Forum.

 

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Player Salaries, Escrow System/Revenue Sharing and NBA Luxury Tax

The amount we pay an individual player is determined by negotiation between the player (typically represented by an agent) and us, and is generally influenced by the player’s individual playing statistics, by the amounts paid to players with comparable playing statistics by other sports teams and by restrictions in the CBAs, including the salary caps. The leagues’ CBAs typically contain restrictions on when players may move between league clubs following expiration of their contracts and what rights their current and former clubs have.

NBA CBA. The NBA CBA was last negotiated in 2011 and expires after the 2020-21 season (although the NBA and the NBPA each have the right to terminate the CBA following the 2016-17 season). The NBA CBA contains a “soft” salary cap (i.e., a cap on each team’s aggregate player salaries but with certain exceptions that enable teams to pay players more, sometimes substantially more, than the cap).

NBA Luxury Tax. Amounts in this paragraph are in thousands, except for luxury tax rates. The NBA CBA provides for a luxury tax that is applicable to all teams with aggregate player salaries exceeding a threshold that is set prior to each season based upon projected league-wide revenues (as defined under the CBA). A team’s luxury tax for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons generally equaled the amount by which the team’s aggregate player salaries exceeded such threshold. Beginning with the 2013-14 season, the tax rates for teams with aggregate player salaries above such threshold start at $1.50 for each $1.00 of team salary above the threshold up to $5,000 and scale up to $3.25 for each $1.00 of team salary that is from $15,000 to $20,000 over the threshold, and an additional tax rate increment of $0.50 applies for each additional $5,000 (or part thereof) of team salary in excess of $20,000 over the threshold. In addition, for teams that are taxpayers in at least four of any five seasons beginning in 2011-12, the above tax rates are increased by $1.00 for each increment (the “Repeater Tax”). Beginning with the 2012-13 season, 50% of the aggregate luxury tax payments are to be used as a funding source for the revenue sharing plan and the remaining 50% of such payments will be distributed in equal shares to non-taxpaying teams. The Knicks incurred a luxury tax expense of $8,300, $38,100 and $5,100 with respect to the 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, respectively. If the Knicks are ultimately an NBA luxury tax payer for either of the 2015-16 or 2016-17 seasons, our NBA luxury tax obligations may increase substantially as a result of the Repeater Tax. Tax obligations for years beyond the 2014-15 season will be subject to contractual player payroll obligations and corresponding NBA luxury tax thresholds. The Company recognizes the estimated amount associated with luxury tax expense or the amount it expects to receive as a non-tax paying team, if applicable, on a straight-line basis over the NBA regular season as a component of direct operating expenses. Our provision for the year ended June 30, 2014, including luxury tax provisions related to team personnel transactions, was approximately $38,100.

NBA Escrow System/Revenue Sharing . The NBA CBA also provides that players collectively receive a designated percentage of league-wide revenues (net of certain direct expenses) as compensation (approximately 50%), and the teams retain the remainder. The percentage of league-wide revenues paid as compensation and retained by the teams does not apply evenly across all teams and, accordingly, the Company may pay its players a higher or lower percentage of the Knicks’ revenues than other NBA teams. Throughout each season, NBA teams withhold 10% of each player’s salary and contribute the withheld amounts to an escrow account. If the league’s aggregate player compensation exceeds the designated percentage of league-wide revenues, some or all of such escrowed amounts are distributed equally to all NBA teams. In the event that the league’s aggregate player compensation is below the designated percentage of league-wide revenues, the teams will remit the shortfall to the NBPA for distribution to the players.

The NBA also has instituted a revenue sharing plan that generally requires the distribution of a pool of funds to teams with below-average net revenues (as defined in the plan), subject to reduction or elimination based on individual team market size and profitability. The plan is funded by a combination of disproportionate contributions from teams with above-average net revenues, subject to certain profit-based limits (each as defined in the plan); 50% of aggregate league-wide luxury tax proceeds (see above); and, collective league sources, if necessary. Additional amounts may also be distributed on a discretionary basis, funded by assessments on playoff ticket revenues and through collective league sources.

 

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We record our revenue sharing expense net of the amount we expect to receive from the escrow. Our net provision for these items for the year ended June 30, 2014 was approximately $23,100. The actual amounts for the 2013-14 season may vary significantly from the recorded provision based on actual operating results for the league and all NBA teams for the season and other factors.

NHL CBA. The NHL CBA expires September 15, 2022 (although the NHL and NHLPA each have the right to terminate the CBA effective following the 2019-20 season). The NHL CBA provides for a “hard” salary cap (i.e., teams may not exceed a stated maximum that has been negotiated for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons and is adjusted each season thereafter based upon league-wide revenues) .

NHL Escrow System/Revenue Sharing. The NHL CBA provides that each season the players receive as player compensation 50% of that season’s league-wide revenues, excluding the impact of agreed-upon aggregate transition payments of $300,000 to be paid on a deferred basis over three years beginning in 2014. Because the aggregate amount to be paid to the players is based upon league-wide revenues and not on a team-by-team basis, the Company may pay its players a higher or lower percentage of the Rangers’ revenues than other NHL teams pay of their own revenues. In order to implement the salary cap system, NHL teams withhold a portion of each player’s salary and contribute the withheld amounts to an escrow account . If the league’s aggregate player compensation for a season exceeds the designated percentage (50%) of that season’s league-wide revenues, the excess is retained by the league. Any such excess funds are distributed to all teams in equal shares.

The NHL CBA also provides for a revenue sharing plan. The plan generally requires the distribution of a pool of funds approximating 6.055% of league-wide revenues to certain qualifying lower-revenue teams and is funded as follows: (a) 50% from contributions by the top ten revenue earning teams (based on preseason and regular season revenues) in accordance with a formula; (b) then from payments by teams participating in the playoffs, with each team contributing 35% of its gate receipts for each home playoff game; and (c) the remainder from centrally-generated NHL sources . We record our revenue sharing expense net of the amount we expect to receive from the escrow. Our net provision for these items for the year ended June 30, 2014 was approximately $14,200 (including approximately $12,100 related to the playoffs). The actual amounts for the 2013-14 season may vary significantly from the recorded provision based on actual operating results for the league and all NHL teams for the season and other factors.

Other Team Operating Expenses

Our sports teams also pay expenses associated with day-to-day operations, including for travel, equipment maintenance and player insurance. Direct variable day-of-event costs incurred at The Garden, such as the costs of front-of-house and back-of-house staffs, including union laborers, box office staff, ushers, security, and event production are charged to our MSG Sports segment.

Operating costs of the Company’s training facility in Greenburgh, New York and the operating and maintenance costs of the aircraft that the Company owns are also charged to our MSG Sports segment. The operation of the Hartford Wolf Pack is also a net Rangers player development expense for our MSG Sports segment.

As members of the NBA and NHL, the Knicks and Rangers, respectively are also subject to league assessments. The governing bodies of each league determine the amount of each season’s league assessments that are required from each member team. The NBA imposes on each team a 6% assessment on regular season ticket revenue and an assessment of 45% or 52.5% (plus an additional 5% to fund the discretionary revenue sharing payment described above) on playoff ticket revenue, depending on the number of home games played.

Our MSG Sports segment also incurs costs associated with VIP amenities, which have come online as a result of the Transformation, provided to certain ticket holders.

 

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Other Expenses

MSG Sports also incurs selling, general and administrative expenses.

Factors Affecting Operating Results

The operating results of our MSG Sports segment are largely dependent on the continued popularity and/or on-ice or on-court competitiveness of our Rangers and Knicks teams, which have a direct effect on ticket sales for the teams’ home games, and are each team’s largest single source of revenue as well as our ability to attract high caliber sporting events. As with other sports teams, the competitive positions of our sports teams depend primarily on our ability to develop, obtain and retain talented players, for which we compete with other professional sports teams. A significant factor in our ability to attract and retain talented players is player compensation. Our MSG Sports segment results reflect the impact of high costs for player salaries (including NBA luxury tax) and salaries of non-player team personnel . In addition, we have incurred significant charges for costs associated with transactions relating to players on our sports teams for season-ending and career-ending injuries and for trades, waivers and contract terminations of players and other team personnel, including team executives . Waiver and termination costs reflect our efforts to improve the competitiveness of our teams . These transactions can result in significant charges as the Company recognizes the estimated ultimate costs of these events in the period in which they occur, although amounts due to these individuals are generally paid over their remaining contract terms . For example, the expense for these items was $54,225 and $18,715 for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively . These expenses add to the volatility of the results of our MSG Sports segment . We expect to continue to pursue opportunities to improve the overall quality of our teams and our efforts may result in continued significant expenses and charges . Such expenses and charges may result in future operating losses for our MSG Sports segment although it is not possible to predict their timing or amount. Our MSG Sports segment’s performance has been, and may in the future be, impacted by work stoppages. See “Risk Factors — General Risks — Organized Labor Matters May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our Business and Results of Operations.”

In addition to our MSG Sports segment’s future performance being dependent upon the continued popularity and/or on-ice or on-court competitiveness of our Rangers and Knicks teams, it is also dependent on general economic conditions, in particular those in the New York City metropolitan area, and the effect of these conditions on our customers. An economic downturn could adversely affect our business and results of operations as it may lead to lower demand for suite licenses and tickets to the games of our sports teams, which would also negatively affect merchandise and concession sales, as well as lower levels of sponsorship and venue signage revenues. These conditions may also affect the number of other live sporting events that this segment is able to present.

Corporate Expenses and Venue Operating Costs

The Company allocates certain corporate costs and its venue operating expenses to both reportable segments. Allocated venue operating expenses include the non-event related costs of operating the Company’s venues, and include such costs as rent for the Company’s leased venues, real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs and maintenance, and labor related to the overall management of the venues. Depreciation expense on property and equipment related to The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden or the Forum is not allocated to the reportable segments.

Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates

The Company’s equity method investments include investments in Azoff-MSG, Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, LLC (“BBLV”) and Tribeca Enterprises.

In September 2013, the Company acquired a fifty percent interest in Azoff-MSG. The Azoff-MSG entity owns interests in and operates businesses in the entertainment industry and is currently focused on music

 

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management, performance rights, comedy and productions, and strategic marketing. As of June 30, 2014, the Company’s investment in Azoff-MSG was $125,677, inclusive of transaction costs related to the acquisition. In addition, as of June 30, 2014, Azoff-MSG had outstanding loans, including accrued interest, of $50,300 under an unsecured credit facility with the Company. In September 2014, the revolving credit facility that the Company provides to Azoff-MSG was increased from $50,000 to $100,000.

In August 2013, the Company acquired an interest in BBLV. In March 2014, BBLV opened a new venue in Las Vegas which brings together live music, bowling and a restaurant, and was modeled after the successful Brooklyn Bowl destination in New York. As of June 30, 2014 the Company’s preferred equity investment in BBLV, together with transaction costs related to the acquisition, was $25,725. In addition, as of June 30, 2014, outstanding loans of $1,334 had been advanced by the Company to BBLV.

As a result of BBLV’s liquidity position, the Company evaluated whether or not an impairment of its investment had occurred as of December 31, 2014. This evaluation resulted in the Company recording a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $23,600 to write-off the remaining equity portion of its investment in BBLV.

In March 2014, the Company acquired a fifty percent interest in Tribeca Enterprises, the company that owns and operates the Tribeca Film Festival and certain other businesses. Tribeca Enterprises’ businesses also include Tribeca Digital Studios, a branded entertainment content business; Tribeca Cinemas, a unique event space; and Tribeca Film, an independent film distribution label. As of June 30, 2014, the Company’s investment in Tribeca Enterprises was $22,582, inclusive of transaction costs related to the acquisition. The Company has agreed to provide up to $6,000 of revolving credit loans to Tribeca Enterprises.

On July 1, 2014, the Company completed its previously announced sale of Fuse to SiTV Media, Inc., which has since been renamed Fuse Media, Inc., the parent company of NUVOtv. NUVOtv is an English language entertainment network created for modern Latinos. As part of the transaction, the Company received a 15% equity interest in Fuse Media. The Company’s 15% equity interest in Fuse Media was subject to potential reduction if Fuse Media did not meet certain performance goals, however, those goals were satisfied during the six months ended December 31, 2014.

Impact of Current Economic Conditions

The future performance of our business segments and our Company as a whole is dependent, to a large extent, on general economic conditions, including the degree to which audiences and fans are willing to attend events hosted at our venues, our relative strength of position in the marketplace with both suppliers and customers, the impact of direct competition, our ability to manage our businesses effectively, and capital market circumstances that may influence our pursuit of strategic initiatives.

Challenges to general economic performance may lead to lower attendance at the games of our sports teams and at our live productions, lower demand for suite licenses, fewer sponsorship transactions and fewer event bookings at our venues. An economic downturn could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

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Results of Operations

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2015 versus the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2014

Combined Results of Operations

The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues.

 

     Nine Months Ended March 31,      (Increase)
Decrease
in Net
Loss
 
     2015      2014     
     Amount     % of
Revenues
     Amount     % of
Revenues
    

Revenues

   $ 816,586        100%       $ 700,172        100%       $ 116,414   

Direct operating expenses

     568,004        70%         540,752        77%         (27,252

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     168,188        21%         153,226        22%         (14,962

Depreciation and amortization

     85,119        10%         65,249        9%         (19,870
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Operating loss

  (4,725   (1)%      (59,055   (8)%      54,330   

Other income (expense):

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

  (35,049   (4)%      (75   NM      (34,974

Interest income (expense), net

  335      NM      (167   NM      502   

Miscellaneous income

  191      NM      95      NM      96   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Loss from operations before income taxes

  (39,248   (5)%      (59,202   (8)%      19,954   

Income tax expense

  (317   NM      (1,272   NM      955   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net loss

$ (39,565   (5)%    $ (60,474   (9)%    $ 20,909   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

NM – Percentage is not meaningful

See “— Business Segment Results” for a more detailed discussion relating to the operating results of our segments. The business segment results do not reflect inter-segment eliminations.

Revenues

Revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $116,414, or 17%, to $816,586 as compared to the prior year period. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in MSG Entertainment segment revenues

$ 76,416   

Increase in MSG Sports segment revenues

  39,838   

Increase in other revenues

  160   
  

 

 

 
$ 116,414   
  

 

 

 

Direct operating expenses primarily include:

 

    compensation expense for the Company’s professional sports teams’ players and certain other team personnel;

 

    cost of team personnel transactions for career- and season-ending player injuries, net of anticipated insurance recoveries, trades, and waivers/contract termination costs of players and other team personnel;

 

    NBA luxury tax, NBA and NHL revenue sharing and league assessments for the MSG Sports segment;

 

    event costs related to the presentation and production of our live entertainment and sporting events;

 

    venue lease, maintenance and other operating expenses; and

 

    the cost of concessions and merchandise sold.

 

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Direct operating expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $27,252, or 5%, to $568,004 as compared to the prior year period. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses

$ 41,950   

Decrease in MSG Sports segment expenses

  (14,700

Increase in other expenses

  2   
  

 

 

 
$ 27,252   
  

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of administrative costs, including compensation, separation-related costs, professional fees, as well as sales and marketing costs, including non-event related advertising expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $14,962, or 10%, to $168,188 as compared to the prior year period. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses

$ 656   

Increase in MSG Sports segment expenses

  15,308   

Decrease in other expenses

  (1,002
  

 

 

 
$ 14,962   
  

 

 

 

The decrease in other expenses was primarily due to lower executive management transition costs recorded during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 partially offset by an increase in other unallocated corporate general and administrative costs.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $19,870, or 30%, to $85,119 as compared to the prior year period primarily driven by accelerated depreciation in the current year period related to a change in the planned use of the Company’s professional sports teams’ plane associated with a transition by the teams to a new travel program and higher depreciation expense on property and equipment placed into service associated with the Transformation and the renovation of the Forum.

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $34,974 to $35,049 primarily as a result of the Company recording a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $23,600 to write-off the carrying value of its equity investment in BBLV during the current year period and its share of the net loss of BBLV.

Income taxes

Income tax expense for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was $317 and income tax expense for the nine months ended March 31, 2014 was $1,272. An income tax benefit is not recognized on net operating losses attributable to these periods because a valuation allowance is recorded on the Company’s net deferred tax asset as it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Instead, the income tax expense is the result of an increase in the deferred tax liability on indefinite lived intangibles.

Adjusted Operating Cash Flow (“AOCF”)

The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the key financial measure is operating income (loss) before (i) depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment and intangible assets, (ii) share-based compensation expense or benefit, (iii) restructuring charges or credits and

 

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(iv) gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses, which is referred to as adjusted operating cash flow. The Company has presented the components that reconcile AOCF to operating income (loss), an accepted GAAP measure.

The following is a reconciliation of operating loss to AOCF:

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
     Increase
(Decrease)
in AOCF
 
     2015      2014     

Operating loss

   $ (4,725    $ (59,055    $ 54,330   

Share-based compensation

     7,872         10,519         (2,647

Depreciation and amortization

     85,119         65,249         19,870   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

AOCF

$ 88,266    $ 16,713    $ 71,553   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

AOCF for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $71,553, or 428%, to $88,266 as compared to the prior year period. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in AOCF of the MSG Entertainment segment

$ 33,057   

Increase in AOCF of the MSG Sports segment

  38,035   

Other net increases

  461   
  

 

 

 
$ 71,553   
  

 

 

 

Business Segment Results

MSG Entertainment

The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues for the Company’s MSG Entertainment segment.

 

     Nine Months Ended March 31,     Increase
(Decrease) in

Operating
Income
 
     2015     2014    
     Amount      % of
Revenues
    Amount      % of
Revenues
   

Revenues

   $ 320,926         100   $ 244,510         100   $ 76,416   

Direct operating expenses

     227,678         71     185,728         76     (41,950

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     49,923         16     49,267         20     (656

Depreciation and amortization

     7,662         2     7,429         3     (233
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Operating income

$ 35,663      11 $ 2,086      1 $ 33,577   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

The following is a reconciliation of operating income to AOCF:

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
     Increase
(Decrease)
in AOCF
 
     2015      2014     

Operating income

   $ 35,663       $ 2,086       $ 33,577   

Share-based compensation

     2,444         3,197         (753

Depreciation and amortization

     7,662         7,429         233   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

AOCF

$ 45,769    $ 12,712    $ 33,057   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Revenues

Revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $76,416, or 31%, to $320,926 as compared to the prior year period. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in event-related revenues at The Garden

$ 35,854   

Increase in event-related revenues at the Forum

  23,673   

Increase in venue-related sponsorship and signage and suite rental fee revenues

  6,858   

Increase in revenues from New York Spring Spectacular

  6,387   

Increase in revenues from the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular franchise

  4,360   

Increase in event-related revenues at The Chicago Theatre

  3,053   

Decrease in event-related revenues at Radio City Music Hall, excluding Radio City Christmas Spectacular and New York Spring Spectacular

  (4,930

Decrease in event-related revenues at The Theater at Madison Square Garden

  (2,099

Other net increases

  3,260   
  

 

 

 
$ 76,416   
  

 

 

 

The increase in event-related revenues at The Garden was primarily due to additional events held at the venue, including events promoted by MSG Entertainment, as the venue was fully open during the current year period versus the prior year period in which The Garden was closed until late October due to the final phase of the Transformation.

The increase in event-related revenues at the Forum was primarily due to the venue being available for events during the current year period whereas during the prior year period the venue was closed until mid-January 2014 due to the renovation.

The increase in venue-related sponsorship and signage and suite rental fee revenues was primarily due to increased sponsorship and signage revenues as a result of the re-opening of the Forum and expanded inventory, as well as higher suite rental fee revenue.

The increase in revenues from New York Spring Spectacular was due to the production’s initial performances, including preview shows that began on March 12, 2015.

The increase in revenues from the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular franchise was primarily driven by the Radio City Music Hall production of the show. The increase in revenues from the Radio City Music Hall production was primarily due to higher ticket-related revenue, mainly a result of higher average ticket prices and higher attendance, despite five fewer performances as compared to the prior year period. During the 2014 holiday season more than one million tickets were sold to the Radio City Music Hall production, which represents a low single digit percentage increase over the prior year period.

The increase in event-related revenues at The Chicago Theatre was primarily due to more events held at the venue during the current year period as compared to the prior year period.

The decrease in event-related revenues at Radio City Music Hall, excluding Radio City Christmas Spectacular and New York Spring Spectacular , was primarily due to fewer events held at the venue during the current year period as compared to the prior year period, including the impact of a compressed schedule for NBC’s America’s Got Talent during the current year period.

 

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The decrease in event-related revenues at The Theater at Madison Square Garden was primarily due to a change in the mix of events partially offset by additional events held at the venue during the current year period as compared to the prior year period.

Other net increases primarily consisted of increases in (i) event-related revenues at the Wang Theatre, (ii) revenues from the MSG All Access Tour, and (iii) event-related revenues at the Beacon Theatre.

Direct operating expenses

Direct operating expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $41,950, or 23%, to $227,678 as compared to the prior year period. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in event-related direct operating expenses at The Garden

$ 23,730   

Increase in event-related direct operating expenses at the Forum

  14,212   

Increase in venue operating costs

  3,808   

Increase in event-related direct operating expenses at The Chicago Theatre

  2,036   

Increase in direct operating expenses associated with the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular franchise

  376   

Decrease in event-related direct operating expenses at Radio City Music Hall, excluding Radio City Christmas Spectacular and New York Spring Spectacular

  (2,886

Decrease in event-related direct operating expenses at The Theater at Madison Square Garden

  (480

Decrease in direct operating expenses associated with New York Spring Spectacular

  (113

Other net increases

  1,267   
  

 

 

 
$ 41,950   
  

 

 

 

The increase in event-related direct operating expenses at The Garden was primarily due to additional events held at the venue, including events promoted by MSG Entertainment, as the venue was fully open during the current year period versus the prior year period in which The Garden was closed until late October due to the final phase of the Transformation.

The increase in event-related direct operating expenses at the Forum was primarily due to the venue being available for events during the current year period whereas during the prior year period the venue was closed until mid-January 2014 due to the renovation.

The increase in venue operating costs was primarily due to the Forum being available for events during the current year period whereas during the prior year period the venue was closed until mid-January 2014 due to the renovation.

The increase in event-related direct operating expenses at The Chicago Theatre was primarily due to more events held at the venue during the current year period as compared to the prior year period.

 

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The decrease in event-related direct operating expenses at Radio City Music Hall, excluding Radio City Christmas Spectacular and New York Spring Spectacular , was primarily due to fewer events held at the venue during the current year period as compared to the prior year period, including the impact of a compressed schedule for NBC’s America’s Got Talent during the current year period.

The decrease in direct operating expenses associated with New York Spring Spectacular reflects approximately $9,500 of expenses recorded in the prior year period, primarily related to the acceleration of marketing costs due to the postponement of last year’s planned run until the current fiscal year. This decrease was largely offset by the costs in the current period associated with the production’s initial performances.

Other net increases in direct operating expenses primarily consisted of increases in direct operating expenses associated with the MSG All Access Tour and direct operating expenses associated with The Garden suites.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $656, or 1%, to $49,923 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to higher allocated corporate general and administrative costs partially offset by the impact of costs recorded in the prior year period associated with the re-opening of the Forum and the debut of the fully transformed Madison Square Garden Arena and, to a lesser extent, other net cost decreases.

AOCF

AOCF for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $33,057, or 260%, to $45,769 as compared to the prior year period primarily attributable to an increase in revenues partially offset by higher direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses, as discussed above.

MSG Sports

The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues for the Company’s MSG Sports segment.

 

     Nine Months Ended March 31,     Increase
(Decrease) in
Operating
Income
 
     2015     2014    
     Amount      % of
Revenues
    Amount      % of
Revenues
   

Revenues

   $ 495,131         100   $ 455,293         100   $ 39,838   

Direct operating expenses

     340,326         69     355,026         78     14,700   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     101,492         20     86,184         19     (15,308

Depreciation and amortization

     18,354         4     7,739         2     (10,615
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Operating income

$ 34,959      7 $ 6,344      1 $ 28,615   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

The following is a reconciliation of operating income to AOCF:

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
     Increase
(Decrease)
in AOCF
 
     2015      2014     

Operating income

   $ 34,959       $ 6,344       $ 28,615   

Share-based compensation

     2,823         4,018         (1,195

Depreciation and amortization

     18,354         7,739         10,615   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

AOCF

$ 56,136    $ 18,101    $ 38,035   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Revenues

Revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $39,838, or 9%, to $495,131 as compared to the prior year period. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season ticket-related revenue

$ 14,443   

Increase in suite rental fee revenue

  9,104   

Increase in broadcast rights fees from MSG Media

  6,348   

Increase in professional sports teams’ sponsorship and signage revenues

  4,988   

Increase in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season food, beverage and merchandise sales

  2,906   

Increase in revenues from league distributions

  2,176   

Increase in event-related revenues from other live sporting events

  1,453   

Other net decreases

  (1,580
  

 

 

 
$ 39,838   
  

 

 

 

The increase in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season ticket-related revenue was primarily due to the Knicks and Rangers playing five additional pre-season games at The Garden during the current year period and, to a lesser extent, higher average per-game revenue. The Garden was fully open during the current year period versus the prior year period, in which The Garden was closed until late October due to the final phase of the Transformation.

The increase in suite rental fee revenue was primarily due to the absence of the prior year period off-season shutdown associated with the Transformation, contractual rate increases, and additional sales of suite products.

The increase in broadcast rights fees from MSG Media was primarily due to the overall increase in the number of events exclusively available to MSG Networks during the current year period and higher fees as compared to the prior year period.

The increase in professional sports teams’ sponsorship and signage revenues primarily reflects expanded inventory, increased sales of existing inventory and the impact of Transformation-related assets.

The increase in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season food, beverage and merchandise sales was primarily due to additional Knicks and Rangers games and the Liberty playing regular season games at The Garden during the current year period and, to a lesser extent, higher average per-game revenue as compared to the prior year period.

The increase in event-related revenues from other live sporting events was primarily due to additional events partially offset by a change in the mix of events as compared to the prior year period. Event-related revenues from other live sporting events include ticket-related revenues, venue license fees the Company charges to promoters for the use of our venues, single night suite rental fees, and food, beverage and merchandise sales.

 

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Direct operating expenses

Direct operating expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 decreased $14,700, or 4%, to $340,326 as compared to the prior year period. The net decrease is attributable to the following:

 

Decrease in net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of team personnel transactions) and NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense (excluding playoffs)

   $ (18,567

Decrease in team personnel compensation

     (12,321

Increase in net provisions for certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax)

     9,527   

Increase in event-related expenses associated with other live sporting events

     4,461   

Increase in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season expense associated with food, beverage and merchandise sales

     1,333   

Other net increases

     867   
  

 

 

 
$ (14,700
  

 

 

 

Net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of team personnel transactions) and NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense (excluding playoffs) and net provisions for certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax) were as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended March 31,  
     2015      2014      Increase
(Decrease)
 

Net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of team personnel transactions) and NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense (excluding playoffs)

   $ 29,287       $ 47,854       $ (18,567

Net provisions for certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax)

     25,317         15,790         9,527   

The decrease in net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of team personnel transactions) and NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense (excluding playoffs) reflects lower NBA luxury tax of $25,557 partially offset by higher net provisions for both NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense of $6,990. The decrease in provisions for NBA luxury tax for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily due to a higher luxury tax threshold and lower aggregate player salaries. Higher NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense reflects higher estimated expenses for the 2014-15 season partially offset by adjustments to prior seasons’ revenue sharing expense. The actual amounts for net provisions for NBA luxury tax and NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense for the 2014-15 season may vary significantly from the recorded provisions based on actual operating results for each league and all teams within each league for the season and other factors. Provisions for NBA luxury tax for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 for both the active roster and for team personnel transactions was lower by $31,366 as compared to the prior year period.

Team personnel transactions for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 reflect provisions recorded for player waivers/contract terminations and season-ending player injuries of $12,655 and $11,121, respectively, and player trades of $1,541. Team personnel transactions for the nine months ended March 31, 2014 reflect provisions recorded for player waivers/contract terminations and season-ending player injuries of $7,276 and $6,933, respectively, and player trades of $1,581.

 

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The decrease in team personnel compensation was primarily due to lower overall player salaries, inclusive of the impact of roster changes at the Company’s sports teams, slightly offset by non-player team personnel increases.

The increase in event-related expenses associated with other live sporting events was primarily due to a change in the mix of events and additional events as compared to the prior year period.

The increase in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season expenses associated with food, beverage and merchandise sales was primarily due to additional Knicks and Rangers games and the Liberty playing regular season games at The Garden during the current year period and, to a lesser extent, higher average per-game revenue as compared to the prior year period.

Other net increases primarily consisted of the increase in venue operating expenses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $15,308, or 18%, to $101,492 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to higher employee compensation and general and administrative costs and team-related marketing costs. These increases were partially offset by the absence of marketing costs recorded in the prior year period associated with the debut of the fully transformed Madison Square Garden Arena and, to a lesser extent, other net cost decreases.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $10,615, or 137%, to $18,354, as compared to the prior year period primarily driven by accelerated depreciation in the current year period related to a change in the planned use of the Company’s professional sports teams’ plane associated with a transition by the teams to a new travel program.

AOCF

AOCF for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $38,035, or 210%, to $56,136, as compared to the prior year period primarily due to an increase in revenues and, to a lesser extent, lower direct operating expenses partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses, as discussed above.

 

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Comparison of the Year Ended June 30, 2014 versus the Year Ended June 30, 2013

Combined Results of Operations

The tables below set forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues.

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA

 

     Years Ended June 30,      Decrease
(Increase)
in Net Loss
 
     2014      2013     
     Amount     % of
Revenues
     Amount     % of
Revenues
    

Revenues

   $ 913,615        100%       $ 722,943        100%       $ 190,672   

Operating expenses:

            

Direct operating

     714,825        78%         533,282        74%         (181,543

Selling, general and administrative

     221,109        24%         176,139        24%         (44,970

Depreciation and amortization

     91,709        10%         72,551        10%         (19,158
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Operating loss

  (114,028   (12)%      (59,029   (8)%      (54,999

Other income (expense):

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

  (1,323   NM      —        NM      (1,323

Interest income (expense), net

  20      NM      (1,609   NM      1,629   

Miscellaneous

  95      NM      3,497      NM      (3,402
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Loss from operations before income taxes

  (115,236   (13)%      (57,141   (8)%      (58,095

Income tax expense

  (1,697   NM      (1,133   NM      (564
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net loss

$ (116,933   (13)%    $ (58,274   (8)%    $ (58,659
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

NM – Percentage is not meaningful

The comparability of the results of operations of the Company and the MSG Sports segment for the year ended June 30, 2014 to the prior year was impacted by the prior year’s NHL work stoppage, which delayed the start of the 2012-13 regular season by approximately three months until January 19, 2013 and led to a shortened 48 game regular season. As a result, the Rangers played fewer regular season home and away games during the prior year as compared to the current year. During the year ended June 30, 2014, the Rangers played 82 regular season games, of which 41 were home games and 41 were away games, as compared to 48 regular season games in the prior year, of which 24 were home games and 24 were away games. In addition, the results for the year ended June 30, 2014 reflect the waiver of a Rangers’ player, which was the second and final compliance buyout allowed under the terms of the NHL CBA.

See “— Business Segment Results” within each presented comparative financial period for a more detailed discussion relating to the operating results of our segments.

Revenues

Revenues for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased $190,672, or 26%, to $913,615 as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in MSG Entertainment segment revenues

$ 48,803   

Increase in MSG Sports segment revenues

  141,781   

Increase in other revenues

  88   
  

 

 

 
$ 190,672   
  

 

 

 

See above for a discussion of the NHL work stoppage during the 2012-13 season.

 

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Direct operating expenses

Direct operating expenses for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased $181,543, or 34%, to $714,825 as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses

$ 33,546   

Increase in MSG Sports segment expenses

  148,001   

Decrease in other expenses

  (4
  

 

 

 
$ 181,543   
  

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased $44,970, or 26%, to $221,109 as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses

$ 12,615   

Increase in MSG Sports segment expenses

  19,132   

Increase in other expenses

  13,223   
  

 

 

 
$ 44,970   
  

 

 

 

The increase in other expenses was primarily due to executive management transition costs recorded during the third quarter of the year ended June 30, 2014.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased $19,158, or 26%, to $91,709 as compared to the prior year primarily due to higher depreciation expense on property and equipment placed into service associated with the Transformation of The Garden and, to a lesser extent, assets placed in service as a result of the re-opening of the Forum.

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates for the year ended June 30, 2014 reflects the Company’s share of the net loss of nonconsolidated affiliates, inclusive of amortization expense for intangible assets associated with these investments. The Company’s share of the earnings (loss) of its equity investments in Azoff-MSG, BBLV and Tribeca Enterprises are recorded on a three-month lag basis.

Interest income (expense), net

The increase in interest income, net was primarily due to the increase in interest income from MSG and nonconsolidated affiliates.

Miscellaneous income

Miscellaneous income for the year ended June 30, 2013 included a pre-tax gain of approximately $3,100 from the sale of all of the Company’s holdings of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (“Live Nation”) common stock (see Note 13 to our audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement).

Income taxes

Income tax expense for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $1,697 and $1,133, respectively. A valuation allowance is recorded on the Company’s net deferred tax asset as it is more likely than not that some

 

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portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Due to the indefinite life of certain intangible assets, the related deferred tax liability cannot serve as a source of taxable income to support the realization of deferred tax assets. An income tax benefit is not recognized on net operating losses attributable to these periods. Instead, the income tax expense is the result of a change in the deferred tax liability on indefinite lived intangibles.

AOCF

The following is a reconciliation of operating loss to AOCF:

 

     Years Ended June 30,      Increase
(Decrease)
in AOCF
 
     2014      2013     

Operating loss

   $ (114,028    $ (59,029    $ (54,999

Share-based compensation

     13,698         8,537         5,161   

Depreciation and amortization

     91,709         72,551         19,158   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

AOCF

$ (8,621 $ 22,059    $ (30,680
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

AOCF for the year ended June 30, 2014 decreased $30,680, or 140%, to a loss of $8,621 as compared to the prior year. The net decrease is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in AOCF of the MSG Entertainment segment

$ 3,443   

Decrease in AOCF of the MSG Sports segment

  (23,310

Other net decreases

  (10,813
  

 

 

 
$ (30,680
  

 

 

 

Other net decreases were primarily due to executive management transition costs recorded during the third quarter of the year ended June 30, 2014.

See above for a discussion of the NHL work stoppage during the 2012-13 season.

Business Segment Results

MSG Entertainment

The tables below set forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues for the Company’s MSG Entertainment segment.

 

     Years Ended June 30,     Decrease
(Increase) in
Operating
Loss
 
     2014     2013    
     Amount     % of
Revenues
    Amount     % of
Revenues
   

Revenues

   $ 300,998        100   $ 252,195        100   $ 48,803   

Direct operating expenses

     233,116        77     199,570        79     (33,546

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     68,036        23     55,421        22     (12,615

Depreciation and amortization

     9,900        3     9,522        4     (378
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating loss

$ (10,054   (3 )%  $ (12,318   (5 )%  $ 2,264   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

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The following is a reconciliation of operating loss to AOCF:

 

     Years Ended June 30,      Increase
in AOCF
 
     2014      2013     

Operating loss

   $ (10,054    $ (12,318    $ 2,264   

Share-based compensation

     4,397         3,596         801   

Depreciation and amortization

     9,900         9,522         378   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

AOCF

$ 4,243    $ 800    $ 3,443   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenues

Revenues for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased $48,803, or 19%, to $300,998 as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in event-related revenues at The Garden

$ 15,679   

Increase in event-related revenues at the Forum which re-opened in January 2014

  10,405   

Increase in event-related revenues at The Theater at Madison Square Garden

  8,326   

Increase in venue-related sponsorship and signage and suite rental fee revenues

  7,451   

Increase in revenues from the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular franchise

  6,425   

Increase in event-related revenues at The Chicago Theatre

  2,748   

Decrease in event-related revenues at Radio City Music Hall, excluding the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

  (5,158

Other net increases

  2,927   
  

 

 

 
$ 48,803   
  

 

 

 

The increase in event-related revenues at The Garden was primarily due to the change in the mix of events including additional MSG Entertainment promoted events, as well as the overall increase in the number of events held at the venue during the year ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year.

The increase in event-related revenues at The Theater at Madison Square Garden was primarily due to the increase in the number of events held at the venue during the year ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year.

The increase in venue-related sponsorship and signage and suite rental fee revenues was primarily due to higher suite rental fee revenue as a result of new suite products which were unavailable for portions of the prior year combined with the impact of expanded inventory and new sponsor relationships as a result of the Transformation of The Garden and the re-opening of the Forum. These increases were partially offset by the planned reduction in certain suite products due to the Transformation and the impact of the off-season shutdowns.

The increase in revenues from the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular franchise was primarily due to higher attendance at the Radio City Music Hall production of the show and an increase in both average ticket price and attendance at the theatrical productions presented outside of New York. These increases were partially offset by a lower average ticket price at the Radio City Music Hall production. The Radio City Music Hall production of the show in the prior year was negatively impacted by Superstorm Sandy. During the 2013 holiday season more than one million tickets were sold for the Radio City Music Hall production, which represents a mid-single digit percentage increase as compared to the prior year.

 

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The increase in event-related revenues at The Chicago Theatre was primarily due to the increase in the number of events held at the venue during the year ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year.

The decrease in event-related revenues at Radio City Music Hall, excluding the Radio City Christmas Spectacular , was primarily driven by the impact of the venue being utilized during the majority of the third quarter of the current year for the load-in and rehearsals of New York Spring Spectacular , the Company’s new large-scale theatrical production designed for Radio City Music Hall (the debut of which was postponed from its original planned date in March 2014 until March 2015). To a lesser extent this decrease also reflects the net impact from the absence of Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana which was presented at the venue during the prior year largely offset by the impact associated with NBC’s America’s Got Talent which was broadcast live from the venue during the current year.

Other net increases primarily consisted of the increases in (i) revenues associated with the MSG All Access Tour and Radio City Music Hall Stage Door and (ii) event-related revenues at the Wang Theatre and the Beacon Theatre.

Direct operating expenses

Direct operating expenses for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased $33,546, or 17%, to $233,116 as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in event-related direct operating expenses at The Garden

$ 12,466   

Increase in direct operating expenses associated with New York Spring Spectacular , which was postponed until the Spring of 2015

  8,568   

Increase in event-related direct operating expenses at the Forum, which re-opened in January 2014

  6,679   

Increase in event-related direct operating expenses at The Theater at Madison Square Garden

  3,805   

Increase in venue operating costs

  2,100   

Increase in event-related direct operating expenses at The Chicago Theatre

  1,653   

Decrease in direct operating expenses associated with the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular franchise

  (3,144

Decrease in event-related direct operating expenses at Radio City Music Hall, excluding the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

  (2,096

Other net increases

  3,515   
  

 

 

 
$ 33,546   
  

 

 

 

The increase in event-related direct operating expenses at The Garden was primarily due to the change in the mix of events including additional MSG Entertainment promoted events, as well as the overall increase in the number of events held at the venue during the year ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year.

The increase in event-related direct operating expenses at The Theater at Madison Square Garden was primarily due to the increase in the number of events held at the venue during the year ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year.

The increase in venue operating costs was primarily due to operating expenses relating to the Forum, which re-opened in January 2014.

 

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The increase in event-related direct operating expenses at The Chicago Theatre was primarily due to the increase in the number of events held at the venue during the year ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year.

The decrease in direct operating expenses associated with the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular franchise was primarily due to the absence of a pre-tax impairment charge of $4,982 which was recorded during the prior year related to a theatrical production of the show presented outside of New York. This decline was partially offset by a write-off of deferred production costs of approximately $2,200 recorded during the current year related to the planned replacement of certain elements of a scene in the Radio City Music Hall production of the show.

The decrease in event-related direct operating expenses at Radio City Music Hall, excluding the Radio City Christmas Spectacular , was primarily driven by a decrease in the number of events held at the venue due to the impact of the venue being utilized during the majority of the third quarter of the current year for the load-in and rehearsals of New York Spring Spectacular . To a lesser extent this decrease also reflects the net impact from the absence of Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana which was presented at the venue during the prior year, largely offset by the impact associated with NBC’s America’s Got Talent which was broadcast live from the venue during the current year.

Other net increases primarily consist of increases in (i) costs associated with MSG Entertainment business development initiatives, (ii) costs associated with venue-related sponsorship and signage, and (iii) direct operating expenses associated with the MSG All Access Tour.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased $12,615, or 23%, to $68,036 as compared to the prior year primarily due to higher employee compensation and related benefits, including employee separation-related costs, and, to a lesser extent, increased costs associated with the re-opening of the Forum and the debut of the fully transformed Madison Square Garden Arena.

AOCF

AOCF for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased by $3,443, or 430%, to $4,243 as compared to the prior year primarily due to an increase in revenues which were largely offset by an increase in direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses, as discussed above.

With respect to fiscal year 2015, the Company expects MSG Entertainment to benefit from The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden and the Forum all being available for events for the full fiscal year, and to also reflect the results of New York Spring Spectacular .

MSG Sports

The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues for the Company’s MSG Sports segment.

 

     Years Ended June 30,     Increase
(Decrease) in
Operating
Income
 
     2014     2013    
     Amount     % of
Revenues
    Amount      % of
Revenues
   

Revenues

   $ 612,071        100   $ 470,290         100   $ 141,781   

Direct operating expenses

     481,713        79     333,712         71     (148,001

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     129,986        21     110,854         24     (19,132

Depreciation and amortization

     12,225        2     10,451         2     (1,774
  

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

$ (11,853   (2 )%  $ 15,273      3 $ (27,126
  

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

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The following is a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to AOCF:

 

     Years Ended June 30,      Increase
(Decrease) in
AOCF
 
     2014      2013     

Operating income (loss)

   $ (11,853    $ 15,273       $ (27,126

Share-based compensation

     5,606         3,564         2,042   

Depreciation and amortization

     12,225         10,451         1,774   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

AOCF

$ 5,978    $ 29,288    $ (23,310
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenues

Revenues for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased $141,781, or 30%, to $612,071 as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season ticket-related revenue

$ 56,634   

Increase in suite rental fee revenue

  18,554   

Increase in telecast rights fees from MSG Media

  13,043   

Increase in event-related revenues from other live sporting events

  12,566   

Increase in professional sports teams’ sponsorship and signage revenues

  12,519   

Increase in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season food, beverage and merchandise sales

  10,306   

Increase in revenues from league distributions

  9,182   

Increase in professional sports teams’ playoff related revenues

  7,254   

Other net increases

  1,723   
  

 

 

 
$ 141,781   
  

 

 

 

The increase in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season ticket-related revenue was primarily driven by the return to a full Rangers regular season schedule as well as higher average per-game revenue for all of the Company’s professional sports teams, inclusive of the impact of the return to pre-Transformation seating capacity.

The increase in suite rental fee revenue was primarily due to the impact of new suite products which were unavailable for portions of the prior year and, to a lesser extent, the return to a full Rangers regular season schedule partially offset by the planned reduction in certain suite products due to the Transformation and the impact of the off-season shutdowns.

The increase in telecast rights fees from MSG Media was primarily due to the return to a full Rangers regular season schedule.

The increase in event-related revenues from other live sporting events was primarily due to a change in the mix of events, as well as more events during the year ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year. Event-related revenues from other live sporting events include ticket-related revenues, venue license fees we charge to promoters for the use of our venues, single night suite rental fees, and food, beverage and merchandise sales.

The increase in professional sports teams’ sponsorship and signage revenues primarily reflects expanded inventory and new sponsor relationships as a result of the Transformation and the return to a full Rangers regular season schedule.

 

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The increase in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season food, beverage and merchandise sales was primarily due to the return to a full Rangers regular season schedule.

The increase in revenues from league distributions was primarily due to the return to a full NHL regular season schedule and, to a lesser extent, other league related increases.

The increase in professional sports teams’ playoff related revenues was primarily due to seven additional Rangers home games, as the team advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals in the year ended June 30, 2014 partially offset by the impact of the Knicks not making the playoffs in the year ended June 30, 2014 versus playing six home games in the prior year.

See “— Comparison of the Year Ended June 30, 2014 versus the Year Ended June 30, 2013 — Combined Results of Operations” for a discussion of the NHL work stoppage during the 2012-13 season.

Direct operating expenses

Direct operating expenses for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased $148,001, or 44%, to $481,713 as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in team personnel compensation

   $ 43,065   

Increase in net provisions for certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax)

     34,953   

Increase in net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of team personnel transactions) and NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense (excluding playoffs)

     32,672   

Increase in other team operating expenses

     23,676   

Increase in event-related expenses associated with other live sporting events

     5,914   

Increase in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season expense associated with food, beverage and merchandise sales

     4,895   

Decrease in professional sports teams’ playoff related expenses

     (1,250

Other net increases

     4,076   
  

 

 

 
$ 148,001   
  

 

 

 

The increase in team personnel compensation was primarily due to the return to a full Rangers regular season schedule and overall salary increases, inclusive of the impact of roster changes at the Company’s sports teams.

Net provisions for certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax) and for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of team personnel transactions) and NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense (excluding playoffs) were as follows:

 

     Years Ended June 30,      Increase  
     2014      2013     

Net provisions for certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax)

   $ 53,394       $ 18,441       $ 34,953   

Net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of team personnel transactions) and NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense (excluding playoffs)

     53,510         20,838         32,672   

 

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Team personnel transactions for the year ended June 30, 2014 reflect provisions recorded for player waivers/contract terminations and season-ending player injuries of $41,276 and $6,978, respectively, and player trades of $5,140. Team personnel transactions for the year ended June 30, 2013 reflect provisions recorded for player waivers/contract terminations and season-ending player injuries of $10,434 and $7,159, respectively, and player trades of $848.

The increase in net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of team personnel transactions) and NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense (excluding playoffs) reflects higher NBA luxury tax of $22,147 and higher net provisions for both NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense of $10,525. The increase in provisions for NBA luxury tax for the year ended June 30, 2014 was primarily due to the change in the luxury tax rate structure beginning with the 2013-14 season and, to a lesser extent, higher aggregate player salaries. The increase in net provisions for NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense (excluding playoffs) was primarily attributable to higher estimated NBA revenue sharing expense for the 2013-2014 season and, to a lesser extent, higher estimated NHL revenue sharing expense due to the return to a full Rangers regular season schedule which was partially offset by the impact of final assessments of prior seasons’ revenue sharing expense recorded in the current year. The actual amounts for net provisions for NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense for the 2013-14 season may vary significantly from the recorded provisions based on actual operating results for each league and all teams within each league for the season and other factors.

The increase in other team operating expenses was primarily due to higher professional fees, the return to a full Rangers regular season schedule and, to a lesser extent, the absence of a league expense recoupment which was recorded during the prior year.

The increase in event-related expenses from other live sporting events was primarily due to a change in the mix of events, as well as more events during the year ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year.

The increase in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season expense associated with food, beverage and merchandise sales was primarily driven by the return to a full Rangers regular season schedule as well as the impact of the return to pre-Transformation seating capacity.

The decrease in professional sports teams’ playoff related expenses was primarily due to the impact of the Knicks not making the playoffs in the year ended June 30, 2014 versus playing six home games in the prior year largely offset by the impact of seven additional Rangers home games in the current year as compared to the prior year.

Other net increases primarily consisted of increases in venue operating expenses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased $19,132, or 17%, to $129,986, as compared to the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by higher employee compensation and related benefits, increased marketing costs (primarily related to the impact of the playoffs), and higher allocated corporate general and administrative costs.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased $1,774, or 17%, to $12,225, as compared to the prior year primarily driven by depreciation that was accelerated due to a change in the anticipated planned use of assets utilized by certain of the Company’s professional sports teams.

 

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AOCF

AOCF for the year ended June 30, 2014 decreased $23,310, or 80%, to $5,978, as compared to the prior year primarily driven by an increase in direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses, largely offset by an increase in revenues as discussed above.

See “— Comparison of the Year Ended June 30, 2014 versus the Year Ended June 30, 2013 — Combined Results of Operations” for a discussion of the NHL work stoppage during the 2012-13 season.

Comparison of the Year Ended June 30, 2013 versus the Year Ended June 30, 2012

Combined Results of Operations

The tables below set forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues.

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA

 

     Years Ended June 30,      Decrease
(Increase) in
Net Loss
 
     2013      2012     
     Amount     % of
Revenues
     Amount     % of
Revenues
    

Revenues

   $ 722,943        100%       $ 728,867        100%       $ (5,924

Operating expenses:

            

Direct operating

     533,282        74%         530,307        73%         (2,975

Selling, general and administrative

     176,139        24%         171,757        24%         (4,382

Depreciation and amortization

     72,551        10%         62,940        9%         (9,611
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Operating loss

  (59,029   (8)%      (36,137   (5)%      (22,892

Other income (expense):

Interest expense, net

  (1,609   NM      (867   NM      (742

Miscellaneous

  3,497      NM      7,072      1%      (3,575
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Loss from operations before income taxes

  (57,141   (8)%      (29,932   (4)%      (27,209

Income tax expense

  (1,133   NM      (6,350   (1)%      5,217   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net loss

$ (58,274   (8)%    $ (36,282   (5)%    $ (21,992
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

NM – Percentage is not meaningful

The NHL CBA expired on September 15, 2012, and effective September 16, 2012, the NHL declared a lockout of NHL players. The delay in reaching an agreement with the NHLPA on the terms of a new CBA delayed the start of the 2012-13 NHL regular season by approximately three months until January 19, 2013. In addition to the delayed start, the resolution of the NHL work stoppage resulted in the 2012-13 regular season being shortened by 34 games, or approximately 41%, to a 48 game season.

As a result, the Rangers played fewer regular season home and away games during the year ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the comparable period of the prior year. During fiscal year 2013, the Rangers played 48 regular season games, of which 24 were home games and 24 were away games, as compared to 82 regular season games in the prior year, of which 41 were home games and 41 were away games. The NHL work stoppage and the waiver of a Rangers player which was allowed under the terms of the new NHL CBA, together, negatively impacted the Company’s and the MSG Sports segment’s revenues and the Company’s and MSG Sports segment’s AOCF, a non-GAAP measure, and operating income during fiscal year 2013.

In addition, the comparability of the results of operations of the Company and the MSG Sports segment for the year ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the prior year was impacted by the 2011 NBA work stoppage,

 

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which resulted in a shortened 66-game 2011-12 regular season. As a result, the Knicks played more regular season home and away games during fiscal year 2013 as compared to the prior year. During fiscal year 2013, the Knicks played 82 regular season games, of which 41 were home games and 41 were away games, as compared to 66 regular season games in the prior year, of which 33 were home games and 33 were away games.

Revenues

Revenues for the year ended June 30, 2013 decreased $5,924, less than 1%, to $722,943 as compared to the prior year. The net decrease is attributable to the following:

 

Decrease in MSG Entertainment segment revenues

$ (11,781

Increase in MSG Sports segment revenues

  5,564   

Increase in other revenues

  293   
  

 

 

 
$ (5,924
  

 

 

 

See above for a discussion of the NHL work stoppage during the 2012-13 season and the NBA work stoppage during the 2011-12 season.

Direct operating expenses

Direct operating expenses for the year ended June 30, 2013 increased $2,975, less than 1%, to $533,282 as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses

$ 280   

Increase in MSG Sports segment expenses

  2,690   

Increase in other expenses

  5   
  

 

 

 
$ 2,975   
  

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended June 30, 2013 increased $4,382, or 3%, to $176,139 as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses

$ 5,255   

Decrease in MSG Sports segment expenses

  (2,007

Increase in other expenses

  1,134   
  

 

 

 
$ 4,382   
  

 

 

 

The increase in other expenses was primarily driven by higher charitable contributions.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization for the year ended June 30, 2013 increased $9,611, or 15%, to $72,551 as compared to the prior year due to higher depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment was primarily due to the ongoing Transformation, which resulted in higher depreciation expense on property and equipment placed into service partially offset by lower depreciation expense of capitalized costs associated with asset retirement obligations (see Note 8 to our audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement).

 

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Miscellaneous income

Miscellaneous income for the year ended June 30, 2013 includes a pre-tax gain of approximately $3,100 from the sale of all of the Company’s holdings of Live Nation common stock (see Note 13 to our audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement). Miscellaneous income for the year ended June 30, 2012 reflects approximately $7,000 related to the recovery of certain claims in connection with a third party bankruptcy proceeding.

Income taxes

Income tax expense for the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 was $1,133 and $6,350, respectively. A valuation allowance is recorded on the Company’s net deferred tax asset as it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Due to the indefinite life of certain intangible assets, the related deferred tax liability cannot serve as a source of taxable income to support the realization of deferred tax assets. An income tax benefit is not recognized on net operating losses attributable to these periods. Instead, the income tax expense is the result of a change in the deferred tax liability on indefinite lived intangibles.

AOCF

The following is a reconciliation of operating loss to AOCF:

 

     Years Ended June 30,      Increase
(Decrease)
in AOCF
 
     2013      2012     

Operating loss

   $ (59,029    $ (36,137    $ (22,892

Share-based compensation

     8,537         10,504         (1,967

Depreciation and amortization

     72,551         62,940         9,611   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

AOCF

$ 22,059    $ 37,307    $ (15,248
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

AOCF for the year ended June 30, 2013 decreased $15,248, or 41%, to $22,059 as compared to the prior year. The net decrease is attributable to the following:

 

Decrease in AOCF of the MSG Entertainment segment

$ (17,322

Increase in AOCF of the MSG Sports segment

  3,182   

Other net decreases

  (1,108
  

 

 

 
$ (15,248
  

 

 

 

Other net decreases were primarily driven by higher charitable contributions.

See above for a discussion of the NHL work stoppage during the 2012-13 season and the NBA work stoppage during the 2011-12 season.

 

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Business Segment Results

MSG Entertainment

The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues for the Company’s MSG Entertainment segment.

 

     Years Ended June 30,     Increase
(Decrease) in
Operating
Income
 
     2013     2012    
     Amount     % of
Revenues
    Amount      % of
Revenues
   

Revenues

   $ 252,195        100   $ 263,976         100   $ (11,781

Direct operating expenses

     199,570        79     199,290         75     (280

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     55,421        22     50,166         19     (5,255

Depreciation and amortization

     9,522        4     9,653         4     131   
  

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

$ (12,318   (5 )%  $ 4,867      2 $ (17,185
  

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

 

The following is a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to AOCF:

 

     Years Ended June 30,      Decrease
in AOCF
 
     2013      2012     

Operating income (loss)

   $ (12,318    $ 4,867       $ (17,185

Share-based compensation

     3,596         3,602         (6

Depreciation and amortization

     9,522         9,653         (131
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

AOCF

$ 800    $ 18,122    $ (17,322
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenues

Revenues for the year ended June 30, 2013 decreased $11,781, or 5%, to $252,195 as compared to the prior year. The net decrease is attributable to the following:

 

Decrease in event-related revenues at Radio City Music Hall, excluding the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

$ (13,710

Decrease in revenues from the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular franchise

  (5,815

Decrease in event-related revenues at the Beacon Theatre

  (2,883

Decrease in event-related revenues at The Garden

  (1,808

Decrease in event-related revenues at The Chicago Theatre

  (1,216

Increase in event-related revenues at The Theater at Madison Square Garden

  6,474   

Increase in venue-related sponsorship and signage and suite rental fee revenues

  5,937   

Other net increases

  1,240   
  

 

 

 
$ (11,781
  

 

 

 

The decrease in event-related revenues at Radio City Music Hall, excluding the Radio City Christmas Spectacular , was primarily due to fewer scheduled performances of Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana partially offset by an increase in revenues associated with other events.

The decrease in revenues from the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular franchise, which reflects the Radio City Music Hall production of the show as well as the theatrical productions presented outside

 

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of New York, was primarily due to lower attendance partially offset by a higher average ticket price at the Radio City Music Hall. The Radio City Music Hall production of the show was significantly impacted by Superstorm Sandy, which occurred in late October 2012, about ten days prior to the start of the show’s run. Nearly one million tickets were sold for the Radio City Music Hall production during the 2012 holiday season as compared to nearly one million one hundred thousand tickets during the 2011 holiday season.

The decrease in event-related revenues at the Beacon Theatre was primarily driven by the decrease in the number of events held at the venue during the year ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the prior year.

The decrease in event-related revenues at The Garden was primarily driven by a change in the mix of events held at the venue during the year ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the prior year.

The decrease in event-related revenues at The Chicago Theatre was primarily driven by the decrease in the number of events held at the venue during the year ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the prior year.

The increase in event-related revenues at The Theater at Madison Square Garden was primarily due to the increase in the number of events held at the venue during the year ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the prior year.

The increase in venue-related sponsorship and signage and suite rental fee revenues primarily reflects higher suite rental fee revenue as a result of new suite/club products which have come online combined with the impact of more sponsor relationships partially offset by the impact of the planned reduction in certain suite products as a result of the Transformation.

Direct operating expenses

Direct operating expenses for the year ended June 30, 2013 increased $280, less than 1%, to $199,570 as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Decrease in event-related direct operating expenses at Radio City Music Hall, excluding the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

$ (8,902

Decrease in event-related direct operating expenses at The Garden

  (1,994

Decrease in event-related direct operating expenses at the Beacon Theatre

  (1,066

Decrease in event-related direct operating expenses at The Chicago Theatre

  (734

Increase in venue operating costs, primarily associated with the Forum (which the Company acquired in June 2012) and Radio City Music Hall

  4,629   

Increase in event-related direct operating expenses at The Theater at Madison Square Garden

  4,291   

Increase in direct operating expenses associated with the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular franchise

  1,304   

Other net increases

  2,752   
  

 

 

 
$ 280   
  

 

 

 

The decrease in event-related direct operating expenses at Radio City Music Hall, excluding the Radio City Christmas Spectacular , was primarily due to fewer scheduled performances of Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana partially offset by an increase in expenses associated with other events.

 

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The decrease in event-related direct operating expenses at The Garden was primarily driven by a change in the mix of events held at the venue during the year ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the prior year.

The decrease in event-related direct operating expenses at the Beacon Theatre and The Chicago Theatre was primarily driven by the decrease in the number of events held at these venues during the year ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the prior year.

The increase in event-related direct operating expenses at The Theater at Madison Square Garden was primarily due to the increase in the number of events held at the venue during the year ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the prior year.

The increase in direct operating expenses associated with the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular franchise was primarily due to a pre-tax impairment charge of $4,982 recorded during the year ended June 30, 2013 related to a theatrical production of the show that played in three markets outside of New York during the 2012 holiday season. As a result of the financial performance of these markets, the Company recorded a pre-tax impairment charge for the remaining unamortized deferred costs of assets related to this theatrical production outside of New York. The impact of the impairment charge was largely offset by a decrease in direct operating expenses associated with the Radio City Music Hall production and the theatrical production of the show outside of New York.

Other net increases primarily consist of increases in costs associated with MSG Entertainment business development initiatives and event-related direct operating expenses at the Wang Theatre.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended June 30, 2013 increased $5,255, or 11%, to $55,421 as compared to the prior year primarily due to an increase in employee compensation and related benefits, which includes costs associated with MSG Entertainment business development initiatives.

AOCF

AOCF for the year ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $17,322, or 96%, to $800 as compared to the prior year primarily attributable to a decrease in revenues and higher selling, general and administrative expenses, as discussed above.

MSG Sports

The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues for the Company’s MSG Sports segment.

 

     Years Ended June 30,     Increase
(Decrease) in
Operating
Income
 
     2013     2012    
     Amount      % of
Revenues
    Amount      % of
Revenues
   

Revenues

   $ 470,290         100   $ 464,726         100   $ 5,564   

Direct operating expenses

     333,712         71     331,022         71     (2,690

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     110,854         24     112,861         24     2,007   

Depreciation and amortization

     10,451         2     11,003         2     552   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Operating income

$ 15,273      3 $ 9,840      2 $ 5,433   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

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The following is a reconciliation of operating income to AOCF:

 

     Years Ended June 30,      Increase
(Decrease) in
AOCF
 
     2013      2012     

Operating income

   $ 15,273       $ 9,840       $ 5,433   

Share-based compensation

     3,564         5,263         (1,699

Depreciation and amortization

     10,451         11,003         (552
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

AOCF

$ 29,288    $ 26,106    $ 3,182   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenues

Revenues for the year ended June 30, 2013 increased $5,564, or 1%, to $470,290 as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in suite rental fee revenue

$ 14,591   

Increase in professional sports teams’ sponsorship and signage revenues

  4,971   

Increase in telecast rights fees from MSG Media

  896   

Increase in revenues from NHL and NBA distributions

  641   

Decrease in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season ticket-related revenue

  (6,185

Decrease in event-related revenues from other live sporting events

  (4,964

Decrease in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season food, beverage and merchandise sales

  (2,283

Decrease in professional sports teams’ playoff related revenues

  (536

Other net decreases

  (1,567
  

 

 

 
$ 5,564   
  

 

 

 

The increase in suite rental fee revenue was primarily due to new suite/club products which have come online partially offset by the impact of the planned reduction in certain suite products as a result of the Transformation and the NHL work stoppage.

The increase in professional sports teams’ sponsorship and signage revenues primarily reflects expanded inventory and new sponsor relationships as a result of the Transformation and the Knicks’ return to a full regular season schedule. These increases were partially offset by the impact of the NHL work stoppage.

The increase in telecast rights fees from MSG Media was primarily due to the impact of the Knicks’ return to a full regular season schedule offset by the impact of the NHL work stoppage.

The increase in revenues from NHL and NBA distributions was primarily due to the league related increases and the Knicks’ return to a full regular season schedule largely offset by the impact of the NHL work stoppage.

The decrease in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season ticket-related revenue was primarily driven by the impact of the NHL work stoppage. This decrease was largely offset by the Knicks’ return to a full regular season schedule which resulted in more Knicks games played during the year ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the prior year and, to a lesser extent, higher average per-game revenue for our professional sports teams, inclusive of the impact of the temporary reduction in seating capacity due to the Transformation.

 

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The decrease in event-related revenues from other live sporting events was primarily due to fewer events and a change in the mix of events during the year ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the prior year.

The decrease in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season food, beverage and merchandise sales was primarily due to fewer NHL home games played, partially offset by more NBA home games played during the year ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the prior year, and, to a lesser extent, higher average spending per patron (per caps).

See “— Comparison of the Year Ended June 30, 2013 versus the Year Ended June 30, 2012 — Combined Results of Operations” for a discussion of the NHL work stoppage during the 2012-13 season and the NBA work stoppage during the 2011-12 season.

Direct operating expenses

Direct operating expenses for the year ended June 30, 2013 increased $2,690, less than 1%, to $333,712 as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:

 

Increase in net provisions for NBA luxury tax and NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense (excluding playoffs)

   $ 3,846   

Increase in net provisions for certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax)

     2,127   

Increase in team personnel compensation

     1,759   

Decrease in event-related expenses associated with other live sporting events

     (3,221

Decrease in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season expense associated with food, beverage and merchandise sales

     (671

Decrease in professional sports teams’ playoff related expenses

     (513

Other net decreases

     (637
  

 

 

 
$ 2,690   
  

 

 

 

Net provisions for NBA luxury tax, NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense (excluding playoffs) and certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax) were as follows:

 

     Years Ended June 30,         
     2013      2012      Increase  

Net provisions for NBA luxury tax and NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense (excluding playoffs)

   $ 20,838       $ 16,992       $ 3,846   

Net provisions for certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax)

     18,441         16,314         2,127   

The increase in net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of team personnel transactions) and NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense (excluding playoffs) reflects higher NBA luxury tax of $6,103 partially offset by lower net provisions for NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense of $2,257. The increase in provisions for NBA luxury tax for the year ended June 30, 2013 was due to the Knicks not being a gross luxury tax payer for the 2011-12 season whereas the Knicks were a luxury tax payer for the 2012-13 season. The decrease in net provisions for NBA and NHL revenue sharing expense (excluding playoffs) was primarily attributable to the impact of the NHL work stoppage and an adjustment to the 2011-12 season revenue sharing expense partially offset by higher estimated NBA revenue sharing for the 2012-13 season as a result of the Knicks’ return to a full regular season schedule.

 

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Team personnel transactions for the year ended June 30, 2013 reflect provisions recorded for player waivers/contract terminations and season-ending player injuries of $10,434 and $7,159, respectively, and player trades of $848. Team personnel transactions for the year ended June 30, 2012 primarily reflect provisions recorded for player waivers/contract terminations and season-ending player injuries of $15,832 and $407, respectively.

The increase in team personnel compensation was primarily due to the impact of the Knicks’ return to a full regular season schedule, and overall salary increases and the impact of roster changes largely offset by the NHL work stoppage.

The decrease in event-related expenses associated with other live sporting events was primarily due to fewer events and a change in the mix of events during the year ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the prior year.

The decrease in professional sports teams’ pre/regular season expenses associated with food, beverage and merchandise sales was primarily due to fewer NHL home games played, partially offset by more NBA home games played during the year ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the prior year.

Other net decreases include the impact on team operating expenses from the NHL work stoppage and, to a lesser extent, a league expense recoupment, which was recorded during the year ended June 30, 2013 that is not expected to be recurring offset by the impact of the Knicks’ return to a full regular season schedule, as well as other team operating expense increases.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended June 30, 2013 decreased $2,007, or 2%, to $110,854, as compared to the prior year. This decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in allocated corporate general and administrative costs, partially offset by higher professional fees and employee compensation and related benefits, including separation-related costs.

AOCF

AOCF for the year ended June 30, 2013 increased $3,182, or 12%, to $29,288, as compared to the prior year primarily due to higher revenues and a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in direct operating expenses, as discussed above.

See “— Comparison of the Year Ended June 30, 2013 versus the Year Ended June 30, 2012 — Combined Results of Operations” for a discussion of the NHL work stoppage during the 2012-13 season and the NBA work stoppage during the 2011-12 season.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

MSG uses a centralized approach to cash management and financing of operations. Cash is managed centrally with net earnings reinvested and working capital requirements met from existing liquid funds. Cash was historically available for use and was regularly “swept” by MSG at its discretion. Accordingly, the cash and cash equivalents held by MSG were not attributed to the Company for any of the historical periods presented herein. Additionally, cash held in accounts legally owned by subsidiaries of the Company was attributed to the combined balance sheets for each period presented.

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents on hand and cash flows from the operations of our businesses. The Company also expects to have access to incremental cash through a cash investment from

 

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MSG at the time of the Distribution. Our principal uses of cash include working capital-related items, capital spending, and investments that we may fund from time to time. The decisions of the Company as to the use of its available liquidity will be based upon the ongoing review of the funding needs of the business, the optimal allocation of cash resources, and the timing of cash flow generation.

We believe we will have sufficient liquidity from cash flows from the operations of our businesses (that may fluctuate from time to time) and a cash investment of $[ ] from MSG prior to the Distribution to operate our businesses, pursue new opportunities and our other initiatives.

We regularly assess capital and credit markets activity and conditions against our ability to meet our net funding and investing requirements over the next twelve months and we believe that the combination of cash and cash equivalents on hand, cash generated from operating activities and a cash investment from MSG to the Company prior to the Distribution should provide us with sufficient liquidity to fund such requirements.

However, economic conditions may lead to lower demand for our offerings, such as lower levels of attendance or advertising. The consequences of such conditions could adversely impact our business and results of operations and might require us to seek alternative sources of funding through the capital and credit markets. Such funding may not be available to us. Our access to financing on acceptable terms in the future may be affected by many factors, including: (a) our credit rating, (b) the liquidity of the overall capital markets and (c) the fiscal health of the economy. There can be no assurances that the Company will continue to have access to the capital markets on acceptable terms. See “Risk Factors — General Risks — We May Require Financing to Fund Our Ongoing Operations and Capital Expenditures, the Availability of Which is Highly Uncertain” for further discussion.

Financing Agreements

The Company does not anticipate having a credit facility in place at the time of the Distribution. However, we may require funding through the capital and credit markets in the future and may enter into a credit agreement following the Distribution. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Overview” above and “Risk Factors — General Risks — We May Require Financing to Fund Our Ongoing Operations and Capital Expenditures, the Availability of Which is Highly Uncertain” for further discussion.

Arrangements with Nonconsolidated Affiliates

In September 2013, the Company acquired a 50% interest in Azoff-MSG. The Company provides a $50,000 revolving credit facility to the entity, which amount was fully borrowed as of June 30, 2014. In September 2014, the revolving credit facility was increased from $50,000 to $100,000, with $66,000 of borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2015.

Additionally, in June 2014, the Company agreed to loan up to $2,600 to BBLV.

During the quarter ended December 2014, the Company agreed to provide a revolving credit facility to Tribeca Enterprises. This loan facility was increased to $6,000 during the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 of which $2,375 had been drawn down as of March 31, 2015.

Loan Receivable from MSG

On June 21, 2011, the Company’s wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary, Eden Insurance Company, Inc. (“Eden”), entered into a loan agreement with MSG (the “Loan Agreement”), under which Eden granted MSG an unsecured loan bearing interest at a rate of 3.50% plus the six month applicable LIBOR rate with a principal amount not exceeding $8,000. Subsequently, the Loan Agreement was amended to increase the

 

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borrowing capacity to $40,000. While the term of the loan is five years, the subsidiary can induce prepayment by MSG with as little as five business days notice. As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the subsidiary had an outstanding loan receivable from MSG of $29,683 and $22,926, respectively, inclusive of accrued interest, and such amounts were the largest amounts outstanding during the years ending on such dates. For all periods presented, no interest or principal payments were received by Eden. Instead, on a semi-annual basis, the accrued but unpaid interest was added to the outstanding principal amount of the loan. We expect that the outstanding loan receivable will be repaid to Eden prior to the Distribution.

Cash Flow Discussion

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 decreased by $22,157 to $22,456 as compared to the prior year period primarily driven by (i) a decrease in accrued and other liabilities of $90,873 mainly due to higher NBA luxury tax payments and a decrease in NHL playoff related accruals and (ii) an increase in prepaid expenses of $25,029 largely driven by timing of team personnel compensation payments. These items were partially offset by (i) a decrease in accounts receivable of $14,538 primarily due to timing, (ii) an increase in deferred revenue of $10,437 largely driven by timing of amounts collected in advance for professional sports teams’ regular season games partially offset by the change in the number and mix of events at our venues, and (iii) changes in other non-cash items, including an increase in equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates of $34,974, a decrease in the net loss of $20,909, and an increase in depreciation and amortization expense of $19,870.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased by $78,924 to $137,063 as compared to the prior year. While the net loss for such fiscal year increased by $58,659, the increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by increases in (i) accrued and other liabilities of $88,058, (ii) deferred revenue of $27,912 due to the timing of advance ticket sales, and (iii) other non-cash items including an increase in depreciation and amortization expense of $19,158. The increase in accrued and other liabilities was primarily driven by (i) increases in provision for NBA luxury tax, (ii) accrued NHL revenue sharing expense, (iii) defined benefit and other post retirement obligations, and (iv) deferred compensation.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $47,680 to $58,139 as compared to the prior year primarily driven by (i) an increase in the net loss of $21,992, (ii) an increase in accounts receivable of $16,442 primarily due to an increase in billing driven by certain suites at the Garden coming online during the 2012-13 season, (iii) a decrease in accounts payable of $13,606 driven by timing of payments, and (iv) a decrease in deferred revenue of $12,983 due to the timing of advance ticket sales, offset by (v) a decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets of $5,551 driven by higher teams compensation related prepaid expenses, and (vi) other non-cash items including higher depreciation and amortization expense of $9,611 and a deferred costs impairment of $4,982 which was recorded during the year ended June 30, 2013.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 decreased by $329,358 to $88,396 as compared to the prior year period. This change is primarily due to (i) lower capital expenditures for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to the completion of the Transformation and the renovation of the Forum and (ii) the Company’s prior year period acquisition of a 50% interest in Azoff-MSG and an investment in BBLV. These increases were partially offset by the absence of the prior year period’s $18,000 loan provided to the Company from the City of Inglewood in connection with the Company’s renovation of the Forum.

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased by $337,021 to $520,675 as compared to the prior year. This increase is primarily due to $226,510 of cash used during the current year for the Company’s investments in and loans to its nonconsolidated affiliates, Azoff-MSG, BBLV and Tribeca

 

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Enterprises. In addition, capital expenditures for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased by $87,076 as compared to the prior year primarily due to the renovation of the Forum during the current year partially offset by lower capital expenditures associated with the Transformation. These contributors to the higher net cash used in investing activities during the current year were partially offset by an $18,000 loan provided to the Company (which we expect to be forgiven based on our satisfaction of certain conditions) during the year ended June 30, 2014 from the City of Inglewood in connection with the Company’s renovation of the Forum, and a $4,200 reduction in borrowings by MSG in connection with the Loan Agreement. Cash flow from investing activities during the prior year included proceeds of $44,136 from the sale of all of the Company’s holdings of Live Nation common stock.

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $239,242 to $183,654 as compared to the prior year primarily driven by lower capital expenditures associated with the Transformation and, to a lesser extent, proceeds from the March 2013 sale of all the Company’s holdings of Live Nation common stock as well as the Company’s June 2012 acquisition of the Forum, partially offset by increased borrowings by MSG in connection with the Loan Agreement.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 decreased by $303,004 to $73,938 as compared to the prior year. This decrease is due to net transfers from MSG and MSG’s subsidiaries.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended June 30, 2014 increased by $262,673 to $387,478 as compared to the prior year. This increase is due to net transfers from MSG and MSG’s subsidiaries.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $189,965 to $124,805 as compared to the prior year. This increase is due to net transfers from MSG and MSG’s subsidiaries.

Contractual Obligations and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

Future cash payments required under contracts entered into by the Company in the normal course of business as of June 30, 2014 are summarized in the following table:

 

    Payments Due by Period  
    Total     Year 1     Years 2-3     Years 4-5     More Than
5 Years
 

Off balance sheet arrangements:

         

Contractual obligations (a)

  $ 372,527      $ 135,113      $ 132,823      $ 77,069      $ 27,522   

Operating lease obligations (b)

    346,006        33,333        68,237        68,516        175,920   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  718,533      168,446      201,060      145,585      203,442   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contractual obligations reflected on the balance sheet (c)

  84,095      39,003      16,357      10,231      18,504   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$ 802,628    $ 207,449    $ 217,417    $ 155,816    $ 221,946   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Contractual obligations not reflected on the balance sheet consist primarily of the MSG Sports segment’s obligations under employment agreements that the Company has with its professional sports teams’ personnel that are generally guaranteed regardless of employee injury or termination.

 

(b) Operating lease obligations represent future minimum rental payments on various long-term, noncancelable leases for office and storage space, and lease commitments for Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre.

 

(c) Consists primarily of (i) amounts earned under employment agreements that the Company has with certain of its professional sports teams’ personnel in the MSG Sports segment, and, to a lesser extent, (ii) severance related to certain former corporate employees.

 

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The future cash payments reflected above do not include the impact of potential insurance recoveries or amounts which may be due for NBA luxury tax payments or NBA or NHL revenue sharing.

See “— Financing Agreements — Arrangements with Nonconsolidated Affiliates” above for discussion of the revolving credit facilities provided by the Company to Azoff-MSG, BBLV and Tribeca Enterprises.

Seasonality of Our Business

The dependence of the MSG Sports segment on revenues from its NBA and NHL sports teams generally means it earns a disproportionate share of its revenues in the second and third quarters of our fiscal year. The dependence of the MSG Entertainment segment on revenues from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular generally means it earns a disproportionate share of its revenues and operating income in the second quarter of our fiscal year.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Critical Accounting Policies

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) – Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs , which amends ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The amended guidance changes the wording used to describe many requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Additionally, the amendments clarify the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. The Company adopted ASU No. 2011-04 effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-09, Compensation — Retirement Benefits — Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80) — Disclosures about an Employer’s Participation in a Multiemployer Plan , which requires employers that participate in multiemployer pension plans to provide additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures in order to provide more information about an employer’s involvement in multiemployer pension plans. Although the majority of the amendments in this ASU apply only to multiemployer pension plans, there are also amendments that require changes in disclosures for multiemployer plans that provide postretirement benefits other than pensions. The Company adopted this ASU in the fourth quarter of the year ended June 30, 2012. This ASU impacted the Company’s disclosures only and did not have any impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The disclosures required by this ASU are presented in Note 14 to our audited combined financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) — Presentation of Comprehensive Income , which is intended to improve the overall quality of financial reporting by increasing the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income, and to additionally align the presentation of other comprehensive income in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP with those prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. An entity now has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Additionally, in December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) — Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in ASU 2011-05 , to indefinitely defer the effective date of the specific requirement to present items that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income alongside their respective components of net income and other comprehensive income. During the deferral period, the existing requirements in GAAP for the presentation of reclassification adjustments are required to be followed. These standards were retrospectively adopted by the Company in the first quarter of

 

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fiscal year 2013 and the Company elected to present two separate but consecutive statements. The adoption of these standards resulted only in changes in the presentation of its financial statements and did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) — Testing Goodwill for Impairment , which amends ASC Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other . This guidance permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying a two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity can support the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it would not need to perform the two-step impairment test for that reporting unit. This standard was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) — Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment , to establish an optional two-step analysis for impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangibles other than goodwill. In particular, the two-step analysis establishes an optional qualitative assessment to precede the quantitative assessment, if necessary. This standard was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) — Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income , which requires an entity to provide information about amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This standard was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014. The adoption of this standard impacted the Company’s disclosures only and did not have any impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08,  Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity , which revises the definition of a discontinued operation to limit the circumstances under which a disposal or classification as held for sale qualifies for presentation as a discontinued operation. Expanded disclosures are required concerning a discontinued operation and the disposal of a significant component of an entity not qualifying as a discontinued operation. The revised standard is effective for any new disposals and new classifications of assets held for sale in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. The Company elected to early adopt this guidance in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014. The adoption of this standard did not have any impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition . This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard will be effective

 

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for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its combined financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which changes the analysis to be performed in determining whether certain types of legal entities should be consolidated. Specifically, it (1) modifies the assessment of whether limited partnerships are variable interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities, (2) eliminates the presumption that a limited partnership should be consolidated by its general partner, (3) removes certain conditions for the evaluation of whether a fee paid to a decision maker constitutes a variable interest, and (4) modifies the evaluation concerning the impact of related parties in the determination of the primary beneficiary of a VIE. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its combined financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which amends the FASB ASC to require that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related liability. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and the amended guidance must be applied on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its combined financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, which provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract and expense the cost as the services are received. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. Early adoption is permitted. This standard may be adopted retrospectively or prospectively to arrangements entered into, or materially modified, after the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its combined financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of the Company’s combined financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Management believes its use of estimates in the combined financial statements to be reasonable. The significant accounting policies which we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:

Multiple-Deliverable Transactions

The Company has various types of multiple-deliverable arrangements, including multi-year sponsorship agreements. The deliverables included in each sponsorship agreement vary and may include suite licenses, event tickets and various advertising benefits, which include items such as, but not limited to, signage at The Garden and the Company’s other venues. The timing of revenue recognition for each deliverable is dependent upon meeting the revenue recognition criteria for the respective deliverable.

The Company allocates revenue to each deliverable within the arrangement based on its relative selling price. For many deliverables in an arrangement, such as event tickets and certain advertising benefits, the

 

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Company has vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of selling price as it typically sells the same or similar deliverables regularly on a stand-alone basis. Absent VSOE the Company considers whether third party evidence (“TPE”) is available; however, in most instances TPE is not available. The Company’s process for determining its estimated selling prices for deliverables without VSOE or TPE involves management’s judgment and considers multiple factors including company specific and market specific factors that may vary depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each deliverable. Key factors considered by the Company in developing a best estimate of selling price for deliverables include, but are not limited to, prices charged for similar deliverables, the Company’s ongoing pricing strategy and policies, and consideration of pricing of similar deliverables sold in other multiple-deliverable agreements.

Impairment of Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets

The Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets accounted for approximately 80% of the Company’s combined total assets as of June 30, 2014 and consist of the following:

 

Goodwill

   $ 277,166   

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

     163,850   

Amortizable intangible assets, net

     29,263   

Property and equipment, net

     1,231,300   
  

 

 

 
   $ 1,701,579   
  

 

 

 

In assessing the recoverability of the Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets, the Company must make estimates and assumptions regarding future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such charge. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant information. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. If these estimates or material related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges related to our long-lived and/or indefinite-lived assets.

Goodwill

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of August 31 st and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. If the Company can support the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we would not need to perform the two-step impairment test for that reporting unit. If the Company cannot support such a conclusion or the Company does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment then the first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill that would be recognized in a business combination. The Company’s two reporting units for evaluating goodwill impairment are the same as its reportable segments, and both of them have goodwill. The estimates of the fair value of the Company’s reporting units are primarily determined using discounted cash flows and comparable market transactions. These valuations are based on estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, discount rates, determination of appropriate market comparables and the determination of whether a

 

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premium or discount should be applied to comparables. For all periods presented the Company elected to perform the qualitative assessment of impairment for the MSG Sports reporting unit. These assessments considered factors such as:

 

    Macroeconomic conditions;

 

    Industry and market considerations;

 

    Cost factors;

 

    Overall financial performance of the reporting unit;

 

    Other relevant company-specific factors such as changes in management, strategy or customers; and

 

    Relevant reporting unit specific events such as changes in the carrying amount of net assets.

For all periods presented, the Company performed the quantitative assessment of impairment for the MSG Entertainment reporting unit. For MSG Entertainment, these valuations of the reporting unit include assumptions for the number and expected financial performance of live entertainment events and productions, which includes, but is not limited to, the level of ticket sales, concessions and sponsorships. Significant judgments inherent in a discounted cash flow valuation include the selection of appropriate discount rates, estimating the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and identification of appropriate continuing growth rate assumptions. The discount rates used in the analysis are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the respective intangible assets.

The goodwill balance reported on the Company’s balance sheet as of June 30, 2014 by reportable segment is as follows:

 

MSG Entertainment

   $ 58,979   

MSG Sports

     218,187   
  

 

 

 
   $ 277,166   
  

 

 

 

During the quarters ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2014, the Company performed its annual impairment test of goodwill, and there was no impairment of goodwill identified for either of its reportable segments. Based on these impairment tests, the Company’s reporting units had sufficient safety margins, representing the excess of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit less its respective carrying value (including goodwill allocated to each respective reporting unit).

Identifiable Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment as of August 31 st and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. In the qualitative assessment, the Company must evaluate the totality of qualitative factors, including any recent fair value measurements, that impact whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset other than goodwill has a carrying amount that more likely than not exceeds its fair value. The Company must proceed to conducting a quantitative analysis, according to which an impairment charge is recognized for the amount of the asset’s carrying amount exceeding the fair value, if the Company (1) determines that such an impairment is more likely than not to exist, or (2) forgoes the qualitative assessment entirely. The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The following table sets forth the amount of identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets reported in the Company’s combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2014 by reportable segment:

 

Sports franchises (MSG Sports segment)

   $ 101,429   

Trademarks (MSG Entertainment segment)

     62,421   
  

 

 

 
   $ 163,850   
  

 

 

 

 

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When the Company performs the qualitative assessment, the Company considers the events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the intangible asset. Examples of such events and circumstances include:

 

    Cost factors;

 

    Financial performance;

 

    Legal, regulatory, contractual, business or other factors;

 

    Other relevant company-specific factors such as changes in management, strategy or customers;

 

    Industry and market considerations; and

 

    Macroeconomic conditions.

In March 2014, the Company acquired an NBA Development League franchise, which began operations for the 2014-15 season. The purchase was accounted for as the acquisition of an indefinite-lived franchise intangible asset.

When the quantitative assessment is performed, the Company determines the fair value of the intangible asset. During the quarters ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2014, the Company performed its annual impairment test of identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, and there was no impairment identified. Based on this impairment test, the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets had sufficient safety margins, representing the excess of each identifiable indefinite-lived intangible asset’s estimated fair value over its respective carrying value. The Company believes that if the fair value of a reporting unit or another indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its carrying value by greater than 10%, a sufficient safety margin has been realized.

Other Long-Lived Assets

For other long-lived assets, including intangible assets that are amortized, the Company evaluates assets for recoverability when there is an indication of potential impairment. If the undiscounted cash flows from a group of assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of that group of assets, the fair value of the asset group is determined and the carrying value of the asset group is written down to fair value.

The Company has recognized intangible assets for season ticket holder relationships, suite holder relationships, and other intangibles as a result of purchase accounting. The Company has determined that certain of such intangible assets have finite lives.

The estimated useful lives and net carrying values of these intangibles at June 30, 2014 are as follows:

 

     Net Carrying
Value
     Estimated
Useful Lives

Season ticket holder relationships

   $ 24,464       12 to 15 years

Suite holder relationships

     2,454       11 years

Other intangibles

     2,345       15 years
  

 

 

    
   $ 29,263      
  

 

 

    

The useful lives for season ticket holder relationships and suite holder relationships were determined based upon an estimate for renewals of existing agreements the Company had in place with its major customers in April 2005 (the time that purchase accounting was applied). The Company has maintained customer relationships in the past and believes it will be able to maintain those customer relationships in the future. Furthermore, the Company has been successful in maintaining its relationships with its season ticket holders and suite holders in the past and believes it will be able to significantly renew its season ticket and suite holder relationships and maintain those relationships in the future. However, it is possible that the Company will not successfully renew

 

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such agreements as they expire or that if it does, the net revenue earned may not equal or exceed the net revenue currently being earned, which could have a material negative effect on our business. In light of these facts and circumstances, the Company has determined that its estimated useful lives are appropriate.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan

The Company utilizes actuarial methods to calculate pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and the related net periodic benefit cost which are based on actuarial assumptions. Two key assumptions, the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, are important elements of the plans’ expense and liability measurement and we evaluate these key assumptions annually. Other assumptions include demographic factors, such as mortality, retirement age and turnover. The actuarial assumptions used by the Company may differ materially from actual results due to various factors, including, but not limited to, changing economic and market conditions. Differences between actual and expected occurrences could significantly impact the actual amount of net periodic benefit cost and the benefit obligation recorded by the Company. Material changes in the costs of the plans may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions, changes in the number of the plan participants, changes in the level of benefits provided, changes in asset levels and changes in legislation. Our assumptions reflect our historical experience and our best judgment regarding future expectations.

Accumulated and projected benefit obligations reflect the present value of future cash payments for benefits. We use the Towers Watson U.S. Rate Link: 40-90 discount rate model (which is developed by examining the yields on selected highly rated corporate bonds) to discount these benefit payments on a plan by plan basis, to select a rate at which we believe each plan’s benefits could be effectively settled. Lower discount rates increase the present value of benefit obligations and will usually increase the subsequent year’s net periodic benefit cost. The weighted-average discount rates used to determine benefit obligations as of June 30, 2014 for the Company’s pension plans and postretirement plan were 4.32% and 4.00%, respectively. A 25 basis point decrease in these assumed discount rates would increase the projected benefit obligations for the Company’s pension plans and postretirement plan at June 30, 2014 by $5,950 and $240, respectively. The weighted-average discount rates used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the year ended June 30, 2014 for the Company’s pension plans and postretirement plan were 4.80% and 4.50%, respectively. A 25 basis point decrease in these assumed discount rates would increase the total net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s pension plans by $490 and decrease net periodic benefit cost for the postretirement plan by $13 for the year ended June 30, 2014.

The expected long-term return on plan assets is based on a periodic review and modeling of the plans’ asset allocation structures over a long-term horizon. Expectations of returns for each asset class are the most important of the assumptions used in the review and modeling, and are based on comprehensive reviews of historical data, forward-looking economic outlook, and economic/financial market theory. The expected long-term rate of return was selected from within the reasonable range of rates determined by (a) historical real returns, net of inflation, for the asset classes covered by the investment policy, and (b) projections of inflation over the long-term period during which benefits are payable to plan participants. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for the Company’s funded pension plans was 4.57% for the year ended June 30, 2014.

Performance of the capital markets affects the value of assets that are held in trust to satisfy future obligations under the Company’s funded plans. Adverse market performance in the future could result in lower rates of return for these assets than projected by the Company which could increase the Company’s funding requirements related to these plans, as well as negatively affect the Company’s operating results by increasing the net periodic benefit cost. A 25 basis point decrease in the long-term return on pension plan assets assumption would increase net periodic pension benefit cost by $227 for the year ended June 30, 2014.

Another important assumption for our postretirement plan is healthcare cost trend rates. We developed our estimate of the healthcare cost trend rates through examination of the Company’s claims experience and the results of recent healthcare trend surveys.

 

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Assumptions for healthcare cost trend rates used to determine the benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost for our postretirement plan as of and for the year ended June 30, 2014 are as follows:

 

     Net Periodic
Benefit Cost
    Benefit Obligation  

Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year

     7.75     7.25

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

     5.00     5.00

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

     2020        2020   

A one percentage point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects on the benefit obligation for our postretirement plan and net periodic postretirement benefit cost as of and for the year ended June 30, 2014:

 

     Increase
(Decrease) on
Total of Service
and Interest Cost
Components
     Increase
(Decrease) on
Benefit Obligation
 

One percentage point increase

   $ 76       $ 1,031   

One percentage point decrease

     (66      (906

GAAP includes mechanisms that serve to limit the volatility in the Company’s earnings that otherwise would result from recording changes in the value of plan assets and benefit obligations in our combined financial statements in the periods in which those changes occur. For example, while the expected long-term rate of return on the plans’ assets should, over time, approximate the actual long-term returns, differences between the expected and actual returns could occur in any given year. These differences contribute to the deferred actuarial gains or losses, which are then amortized over time.

See Note 14 to our audited combined financial statements included in this information statement for more information on our pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan.

 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Corporate Governance

General

We will apply to list our Class A Common Stock on NYSE under the symbol “MSG” and we expect that The Madison Square Garden Company will change its symbol on NYSE to “MSGN” in connection with the Distribution. As a result, we are generally subject to NYSE corporate governance listing standards.

A listed company that meets NYSE’s definition of “controlled company” may elect not to comply with certain of these requirements. Holders of MSG Class B Common Stock who are members of the Dolan family and certain related family entities entered into a Stockholders Agreement relating to, among other things, the voting of their shares of MSG Class B Common Stock and filed a Schedule 13D with the SEC as a “group” under the rules of the SEC. We have been informed that prior to the Distribution, these parties will enter into a similar stockholders agreement with respect to the voting of their shares of the Class B Common Stock that will be issued in the Distribution. As a result, following the Distribution, we will be a “controlled company.” As a controlled company, we will have the right to elect not to comply with the corporate governance rules of NYSE requiring: (i) a majority of independent directors on our Board, (ii) an independent corporate governance and nominating committee and (iii) an independent compensation committee. Our Board of Directors has elected for the Company to be treated as a “controlled company” under NYSE corporate governance rules and not to comply with the NYSE requirement for a majority independent board of directors and for a corporate governance and nominating committee because of our status as a controlled company. Nevertheless, we expect our Board of Directors to elect to comply with the NYSE requirement for an independent compensation committee.

In connection with the consideration of the Distribution by MSG’s board of directors, a committee of MSG’s board of directors, comprising two independent Class A Directors, recommended to the full MSG board of directors the principal elements of our governance structure, including the replication in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the MSG common stock voting structure, which the MSG board adopted as part of its approval of the filing with the SEC of the registration statement, of which this information statement forms a part.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

Our Board of Directors has adopted our Corporate Governance Guidelines. These guidelines set forth our practices and policies with respect to Board composition and selection, Board meetings, executive sessions of the Board, Board committees, the expectations we have of our directors, selection of the Executive Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, management succession, Board and executive compensation, and Board self-evaluation. The full text of our Corporate Governance Guidelines may be viewed at our corporate website at [•]. A copy may be obtained by writing to MSG Spinco, Inc., Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10121; Attention: Corporate Secretary.

Executive Sessions of Non-Management and Independent Board Members

Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our directors who are not also officers of our Company or any of its affiliates (“non-management directors”) will meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions. In addition, our directors who are independent under NYSE rules are required to meet in executive sessions at least twice a year.

Communicating with Our Directors

Our Board has adopted policies designed to allow stockholders and other interested parties to communicate with our directors. Any interested party that wishes to communicate directly with the Board or any director or the non-management directors as a group should send communications in writing to Chairman of the Audit

 

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Committee, MSG Spinco, Inc., Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10121. Any person, whether or not an employee, who has a concern with respect to our accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing issues, may, in a confidential or anonymous manner, communicate those concerns to our Audit Committee by contacting the MSG Integrity Hotline, which is operated by a third-party service provider, at [●].

Code of Conduct and Ethics

Our Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics for our directors, officers and employees. A portion of this Code of Conduct and Ethics also serves as a code of conduct and ethics for our senior financial officers and principal accounting officers or controller. Among other things, our Code of Conduct and Ethics covers conflicts of interest, disclosure responsibilities, legal compliance, reporting and compliance under the Code, confidentiality, corporate opportunities, fair dealing, protection and proper use of assets, and equal employment opportunity and harassment. The full text of the code is available on our website at [●]. In addition, a copy may be obtained by writing to MSG Spinco, Inc., Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10121; Attention: Corporate Secretary.

Our Directors

The following individuals are expected to be elected to serve as directors of the Company commencing on the Distribution date:

Directors Elected by Class A Common Stockholders

We expect the following individuals to be appointed, prior to the Distribution, as directors of the Company, and to be designated as directors elected by the Class A Common Stockholders.

RICHARD D. PARSONS, 66. Mr. Parsons has served as a Director of MSG since September 29, 2014 and previously served as a director of MSG from February 2010 to May 2014. He is Senior Advisor for Providence Equity Partners LLC since September 2009. He also served as the interim Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles Clippers from May 2014 to September 2014. Prior to his role at Providence Equity Partners, LLC, Mr. Parsons was Chairman of Citigroup Inc. from February 2009 to April 2012 and was a director of Citigroup from 1996 until April 2012. Prior to that, he was Chairman of Time Warner from 2003 to 2008; Chief Executive Officer of Time Warner from 2002 to 2007; Co-Chief Operating Officer of AOL Time Warner from 2001 to 2002; and President of Time Warner from 1995 to 2000. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dime Bancorp from 1990 to 1995; President and Chief Operating Officer of Dime Bancorp from 1988 to 1990. He was a Partner of Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler law firm from 1979 to 1988. Mr. Parsons is a director of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and Lazard Ltd. Mr. Parsons is Chairman of the Apollo Theater Foundation and the Jazz Foundation of America and is a director of the Commission on Presidential Debates. Mr. Parsons’ qualifications to serve on our Board include his extensive skills and wide-ranging experience arising from his roles as legal counsel, executive officer and outside director and independent Chairman of the Board, in areas such as consumer business, professional sports, corporate governance, financial reporting, risk management, compensation and corporate affairs. In addition, he brings to our Board the knowledge and experience he has gained about the Company’s business and the contributions he has made during his tenure as a Director of MSG.

NELSON PELTZ, 72. Mr. Peltz has served as a Director of MSG since December 18, 2014. He has served as the Chief Executive Officer and a founding partner of Trian Fund Management, L.P., an asset management company for various investment funds and accounts, since its formation in 2005. From April 1993 through June 2007, Mr. Peltz served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Triarc Companies, Inc. (now known as The Wendy’s Company), which during that time period owned Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. and Snapple Beverage Group, as well as other consumer and industrial businesses and has served as its non-executive Chairman since June 2007. In addition, since January 2014, Mr. Peltz has been a director of Mondelēz International, Inc. Mr. Peltz has also served as a director of Legg Mason Inc. from 2009 until December 2014 and served as the Chair of its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee from July 2013 until December 2014. In addition,

 

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he served as a director of Ingersoll-Rand plc from August 2012 to June 2014, H.J. Heinz Company from September 2006 to June 2013 and Trian Acquisition I Corp. from October 2007 to January 2010.

In September 2012, Mr. Peltz was recognized for a third consecutive year by the National Association of Corporate Directors as among the most influential persons in the global corporate governance arena. Mr. Peltz’s qualifications to serve on our Board include more than 40 years of business and investment experience including as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of public companies. Mr. Peltz has developed extensive experience working with management teams and boards of directors, and in acquiring, investing in and building companies and implementing operational improvements at the companies with which he has been involved. As a result, he has strong operating experience and strategic planning skills and has strong relationships with institutional investors, investment banking and capital markets advisors and others that can be drawn upon for the Company’s benefit.

SCOTT M. SPERLING, 57. Mr. Sperling has served as a Director of MSG since December 18, 2014. He is Co-President of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., a private equity firm that he joined in 1994. Prior to that, Mr. Sperling served as a Managing Partner of The Aeneas Group, Inc., the private capital affiliate of Harvard Management Company, for more than ten years. Before that, Mr. Sperling was a senior consultant with the Boston Consulting Group. Mr. Sperling is currently a director of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and iHeartMedia, Inc. (formerly CC Media Holdings, Inc.), a portfolio company of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. He also serves on the boards of the Brigham & Women’s/Faulker Hospital Group and Partners Healthcare. Mr. Sperling previously served on the board of Warner Music Group Corp. and numerous other public and private companies. Mr. Sperling’s qualifications to serve on our Board include his decades of business experience investing in and advising companies in a variety of industries, including media and entertainment. As a result of Mr. Sperling’s leadership of a private equity firm, his service as a director of both public and private companies and his consulting and advisory background, Mr. Sperling has extensive experience collaborating with senior management teams of companies to identify and implement operational and strategic improvements.

Directors Elected by Class B Stockholders

We expect the following individuals to be appointed, prior to the Distribution, as directors of the Company, and to be designated as directors elected by the Class B Common Stockholders.

JAMES L. DOLAN, 60. Mr. Dolan is the Director and Executive Chairman of the Company since March 4, 2015. Mr. Dolan is also a Director and the Executive Chairman of MSG since July 29, 2009. He was Chairman of MSG Holdings, L.P. from 1999 to 2010. Mr. Dolan is Chief Executive Officer of Cablevision since October 1995. He was President of Cablevision from June 1998 to April 2014; Chief Executive Officer of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc., a former subsidiary of Cablevision, from September 1992 to October 1995; and Vice President of Cablevision from 1987 to September 1992. Mr. Dolan serves as a director of Cablevision and AMC Networks. James L. Dolan is the son of Charles F. Dolan, the spouse of Kristin A. Dolan, the father of Charles P. Dolan, the brother of Thomas C. Dolan and the brother-in-law of Brian G. Sweeney. Mr. Dolan brings to the Board his experience in various positions with Cablevision since 1979, including as its Chief Executive Officer since 1995, his experience in various positions with MSG and its predecessors since 1999, including most recently as its Chairman since 1999 (and Executive Chairman since 2009), as well as the knowledge and experience he has gained about the Company’s business and contributions he has made during his tenure as a director of MSG, AMC Networks and Cablevision.

CHARLES F. DOLAN, 88. Mr. Dolan has served as a Director of MSG since July 29, 2009. Mr. Dolan is Chairman of Cablevision since 1985. He was Chief Executive Officer of Cablevision from 1985 to October 1995. He is Executive Chairman of AMC Networks since June 2011. Mr. Dolan founded and acted as the General Partner of Cablevision’s predecessor from 1973 to 1985 and established Manhattan Cable Television in 1961 and Home Box Office in 1971. Mr. Dolan serves as a director of Cablevision and AMC Networks. Charles F. Dolan is the father of James L. Dolan and Thomas C. Dolan, father-in-law of Kristin A. Dolan and Brian G. Sweeney

 

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and grandfather of Charles P. Dolan. Mr. Dolan brings to the Board his experience in the cable television and cable programming industries, as well as his experience as founder of Cablevision, his service as Chairman and, previously, as the Chief Executive Officer of Cablevision and its predecessors, as well as the knowledge and experience he has gained about the Company’s business and contributions he has made during his tenure as a director of both MSG, AMC Networks and Cablevision.

CHARLES P. DOLAN, 28. Mr. Dolan has served as a Director of MSG since July 21, 2010. Mr. Dolan is an employee of Knickerbocker Group LLC since August 2010. He is a graduate of New York University and has significant familiarity with the business of the Company as a member of the third generation of Cablevision’s founding family. Charles P. Dolan is the son of James L. Dolan, the stepson of Kristin A. Dolan, the grandson of Charles F. Dolan and the nephew of Thomas C. Dolan and Brian G. Sweeney. Mr. Dolan brings to the Board his familiarity with the business, being a member of the third generation of Cablevision’s founding family, as well as the knowledge and experience he has gained about the Company’s business and the contributions he has made during his tenure as a director of MSG.

KRISTIN A. DOLAN, 49. Ms. Dolan has served as a Director of MSG since February 9, 2010. Ms. Dolan is the Chief Operating Officer of Cablevision since April 2014. She was President of Optimum Services for Cablevision from April 2013 to April 2014; Senior Executive Vice President of Product Management and Marketing for Cablevision from November 2011 to April 2013; and Senior Vice President of Cablevision from 2003 to 2011. Ms. Dolan serves as a director of Cablevision and AMC Networks. Kristin A. Dolan is the spouse of James L. Dolan, the step-mother of Charles P. Dolan, the daughter-in-law of Charles F. Dolan and the sister-in-law of Thomas C. Dolan and Brian G. Sweeney. Ms. Dolan brings to the Board her experience in various positions at Cablevision since 1990, as well as the knowledge and experience she has gained about the Company’s business and the contributions she has made during her tenure as a director of MSG, AMC Networks and Cablevision.

THOMAS C. DOLAN, 62. Mr. Dolan has served as a Director of MSG since February 9, 2010. Mr. Dolan has been Executive Vice President — Strategy and Development, Office of the Chairman of Cablevision since September 2008. He was Chief Executive Officer of Rainbow Media Corp. from April 2004 to April 2005; Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Cablevision from October 2001 until April 2005; Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Cablevision from February 1996 to October 2001; Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Cablevision from July 1994 to February 1996; General Manager of Cablevision’s East End Long Island cable system from November 1991 to July 1994; and System Manager of Cablevision’s East End Long Island cable system from August 1987 to October 1991. Mr. Dolan serves as a director of Cablevision and AMC Networks. Thomas C. Dolan is the son of Charles F. Dolan, the brother of James L. Dolan, the brother-in-law of Brian G. Sweeney and Kristin A. Dolan and the uncle of Charles P. Dolan. Mr. Dolan brings to the Board his experience as a member of Cablevision’s founding family and in various positions with Cablevision since 1987, as well as the knowledge and experience he has gained about the Company’s business and contributions he has made during his tenure as a director of both MSG, AMC Networks and Cablevision.

WILT HILDENBRAND, 67. Mr. Hildenbrand has served as a Director of MSG since November 30, 2011. Mr. Hildenbrand is a Senior Advisor Customer Care, Technology and Networks for Cablevision since January 2013. He was Senior Advisor of Engineering and Technology from March 2006 to January 2013; Executive Vice President of Engineering and Technology from January 2000 to March 2006; Senior Vice President of Technology from January 1998 to January 2000 and Vice President of Engineering Support and Customer Relations from October 1986 to January 1998. He served as Director of Engineering for Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc., a former subsidiary of Cablevision, from July 1979 to October 1986. Mr. Hildenbrand brings to the Board his experience in various positions with Cablevision since 1979, as well as the knowledge and experience he has gained about the Company’s business and contributions he has made during his tenure as a Director of MSG.

 

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ALAN D. SCHWARTZ, 65. Mr. Schwartz has served as a Director of MSG since February 9, 2010. Mr. Schwartz is Executive Chairman of Guggenheim Partners, LLC since 2009 and has served as consultant for Rothschild Inc. from 2008 to 2009; President of The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. from 2007 to 2008; Chief Executive Officer of The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. from January 2008 to March 2008; Co-President of The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. from 2001 to 2007 and President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. from 2007 to 2008. Mr. Schwartz is a director of AMC Networks and Marvin & Palmer Associates, Inc. He is a trustee of Duke University and a member of the boards of MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, Robin Hood Foundation and NYU Medical Center. Mr. Schwartz brings to the Board his experience as an investment banker, his experience as a senior executive of other businesses, his service as a director of another public company and charitable institutions, as well as the knowledge and experience he has gained about the Company’s business and the contributions he has made during his tenure as a Director of MSG.

BRIAN G. SWEENEY, 51. Mr. Sweeney has served as a Director of MSG since February 9, 2010. Mr. Sweeney is the President of Cablevision since April 2014 and Chief Financial Officer of Cablevision since March 2015. He was Senior Executive Vice President, Strategy and Chief of Staff of Cablevision from January 2013 to April 2014; Senior Vice President — Strategic Software Solutions of Cablevision from June 2012 to January 2013; and Senior Vice President — eMedia of Cablevision from January 2000 to June 2012. Mr. Sweeney serves as a director of Cablevision and AMC Networks. Brian G. Sweeney is the son-in-law of Charles F. Dolan, the brother-in-law of James L. Dolan, Thomas C. Dolan and Kristin A. Dolan and the uncle of Charles P. Dolan. Mr. Sweeney brings to the Board his experience in various positions with Cablevision since 1993, as well as the knowledge and experience he has gained about the Company’s business and contributions he has made during his tenure as a director of both MSG and Cablevision.

VINCENT TESE, 72. Mr. Tese has served as a Director of MSG since February 9, 2010. Mr. Tese served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the New York State Urban Development Corporation from 1985 to 1987 and as Director of Economic Development for New York State from 1987 to December 1994. Mr. Tese is Chairman of Bond Street Holdings, LLC and ICE Clear Credit LLC. He is Executive Chairman of Florida Community Bank. Mr. Tese is a director of Cablevision, Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., Mack-Cali Realty Corporation, New York Racing Association, Inc. and a trustee of New York Presbyterian Hospital and New York University School of Law. During the past five years, Mr. Tese was a director of Gabelli Asset Management, National Wireless Holdings, Inc. and The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. Mr. Tese brings to the Board his experience as the Chief Executive Officer of the New York State Urban Development Corporation, his other government service, his experience as the executive chairman of private companies, his service as a director of other public companies, as well as the knowledge and experience he has gained about the Company’s business and the contributions he has made during his tenure as a Director of both MSG and Cablevision.

The term of office of our directors will expire at the next annual meeting of stockholders and at each succeeding annual meeting after that. The business address for each director is c/o MSG Spinco, Inc., Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10121 and each director is a citizen of the United States. We will encourage our directors to attend annual meetings of stockholders and believe that attendance at annual meetings is just as important as attendance at meetings of the Board.

Because we did not have any operations in 2014, our Board did not hold any meetings during that year.

Director Compensation

A director who is a Company employee will receive no extra compensation for serving as a director. Each non-employee director will receive a base fee of $[●] per year; $[●] per Board or committee meeting attended in person; and $[●] per Board, committee or non-management director meeting attended by telephone. Non-employee directors will also receive $[●] annually per committee membership and $[●] annually per committee chairmanship. In addition, we will reimburse our directors for reasonable expenses in connection with attendance at Board, committee and stockholder meetings.

 

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We will also pay our non-employee directors compensation in restricted stock units. Each year, each non-employee director will receive a grant of restricted stock units for the number of shares of common stock equal to $[ ] based on the average closing price over the twenty trading day period concluding on the date immediately preceding the grant date. The restricted stock units the non-employee directors will receive will be fully vested on the date of grant. Such compensation will be made pursuant to our Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Please see “Executive Compensation — Our Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors” for information concerning our Director Stock Plan.

Board Committees

The board will have two permanent committees: the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee.

Audit Committee

At the time of the Distribution, our Audit Committee will consist of three members. The primary purposes and responsibilities of our Audit Committee are to: (a) assist the Board (i) in its oversight of the integrity of our financial statements, (ii) in its oversight of our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (iii) in assessing our independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence, and (iv) in assessing the performance of our internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm; (b) appoint, compensate, retain and oversee the Company’s registered public accounting firm and pre-approve, or adopt appropriate procedures to pre-approve, all audit and non-audit services, if any, to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm; (c) review the appointment and replacement of the head of our internal audit department; (d) establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and for the confidential, anonymous submission by Company employees or any provider of accounting-related services of concerns regarding questionable accounting and auditing matters and review of submissions and the treatment of any such complaints; (e) review and approve related party transactions that are required to be disclosed under SEC rules other than transactions that require approval under the Company’s Related Party Transaction Approval Policy; (f) conduct and review with the Board an annual performance evaluation of the Audit Committee; (g) prepare any report of the Audit Committee required by the rules and regulations of the SEC for inclusion in our annual proxy statement; (h) review and reassess the Audit Committee charter at least annually; and (i) report to the Board on a regular basis. The text of our Audit Committee charter is available on our website at [ ]. A copy may be obtained by writing to MSG Spinco, Inc., Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10121; Attention: Corporate Secretary.

We expect our Board of Directors to determine that each member of our Audit Committee is “independent” within the meaning of the rules of both NYSE and the SEC, and that each has not participated in the preparation of the financial statements of the Company or any current subsidiary of the Company at any time during the past three years and is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements. All directors we add to the Audit Committee in the future will also meet those standards. We expect our Board to also determine that at least one member of our Audit Committee is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the rules of the SEC.

Our Board has established a procedure whereby complaints or concerns with respect to accounting, internal controls and auditing matters may be submitted to the Audit Committee. This procedure is described under “Communicating with Our Directors” above.

Our Audit Committee did not exist in 2014.

Compensation Committee

At the time of the Distribution, our Compensation Committee will consist of not less than two members. The primary purposes of our Compensation Committee are to: (a) establish our general compensation philosophy and, in consultation with management, oversee the development and implementation of compensation programs;

 

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(b) review and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and our other executive officers who are required to file reports with the SEC under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (together with the Chief Executive Officer, the “Senior Employees”), evaluate their performance in light of these goals and objectives and determine and approve their compensation based upon that evaluation; (c) approve any new equity compensation plan or material changes to an existing plan; (d) oversee the activities of the committee or committees administering our retirement and benefit plans; (e) in consultation with management, oversee regulatory compliance with respect to compensation matters; (f) determine and approve any severance or similar termination payments to be made to Senior Employees (current or former); (g) determine the components and amount of Board compensation and review such determinations from time to time in relation to other similarly situated companies; (h) prepare any reports of the Compensation Committee to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement; (i) conduct and review with the Board an annual performance evaluation of the Compensation Committee; and (j) report to the Board on a regular basis, but not less than annually. The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, delegate a portion of its duties and responsibilities to one or more subcommittees of the Compensation Committee. For example, the Compensation Committee may delegate the approval of certain transactions to a subcommittee consisting solely of members of the Compensation Committee who are (i) “non-employee directors” for the purposes of Rule 16b-3 issued by the SEC under the Exchange Act, and (ii) “outside directors” for the purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, as in effect from time to time. The Compensation Committee may also engage outside compensation consultants to assist in the performance of its duties and responsibilities. The text of our Compensation Committee charter is available on our website at [ ]. A copy may be obtained by writing to MSG Spinco, Inc., Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10121; Attention: Corporate Secretary.

We expect our Board of Directors to determine that each member of our Compensation Committee is “independent” under the rules of NYSE.

Our Compensation Committee did not exist in 2014.

Absence of Nominating Committee

We will not have a nominating committee. We believe that it is appropriate not to have a nominating committee because of our stockholder voting structure. Under the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the holders of our Class B Common Stock will have the right to elect 75% of the members of our Board. We believe that creating a committee consisting solely of independent directors charged with responsibility for recommending nominees for election as directors would be inconsistent with the vested rights that the holders of Class B Common Stock will have under our certificate of incorporation. Instead, our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide a mechanism for the selection of nominees for election as directors by the holders of our Class A Common Stock (“Class A Directors”) and by the holders of our Class B Common Stock (“Class B Directors”). The holders of our Class A Common Stock are currently entitled to elect 25% of the members of our Board. Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, nominees for election as Class A Directors shall be recommended to the Board by the Class A Directors then in office who were elected by the holders of our Class A Common Stock. Nominees for election as Class B Directors shall be recommended to our Board by the Class B Directors then in office who were elected by the holders of the Class B Common Stock.

Our directors have not set specific, minimum qualifications that nominees must meet in order for them to be nominated for election to the Board, but rather believe that each nominee should be evaluated based on his or her individual merits, taking into account, among other matters, the factors set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines under “Board Composition” and “Selection of Directors.” Those factors include:

 

    The desire to have a Board that encompasses a broad range of skills, expertise, industry knowledge, diversity of viewpoints, opinions, background and experience, and contacts relevant to our business;

 

    Personal qualities and characteristics, accomplishments and reputation in the business community;

 

    Ability and willingness to commit adequate time to Board and committee matters; and

 

    The fit of the individual’s skill and personality with those of other directors and potential directors in building a Board that is effective, collegial and responsive to the needs of our Company.

 

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The Class A Directors will evaluate possible candidates to recommend to the Board for nomination as Class A Directors and suggest individuals for the Board to explore in more depth. The Board will consider nominees for Class A Directors recommended by our stockholders. Nominees recommended by stockholders will be given appropriate consideration in the same manner as other nominees. Stockholders who wish to submit nominees for consideration by the Board for election at our annual meeting of stockholders may do so by submitting in writing such nominees’ names, in compliance with the procedures and along with the other information required by our by-laws. Any such nominee must be submitted to the Corporate Secretary of the Company, at MSG Spinco, Inc., Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10121 not less than 60 or more than 90 days prior to the date of our annual meeting of stockholders, provided that if the date of the meeting is publicly announced or disclosed less than 70 days prior to the date of the meeting, such notice must be given not more than ten days after such date is first announced or disclosed.

The Class B Directors will consult from time to time with one or more of the holders of Class B Common Stock to assure that all Class B Director nominees recommended to the Board are individuals who will make a meaningful contribution as Board members and will be individuals likely to receive the approving vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class B Common Stock. The Class B Directors do not intend to consider unsolicited suggestions of nominees by holders of our Class A Common Stock. We believe that this is appropriate in light of the voting provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation which vest exclusively in the holders of our Class B Common Stock the right to elect our Class B Directors.

Other Committees

In addition to standing committees, the Company has adopted a policy whereby a committee of our Board of Directors consisting entirely of independent directors (an “Independent Committee”) will review and approve transactions with Other Entities. The Independent Committee will also review and approve or take such other action as it may deem appropriate with respect to transactions involving the Company and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and in which any director, officer, greater than 5% stockholder of the Company or any other “related person” as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K of the SEC (“Item 404”) has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. This approval requirement covers any transaction that meets the related party disclosure requirements of the SEC as set forth in Item 404, which currently apply to any transaction (or any series of similar transactions) in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000. The policy does not cover decisions on compensation or benefits or the hiring or retention of any person. The hiring or retention of executive officers is determined by our full Board of Directors. Compensation of executive officers is subject to the approval of our Compensation Committee. This policy also does not cover any pro rata distributions to all Company stockholders, including a pro rata distribution of our Class A Common Stock to holders of our Class A Common Stock and our Class B Common Stock to holders of our Class B Common Stock. No director on an Independent Committee will participate in the consideration of a related party transaction with that director or any related person of that director.

Our by-laws provide for the formation of an Executive Committee of the Board of Directors which would have the power to exercise all of the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Company, except as limited by the Delaware General Corporation Law. Our Board has not formed an Executive Committee, although it could do so in the future.

Our Executive Officers

The following individuals are expected to continue to serve as our executive officers at the time of the Distribution. Additional executive officers may be appointed prior to the Distribution. It is expected that following the Distribution Mr. O’Connor, Ms. Coleman, Mr. Yospe and Mr. Lynn will cease to serve as executive officers of MSG.

JAMES L. DOLAN. The biography for James L. Dolan appears under “Corporate Governance and Management — Our Directors — Directors Elected by Class B Stockholders” above.

 

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DAVID O’CONNOR, 57, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since July 15, 2015. Mr. O’Connor is also the President and Chief Executive Officer of MSG since July 15, 2015. Prior to his employment with MSG, Mr. O’Connor worked at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), an entertainment and sports agency, since 1983, and served as a Partner and Managing Director of CAA since 1995.

DONNA COLEMAN, 59, is the Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company since July 15, 2015. Ms. Coleman is also the Interim Chief Financial Officer of MSG since May 4, 2015. Ms. Coleman was Executive Vice President, Corporate Financial Planning and Control of Cablevision from November 2012 to her retirement in December 2014. Prior to that, she was Senior Vice President, Corporate Financial Planning and Control of Cablevision from June 2011 to October 2012 and Senior Vice President, Planning and Operations of Cablevision from April 2000 to May 2011.

LAWRENCE J. BURIAN, 45, is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since July 15, 2015. Mr. Burian is also the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of MSG since January 12, 2010. He was Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Business Affairs of Cablevision from January 2005 until February 2010; Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Cablevision from February 2002 to December 2004, and Assistant General Counsel of Cablevision from February 2000 to January 2002. Mr. Burian was an Associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP from August 1995 to February 2000 and September 1994 to January 1995. He was a Law Clerk to Justice Aharon Barak, Deputy President (later President) of the Supreme Court of Israel from January 1995 to June 1995. Mr. Burian serves as a director of Tribeca Enterprises LLC, Fuse Media, Inc. and the Garden of Dreams Foundation.

JOSEPH F. YOSPE, 56, is the Senior Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer of the Company since July 15, 2015. Mr. Yospe is also the Senior Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer of MSG since February 26, 2010. Mr. Yospe was Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of ABM Industries Incorporated from January 2008 to February 2010 and Senior Vice President from October 2007 to December 2007; Assistant Controller and then Vice President and Assistant Controller of Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. from September 2004 to September 2007; and Corporate Controller of Genmab A/S from September 2002 to September 2004.

ROBERT J. LYNN, 51, is the Senior Vice President, Treasury and Investor Relations of the Company since July 15, 2015. Mr. Lynn is also the Senior Vice President, Treasury and Investor Relations of MSG since May 24, 2010. Previously, Mr. Lynn was Senior Vice President, Treasurer of Cenveo, Inc. from October 2005 to May 2010. Prior to that, he was Director, Global Cash & Liquidity International Paper Company from June 2001 to October 2005.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Introduction

This section presents information concerning compensation arrangements for the persons we expect to be our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and the three next most highly compensated executive officers following the Distribution. We present historical and current fiscal year information concerning the compensation of James L. Dolan, Donna Coleman, Lawrence J. Burian and Joseph F. Yospe from MSG for the year ended June 30, 2015. Additionally, we present current fiscal year information concerning the compensation of Mr. David O’Connor, who commenced employment with MSG following the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, and therefore did not receive compensation from MSG in the year ended June 30, 2015, but whom we expect will serve as our President and Chief Executive Officer. The historical compensation information, including in particular the information set forth below under “— Historical Compensation Information,” may not in all cases be directly relevant to the compensation that these officers will receive from the Company.

Each of Messrs. Dolan, O’Connor, Burian and Yospe holds various cash and equity based long-term incentive awards that were granted by MSG. Treatment of these in the Distribution is described under “— Treatment of Outstanding Options, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards.”

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes MSG’s compensation philosophy for its named executive officers for the year ended June 30, 2015. MSG’s compensation philosophy may be relevant to the Company because it is anticipated that the elements of our compensation will be similar to the elements of MSG’s compensation. However, our Compensation Committee will review the impact of the Distribution and will review all aspects of compensation and make appropriate adjustments.

For purposes of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Company’s named executive officers are Messrs. Dolan, O’Connor, Burian and Yospe, and Ms. Coleman. These individuals are referred to collectively as Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”). Our NEOs are also executive officers of MSG, and it is anticipated that Messrs. Dolan and Burian will continue as executive officers of MSG following the Distribution.

Overview of MSG’s Executive Compensation Program

MSG compensates its NEOs through salary, annual incentive awards, long-term incentive awards, perquisites and fringe benefit programs. MSG’s annual and long-term incentive programs provide performance-based incentives for MSG’s management tied to key financial measures that drive stockholder value and reward sustained achievement of MSG’s key financial goals.

MSG’s Compensation Committee administers MSG’s executive compensation program. The responsibilities of MSG’s Compensation Committee are set forth in its charter. Among other responsibilities, MSG’s Compensation Committee (1) establishes the general compensation philosophy and, in consultation with management, oversees the development and implementation of compensation programs; (2) reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of MSG’s executive officers who are required to file reports with the SEC under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, evaluates their performance in light of those goals and objectives, and determines and approves their respective compensation level based on this evaluation; (3) oversees the activities of the committee or committees administering the retirement and benefit plans and (4) administers the stockholder-approved compensation plans.

Role of the Independent Compensation Consultant

MSG’s Compensation Committee has authority under its charter to engage outside consultants to assist in the performance of its duties and responsibilities. MSG’s Compensation Committee utilizes the services of an independent compensation consultant to assist in determining whether the elements of MSG’s executive compensation program are reasonable and consistent with its objectives.

 

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ClearBridge Compensation Group LLC (the “compensation consultant”) serves as the independent compensation consultant to MSG’s Compensation Committee. The compensation consultant reports directly to MSG’s Compensation Committee and, at the request of MSG’s Compensation Committee, the compensation consultant meets with members of management from time to time for purposes of gathering information on management proposals and recommendations to be presented to MSG’s Compensation Committee.

The compensation consultant provided the following services to MSG’s Compensation Committee during the year ended June 30, 2015:

 

    Attended all Compensation Committee meetings;

 

    Provided information, research, and analysis pertaining to the executive compensation program for the 2015 fiscal year;

 

    Regularly updated the Compensation Committee on market trends, changing practices, and legislation pertaining to compensation;

 

    Assisted the Compensation Committee in making pay determinations for the Executive Chairman, the President and Chief Executive Officer, and the other executive officers;

 

    Assisted the Compensation Committee in making compensation decisions in connection with the entry into agreements with the President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel;

 

    Advised on the design of the executive compensation program and the reasonableness of individual compensation targets and awards;

 

    Provided advice and recommendations that incorporated both market data and company-specific factors; and

 

    Assisted the Compensation Committee in connection with its review of non-employee director compensation.

During the 2015 fiscal year, the compensation consultant provided no other services to MSG.

MSG’s Compensation Committee charter for the year ended June 30, 2015 required the Compensation Committee to consider NASDAQ independence factors before receiving advice from an advisor, despite the fact that such independence rules are not applicable to controlled companies. Following such consideration, MSG’s Compensation Committee concluded that the compensation consultant satisfies the independence requirements of NASDAQ rules. In addition, MSG’s Compensation Committee believes that the compensation consultant’s work did not raise any conflict of interest during the year ended June 30, 2015. In reaching this conclusion, MSG’s Compensation Committee considered the same rules regarding advisor independence.

MSG’s Compensation Committee reviews the performance and compensation of the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer and, following discussions with the compensation consultant, establishes each of their compensation. Senior management of MSG assists MSG’s Compensation Committee and the compensation consultant as described in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, and provides to MSG’s Compensation Committee, either directly or through the compensation consultant, management’s recommendations on the compensation for executive officers other than the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer. Other members of management provide support to MSG’s Compensation Committee as needed. Based upon a review of performance and historical compensation, recommendations and information from members of management, and discussions with the compensation consultant, MSG’s Compensation Committee determines and approves compensation for the executive officers. Our Compensation Committee is expected to engage a compensation consultant to assist our Compensation Committee in making compensation decisions in the future.

 

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Executive Compensation Program Objectives and Philosophy

MSG places great importance on its ability to attract, retain, motivate and reward experienced executive officers who can continue to drive MSG’s business objectives and achieve strong financial, operational and stock price performance. MSG’s Compensation Committee has designed executive compensation policies and programs that are consistent with, explicitly linked to, and supportive of, the strategic objectives of growing MSG’s businesses and maximizing stockholder value.

MSG’s Compensation Committee has designed a program that reflects four key overarching executive compensation principles:

 

    Significant portion of compensation opportunity should be at risk . The majority of compensation for MSG’s executive officers should be at risk and based on the performance of MSG, so that actual compensation levels depend upon MSG’s actual performance as determined by MSG’s Compensation Committee;

 

    Long-term performance incentives should outweigh short-term performance incentives . Incentive compensation of MSG’s executive officers should focus more heavily on long-term rather than short-term accomplishments and results;

 

    Executives should be aligned with stockholders through equity compensation . Equity-based compensation should be used to align the interests of MSG’s executive officers with the interests of MSG’s stockholders; and

 

    Compensation structure should enable MSG to attract, retain, motivate and reward the best talent . The overall executive compensation program should be highly competitive, equitable and structured so as to ensure MSG’s ability to attract, retain, motivate and reward talented executives who are essential to MSG’s continuing success. Total direct compensation, rather than individual compensation elements, is the MSG Compensation Committee’s focus in providing competitive compensation opportunities.

In designing the executive compensation program, MSG’s Compensation Committee seeks to fulfill these objectives by maintaining appropriate balances between (1) short-term and long-term compensation, (2) cash and equity compensation and (3) performance-based and non-performance-based compensation.

Compensation Practices and Policies

General

The following discussion describes the practices and policies implemented by MSG’s Compensation Committee during the year ended June 30, 2015. In the case of Mr. Dolan, his compensation for the first half of the year ended June 30, 2015 was subject to an employment agreement that was entered into before the spinoff of MSG from Cablevision and approved by Cablevision’s compensation committee (though the term of the agreement expired on December 31, 2014, certain provisions, including provisions relating to termination of employment, survive such expiration). For the 2015 fiscal year, compensation for each of Messrs. Burian and Yospe and Ms. Coleman was subject to employment agreements (as amended and restated in June 2015 in the case of Mr. Burian) approved by the Compensation Committee.

MSG’s Compensation Committee considered the results of the 2014 advisory “say-on-pay” proposal and incorporated such results as one of many factors in its assessment and development of the compensation program. Because the compensation described in MSG’s 2014 proxy statement was approved on an advisory basis by a substantial majority of shares voted (including substantial majorities of each of the MSG Class A Common Stock and the MSG Class B Common Stock voted), the result of such vote has not contributed to the implementation of any changes to MSG’s executive compensation program.

 

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Performance Objectives

As described below under “— Elements of MSG’s Compensation Program,” performance-based incentive compensation is an important element of MSG’s executive compensation program.

Generally, the performance metrics for MSG’s incentive compensation have been based on net revenues and on the adjusted operating cash flow, or AOCF, of its business units. MSG considers these performance metrics to be key measures of MSG’s operating performance.

MSG defines AOCF, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as operating income (loss) before (i) depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment and intangible assets, (ii) share-based compensation expense or benefit, (iii) restructuring charges or credits and (iv) gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses. Because it is based on operating income (loss), AOCF also excludes interest expense (including cash interest expense) and other non-operating income and expense items. AOCF of MSG’s business units is based upon the AOCF of MSG’s reporting units less the cost of MSG’s long-term incentive program that is included as an expense of the units. At the time of grant of an award, the performance measures used may contemplate certain potential future adjustments and exclusions.

Tally Sheets

In setting compensation levels for the year ended June 30, 2015, MSG’s Compensation Committee reviewed tally sheets prepared by the compensation consultant, setting forth all components of compensation payable, and the benefits accruing, to MSG’s named executive officers with respect to the prior fiscal year, including all cash compensation, benefits, perquisites and the current value of outstanding equity-based awards. The tally sheets also set forth potential payouts to MSG’s named executive officers upon various termination scenarios.

Determining Compensation Levels; Benchmarking

As part of the MSG Compensation Committee’s review of the total compensation for the year ended June 30, 2015, the compensation consultant assisted MSG’s Compensation Committee in: (1) determining if a peer group should be used for comparative purposes, (2) assessing executive compensation in light of internal and external considerations and (3) reviewing MSG’s equity and cash-based executive incentive programs, taking into account evolving market trends. MSG’s Compensation Committee, in consultation with the compensation consultant considered broad market data (industry-related and general industry data) and multiple broad-based compensation surveys in order to appropriately assess compensation levels.

For the 2015 fiscal year, MSG’s Compensation Committee, in consultation with the compensation consultant, also reviewed and considered compensation data from the following group of 13 companies of comparable size (as measured by annual revenue) in the same general industry or industries as MSG in order to evaluate the competitiveness and appropriateness of the compensation program: AMC Networks Inc., iHeartMedia, Inc., Cumulus Media Inc., Discovery Communications Inc., Dreamworks Animation Inc., Lions Gate Entertainment CP, Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc., Shaw Communications Inc., Sinclair Broadcast GP, Sirius XM Radio Inc., Starz, and World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. In addition, MSG’s Compensation Committee, in consultation with the compensation consultant, considered compensation data from the following group of companies within the broader media industry: CBS Corp.; Cablevision Systems Corporation; Charter Communications Inc.; Comcast Corp.; DirecTV; Dish Network Corp.; Liberty Global PLC; News Corp.; The Walt Disney Company; Time Warner Cable Inc.; Time Warner Inc. and Viacom Inc. When considering MSG’s executive compensation in the context of both groups, MSG’s Compensation Committee did not target a specific percentage or quartile of compensation at such other companies.

Besides the market data listed above, MSG’s Compensation Committee considered internal information (historical compensation, job responsibility, experience, parity among executive officers, contractual commitments and attraction and retention of talent) to determine compensation.

 

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Elements of MSG’s Compensation Program

MSG’s executive compensation philosophy is reflected in the principal elements of its executive compensation program, each of which is important to MSG’s desire to attract, retain, motivate and reward highly-qualified executive officers. The compensation program included the following key elements for the year ended June 30, 2015: base salary, annual cash incentives, long-term incentives, retirement, health and welfare and other benefits, which are generally provided to all other eligible employees, and additional executive benefits, including post-termination compensation under certain circumstances and certain perquisites, each as described below.

A significant percentage of total direct compensation is allocated to incentive compensation in accordance with the MSG Compensation Committee’s philosophy. MSG’s Compensation Committee reviews historical MSG company compensation, other information provided by the compensation consultant and other factors, such as experience, performance, length of service and contractual commitments, to determine the appropriate level and mix of compensation for executive officers. The allocation between cash and equity compensation and short-term and long-term compensation is designed to provide a variety of fixed and at-risk compensation that is related to the achievement of MSG’s short-term and long-term objectives.

Mr. Dolan is also employed by Cablevision as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Dolan is separately compensated by Cablevision with respect to such employment.

Base Salaries

MSG’s Compensation Committee is responsible for setting the base salary of each of its executive officers, which is intended to compensate the officer for the day-to-day services performed for MSG. Base salaries have been set at a level that is intended to reflect the competitive marketplace in attracting and retaining quality executives. The employment agreements between MSG and certain of its named executive officers contain a minimum base salary level. MSG’s Compensation Committee reviews the salaries of the executive officers at least annually. MSG’s Compensation Committee may adjust base salaries for executive officers over time, based on their performance and experience and in accordance with the terms of their employment agreements. We expect to enter into employment agreements with certain of the NEOs as described in “— Employment Agreements.”

The base salaries paid to each of Messrs. Dolan, Burian and Yospe and Ms. Coleman in the year ended June 30, 2015 were $550,000, $754,115, $465,516 and $412,500 (reflecting the commencement of Ms. Coleman’s employment on May 5, 2015), respectively. Effective September 1, 2014, Mr. Yospe’s annual base salary was increased to $469,404 and effective June 1, 2015, Mr. Burian’s annual base salary was increased to $1,000,000. MSG’s Compensation Committee determined salary increases for executive officers after evaluation of MSG and individual performance, market pay levels, the range of increases generally provided to MSG’s employees and, to the extent appropriate, management’s recommendations. Additionally, MSG’s Compensation Committee considered Mr. Burian’s annual base salary increase in connection with the renewal of Mr. Burian’s employment agreement with MSG. The named executive officers’ base salaries have not yet been increased for the year ended June 30, 2016. The employment agreement between MSG and Ms. Coleman entitles Ms. Coleman to a monthly base salary equal to $250,000, which, given Ms. Coleman’s role as Interim Chief Financial Officer of MSG, is in lieu of any eligibility to participate in MSG’s annual or long-term incentive programs.

See “— Key Elements of 2016 Expected Compensation from the Company” below for information on the NEOs’ base salaries following the Distribution.

Annual Cash Incentives

Under MSG’s executive compensation program, annual incentive awards are made to executive officers and certain other members of management. Annual incentive awards are designed to link executive compensation directly to MSG’s performance and provide incentives and rewards for excellent business performance during the applicable fiscal year.

 

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Each employee eligible for an annual incentive award is assigned a target award equal to a percentage of that employee’s base salary earned during the applicable fiscal year. The target annual incentive awards are determined based upon the applicable employee’s position, grade level, responsibilities, and historical and expected future contributions to MSG. In addition, the employment agreements between MSG and certain of its named executive officers contain a minimum target annual incentive award level.

MSG’s Compensation Committee currently reviews the target annual incentive award levels of its executive officers at least annually. MSG’s Compensation Committee evaluates each such executive’s performance and experience and, based on their performance and in accordance with the terms of their employment agreements, MSG’s Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, may revise target annual incentive award levels for the executive officers. The target incentive award levels for MSG’s named executive officers as a percentage of base salary paid in the year ended June 30, 2015 were as follows: Mr. Dolan — 200%; Mr. Burian — 150%; and Mr. Yospe — 45%. Due to the interim nature of her service with MSG, Ms. Coleman is not eligible to participate in MSG’s annual incentive programs.

See “— Key Elements of 2016 Expected Compensation from the Company” and “—Employment Agreements” below for information on the NEOs’ annual incentive awards following the Distribution.

For MSG’s named executive officers and other individuals that MSG’s Compensation Committee determines may be covered by Section 162(m) of the Code, the bonuses for the year ended June 30, 2015 were granted under MSG’s 2010 Cash Incentive Plan (the “MSG CIP”), a plan approved by MSG’s stockholders on November 30, 2011 and administered by MSG’s Compensation Committee. See “— Tax Deductibility of Compensation” below. For all other members of management, the bonuses for the year ended June 30, 2015 were granted under MSG’s management performance incentive program (“MPIP”) administered by MSG’s Compensation Committee. The MSG CIP and MPIP plans and 2015 awards are described below. Both annual incentive plans are fully performance based.

MSG CIP

The payment of the annual incentive awards under the MSG CIP is conditioned upon the satisfaction of performance objectives established by MSG’s Compensation Committee at the beginning of the performance year. Any such performance objective is subject to various adjustments such as for acquisitions and dispositions and investments in new venues or business ventures. The performance metrics for the 2015 fiscal year annual bonus were established by MSG’s Compensation Committee in September 2014. These targets were intended to achieve tax deductibility under Code Section 162(m) for bonuses paid to those individuals then employed by MSG who are covered by Code Section 162(m).

Upon achievement of the performance objective(s), each participant is eligible to receive payment of an incentive bonus equal to the lesser of $10 million and two times the individual’s target annual incentive award, subject to the MSG Compensation Committee’s discretion to reduce the award. In general, under the MSG CIP, regardless of whether MSG achieves, exceeds or fails to achieve its target performance objective(s), MSG’s Compensation Committee has the discretion only to decrease annual incentive awards if MSG wishes to preserve the Code Section 162(m) deduction.

2015 Targets and Achievements

For the year ended June 30, 2015, threshold performance for the AOCF of the business units was set at $248.8 million. If AOCF of the business units fell below the designated threshold, no incentive payments would be made under the MSG CIP. The actual AOCF of the business units for the year ended June 30, 2015 has not yet been certified by MSG’s Compensation Committee and, accordingly, annual incentive awards for that year have not yet been approved to be paid by MSG to any of its eligible named executive officers.

 

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MPIP

The payment of annual incentive awards under the MPIP to all eligible members of management is conditioned upon the satisfaction of performance objectives established by MSG’s Compensation Committee depending upon the applicable eligible employee’s specific business unit. For the year ended June 30, 2015, under the MPIP, these performance objectives relate to items such as net revenues, AOCF of the business units, sponsorship, signage and advertising revenue, and other division-specific strategic and operating metrics. For individuals who hold corporate positions at MSG, the MPIP performance objectives are predominantly based on corporate and company-wide achievement of the performance metrics. Annual incentive awards under the MPIP are adjusted based on recipients’ individual performances. To the extent MSG exceeds or falls short of the MPIP performance objectives, eligible employees may receive payments greater than or less than their target annual incentive award.

Long-term Incentives

MSG’s core long-term incentive program has historically been a mix of restricted stock units and cash performance awards, with the size of target awards based upon an eligible employee’s grade level or employment agreement. For the year ended June 30, 2015, MSG’s Compensation Committee determined to award long term incentives in restricted stock units and cash performance awards, split equally based on target award value.

MSG’s Compensation Committee believes that restricted stock units provide eligible named executive officers with an incentive to improve MSG’s stock price performance and a direct alignment with stockholders’ interests, as well as a continuing stake in the long-term success of MSG. Restricted stock unit grants made in the year ended June 30, 2015 to the NEOs generally vest in their entirety on the third anniversary of the grant date (i.e., cliff vesting) to provide strong incentive for the officer to remain with MSG.

MSG generally makes its annual long-term incentive grants to eligible employees after the public announcement of MSG’s annual financial information. Except as described below, long-term awards of restricted stock units and cash performance awards were granted in September 2014 for MSG’s fiscal year ended on June 30, 2015. Pursuant to the terms of her employment agreement with MSG, and due to the interim nature of her service with MSG, Ms. Coleman is not eligible to participate in MSG’s long-term incentive programs.

Restricted Stock Units

Under MSG’s executive compensation program, long-term incentive grants of restricted stock units are made to executive officers and certain other members of management pursuant to MSG’s 2010 Employee Stock Plan (the “MSG Employee Stock Plan”). If the recipient remains employed by MSG through the date that the restrictions lapse, an award of a restricted stock unit will be settled in a share of MSG Class A Common Stock or, at the MSG Compensation Committee’s discretion, in a cash amount equal to the value of one share of MSG Class A Common Stock as of the date such restrictions lapse. The restricted stock units granted to MSG’s eligible named executive officers also include a performance condition designed to achieve tax deductibility under Code Section 162(m). The number of restricted stock units granted to each eligible employee is determined based on the average closing price over the twenty-day trading period concluding on the day prior to the grant.

In September 2014, MSG’s Compensation Committee approved awards of restricted stock units for the fiscal year ended on June 30, 2015, including the following awards to individuals who will be NEOs of the Company: Mr. Dolan — 13,230 units; Mr. Burian — 8,130 units and Mr. Yospe — 3,100 units. In addition, Mr. Burian received a grant of 210 restricted stock units on June 19, 2015 to reflect his employment agreement renewal. These restricted stock units will vest in September 2017, as long as the executive is continuously employed until such date and the performance objectives are attained. The performance objectives with respect to these awards required the AOCF of the business units in any of the fiscal years ending on June 30, 2015, June 30, 2016 or June 30, 2017 to exceed 75% of the 2014 fiscal year AOCF of the business units; provided, however, that for Mr. Burian’s June 2015 grant, such AOCF target must be achieved in either of the fiscal years ending on June 30, 2016 or June 30, 2017.

 

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Hedging Policy and Holding Requirements

MSG’s Insider Trading Policy prohibits all directors and employees (including NEOs) from engaging in short sales or other “hedging” transactions that might otherwise be used by a director or NEO to weaken their alignment with MSG’s stockholders. We expect the Company to adopt a similar insider trading policy.

Under the executive compensation program for prior fiscal years, annual restricted stock unit awards to NEOs cliff vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant so long as the recipient is continuously employed by MSG until such date (and subject to the performance conditions described above). With respect to MSG’s directors, compensation includes annual awards of restricted stock units. Pursuant to the award agreements, directors’ restricted stock units are not settled in shares of MSG stock (or, in the MSG Compensation Committee’s discretion, cash) until the first business day following 90 days after service on MSG’s Board ceases (other than in the event of a director’s death). One effect of the cliff-vesting and holding requirements is to require each of MSG’s directors and NEOs to maintain significant holdings of MSG securities at all times.

Cash Performance Awards

Under MSG’s executive compensation program for prior fiscal years, grants of long-term cash performance awards were made to executive officers and certain other members of management (including our NEOs other than Mr. O’Connor) pursuant to the MSG CIP. The MSG executive compensation program for prior fiscal years contemplated annual grants of three-year performance awards to executive officers and other members of management to be earned on the basis of long-term MSG performance relative to pre-established financial goals. MSG’s Compensation Committee sets the performance objectives for each award in the first quarter of the fiscal year of grant. Each recipient is eligible to receive a specified target dollar amount, depending on the employee’s grade level and subject to the terms of the employee’s employment agreement, if applicable, to the extent that MSG’s target performance objectives are achieved, and subject to continued employment by MSG through the payment date. To the extent MSG exceeds or falls short of the performance objectives, eligible employees may receive payments greater than or less than (or none of) their target cash performance award.

With respect to the award granted to MSG’s eligible executive officers in September 2014 (and, with respect to Mr. Burian’s additional grant, June 2015), the payment of the cash performance award is conditioned upon the satisfaction of one or more performance objectives established by MSG’s Compensation Committee as described in greater detail below. Any such performance objectives are subject to various adjustments such as acquisitions and dispositions, changes in GAAP and/or investments in new venues or business ventures. The performance objectives were designed to achieve tax deductibility under Code Section 162(m).

Upon achievement of the performance objectives, the recipient is eligible to receive payment of an incentive bonus equal to two times the recipient’s cash performance award target, subject to the recipient’s continued employment by MSG through the payment date and the MSG Compensation Committee’s discretion to reduce (but not increase) the award (e.g., to bring the awards in line with the payouts that would have been achieved based on the performance objectives that are applicable to other members of management, as described in the following paragraph). No such reduction may result in a payout (expressed as a percentage of the target award) less than the payout (expressed as a percentage of the target award) for the cash performance awards granted in September 2014 to those eligible MSG employees who MSG’s Compensation Committee determined will not be subject to Code Section 162(m), as described in the following paragraph.

The cash performance awards granted in September 2014 to all eligible MSG employees whom MSG’s Compensation Committee determined are not subject to Code Section 162(m) provided that such awards would be payable in September 2017 if (a) MSG achieves specified targets of net revenues (or, for certain live event production divisions of MSG, contribution (revenue less direct expense and amortization of mounting costs) instead of net revenues), and AOCF of the business units in the year ending June 30, 2017 and (b) continued employment requirements are satisfied. The target levels of net revenues (or contribution) and AOCF of the business units were derived from MSG’s five-year plan for its operating business units presented to the Board in

 

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connection with MSG’s budget for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015. These targets were intended to measure ongoing operating performance of MSG and are subject to various adjustments such as for acquisitions and dispositions, changes in GAAP and/or investments in new venues or business ventures, and exclude all charges for long-term performance based compensation.

Based on the experience, employment agreement provisions and/or grade level of MSG’s eligible named executive officers as well as the input of the independent compensation consultant, in September 2014, MSG’s Compensation Committee granted performance awards with the following targeted amounts: Mr. Dolan — $875,000; Mr. Burian — $537,500 and Mr. Yospe — $205,000. In June 2015, MSG’s Compensation Committee granted to Mr. Burian an additional performance award with a targeted amount of $17,709 to reflect his employment agreement renewal in June 2015. Such awards will be payable in 2017, subject to continued employment requirements and the MSG Compensation Committee’s negative discretion described above, so long as the AOCF of MSG’s business units in any of the fiscal years ended on June 30, 2015, June 30, 2016 or June 30, 2017 exceeds 75% of the 2014 fiscal year AOCF of the business units; provided that Mr. Burian’s June 2015 award is only payable if the AOCF target is achieved in either of fiscal year 2016 or fiscal year 2017.

The awards provided for a potential payout on a sliding scale such that the actual payment may range from 0% of the long-term cash performance award if MSG fails to achieve threshold levels of performance (for example, if both net revenues and AOCF of the business units fail to reach at least 85% and 75%, respectively, of the targets) to 110% of the long-term cash performance award if MSG exceeds the threshold levels of performance by a certain percentage (for example, if both net revenues and AOCF of the business units equal or exceed 115% and 125%, respectively, of the targets). If MSG exceeds threshold levels but does not achieve the targeted rates, or if MSG achieves or exceeds one target but not both, the award provided for partial payments. Fifty percent of the award is tied to achievement of net revenue (or contribution) goals, and 50% of the award is tied to achievement of business unit AOCF goals.

Because the AOCF and net revenue (or contribution) targets for the cash performance award has been derived from MSG’s confidential five-year strategic plans, which are not disclosed publicly for competitive reasons, we do not believe it is appropriate to disclose specific numerical targets. Disclosure of these targets could provide information that could lead to competitive harm. We believe that MSG’s five-year plans, and consequently the targets set for the performance awards, are ambitious and reflect desired above-market performance. In determining the threshold levels of performance, MSG’s Compensation Committee considered, among other factors, MSG’s five-year plans and the degree of difficulty in achieving the targets. MSG’s Compensation Committee believes that the lowest levels on the sliding scale should be achieved, although there can be no assurance this will occur. As the payout scale increases, the likelihood of achievement decreases and the payouts increase. MSG’s Compensation Committee has the authority to amend or waive the performance targets under these awards and to make interpretations and adjustments thereto.

In connection with the Distribution, MSG’s Compensation Committee exercised its negative discretion with respect to the cash performance awards granted to its executive officers in MSG’s fiscal years ended June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015, which will entitle the executive to a fixed dollar amount equal to the target value of the performance award. Payment of the awards will be subject to the individual’s continued employment with either MSG or the Company through the regularly scheduled vesting date, and otherwise will remain subject to the terms of the cash performance award agreement (including, with respect to the awards granted to the executive officers in fiscal year 2015, the requirement that MSG’s Compensation Committee certify the achievement of the applicable performance objectives). With respect to its named executive officers, MSG’s Compensation Committee previously certified the achievement of the 162(m) performance target for the cash performance award granted in September 2012 based upon achievement of the applicable business unit AOCF target in the 2013 fiscal year. Although the targets were certified by MSG’s Compensation Committee as achieved, MSG’s Compensation Committee has negative discretion under the named executive officers’ awards to reduce the payout level, which historically has been reduced so that the payout level is consistent with the payout level of the awards to other members of MSG’s management. MSG’s Compensation Committee has not yet determined the payout level of the awards held by other

 

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members of MSG’s management and, accordingly, the payout level of the named executive officers’ cash performance awards has not yet been determined.

See “— Treatment of Outstanding Options, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards” for a discussion of the impact of the Distribution on MSG restricted stock units and performance awards.

Benefits

Benefits offered to executive officers generally provide for retirement income and serve as a safety net against hardships that can arise from illness, disability or death. The executive officers are generally eligible to participate in the same health and welfare benefit plans made available to the other benefits-eligible employees of MSG, including, for example, medical, dental, vision, life insurance and disability coverage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Mr. Dolan does not participate in certain MSG benefit plans, including MSG’s qualified defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans, and MSG’s medical, dental and vision plans. Mr. Dolan receives qualified pension benefits and health benefits from Cablevision.

Following the Distribution, we expect to offer health and welfare benefits and retirement plans that are substantially similar to the existing benefits and plans. See “— MSG Pension Benefits — Our Retirement Benefits.”

Defined Benefit Plans

MSG maintains the MSG Holdings, L.P. Cash Balance Pension Plan (the “MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan”), a tax-qualified defined benefit plan, for participating employees, including executive officers. Under the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan (the “MSG Excess Cash Balance Plan”), a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, MSG provides additional benefits to employees, including executive officers, who are restricted by the applicable IRS annual compensation limitation. Effective March 1, 2011, MSG merged the Madison Square Garden, L.P. Retirement Plan, a frozen defined benefit pension plan, into the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan. Each of the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan and MSG Excess Cash Balance Plan will be frozen to new participants and future benefit accruals effective as of December 31, 2015.

Defined Contribution Plans

Under the MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Savings Plan (the “MSG Savings Plan”), a tax-qualified retirement savings plan, participating employees, including executive officers, may contribute into their plan accounts a percentage of their eligible pay on a before-tax basis as well as a percentage of their eligible pay on an after-tax basis. MSG matches 50% of the first 6% of eligible pay contributed by participating employees. MSG matching contributions are subject to vesting limitations for the first three years of employment. Effective January 1, 2016, the MSG Savings Plan will be amended to provide (a) a matching contribution equal to 100% of the first 4% of eligible pay contributed by participating employees and (b) a discretionary non-elective contribution by MSG.

In addition, MSG offers the MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Excess Savings Plan (the “MSG Excess Savings Plan”), a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, to employees, including executive officers, who are restricted by the applicable IRS annual compensation limitation and/or the pre-tax income deferral limitation.

Perquisites

MSG provides certain perquisites to executive officers as described below.

Car and Driver

Mr. Dolan has regular access to a car and driver which he is permitted to use for his personal use in addition to business purposes. In addition, certain other executive officers and members of management have had access to cars and drivers on a limited basis for personal use. To the extent employees use a car and driver for personal use without reimbursement to MSG, those employees are imputed compensation for tax purposes.

 

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Aircraft Arrangements

MSG has access to various aircraft through time sharing arrangements with a subsidiary of Cablevision and various Dolan family entities. Generally, Mr. Dolan is permitted to use Cablevision helicopters for personal travel, which has primarily been for purposes of commutation. MSG and Cablevision have agreed on an allocation of the costs of such personal helicopter use.

To the extent any employee uses any of the aircraft, including helicopters, for personal travel without reimbursement to MSG, they are imputed compensation for tax purposes based on the Standard Industry Fare Level rates that are published biannually by the IRS. For compensation reporting purposes, MSG valued the incremental cost of the personal use of the aircraft based on the variable costs incurred by MSG net of any reimbursements received from executives. The incremental cost of the use of the aircraft does not include any costs that would have been incurred by MSG whether or not the personal trip was taken.

It is anticipated that the aircraft arrangements described above for Mr. Dolan as well as other employees will continue following the Distribution. The Company will reimburse Cablevision for such use.

Executive Security

Mr. Dolan participates in Cablevision’s executive security program. MSG and Cablevision have agreed on an allocation of the costs of such participation in their security program. Because certain of these costs can be viewed as conveying personal benefits to Mr. Dolan, they are reported as perquisites.

Event Tickets

From time to time certain employees, including MSG’s named executive officers (and their guests), have access to tickets to sporting events and other entertainment at MSG’s venues at no cost, and may also purchase tickets at face value. Attendance at such events is integrally and directly related to the performance of their duties, and, as such, MSG does not deem the receipt of such tickets to be perquisites.

Following the Distribution, we may provide similar and additional perquisites to certain of our executive officers or senior executives as determined by our Compensation Committee.

Post-Termination Compensation

MSG believes that post-termination benefits are integral to MSG’s ability to attract and retain qualified executives. Following the Distribution, we expect to provide post-termination benefits for our executives. The terms of these benefits have not yet been determined. Prior to the Distribution, this section will be appropriately amended to describe the post-termination benefits of our NEOs, if any.

Under certain circumstances, payments or other benefits may be provided to employees upon the termination of their employment with MSG. These may include payments or other benefits upon a termination by MSG without cause, termination by the employee for good reason, other voluntary termination by the employee, retirement, death, disability, or termination following a change in control of MSG or following a going-private transaction. With respect to MSG’s named executive officers, the amounts and terms of such payments and other benefits (including the definition of “cause” and “good reason”) are governed by the officer’s employment agreement with MSG, if any, and any applicable award agreements.

Tax Deductibility of Compensation

Code Section 162(m) establishes a $1 million limit on the amount that a publicly held corporation may deduct for compensation paid to the chief executive officer and the next three most highly paid NEOs (other than the chief financial officer) in a taxable year. This limitation does not apply to any compensation that is “qualified

 

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performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m), which is defined as compensation paid in connection with certain stock options or that is paid only if the individual’s performance meets pre-established objective goals based on performance criteria established under a plan approved by stockholders. MSG’s short-term and long-term incentive compensation plans are generally designed to qualify for this exemption from the deduction limitations of Code Section 162(m) and to be consistent with providing appropriate compensation to executives. MSG’s stockholders approved the MSG CIP and the MSG Employee Stock Plan at MSG’s first annual stockholders’ meeting on November 30, 2011.

From time to time, to the extent it deems appropriate, MSG’s Compensation Committee may make awards (or modifications to awards) that would not qualify for an exemption from Code Section 162(m). For example, MSG expects that the amount of annual base salary in excess of $1 million for each of the President and Chief Executive Officer and the next three most highly paid NEOs, plus any other annual compensation paid or imputed to each of the President and Chief Executive Officer and the next three most highly paid NEOs covered by Code Section 162(m) that causes their respective non-performance-based compensation to exceed the $1 million limit, will not be deductible by MSG for federal income tax purposes.

Although it is the Company’s intent generally to qualify compensation for the exemption from the deduction limitations, we believe that it is in the best interests of the Company’s stockholders to allow our Compensation Committee the flexibility and discretion to design an appropriate executive compensation program so that the Company can attract, retain and motivate our executives, notwithstanding Section 162(m).

Employment Agreements

Effective as of the Distribution date, we expect that MSG will assign to us, and we will assume, the employment agreements between MSG and each of Mr. O’Connor, Ms. Coleman and Mr. Yospe, the material terms of which are described below. Additionally, we expect to enter into employment agreements with certain of our other executive officers prior to the Distribution. These agreements, if any, will be effective as of the Distribution date. The terms of these employment agreements have not yet been determined. Prior to the Distribution, this section will be appropriately amended to describe the employment agreements, if any, of our NEOs.

David O’Connor

In connection with Mr. O’Connor’s appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of MSG, Mr. O’Connor and MSG entered into an employment agreement on June 29, 2015, which became effective on July 15, 2015 (the “Effective Date”). Mr. O’Connor will receive a minimum annual base salary of $2,000,000 and will be eligible to participate in MSG’s discretionary annual cash incentive program with an annual bonus opportunity equal to 200% of his base salary. Mr. O’Connor will also participate in future long-term incentive programs that are made available to similarly situated executives of MSG, subject to Mr. O’Connor’s continued employment by MSG. Commencing with the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015, it is expected that Mr. O’Connor will receive one or more long-term awards with an aggregate target value of not less than $9,000,000. In addition, on July 24, 2015, Mr. O’Connor was awarded a one-time grant of $40,000,000 of MSG restricted stock units (the “Make-Whole Grant”) that are scheduled to cliff vest on the third anniversary of the Effective Date subject to performance criteria established by the MSG Compensation Committee (the number of RSUs granted was 476,480, which was based on the average closing price of a share of MSG’s Class A Common Stock for the 20 trading days prior to, but not including, Mr. O’Connor’s start date).

If Mr. O’Connor’s employment with MSG is terminated prior to the third anniversary of the Effective Date (i) by MSG (other than for “Cause”), or (ii) by Mr. O’Connor for “Good Reason” (so long as “Cause” does not then exist), then, subject to Mr. O’Connor’s execution of a separation agreement, the Make-Whole Grant will vest and be payable on the 90 th day after such termination (or if the performance conditions applicable to the Make-Whole Grant have not been satisfied as of the 90 th day after such termination, promptly after the performance conditions have been satisfied as certified by the MSG Compensation Committee).

 

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If Mr. O’Connor’s employment with MSG is terminated on or after the third anniversary of the Effective Date and on or prior to September 30, 2020 (the “Scheduled Expiration Date”) (i) by MSG (other than for “Cause”), or (ii) by Mr. O’Connor for “Good Reason” (so long as “Cause” does not then exist), then, subject to Mr. O’Connor’s execution of a separation agreement, MSG will provide Mr. O’Connor with:

(a) A severance payment in an amount determined at the discretion of MSG, but in no event less than two times the sum of Mr. O’Connor’s annual base salary and annual target bonus, 60% of which will be payable on the six-month anniversary of his termination date and 40% of which will be payable on the twelve-month anniversary of his termination date;

(b) Any unpaid annual bonus for the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year in which such termination occurred and a prorated annual bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurred, payable at the same time as such bonuses are paid to similarly situated executives and based on Mr. O’Connor’s then current annual target bonus as well as MSG and his business unit performance for the applicable fiscal year as determined by MSG in its sole discretion, but without adjustment for Mr. O’Connor’s individual performance;

(c) Each of Mr. O’Connor’s outstanding long-term cash awards will immediately vest in full and will be payable to Mr. O’Connor at the same time as such awards are paid to active executives of MSG and the payment amount of such award will be to the same extent that other similarly situated active executives receive payment as determined by the MSG Compensation Committee (subject to satisfaction of any applicable performance criteria but without adjustment for Mr. O’Connor’s individual performance);

(d) (i) All of the time-based service restrictions on each of Mr. O’Connor’s outstanding restricted stock or restricted stock units granted to him under MSG plans will immediately be eliminated, (ii) deliveries with respect to Mr. O’Connor’s restricted stock that are not subject to performance criteria or are subject to performance criteria that have previously been satisfied (as certified by the MSG Compensation Committee) will be made immediately after the effective date of the separation agreement, (iii) payment and deliveries with respect to Mr. O’Connor’s restricted stock units that are not subject to performance criteria or are subject to performance criteria that have previously been satisfied (as certified by the MSG Compensation Committee) will be made on the 90 th day after the termination of Mr. O’Connor’s employment, and (iv) payments or deliveries with respect to Mr. O’Connor’s restricted stock and restricted stock units that are subject to performance criteria that have not yet been satisfied will be made once the applicable performance criteria are certified by the MSG Compensation Committee as having been satisfied; and

(e) Each of Mr. O’Connor’s outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards under the plans of MSG will immediately vest and become exercisable and Mr. O’Connor will have the right to exercise each of those options and stock appreciation awards for the remainder of the term of the option or award.

If Mr. O’Connor ceases to be an employee of MSG prior to the third anniversary of the Effective Date as a result of his death or disability, and at such time Cause does not exist, then, subject to execution of a separation agreement (other than in the case of death), the Make-Whole Grant will vest and be payable on the 90 th day after such termination regardless of whether the performance conditions have been satisfied.

If Mr. O’Connor ceases to be an employee of MSG on or after the third anniversary of the Effective Date, but prior to the Scheduled Expiration Date, as a result of his death or disability, and at such time Cause does not exist, then, subject to execution of a separation agreement (other than in the case of death), he or his estate or beneficiary will be provided with the benefits and rights set forth in (b), (d) and (e) of the preceding paragraph and each of his outstanding long-term cash awards shall immediately vest in full, whether or not subject to performance criteria and will be payable on the 90 th day after the termination of his employment; provided, that if any such award is subject to any performance criteria, then (i) if the measurement period for such performance criteria has not yet been fully completed, then the payment amount will be at the target amount for such award, and (ii) if the measurement period for such performance criteria has already been fully completed, then the payment amount of such award will be at the same time and to the same extent that other similarly situated executives receive payment as determined by the MSG Compensation Committee (subject to the satisfaction of the applicable performance criteria).

 

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Except as otherwise set forth in the employment agreement, upon the termination of Mr. O’Connor’s employment with MSG, any outstanding long-term cash or equity awards will be treated in accordance with their terms and Mr. O’Connor will not be eligible for severance benefits under any other plan, program or policy of MSG. Except with respect to the treatment of his regular long-term incentive awards on a termination of Mr. O’Connor’s employment due to his death or disability prior to the third anniversary of the Effective Date, nothing in the employment agreement is intended to limit any more favorable rights to which Mr. O’Connor may be entitled under his equity and cash incentive award agreements.

The employment agreement contains certain covenants by Mr. O’Connor including a noncompetition agreement that restricts Mr. O’Connor’s ability to engage in competitive activities until the first anniversary of a termination of his employment with MSG on or prior to the Scheduled Expiration Date (or, if Mr. O’Connor remains continuously employed by MSG through the Scheduled Expiration Date, then until the Scheduled Expiration Date).

For purposes of Mr. O’Connor’s employment agreement, the following definitions apply:

“Cause” is defined as (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against MSG or an affiliate thereof, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.

“Good Reason” is defined as (i) without Mr. O’Connor’s written consent, (A) Mr. O’Connor’s annual base salary or annual target bonus (as each may be increased from time to time in the MSG Compensation Committee’s sole discretion) is reduced, (B) Mr. O’Connor’s title (as in effect from time to time) is diminished, (C) Mr. O’Connor reports directly to someone other than the Executive Chairman of MSG (or if there is no Executive Chairman, to someone other than the Chairman of MSG’s Board), (D) MSG requires that Mr. O’Connor’s principal office be located outside of the Borough of Manhattan, (E) MSG materially breaches its obligations under the agreement, or (F) Mr. O’Connor’s responsibilities as in effect immediately after the date of the agreement are thereafter materially diminished, (ii) Mr. O’Connor has given MSG written notice, referring specifically to the employment agreement and this definition, that he does not consent to such action, (iii) MSG has not corrected such action within 15 days of receiving such notice, and (iv) Mr. O’Connor voluntarily terminates his employment with MSG within 90 days following the happening of the action described in subsection (1) above.

Donna Coleman

In connection with Ms. Coleman’s appointment as Interim Chief Financial Officer of MSG, Ms. Coleman and MSG entered into an employment agreement on April 30, 2015. The term of the employment agreement commenced as of May 1, 2015, and, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, will expire on October 15, 2015 (the “Expiration Date”). The employment agreement provides that Ms. Coleman will serve as Interim Chief Financial Officer of MSG until MSG’s appointment of a successor Chief Financial Officer, at which time Ms. Coleman will serve as Executive Vice President, Finance. Ms. Coleman will receive a base salary of $250,000 per month and will be eligible for MSG’s standard benefits programs subject to the terms of the applicable plan; however, Ms. Coleman will not be eligible to participate in MSG’s annual or long-term bonus or incentive programs.

If Ms. Coleman’s employment with MSG is terminated prior to the Expiration Date by MSG other than for “Cause” then, subject to Ms. Coleman’s execution and non-revocation of a separation agreement (including a general release by Ms. Coleman of MSG and its affiliates), MSG will provide Ms. Coleman with continued base salary payments through the Expiration Date. Ms. Coleman is subject to confidentiality, non-disparagement, intellectual property and further cooperation obligations while employed by MSG and thereafter, and non-solicitation of employees obligations while employed by MSG and for one year thereafter.

 

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For purposes of Ms. Coleman’s employment agreement, “Cause” means Ms. Coleman’s (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against MSG or an affiliate thereof, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.

Joseph F. Yospe

Pursuant to his employment agreement with MSG dated August 21, 2012, Mr. Yospe receives a minimum annual base salary of $434,000. Effective September 2014, the MSG Compensation Committee increased Mr. Yospe’s annual base salary to $469,404. He is eligible to participate in MSG’s discretionary annual bonus program with an annual target bonus opportunity equal to 45% of his base salary. Bonus payments are based on actual salary paid during the year for which they are awarded. Mr. Yospe is eligible for MSG’s standard benefits program. He is also eligible, subject to his continued employment by MSG and actual grant by the MSG Compensation Committee, to participate in such long-term incentive programs that are made available in the future to similarly situated executives of MSG. Any such awards are subject to actual grant by the MSG Compensation Committee, and are pursuant to the applicable plan document and the terms and conditions established by the MSG Compensation Committee in its sole discretion.

If, prior to February 9, 2016, Mr. Yospe’s employment is involuntarily terminated by MSG for any reason other than Cause, MSG is obligated to pay severance in an amount equal to his base salary plus his target annual bonus, each as then in effect (the “Severance Amount”). Sixty percent of the Severance Amount is payable on the six-month anniversary of the date on which his employment is so terminated (the “Termination Date”) and the remaining 40% of the Severance Amount is payable on the twelve-month anniversary of the Termination Date. Payment of any Severance Amount is subject to Mr. Yospe’s execution of a severance agreement to MSG’s satisfaction.

For the purposes of Mr. Yospe’s employment agreement, “Cause” means, as determined by MSG, Mr. Yospe’s (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against MSG or an affiliate thereof, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.

Key Elements of 2016 Expected Compensation from the Company

As a newly-formed entity, we did not have any executive officers or pay any compensation during the year ended June 30, 2015. The following summarizes the principal components of the annual compensation we expect to provide following the Distribution to Mr. O’Connor. We have not yet determined the annual compensation we expect to provide to Messrs. Dolan, Burian and Yospe and Ms. Coleman following the Distribution, and have not yet determined the form of any long-term incentives to be granted.

James L. Dolan:

 

Base Salary

Target Bonus

Target Long-Term Incentives

David O’Connor:

 

Base Salary

$2,000,000

Target Bonus

200% of Base Salary

Target Long-Term Incentives

$9,000,000

 

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Donna Coleman:

 

Base Salary

Target Bonus

Target Long-Term Incentives

Lawrence Burian:

 

Base Salary

Target Bonus

Target Long-Term Incentives

Joseph F. Yospe:

 

Base Salary

Target Bonus

Target Long-Term Incentives

In addition, our NEOs are expected to receive other benefits and perquisites as discussed above.

Historical Compensation Information

All of the information set forth in the following table reflects compensation earned during the years ended June 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, based upon services rendered to MSG by Messrs. Dolan, Burian and Yospe. Additionally, the table set forth below reflects compensation earned during the year ended June 30, 2015 based upon services rendered to MSG by Ms. Coleman following the commencement of her employment with MSG on May 5, 2015. Mr. O’Connor’s employment with MSG commenced on July 15, 2015, and, therefore, he did not earn any compensation from MSG during the year ended June 30, 2015.

References in the tables that follow to “2015,” “2014,” or “2013” refer to the year ended June 30, 2015, 2014 or 2013, respectively. The information below is therefore not necessarily indicative of the compensation these individuals will receive as executive officers of the Company. For information on the expected compensation of these individuals, and of Mr. O’Connor, as executive officers of the Company in the year ended June 30, 2016, see “—Key Elements of 2016 Expected Compensation from the Company” and for a description of their expected employment agreements with the Company, see “—Employment Agreements.”

 

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Summary Compensation Table

 

Name and Principal

Position

  Year     Salary
($)
    Bonus
($)
    Stock Awards
($) (1)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($) (2)
    Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($) (3)
    All Other
Compensation
($) (4)
    Total
($)
 

James L. Dolan Executive Chairman of MSG

    2015        550,000        —          885,219        —         52,312        251,512        1,739,043   
    2014        549,995        —         866,376        2,312,125        48,949        251,512        4,028,957  
    2013        545,192        —         907,958        2,485,552        26,815        34,793        4,000,310  

David O’Connor President and Chief Executive Officer  (5)

    2015        —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

Donna Coleman Interim Chief Financial Officer  (6)

    2015        412,500        —      

 

—  

 

    —         —         5,540       418,040   

Lawrence J. Burian Executive Vice President, General Counsel

    2015        754,115        —          561,866        —          55,590        23,388        1,394,959   
    2014        703,269        —          420,714        929,077        43,118        22,221        2,118,399   
    2013        668,692        —          441,415        911,483        39,117        20,780        2,081,487   

Joseph F. Yospe
Senior Vice President and Controller

    2015        465,516        —          207,421        —          41,671        14,725        729,333   
    2014        446,269        —          202,986        470,581        37,595        14,113        1,171,544   
    2013        431,950        —          212,750        516,364        20,123        13,437        1,194,624   
 

 

 

 

 

(1) This column reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of MSG restricted stock units granted to the executives, without any reduction for risk of forfeiture, as calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 on the date of grant.
(2) For the 2015 figures, the amount of the annual incentive award that may be earned by each individual with respect to performance during the year ended June 30, 2015 as well as the long-term cash performance award granted by MSG in September 2012 that may be earned based on 2015 fiscal year performance are not calculable as of the date of this filing. These amounts are expected to be determined in September 2015 and, when determined, the Company will file a Form 8-K with respect thereto (and will also indicate what percentage of each NEO’s total compensation is represented by his or her base salary). For the 2014 figures, this column reflects the annual incentive awards earned by Messrs. Dolan, Burian and Yospe with respect to performance during the year ended June 30, 2014 and paid in September 2014 as well as the long-term cash performance awards granted by MSG in September 2011 and earned based on 2014 fiscal year performance. These long-term cash performance awards were paid in September 2014 in the following amounts: Mr. Dolan: $937,125, Mr. Burian: $401,625 and Mr. Yospe: $219,555. For the 2013 figures, this column reflects the annual incentive awards earned by Messrs. Dolan, Burian and Yospe with respect to performance during the year ended June 30, 2013 and paid in September 2013 as well as the long-term cash performance awards granted by MSG in March 2010 and earned based on calendar year 2012 performance. These long-term cash performance awards were paid in February 2013 in the following amounts: Mr. Dolan: $1,119,300, Mr. Burian: $383,760, and Mr. Yospe: $262,236.

 

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(3) For each period, this column represents the sum of the increase during such period in the present value of each individual’s accumulated cash balance plan account and accumulated excess cash balance account over the amount reported for the prior period. There were no above-market earnings on nonqualified deferred compensation. For more information regarding the NEOs’ pension benefits, please see the Pension Benefits table below.
(4) The table below shows the components of this column. The values of the components of the “Perquisites” column below are not calculable as of the date of this filing, and were estimated based on the values for each individual in 2014.

 

Name

   Year      401(k) Plan
Match (a)
     Excess
Savings Plan
Match (a)
     Life Insurance
Premiums (b)
     Perquisites (c)      Total  

James L. Dolan

     2015         —         $ 16,500      $ 840      $ 234,172      $ 251,512  

David O’Connor

     2015         —           —           —           —           —     

Donna Coleman

     2015       $ 5,400         —           140         —         $ 5,540   

Lawrence J. Burian

     2015       $ 7,714       $ 14,477       $ 1,197         —         $ 23,388   

Joseph F. Yospe

     2015       $ 7,428       $ 6,537       $ 759         —         $ 14,725   

 

(a) These columns represent, for each individual, a matching contribution by MSG on behalf of such individual under the MSG Savings Plan or Excess Savings Plan, as applicable.
(b) This column represents amounts paid for the individual to participate in MSG’s group life insurance program.
(c) This column represents the following aggregate estimated perquisites, as described in the table below. For more information regarding the calculation of these perquisites, please see “— Elements of MSG’s Compensation Program — Perquisites.”

 

Name

   Year      Car and Driver (I)     Aircraft (II)     Executive
Security (III)
    Other     Total  

James L. Dolan

     2015                                             $ 224,325              $ 234,172  

David O’Connor

     2015         —          —          —          —          —     

Donna Coleman

     2015                              —                                                 ** 

Lawrence J. Burian

     2015                                                                                      ** 

Joseph F. Yospe

     2015                                                                                      ** 

 

* Does not exceed the greater of $25,000 or 10% of the total amount of the perquisites of the NEO.
** The aggregate value of the perquisites in 2015 for the individual is less than $10,000.
(I) Given that Mr. Dolan uses cars and drivers provided by Cablevision, the amounts in this column are calculated by using a mileage charge for his personal use of the vehicle.
(II) As discussed under “— Elements of MSG’s Compensation Program — Perquisites — Aircraft Arrangements,” the amounts in the table reflect the incremental cost to MSG for personal use of aircraft (which MSG uses pursuant to its time sharing arrangements with a Cablevision subsidiary). Incremental cost is determined as the actual additional cost incurred by MSG under the time sharing arrangements.
(III) The amounts in this column represent the amounts billed to MSG by Cablevision for Mr. Dolan’s participation in Cablevision’s executive security program in the 2014 fiscal year.

 

(5) Mr. O’Connor’s employment with MSG commenced on July 15, 2015.
(6) Ms. Coleman’s employment with MSG commenced on May 5, 2015.

 

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Grants of MSG Plan-Based Awards

The table below presents information regarding awards granted during the year ended June 30, 2015 to Messrs. Dolan, Burian and Yospe under MSG’s plans, including estimated possible and future payouts under non-equity incentive plan awards and equity incentive plan awards of restricted stock units, restricted stock and stock options. See “—Treatment of Outstanding Options, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards” for a discussion of the impact of the Distribution on certain of the awards discussed in the following table.

 

Name

Year   Grant Date   Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
  All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units(#)
  All Other
Option
Awards:
Securities
Underlying
Options(#)
Exercise
or Base:
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh.)
Grant Date
Fair Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards($) (1)
 
          Threshold($)   Target($)   Maximum($)              

James L. Dolan

  2015      09/24/2014 (2)    1,100,000     2,200,000   
  2015      09/24/2014 (3)    787,500      875,000     1,750,000   
  2015      09/24/2014 (4)    13,230      885,219   

David O’Connor (7)

  2015      —        —        —        —        —        —     

Donna Coleman (8)

  2015      —        —        —        —        —        —     

Lawrence Burian

  2015      09/24/2014 (2)    1,156,250      2,312,500   
  2015      09/24/2014 (3)    483,750      537,500      1,075,000   
  2015      09/24/2014 (4)    8,130      543,978   
  2015      6/19/2015 (5)    210      17,888   
  2015      6/19/2015 (6)    15,938      17,709      35,418   

Joseph Yospe

  2015      09/24/2014 (2)    211,232      422,464   
  2015      09/24/2014 (3)    184,500      205,000      410,000   
  2015      09/24/2014 (4)    3,100      207,421   

 

(1) This column reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of the restricted stock unit awards granted to the NEOs in 2015 without any reduction for risk of forfeiture, as calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 on the date of grant.
(2) This row reflects the possible payouts with respect to the grant of an annual incentive award under the MSG CIP for performance in the year ended June 30, 2015. Each of the executives is assigned a target bonus which is a percentage of his base salary for such year; provided, that Mr. Burian’s target bonus is adjusted to reflect the mid-year change in his base salary and target bonus percentage. There is no threshold amount for annual incentive awards. Under the terms of the award, upon the achievement of the relevant performance targets, each NEO is eligible to receive an annual incentive award equal to the lesser of $10,000,000 and two times the executive’s target bonus, subject to the Compensation Committee’s discretion to reduce the award. The amount of the annual incentive award actually paid in September 2015 for performance in 2015 is not calculable as of the date of this filing. These amounts are expected to be determined in September 2015 and, when determined, the Company will file a Form 8-K with respect thereto. For more information regarding the terms of this annual incentive award, please see “— Elements of MSG’s Compensation Program — Annual Cash Incentives.”
(3)

This row reflects the future payouts with respect to the long-term cash performance award that was granted under the MSG CIP in September 2014. The performance award was granted with a target payment, with an actual payment upon the achievement of performance targets equal to two times the target, subject to the Compensation Committee’s discretion to reduce the award. This performance award will be payable in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, subject to achievement of the performance targets and continued employment requirements. In connection with the Distribution, the MSG Compensation Committee has elected to apply negative discretion to reduce the payout to the target value of the performance award, and payment of the awards will be subject to the executive’s continued employment with either MSG or the

 

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  Company through the regularly scheduled vesting date. For more information regarding the terms of this performance award, please see “— Elements of MSG’s Compensation Program — Long-term Incentives — Cash Performance Awards.”
(4) This row reflects the number of restricted stock units awarded in the year ended June 30, 2015. This grant of restricted stock units, which was made under the MSG Employee Stock Plan, is expected to cliff vest on the third anniversary of the grant date subject to achievement of performance criteria and continued employment requirements. See “— Elements of MSG’s Compensation Program — Long-term Incentives — Restricted Stock Units.”
(5) This row reflects Mr. Burian’s June 2015 grant of restricted stock units that were awarded by MSG in connection with his employment agreement renewal. This grant of restricted stock units, which was made under the MSG Employee Stock Plan, is expected to cliff vest on the third anniversary of September 24, 2014 subject to achievement of performance criteria and continued employment requirements. See “— Elements of MSG’s Compensation Program — Long-term Incentives — Restricted Stock Units.”
(6) This row reflects the future payouts with respect to the June 2015 long-term cash performance award that was granted to Mr. Burian in connection with his employment agreement renewal. The performance award was granted with a target payment, with an actual payment upon the achievement of performance targets equal to two times the target, subject to the Compensation Committee’s discretion to reduce the award. This performance award will be payable in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, subject to achievement of the performance targets and continued employment requirements. In connection with the Distribution, the MSG Compensation Committee has elected to apply negative discretion to reduce the payout to the target value of the performance award, and payment of the award will be subject to Mr. Burian’s continued employment with either MSG or the Company through the regularly scheduled vesting date. For more information regarding the terms of this performance award, please see “— Elements of MSG’s Compensation Program — Long-term Incentives — Cash Performance Awards.
(7) Mr. O’Connor’s employment with MSG commenced on July 15, 2015.
(8) Ms. Coleman’s employment with MSG commenced on May 5, 2015. Pursuant to the employment agreement between Ms. Coleman and MSG, due to the interim nature of Ms. Coleman’s appointment, Ms. Coleman is not eligible to participate in MSG’s incentive programs.

 

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Outstanding MSG Equity Awards at June 30, 2015

The table below shows (i) each grant of stock options and stock appreciation rights of MSG that are unexercised and outstanding and (ii) the aggregate number of unvested restricted stock units and shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding for the NEOs as of June 30, 2015. See “— Treatment of Outstanding Options, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards” for a discussion of the impact of the Distribution on certain of the awards discussed in the following table.

 

Name

  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
    Option
Exercise
Price ($)
    Option
Expiration
Date
    Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or Other
Rights
That Have Not
Vested (#)
    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards: Market

or Payout
Value of
Unearned Shares,
Units or Other
Rights That Have
Not Vested ($) (1)
 

James L. Dolan

              50,190 (2)     4,190,363   
    15,000                      10.78       11/08/2015       
    30,000                      10.78        11/08/2015       
    66,000                      14.25        06/05/2016       

David O’Connor (3)

                                                

Donna Coleman (4)

                                                

Lawrence Burian

                                       26,300 (5)      2,195,787   

Joseph Yospe

                                       11,760 (6)      981,842   

 

(1) Calculated using the closing price of MSG Class A Common Stock on NASDAQ on June 30, 2015 of $83.49 per share.
(2) With respect to Mr. Dolan, the total in this column represents an award of 21,680 restricted stock units granted as a long-term incentive award in September 2012, 15,280 restricted stock units granted as a long-term incentive award in September 2013 and 13,230 restricted stock units granted as a long-term incentive award in September 2014.
(3) Mr. O’Connor’s employment with MSG commenced on July 15, 2015. Mr. O’Connor did not hold any MSG equity awards at June 30, 2015.
(4) Ms. Coleman’s employment with MSG commenced on May 5, 2015. Pursuant to the employment agreement between Ms. Coleman and MSG, Ms. Coleman is not eligible to participate in MSG’s incentive programs.
(5) With respect to Mr. Burian, the total in this column represents an award of 10,540 restricted stock units granted as a long-term incentive award in September 2012, 7,420 restricted stock units granted as a long-term incentive award in September 2013, 8,130 restricted stock units granted as a long-term incentive award in September 2014 and 210 restricted stock units granted as a long-term incentive award in June 2015.
(6) With respect to Mr. Yospe, the total in this column represents an award of 5,080 restricted stock units granted as a long-term incentive award in September 2012, 3,580 restricted stock units granted as a long-term incentive award in September 2013 and 3,100 restricted stock units granted as a long-term incentive award in September 2014.

 

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MSG Stock Vested

The table below shows MSG restricted stock awards that vested during the year ended June 30, 2015. See “— Treatment of Outstanding Options, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards” for a discussion of the impact of the Distribution on certain of the awards discussed in the following table.

 

     Restricted Stock  

Name

   Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting
     Value Realized On
Vesting ($) (1)
 

James L. Dolan

     37,320         2,441,101   

David O’Connor

     —           —     

Donna Coleman

     —           —     

Lawrence J. Burian

     16,000         1,046,560   

Joseph F. Yospe

     8,750         572,337   

 

(1) Calculated using the closing price of MSG Class A Common Stock on NASDAQ on the vesting date, September 9, 2014, of $65.41 per share.

MSG Pension Benefits

The table below shows the present value of accumulated benefits payable to each of the NEOs, including the number of years of service credited to each NEO, under MSG defined benefit pension plans as of June 30, 2015.

 

Name

  Plan Name   Number of Years
Credited
Service (#)
    Present
Value of
Accumulated
Benefit ($) (1)
    Payments During
2015 ($)
 

James L. Dolan

  MSG Holdings, L.P. Cash Balance Pension Plan     0 (2)      —         —    
  MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan     6 (2)      225,264        —    

David O’Connor

  MSG Holdings, L.P. Cash Balance Pension Plan     0 (3)      —          —     
  MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan     0 (3)      —          —     

Donna Coleman

  MSG Holdings, L.P. Cash Balance Pension Plan     0 (3)      —          —     
  MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan     0 (3)      —          —     

Lawrence J. Burian

  MSG Holdings, L.P. Cash Balance Pension Plan     15 (4)      174,436        —     
  MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan     15 (4)      171,811        —     

Joseph F. Yospe

  MSG Holdings, L.P. Cash Balance Pension Plan     5        80,745        —     
  MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan     5        54,358        —     

 

(1) Additional information concerning pension plans and postretirement plan assumptions is set forth in Note 14 to our audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement.
(2) Mr. Dolan does not participate in the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan. He commenced participation in the MSG Excess Cash Balance Plan in connection with the separation of MSG from Cablevision. Amounts accrued by Mr. Dolan prior to the separation of MSG from Cablevision under both the Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan and the Cablevision Excess Cash Balance Plan remain in such plans. Mr. Dolan continues to participate in the Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan and the Cablevision Excess Cash Balance Plan in connection with his Cablevision employment.
(3) Mr. O’Connor and Ms. Coleman have not yet commenced participation in the MSG Cash Balance Plan and the MSG Excess Cash Balance Plan as a result of such plans’ one-year waiting periods.
(4) In connection with the distribution of all of the outstanding common stock of MSG to Cablevision stockholders in 2010, Mr. Burian’s accrued benefits under each of the Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan and Cablevision Excess Cash Balance Plan were transferred to the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan and the MSG Excess Cash Balance Plan, respectively. His number of years of credited service under each of the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan and the MSG Excess Cash Balance Plan includes the period of his participation in the Cablevision plans prior to the MSG spinoff.

 

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MSG maintains several benefit plans for its executives. The material terms and conditions are discussed below.

MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan

The MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan is a tax-qualified defined benefit plan that generally covers regular full-time and part-time non-union employees of MSG and certain of its affiliates who have completed one year of service. Messrs. Dolan and O’Connor and Ms. Coleman do not currently participate in the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan. A notional account is maintained for each participant under the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan, including Messrs. Burian and Yospe, which consists of (i) annual allocations made by MSG as of the end of each year on behalf of each participant who has completed 800 hours of service during the year that range from 3% to 9% of the participant’s compensation, based on the participant’s age and (ii) monthly interest credits based on the average of the annual rate of interest on the 30-year U.S. Treasury Bonds for the months of September, October and November of the prior year. Compensation includes all direct cash compensation received while a participant as part of the participant’s primary compensation structure (excluding bonuses, fringe benefits, and other compensation that is not received on a regular basis), and before deductions for elective deferrals (in accordance with the Code limits, the maximum compensation taken into account in determining benefits is limited to $265,000 in calendar year 2015).

A participant’s interest in the cash balance plan is subject to vesting limitations for the first three years of employment. A participant’s account will also vest in full upon his or her termination due to death, disability or retirement after attaining age 65. Upon retirement or other termination of employment with MSG, the participant may elect a distribution of the vested portion of the cash balance account. Any amounts remaining in the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan will continue to be credited with interest until the account is paid. The normal form of benefit payment for an unmarried participant is a single life annuity and the normal form of benefit payment for a married participant is a 50% joint and survivor annuity. The participant, with spousal consent if applicable, can waive the normal form and elect a single life annuity or a lump sum. The MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan will be frozen to new participants and future benefit accruals effective as of December 31, 2015.

MSG Excess Cash Balance Plan

The MSG Excess Cash Balance Plan is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan that is intended to provide eligible participants, including Messrs. Dolan, Burian and Yospe, with the portion of their overall benefit that they would accrue under the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan but for Code limits on the amount of “compensation” (as defined in the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan) that can be taken into account in determining benefits under tax-qualified plans ($265,000 in calendar year 2015). MSG maintains a notional excess cash balance account for each eligible participant, and for each calendar year, credits these accounts with the portion of the allocation that could not be made on his or her behalf under the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan due to the compensation limitation. In addition, MSG credits each notional excess cash balance account monthly with interest at the same rate used under the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan. A participant vests in the excess cash balance account according to the same schedule in the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan. The excess cash balance account, to the extent vested, is paid in a lump sum to the participant as soon as practicable following his or her retirement or other termination of employment with MSG. The MSG Excess Cash Balance Plan will be frozen to new participants and future benefit accruals effective as of December 31, 2015.

MSG Savings Plan

Under the MSG Savings Plan, a tax-qualified retirement savings plan, participating employees, including the NEOs (other than Mr. Dolan), may contribute into their plan accounts a percentage of their eligible pay on a before-tax basis as well as a percentage of their eligible pay on an after-tax basis. The participants are eligible to receive a matching contribution from MSG of up to 50% of the first 6% of eligible pay contributed by participating employees. A participant is always fully vested in his own contributions, and MSG matching

 

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contributions cliff vest on the third anniversary of the date of hire (subject to full vesting upon his death, disability or retirement after attaining age 65). Effective January 1, 2016, the MSG Savings Plan will be amended to provide (a) a matching contribution equal to 100% of the first 4% of eligible pay contributed by participating employees and (b) a discretionary non-elective contribution by MSG.

MSG Excess Savings Plan

The MSG Excess Savings Plan is an unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan that operates in conjunction with the tax-qualified MSG Savings Plan. An employee is eligible to participate in the MSG Excess Plan for a calendar year if his or her compensation (as defined in the MSG Savings Plan) in the preceding year exceeded (or would have exceeded, if the employee had been employed for the entire year) the IRS limit on the amount of compensation that can be taken into account in determining contributions under tax-qualified retirement plans ($265,000 in calendar year 2015) and he or she makes an election to participate prior to the beginning of the year. An eligible employee whose contributions to the MSG Savings Plan are limited as a result of this compensation limit or as a result of reaching the maximum 401(k) deferral limit ($18,000, or $24,000 if 50 or over, for calendar year 2015) can continue to make pre-tax contributions under the MSG Excess Savings Plan of up to 6% of his eligible pay. In addition, MSG will make matching contributions of up to 50% of the first 6% of eligible pay contributed by the employee. A participant is always fully vested in his own contributions and vests in MSG matching contributions on the third anniversary of the date of hire (subject to full vesting upon his death, disability or retirement after attaining age 65). Account balances under the MSG Excess Savings Plan are credited monthly with the rate of return earned by the Stable Value Fund offered as an investment alternative under the MSG Savings Plan. Distributions of vested benefits are made in a lump sum as soon as practicable after the participant’s termination of employment with MSG. Effective January 1, 2016, the MSG Excess Savings Plan will be amended to provide (a) a matching contribution equal to 100% of the first 4% of eligible pay contributed by participating employees and (b) a discretionary non-elective contribution by MSG. Such amendment will also reduce the maximum employee contribution to 4% of eligible pay.

Our Retirement Benefits

Effective as of the Distribution, we will assume the assets and liabilities under the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan. Additionally, the MSG Savings Plan will become a multiple employer plan that we will sponsor, and to which we and MSG will contribute, following the Distribution.

After the Distribution, liabilities for benefits under the MSG Excess Cash Balance Plan and the MSG Excess Savings Plan relating to our active employees will be assumed by us, to the extent such liabilities are not already our liabilities.

Following the Distribution, in addition to the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan, we expect to put in place retirement plans that are substantially similar to the MSG Excess Cash Balance Plan and the MSG Excess Savings Plan, which are described above. The actuarial present values of the accumulated pension benefits of Messrs. Dolan, Burian and Yospe and Ms. Coleman, who have participated in certain of these plans as of June 30, 2015, are reported in the Pension Benefits Table and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table herein.

 

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MSG Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

The table below shows (i) the contributions made by each of the NEOs and MSG during the year ended June 30, 2015, (ii) aggregate earnings on each of the NEO’s account balance during the year ended June 30, 2015 and (iii) the account balance of each NEO under the MSG Excess Savings Plan as of June 30, 2015.

 

Name

  Plan Name   Executive
Contributions in
2015 ($) (1)
    Registrant
Contributions
in 2015 ($) (2)
    Aggregate
Earnings in
2015 ($) (3)
    Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions ($)
    Aggregate
Balance at
End of 2015

($) (4)
 

James L. Dolan

  MSG Excess Savings Plan     33,000        16,500        490        —          265,178   

David O’Connor

  MSG Excess Savings Plan     —          —          —          —          —     

Donna Coleman

  MSG Excess Savings Plan     —          —          —          —          —     

Lawrence J. Burian

  MSG Excess Savings Plan     28,953        14,477        834        —          413,305   

Joseph F. Yospe

  MSG Excess Savings Plan     17,916        6,537        153        —          88,589   

 

(1) These amounts represent a portion of the executives’ salaries, which is included in the numbers reported in the “Salary” column of the Summary Compensation Table that the executives contributed to the MSG Excess Savings Plan.
(2) These amounts are reported in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.
(3) These amounts are not reported in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.
(4) Amounts accrued by Mr. Dolan under the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan prior to the separation of MSG from Cablevision were not transferred to the MSG Excess Savings Plan in connection with the spin-off of such plan and are therefore not reflected in this column. Such balances remain in the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan.

Termination and Severance

This section describes the payments that would be received by named executive officers from MSG upon various termination of employment scenarios. As discussed above, following the Distribution, we expect to provide post-termination benefits for our executives; however, the terms of those benefits have not yet been determined. Prior to the Distribution, this section will be appropriately amended to describe the payments that would be received by executive officers from the Company, if any, upon various employment termination scenarios. The information under “Separation from MSG” for Messrs. Burian and Yospe and Ms. Coleman is based upon his or her employment arrangements as a named executive officer of MSG as in effect as of June 30, 2015. The employment agreement between MSG and Mr. Dolan, which otherwise expired on December 31, 2014, entitles Mr. Dolan to post-termination benefits on certain qualifying terminations that occur after the term of the agreement has expired, which are described below. Mr. O’Connor’s employment with MSG did not begin until July 15, 2015. This information is presented to illustrate the payments the NEOs would have received from MSG under the various termination scenarios. The consummation of the Distribution is not a termination of employment with MSG for these purposes. The Company will have no liability for the payment of any amounts to the NEOs with respect to the amounts shown as the payments they would receive from MSG.

Separation from MSG

This section presents historical information concerning payments that would have been made to each of the named executive officers upon termination of his or her employment with MSG at June 30, 2015. The amount of these payments would have depended upon the circumstances of their termination, which include termination by MSG without cause, termination by the employee for good reason, other voluntary termination by the employee, retirement, death, disability, or termination following a change in control of MSG or following a going-private transaction. Payments in such circumstances would have also been affected by the terms of the employment agreement between MSG and each of Messrs. Dolan, Burian and Yospe and Ms. Coleman that were in effect at such time as well as by the terms of applicable award agreements.

 

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Quantification of Termination and Severance Payable by MSG

The following tables set forth a quantification of estimated severance and other benefits payable by MSG to the NEOs under various circumstances regarding the termination of their employment with MSG. In calculating these severance and other payments, we have taken into consideration or otherwise assumed the following:

 

    Termination of employment with MSG occurred after the close of business on June 30, 2015.

 

    We have valued equity awards using the closing market price of MSG Class A Common Stock on NASDAQ on June 30, 2015, the last trading day of our fiscal year, of $83.49.

 

    In the event of termination of employment with MSG, the payment of certain long-term incentive awards and other amounts may be delayed, depending upon the terms of each specific award agreement, the provisions of the applicable NEO’s employment agreement and the applicability of Code Section 409A. In quantifying aggregate termination payments, we have not taken into account the timing of the payments and we have not discounted the value of payments that would be made over time, except where otherwise disclosed.

 

    We have assumed that all performance metrics for performance-based awards are achieved (but not exceeded).

Benefits Payable as a Result of Voluntary Termination of Employment by Employee

In the event of a voluntary termination of employment, no NEO would have been entitled to any payments at June 30, 2015, excluding any pension or other vested retirement benefits.

Benefits Payable as a Result of Termination of Employment by Employee Due to Retirement

In the event of a voluntary termination of employment, no NEO would have been entitled to any payments at June 30, 2015, excluding any pension or other vested retirement benefits.

Benefits Payable as a Result of Termination of Employment by MSG for Cause

In the event of termination by MSG for Cause, no NEO would have been entitled to any payments at June 30, 2015, excluding any pension or other vested retirement benefits.

Benefits Payable as a Result of Termination of Employment by MSG Without Cause*

 

Elements

   James L. Dolan     David O’Connor      Donna Coleman     Lawrence J. Burian     Joseph F. Yospe  

Severance

     —          —          882,292 (1)      5,000,000 (2)      680,634 (3) 

Pro rata bonus

     1,100,000 (4)      —          —         1,156,250 (4)      —    

Unvested restricted stock

     4,190,363 (5)      —          —         2,178,254 (5)      —    

Performance awards

     2,625,000 (6)      —          —         1,405,209 (6)      —    

Health insurance benefits

     —         —          —         —         —    

 

* The amounts in this table do not include any pension or other vested retirement benefits.
(1) Represents severance equal to the remaining payments owed to Ms. Coleman under her employment agreement with MSG for the period from July 1, 2015 through October 15, 2015.
(2) Represents severance equal to two times the sum of his annual base salary and annual target bonus.
(3) Represents severance equal to the sum of his annual base salary and annual target bonus.
(4) Represents a pro rata annual bonus for the year in which the termination occurred, payable to the same extent as annual bonuses are paid to the other executives without regard to personal performance metrics.
(5) Represents the full vesting of the fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 grants of restricted stock units (granted in September 2012, 2013 and 2014 and, in the case of Mr. Burian, June 2015), which are: Mr. Dolan: 21,680 units ($1,810,063), 15,280 units ($1,275,727) and 13,230 units ($1,104,573), respectively; and Mr. Burian: 10,540 units ($879,985), 7,420 units ($619,496) and an aggregate of 8,340 units ($696,307), respectively.
(6) Represents the full target value of his fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 cash performance awards.

 

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Benefits Payable as a Result of Termination of Employment by Employee for Good Reason*

 

Elements

   James L. Dolan     David O’Connor      Donna Coleman      Lawrence J. Burian     Joseph F. Yospe  

Severance

     —          —          
—  
  
     5,000,000 (1)      —     

Pro rata bonus

     1,100,000 (2)      —           —           1,156,250 (2)      —     

Unvested restricted stock

     4,190,363 (3)      —           —           2,178,254 (3)      —     

Performance awards

     2,625,000 (4)      —           —           1,405,209 (4)      —     

Health insurance benefits

     —         —           —           —          —     

 

* The amounts in this table do not include any pension or other vested retirement benefits.
(1) Represents severance equal to two times the sum of his annual base salary and annual target bonus.
(2) Represents a pro rata annual bonus for the year in which the termination occurred, payable to the same extent as annual bonuses are paid to the other executives without regard to personal performance metrics.
(3) Represents the full vesting of the fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 grants of restricted stock units (granted in September 2012, 2013 and 2014 and, in the case of Mr. Burian, June 2015), which are: Mr. Dolan: 21,680 units ($1,810,063), 15,280 units ($1,275,727) and 13,230 units ($1,104,573), respectively; and Mr. Burian: 10,540 units ($879,985), 7,420 units ($619,496) and an aggregate of 8,340 units ($696,307), respectively.
(4) Represents the full target value of his fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 cash performance awards.

Benefits Payable as a Result of Termination of Employment Due to Death*

 

Elements

   James L. Dolan     David O’Connor      Donna Coleman      Lawrence J. Burian     Joseph F. Yospe  

Severance

     —          —           —           —          —     

Pro rata bonus

     1,100,000 (1)      —           —           1,156,250 (1)      —     

Unvested restricted stock

     4,190,363 (2)      —           —           2,178,254 (2)      981,842 (2) 

Performance awards

     2,625,000 (3)      —           —           1,405,209 (3)      410,000 (4) 

Health insurance benefits

     —          —           —           —          —     

 

* The amounts in this table do not include any pension or other vested retirement benefits.
(1) Represents a pro rata annual bonus for the year in which the termination occurred, payable to the same extent as annual bonuses are paid to the other executives.
(2) Represents the full vesting of the fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 grants of restricted stock units (granted in September 2012, 2013 and 2014 and, in the case of Mr. Burian, June 2015), which are: Mr. Dolan 21,680 units ($1,810,063), 15,280 units ($1,275,727) and 13,230 units ($1,104,573), respectively; Mr. Burian 10,540 units ($879,985), 7,420 units ($619,496) and an aggregate of 8,340 units ($696,307), respectively; and Mr. Yospe 5,080 units ($317,246), 3,580 units ($223,571) and 3,100 units ($258,819), respectively.
(3) Represents the full target value of his fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 cash performance awards.
(4) Represents the pro rata target value of his fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 cash performance awards.

Benefits Payable as a Result of Termination of Employment Due to Disability*

 

Elements

  James L. Dolan     David O’Connor     Donna Coleman (4)     Lawrence J. Burian     Joseph F. Yospe (4)  

Severance

    —          —          —          —          —     

Pro rata bonus

    1,100,000 (1)      —          —          1,156,250 (1)      —     

Unvested restricted stock

    4,190,363 (2)      —          —          2,178,254 (2)      —     

Performance awards

    2,625,000 (3)      —          —          1,405,209 (3)      —     

Health insurance benefits

    —          —          —          —          —     

 

* The amounts in this table do not include any pension or other vested retirement benefits.
(1) Represents a pro rata annual bonus for the year in which the termination occurred, payable to the same extent as annual bonuses are paid to the other executives without regard to personal performance metrics.
(2)

Represents the full vesting of the fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 grants of restricted stock units (granted in September 2012, 2013 and 2014 and, in the case of Mr. Burian, June 2015), which are: Mr. Dolan 21,680

 

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  units ($1,810,063), 15,280 units ($1,275,727) and 13,230 units ($1,104,573), respectively; and Mr. Burian 10,540 units ($879,985), 7,420 units ($619,496) and an aggregate of 8,340 units ($696,307), respectively.
(3) Represents the full target value of his fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 cash performance awards.
(4) A termination by the Company of Mr. Yospe or Ms. Coleman due to such NEO’s disability would be treated under their respective employment agreements as a termination by the Company without cause. For details on the amounts due upon such a termination by the Company without cause, please see the Benefits Payable as a Result of Termination of Employment by the Company Without Cause table.

Benefits Payable as a Result of Termination of Employment from MSG in Connection with a Change in Control or Going Private Transaction (1)*

 

Elements

  James L. Dolan (2)     David O’Connor     Donna Coleman (3)     Lawrence J. Burian (4)     Joseph F. Yospe (3)  

Severance

    —          —          882,292 (5)      5,000,000 (6)      680,634 (7) 

Pro rata bonus

    1,100,000 (8)      —          —          1,156,250 (8)      —     

Unvested restricted stock

    4,190,363 (9)      —          —          2,178,254 (9)      981,842 (10) 

Performance awards

    2,625,000 (11)      —          —          1,405,209 (11)      615,000 (11) 

Health insurance benefits

    —          —          —                 —     

 

* The amounts in this table do not include any pension or other vested retirement benefits.
(1) The information in this table and the footnotes thereto describe amounts payable as a result of certain terminations of employment by the executive or MSG following a change in control. The amounts payable as a result of termination of employment by the executive or MSG following a going private transaction are generally equal to or less than the amounts payable as a result of termination of employment by the executive or MSG following a change in control. Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in this table, if any payment otherwise due to Mr. Dolan would result in the imposition of an excise tax under Code Section 4999, then MSG would instead pay to Mr. Dolan either (a) the amounts set forth in this table, or (b) the maximum amount that could be paid to Mr. Dolan without the imposition of the excise tax, whichever results in a greater amount of after-tax proceeds to Mr. Dolan.
(2) If Mr. Dolan is terminated without cause or resigns with good reason following a change in control or a going private transaction, or resigns without good reason in the thirteenth month following a change in control, he would be entitled to the amounts set forth in this table.
(3) If Ms. Coleman or Mr. Yospe is terminated without cause following a change in control or a going private transaction then he or she would be entitled to the amounts set forth in this table.
(4) If Mr. Burian is terminated without cause or resigns with good reason following a change in control or a going private transaction, then he would be entitled to the amounts set forth in this table.
(5) Represents severance equal to the remaining payments owed to Ms. Coleman under her employment agreement with MSG for the period from July 1, 2015 through October 15, 2015.
(6) Represents severance equal to two times the sum of his annual base salary and annual target bonus.
(7) Represents severance equal to the sum of his annual base salary and annual target bonus.
(8) Represents a pro rata annual bonus for the year in which the termination occurred, payable to the same extent as annual bonuses are paid to the other executives without regard to personal performance metrics.
(9) Represents the full vesting of the fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 grants of restricted stock units (granted in September 2012, 2013 and 2014 and, in the case of Mr. Burian, June 2015), which are: Mr. Dolan 21,680 units ($1,810,063), 15,280 units ($1,275,727) and 13,230 units ($1,104,573), respectively; and Mr. Burian 10,540 units ($879,985), 7,420 units ($619,496) and an aggregate of 8,340 units ($696,307), respectively.
(10)

Represents the value of fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 grants of restricted stock units (granted in September 2012, 2013 and 2014) for Mr. Yospe. Upon a change in control or going private transaction, Mr. Yospe will be entitled to either (in the successor entity’s discretion) (a) cash equal to the unvested units multiplied by the per share price paid in the change in control or going private transaction, or (b) only if the successor

 

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  entity is a publicly traded company, a replacement unit award from the successor entity with the same terms. Any such cash award would be payable upon the earliest of (x) the date the units were originally scheduled to vest so long as the executive remains continuously employed, (y) a termination without cause or a resignation for good reason, or (z) only if the successor entity elects clause (b) above, upon a resignation without good reason that is at least six months, but no more than nine months following the change in control or going private transaction.
(11) Represents the aggregate value of the fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 cash performance award targets for each of Messrs. Dolan, Burian and Yospe, which becomes payable (i) upon a change in control, regardless of whether the applicable executive’s employment is terminated, or (ii) following a going private transaction if the applicable executive is employed through July 1, 2015 (in the case of the fiscal 2013 award), July 1, 2016 (in case of the fiscal 2014 award) or July 1, 2017 (in the case of the fiscal 2015 award) or is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason prior to such applicable date.

Our Equity Compensation Plan Information

We plan to adopt an Employee Stock Plan (the “Employee Stock Plan”) and a Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors both of which are discussed below.

Our Employee Stock Plan

Prior to the Distribution, we expect to adopt an Employee Stock Plan, subject to the approval of MSG as our sole shareholder at such time.

A form of the Employee Stock Plan is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, of which this information statement forms a part, that we have filed with the SEC, and the following description of the Employee Stock Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Employee Stock Plan.

Overview

The purpose of the Employee Stock Plan will be to (i) compensate employees of the Company and its affiliates who are responsible for the management and growth of the business of the Company and its affiliates, and (ii) advance the interest of the Company by encouraging and enabling the acquisition of a personal proprietary interest in the Company by employees upon whose judgment and keen interest the Company and its affiliates are largely dependent for the successful conduct of their operations. It is anticipated that the acquisition of such a proprietary interest in the Company will stimulate the efforts of these employees on behalf of the Company and its affiliates, and strengthen their desire to remain with the Company and its affiliates. It is also expected that the opportunity to acquire such a proprietary interest will enable the Company and its affiliates to attract and retain desirable personnel and will better align the interests of participating employees with those of the Company’s stockholders. The Employee Stock Plan will provide for grants of incentive stock options (as defined in Section 422 of the Code), non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units and other equity-based awards (collectively, “Awards”). The Employee Stock Plan is expected to terminate, and no more Awards will be granted, after the ten year anniversary of the Distribution (unless sooner terminated by our Board or our Compensation Committee). The termination of the Employee Stock Plan will not affect previously granted Awards.

Shares Subject to the Employee Stock Plan; Other Limitations

The Employee Stock Plan will be administered by the Company’s Compensation Committee. Awards may be granted under the Employee Stock Plan to such employees of the Company and its affiliates as the Compensation Committee may determine. An “affiliate” will be defined in the Employee Stock Plan to mean any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company or any other affiliate and will also include any entity in which the Company owns at least five percent of the outstanding equity interests. It is expected that the total number of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock that may be issued pursuant

 

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to Awards under the Employee Stock Plan may not exceed an aggregate of [●], which may be either treasury shares or authorized and unissued shares. To the extent that (i) an Award is paid, settled or exchanged or expires, lapses, terminates or is cancelled for any reason without the issuance of shares, (ii) any shares under an Award are not issued because of payment or withholding obligations or (iii) restricted shares revert back to the Company prior to the lapse of the restrictions or are applied by the Company for purposes of tax withholding obligations, then it is expected that the Compensation Committee will also be able to grant Awards with respect to such shares or restricted shares. Awards payable only in cash or property other than shares will not reduce the aggregate remaining number of shares with respect to which Awards may be made under the Employee Stock Plan and shares relating to any other Awards that are settled in cash or property other than shares, when settled, will be added back to the aggregate remaining number of shares with respect to which Awards may be made under the Employee Stock Plan. Any shares underlying Awards that the Company becomes obligated to make through the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an acquired entity will not count against the shares available to be delivered pursuant to Awards under the Employee Stock Plan. No single employee may be issued Awards during any one calendar year for, or that relate to, a number of shares exceeding [●]. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, forward or reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, share exchange, liquidation, dissolution or other similar corporate transaction or event affects shares such that the failure to make an adjustment to an Award would not appropriately protect the rights represented by the Award in accordance with the essential intent and principles thereof (each such event, an “Adjustment Event”), then it is expected that the Compensation Committee will, in such manner as it may determine to be equitable in its sole discretion, adjust any or all of the terms of an outstanding Award (including, without limitation, the number of shares covered by such outstanding Award, the type of property to which the Award is subject and the exercise price of such Award).

Awards

It is expected that all employees of the Company and its affiliates will be eligible to receive Awards under the Employee Stock Plan. Under the Employee Stock Plan, the Company will be able to grant options and stock appreciation rights, which will be exercisable at a price determined by the Compensation Committee on the date of the Award grant, which price will be no less than the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock on the date the option or stock appreciation right is granted. Other than in the case of the death of a participant, such options and stock appreciation rights may be exercised for a term fixed by the Compensation Committee but no longer than ten years from the date of grant. An award agreement may provide that, in the event the participant dies while the option or stock appreciation right is outstanding, the option or stock appreciation right will remain outstanding until the first anniversary of the participant’s death, whether or not such first anniversary occurs after such ten-year period. Upon its exercise, a stock appreciation right will be settled (and an option may be settled, in the Compensation Committee’s discretion) for an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the stock appreciation right (or option). The Employee Stock Plan will prohibit (1) repricing options and stock appreciation rights (other than in connection with Adjustment Events), (2) repurchasing options or stock appreciation rights for cash when the exercise price equals or exceeds the fair market value of a share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock or (3) option or stock appreciation right automatic reload provisions, in each case without the approval of the Company’s stockholders.

It is expected that the Employee Stock Plan will also permit the Company to grant restricted shares and restricted stock units. A restricted share is a share of Class A Common Stock that is registered in the participant’s name, but that is subject to certain transfer and/or forfeiture restrictions for a period of time as specified in the applicable award agreement. The participant of a restricted share will have the rights of a stockholder, subject to any restrictions and conditions specified by the Compensation Committee in the participant’s award agreement. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, unless the Compensation Committee determines otherwise, all ordinary cash dividends paid upon any restricted share prior to its vesting will be retained by the Company for the account of the relevant participant and upon vesting will be paid to the relevant participant.

 

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A restricted stock unit is an unfunded, unsecured right to receive a share of Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) at a future date upon the satisfaction of the conditions specified by the Compensation Committee in the award agreement. Unless otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee, a restricted stock unit will also carry a dividend equivalent right representing an unfunded and unsecured promise to pay to the relevant participant, upon the vesting of the restricted stock unit, an amount equal to the ordinary cash dividends that would have been paid upon any share underlying a restricted stock unit had such shares been issued.

The Compensation Committee is also expected to be able to grant other equity-based or equity-related awards to participants subject to terms and conditions it may specify. These awards may entail the transfer of shares or payment in cash based on the value of shares.

It is expected that under the Employee Stock Plan, the Compensation Committee will have the authority, in its discretion, to add performance criteria as a condition to any employee’s ability to exercise a stock option or stock appreciation right, or the vesting or payment of any restricted shares or restricted stock units, granted under the Employee Stock Plan. Additionally, the Employee Stock Plan will specify certain performance criteria that may, in the case of certain executive officers of the Company, be conditions precedent to the vesting of awards granted to such executives under the Employee Stock Plan. The Employee Stock Plan will provide that such performance criteria may be determined by reference to the performance of the Company, an affiliate or a business unit, product, team, venue, production, event or service thereof or any combination of the foregoing. Such criteria may also be measured on a per customer, sponsor, basic or diluted share basis or any combination of the foregoing and may reflect absolute performance, incremental performance or comparative performance to other companies (or their products or services) determined on a gross, net, GAAP or non-GAAP basis, with respect to one or more of the following: (i) net or operating income or other measures of profit; (ii) measures of revenue; (iii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); (iv) cash flow, free cash flow, adjusted operating cash flow and similar measures; (v) return on equity, investment, assets or capital; (vi) gross or operating margins or savings; (vii) performance relative to budget, forecast or market expectations; (viii) market share or penetration or customer acquisition or retention, facilities utilization or attendance; (ix) sports team performance; (x) operating metrics relating to sales, sponsorships or customer service or satisfaction; (xi) capital spending management, facility maintenance, construction or renovation or product or service deployments; (xii) achievement of strategic business objectives such as acquisitions, dispositions or investments; (xiii) a specified increase in the fair market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock; (xiv) a specified increase in the private market value of the Company; (xv) the price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock; (xvi) earnings per share; and/or (xvii) total stockholder return.

Amendment; Termination

It is expected that the Board or the Compensation Committee may discontinue the Employee Stock Plan at any time and from time to time may amend or revise the terms of the Employee Stock Plan or any award agreement, as permitted by applicable law, except that it may not (a) make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to a participant (other than if immaterial), without the consent of the participant or (b) make any amendment or revision without the approval of the stockholders of the Company if such approval is required by the rules of the stock exchange on which the Company’s shares are listed. The consent of the participant will not be required solely pursuant to the previous sentence in respect of any adjustment made in light of an Adjustment Event, except to the extent the terms of an award agreement expressly refer to an Adjustment Event, in which case such terms will not be amended in a manner unfavorable to a participant (other than if immaterial) without such participant’s consent.

U.S. Federal Tax Implications of Certain Awards under the Plan

The following summary generally describes the principal Federal (but not state and local) income tax consequences of certain awards that are expected to be permitted under the Employee Stock Plan. It is general in nature and is not intended to cover all tax consequences that may apply to a particular participant or the

 

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Company. The provisions of the Code and the regulations thereunder relating to these matters are complex and their impact in any one case may depend upon the particular circumstances.

Incentive Stock Options

An employee will not be subject to tax upon the grant of an incentive stock option (an “ISO”) or upon the exercise of an ISO. However, the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price paid will be included in the employee’s alternative minimum taxable income. Whether the employee is subject to the alternative minimum tax will depend on his or her particular circumstances. The employee’s basis in the shares received will be equal to the exercise price paid, and the holding period in such shares will begin on the day following the date of exercise. If an employee disposes of the shares on or after (i) the second anniversary of the date of grant of the ISO and (ii) the first anniversary of the date of exercise of the ISO (the “statutory holding period”), the employee will recognize a capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on such disposition and his or her basis in the shares.

Nonstatutory Stock Options

For the grant of an option that is not intended to be (or does not qualify as) an ISO, an employee will not be subject to tax upon the grant of such an option (a “nonstatutory stock option”). Upon exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares acquired on the date of exercise over the exercise price paid is taxable to an employee as ordinary income, and such amount is generally deductible by the Company. This amount of income will be subject to income tax withholding and employment taxes. An employee’s basis in the shares received will equal the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise, and an employee’s holding period in such shares will begin on the day following the date of exercise.

Restricted Stock

An employee will not be subject to tax upon receipt of an award of shares subject to forfeiture conditions and transfer restrictions (the “restrictions”) under the Plan unless the employee makes the election referred to below. Upon lapse of the restrictions, an employee will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of lapse (less any amount the employee may have paid for the shares), and such income will be subject to income tax withholding and employment taxes. An employee’s basis in the shares received will be equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date the restrictions lapse, and an employee’s holding period in such shares begins on the day after the restrictions lapse. If any dividends are paid on such shares prior to the lapse of the restrictions they will be includible in an employee’s income during the restricted period as additional compensation (and not as dividend income) and will be subject to income tax withholding and employment taxes.

If permitted by the applicable award agreement, an employee may elect, within thirty days after the date of the grant of the restricted stock, to recognize immediately (as ordinary income) the fair market value of the shares awarded (less any amount an employee may have paid for the shares), determined on the date of grant (without regard to the restrictions). Such income will be subject to income tax withholding and employment taxes at such time. This election is made pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code and the regulations thereunder. If an employee makes this election, the employee’s holding period will begin the day after the date of grant, dividends paid on the shares will be subject to the normal rules regarding distributions on stock, and no additional income will be recognized by the employee upon the lapse of the restrictions. However, if the employee forfeits the restricted shares before the restrictions lapse, no deduction or capital loss will be available to the employee (even though the employee previously recognized income with respect to such forfeited shares).

In the taxable year in which an employee recognizes ordinary income on account of shares awarded to the employee, the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of income recognized by the employee. In the event that the restricted shares are forfeited by an employee after having made the Section 83(b) election referred to above, the Company generally will include in our income the amount of our original deduction.

 

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Stock Appreciation Rights

An employee will not be subject to tax upon the grant of a stock appreciation right. Upon exercise of a stock appreciation right, an amount equal to the cash and/or the fair market value (measured on the date of exercise) of shares receivable by the employee in respect of a stock appreciation right will be taxable to the employee as ordinary income, and such amount generally will be deductible by the Company. This amount of income will be subject to income tax withholding and employment taxes. An employee’s basis in any shares received will be equal to the fair market value of such shares on the date of exercise, and an employee’s holding period in such shares will begin on the day following the date of exercise.

Restricted Stock Units

An employee will not be subject to tax upon the grant of a restricted stock unit. Upon vesting of a restricted stock unit, the fair market value of the shares covered by the award on the vesting date will be subject to employment taxes. Upon distribution of the shares and/or cash underlying a restricted stock unit, an employee will recognize as ordinary income an amount equal to the cash and/or fair market value (measured on the Distribution date) of the shares received, and such amount will generally be deductible by the Company. This amount of income will generally be subject to income tax withholding on the date of distribution. An employee’s basis in any shares received will be equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of distribution, and an employee’s holding period in such shares will begin on the date of distribution. If any dividend equivalent amounts are paid to an employee, they will be includible in the employee’s income as additional compensation (and not as dividend income) and will be subject to income and employment tax withholding.

Disposition of Shares

Unless stated otherwise above, upon the subsequent disposition of shares acquired under any of the preceding awards, an employee will recognize capital gain or loss based upon the difference between the amount realized on such disposition and the employee’s basis in the shares, and such amount will be long-term capital gain or loss if such shares were held for more than 12 months. Currently, capital gain is generally taxed at a maximum rate of 15% if the property is held more than one year.

Section 162(m) Deductibility Rules

The Company generally will be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the amount recognized as ordinary income by the employee in connection with the exercise of an option or stock appreciation right. The Company generally is not entitled to a tax deduction with respect to any amount that represents compensation in excess of $1 million paid to “covered employees” that is not “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code. Under current regulations interpreting Section 162(m), the grant by a committee of “outside directors” of at-or above-the-money options or stock appreciation rights under a stockholder approved plan that expressly limits the amount of grants that can be made to any individual employee over a specified period of time is considered “qualified performance-based compensation.”

Our Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors

Prior to the Distribution, we expect to adopt a Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “Director Stock Plan”), subject to the approval of MSG as our sole shareholder at such time.

A form of the Director Stock Plan is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, of which this information statement forms a part, that we have filed with the SEC, and the following description of the Director Stock Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Director Stock Plan.

 

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Overview

We believe that the Company’s ability to attract and retain capable persons as non-employee directors will be enhanced if it can provide its non-employee directors with equity-based awards and that the Company will benefit from encouraging a sense of proprietorship of such persons stimulating the active interest of such persons in the development and financial success of the Company. The Director Stock Plan will provide for potential grants of non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units, restricted shares and other equity-based awards (collectively, “Director Awards”) to our non-employee directors. The Director Stock Plan is expected to terminate, and no more Director Awards will be granted, after the ten year anniversary of the Distribution (unless sooner terminated by our Board or our Compensation Committee). The termination of the Director Stock Plan will not affect previously granted Director Awards.

Shares Subject to the Director Stock Plan; Other Limitations

The Director Stock Plan will be administered by the Company’s Compensation Committee. The total number of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Director Awards under the Director Stock Plan may not exceed an aggregate of [●] shares, which may be either treasury shares or authorized and unissued shares. To the extent that (i) a Director Award is paid, settled or exchanged or expires, lapses, terminates or is cancelled for any reason without the issuance of shares or (ii) any shares under a Director Award are not issued because of payment or withholding obligations, then it is expected that the Compensation Committee will also be able to grant Director Awards with respect to such shares. Director Awards payable only in cash or property other than shares will not reduce the aggregate remaining number of shares with respect to which Director Awards may be made under the Director Stock Plan and shares relating to any other Director Awards that are settled in cash or property other than shares, when settled, will be added back to the aggregate remaining number of shares with respect to which Director Awards may be made under the Director Stock Plan. Any shares underlying Director Awards that the Company becomes obligated to make through the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an acquired entity will not count against the shares available to be delivered pursuant to Awards under the Director Stock Plan. In the event that any Adjustment Event affects shares such that the failure to make an adjustment to a Director Award would not appropriately protect the rights represented by the Director Award in accordance with the essential intent and principles thereof, then it is expected that the Compensation Committee will, in such manner as it may determine to be equitable in its sole discretion, be able to adjust any or all of the terms of an outstanding Director Award (including, without limitation, the number of shares covered by such outstanding Director Award, the type of property to which the Director Award is subject and the exercise price of such Director Award).

Director Awards

It is expected that under the Director Stock Plan, the Company will be able to grant stock options to participants. The options will be exercisable at a price determined by the Compensation Committee on the date of the Director Award grant, which price will be no less than the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock on the date the option is granted, and will otherwise be subject to such terms and conditions as specified by the Compensation Committee, provided that, unless determined otherwise by the Compensation Committee, such options will be fully vested and exercisable on the date of grant. Each option granted pursuant to the Director Stock Plan will terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) the expiration of ten years following the date upon which the option is granted and (ii) a period fixed by the Compensation Committee in the award agreement; however, an award agreement may provide that in the event that a participant dies while an option is exercisable, the option will remain exercisable by the participant’s estate or beneficiary only until the first anniversary of the participant’s date of death and whether or not such first anniversary occurs prior to or following the expiration of the relevant period referred to above. It is expected that upon its exercise, an option may be settled, in the Compensation Committee’s discretion, for a cash amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the option. The Director Stock Plan will prohibit (1) repricing options and stock appreciation rights (other than in connection with Adjustment Events), (2) repurchasing options or stock appreciation rights for cash when the exercise price equals or exceeds

 

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the fair market value of a share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock or (3) option or stock appreciation right automatic reload provisions, in each case without the approval of the Company’s stockholders.

The Company is also expected to be able to grant restricted stock units to participants. A restricted stock unit is an unfunded, unsecured right to receive a share of Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) at a future date upon the satisfaction of the conditions specified by the Compensation Committee in the award agreement. Unless otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee, such restricted stock units will be fully vested on the date of grant and will also carry a dividend equivalent right representing an unfunded and unsecured promise to pay to the relevant participant an amount equal to the ordinary cash dividends that would have been paid upon any share underlying a restricted stock unit had such shares been issued. If a restricted stock unit is not fully vested at the date of grant, the dividend equivalent right will not apply until such restricted stock unit is vested.

It is expected that the Compensation Committee will be permitted to grant other equity-based or equity-related awards (including without limitation restricted shares) to non-employee directors subject to terms and conditions it may specify. These awards may entail the transfer of shares or payment in cash based on the value of shares.

Amendment; Termination

It is expected that the Board or the Compensation Committee may discontinue the Director Stock Plan at any time and from time to time may amend or revise the terms of the Director Stock Plan or any award agreement, as permitted by applicable law, except that it may not (a) make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to a participant (other than if immaterial), without the consent of the participant or (b) make any amendment or revision without the approval of the stockholders of the Company if such approval is required by the rules of the stock exchange on which the Company’s shares are listed. Consent of the participant will not be required solely pursuant to the previous sentence in respect of any adjustment made in light of a Director Stock Plan Adjustment Event, except to the extent the terms of an award agreement expressly refer to a Director Stock Plan Adjustment Event, in which case such terms will not be amended in a manner unfavorable to a participant (other than if immaterial) without such participant’s consent.

U.S. Federal Tax Implications of Options and Restricted Stock Units Under the Director Stock Plan

The following summary generally describes the principal Federal (but not state and local) income tax consequences of the issuance and exercise of options and restricted stock units that it is expected would be permitted under the Director Stock Plan. It is general in nature and is not intended to cover all tax consequences that may apply to a particular participant or the Company. The provisions of the Code and the regulations thereunder relating to these matters are complex and subject to change and their impact in any one case may depend upon the particular circumstances.

A non-employee director will not realize any income, and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction, at the time that a stock option is granted under the Director Stock Plan. Upon exercising an option, a non-employee director will realize ordinary income (not as capital gain), and the Company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, in an amount equal to the fair market value on the exercise date of the shares subject to the option over the exercise price of the option. The non-employee director will have a basis in the shares received as a result of the exercise, for purposes of computing capital gain or loss, equal to the fair market value of those shares on the exercise date and the non-employee director’s holding period in the shares received will commence on the day after the date of exercise. If an option is settled by the Company in cash, shares or a combination thereof, the non-employee directors will recognize ordinary income at the time of settlement equal to the fair market value of such cash, shares or combination thereof, and the Company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction.

 

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A non-employee director will not realize any income, and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction, at the time that a restricted stock unit is granted under the Director Stock Plan. Upon payment or settlement of a restricted stock unit award in Class A Common Stock or cash, the non-employee director will recognize ordinary income, and the Company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, equal to the fair market value of any Class  A Common Stock or cash received.

Our Cash Incentive Plan

Prior to the Distribution, we expect to adopt a Cash Incentive Plan (the “CIP”), subject to the approval of MSG as our sole shareholder at such time.

A form of the CIP is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, of which this information statement forms a part, that we have filed with the SEC, and the following description of the CIP is qualified in its entirety by reference to the CIP.

Overview

The purposes of the CIP will be (i) to advance the interest of the Company and its stockholders by providing a means to motivate the employees of the Company and its affiliates, upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts the continued success, growth and development of the Company is dependent; (ii) to link the rewards of the employees of the Company and its affiliates to the achievement of specific performance objectives and goals when so desired; (iii) to assist the Company and its affiliates in maintaining a competitive total compensation program that serves to attract and retain the most highly qualified individuals; and (iv) to permit the grant and payment of awards that are deductible to the Company pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code when so desired. The CIP will provide for cash awards. It is expected that no awards will be made under this CIP after the five year anniversary of the Distribution.

The CIP will be administered by the Company’s Compensation Committee. Awards may be granted under the CIP to such employees of the Company or an affiliate of the Company, as the Compensation Committee may determine. An “affiliate” will be defined in the CIP to mean any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company or any other affiliate and also includes any entity in which the Company owns at least five percent of the outstanding equity interests.

It is expected that Compensation Committee will be able to establish one or more conditions which must be satisfied in order for an employee to be entitled to an award under the CIP. The CIP will specify that, to the extent that an award under the CIP is intended to qualify for deductibility under Code Section 162(m), the payment of the award will be conditioned on the satisfaction of one or more of the performance criteria listed below over a period or periods selected by the Compensation Committee. The performance criteria may be determined by reference to the performance of the Company, an affiliate or a business unit, product, team, venue, production, event or service thereof or any combination of the foregoing. Such criteria may also be measured on a per customer, sponsor, basic or diluted share basis or any combination of the foregoing and may reflect absolute performance, incremental performance or comparative performance to other companies (or their products or services) determined on a gross, net, GAAP or non-GAAP basis, with respect to one or more of the following: (i) net or operating income or other measures of profit; (ii) measures of revenue; (iii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); (iv) cash flow, free cash flow, adjusted operating cash flow and similar measures; (v) return on equity, investment, assets or capital; (vi) gross or operating margins or savings; (vii) performance relative to budget, forecast or market expectations; (viii) market share or penetration or customer acquisition or retention, facilities utilization or attendance; (ix) sports team performance; (x) operating metrics relating to sales, sponsorships or customer service or satisfaction; (xi) capital spending management, facility maintenance, construction or renovation or product or service deployments; (xii) achievement of strategic business objectives such as acquisitions, dispositions or investments; (xiii) a specified increase in the fair market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock; (xiv) a specified increase

 

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in the private market value of the Company; (xv) the price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock; (xvi) earnings per share; and/or (xvii) total shareholder return.

CIP Awards

The CIP will provide for two types of cash awards: long-term incentive awards and annual incentive awards. Long-term incentive awards may be subject to such terms and conditions (including the performance criteria described below) as the Compensation Committee determines; however, no long-term incentive award will cover a period of more than ten years. In no event would the CIP permit any covered employee to be granted in any fiscal year of the Company long-term incentive awards that are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) exceeding in the aggregate $10 million. Annual incentive awards may also be subject to such terms and conditions (including the performance criteria described below) as the Compensation Committee determines. In no event may any covered employee be granted in any fiscal year of the Company Annual Incentive Awards that are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) exceeding in the aggregate $10 million.

If the Compensation Committee establishes conditions to the entitlement of a Long-Term Incentive Award or Annual Incentive Award for a covered employee relating to the achievement of performance criteria, the Compensation Committee will be required to determine whether the performance criteria have been met with respect to the employee and, if they have, so certify and ascertain the amount of the applicable Long-Term Incentive Award or Annual Incentive Award. No Long-Term Incentive Award or Annual Incentive Award (if contingent on such performance criteria) will be paid until such certification is made by the Compensation Committee.

Amendment; Termination

It is expected that the Board or the Compensation Committee will be able to discontinue the CIP at any time and from time to time may amend or revise the terms of the CIP, as permitted by applicable law, except that it may not amend or revise, in any manner unfavorable to a recipient (other than if immaterial), any Long-Term Incentive Award, without the consent of the recipient of that Long-Term Incentive Award.

Treatment of Outstanding Options, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards

MSG has issued options to purchase its MSG Class A Common Stock. In connection with the Distribution, each MSG option will become two options: one will be an option to acquire MSG Class A Common Stock and one an option to acquire our Class A Common Stock. We expect that options with respect to our Class A Common Stock will be issued under the Employee Stock Plan or Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors as applicable. The existing exercise price will be allocated between the existing MSG options and our new options based upon the weighted average prices of the MSG Class A Common Stock and our Class A Common Stock over the [●] trading days immediately following the Distribution as reported by Bloomberg, and the underlying share amount will take into account the distribution ratio (i.e., the number of shares of MSG common stock in respect of which one share of our common stock will be issued). The MSG options and our new options will not be exercisable during a period beginning on a date prior to the Distribution determined by MSG in its sole discretion, and continuing until the exercise prices of the MSG options and our new options are determined after the Distribution, or such longer period as MSG or we determine is necessary with respect to our and MSG’s respective awards. Other than the split of the MSG options and the allocation of the existing exercise price, upon issuance of our new options there will be no additional adjustment to the existing MSG options in connection with the Distribution and the terms of each employee’s applicable MSG award agreement will continue to govern the MSG options. The options that we issue in respect of outstanding MSG stock options will be affected by a change in control or going private transaction of the Company, as set forth in the terms of the award agreement.

 

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MSG has issued restricted stock units to its employees which represent unfunded, unsecured rights to receive shares of MSG Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) at a future date upon the satisfaction of the conditions specified by the Compensation Committee in the award agreement. In connection with the Distribution, we expect that each holder of an employee restricted stock unit will receive one Spinco restricted stock unit in respect of every [●] MSG restricted stock unit(s) owned on the record date and continue to be entitled to a share of MSG Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) for each MSG restricted stock unit in accordance with the MSG award agreement. Our restricted stock units will be issued under our Employee Stock Plan and will be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the MSG restricted stock units. Other than the split of the MSG restricted stock units, upon issuance of our new restricted stock units there will be no additional adjustment to the existing MSG restricted stock units in connection with the Distribution and the terms of each employee’s applicable restricted stock unit award agreement will continue to govern the MSG restricted stock units. The restricted stock units that we issue in respect of outstanding MSG employee restricted stock units will be affected by a change in control or going private transaction of the Company or MSG, as set forth in the terms of the award agreement.

MSG has issued restricted stock units to its non-employee directors which represent unfunded, unsecured rights to receive shares of MSG Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) at a future date upon the satisfaction of the conditions specified by the Compensation Committee in the award agreement. Such restricted stock units were fully vested on the date of grant. In connection with the Distribution, we expect that each holder of a director restricted stock unit will receive one share of our Class A Common Stock in respect of every [●] MSG restricted stock unit(s) owned on the record date and continue to be entitled to a share of MSG Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) in accordance with the award agreement. Such shares of Class A Common Stock will be issued under our Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

In fiscal years ended June 30, 2013, 2014 and 2015, MSG granted three-year performance awards to executives and certain other members of management of the Company under the MSG CIP. The three-year performance awards granted in MSG’s fiscal year 2013, which are scheduled to vest in September 2015, will not be impacted by the Distribution and will be paid out based on the actual performance of MSG during the three-year period ending June 30, 2015. In connection with the Distribution, the three-year performance awards granted in MSG’s fiscal years 2014 and 2015 will entitle the holder to a fixed dollar amount based on the target value of the performance award. Payment of such cash awards will be subject to the participant’s continued employment with either MSG or the Company through the date the original performance award is scheduled to vest, and otherwise will remain subject to the terms of the performance award agreement.

With respect to outstanding long-term cash and equity awards, the Company and MSG will not be regarded as competitive entities of each other for purposes of any non-compete provisions contained in the applicable award agreements. With respect to all outstanding MSG awards (and our options and restricted stock units issued in connection with such awards) holders of such awards will continue to vest in them so long as they remain employed by the Company, MSG or affiliates of either entity, provided that an employee who moves between the Company or one of its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and MSG or one of its subsidiaries, on the other hand, at a time when the two entities are no longer affiliates will not continue to vest in our awards and such change will constitute a termination of employment for purposes of the award agreement.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Introduction

Following the Distribution, the Company and MSG will both be controlled by Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities. Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities also control Cablevision and AMC Networks. For purposes of governing the ongoing relationships between the Company and MSG and Cablevision, respectively, after the Distribution, we expect to enter into certain agreements with those companies prior to the Distribution.

Relationship Between MSG and Us After the Distribution

Following the Distribution, we will be a public company and MSG will have no continuing common stock ownership interest in us. As described under “The Distribution — Results of the Distribution,” both MSG and we will be under the control of Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities immediately following the Distribution. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information,” “Combined Financial Statements as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 and For the Three Years Ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 — Notes to Combined Financial Statements — Note 16” and “Combined Financial Statements as of March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) and June 30, 2014 and For the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 — Notes to Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) — Note 11” for information concerning historical intercompany payments between us and MSG.

For purposes of governing the ongoing relationships between MSG and us after the Distribution and to provide for an orderly transition, MSG and we will enter into the agreements described in this section prior to the Distribution.

Certain of the agreements summarized in this section will be filed prior to the Distribution as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this information statement forms a part, that we have filed with the SEC, and the following summaries of those agreements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the agreements that will be filed prior to the Distribution.

Distribution Agreement

We will enter into the Distribution Agreement with MSG as part of a series of transactions pursuant to which we have acquired or will acquire prior to the Distribution the subsidiaries, businesses and other assets of MSG that constitute our business.

Under the Distribution Agreement, MSG will distribute our common stock to its common stockholders.

Under the Distribution Agreement, MSG will provide us with indemnities with respect to liabilities, damages, costs and expenses arising out of any of (i) MSG’s businesses (other than businesses of ours), (ii) certain identified claims or proceedings, (iii) any breach by MSG of its obligations under the Distribution Agreement; (iv) any untrue statement or omission in the registration statement, of which this information statement forms a part, or in this information statement relating to MSG and its subsidiaries; and (v) indemnification obligations we may have to the NBA or NHL that result from acts or omissions of MSG. Spinco will provide MSG with indemnities with respect to liabilities, damages, costs and expenses arising out of any of (i) its businesses, (ii) any breach by Spinco of its obligations under the Distribution Agreement; and (iii) any untrue statement or omission in the registration statement, of which this information statement forms a part, or in this information statement other than any such statement or omission relating to MSG and its subsidiaries.

In the Distribution Agreement we will release MSG from any claims we might have arising out of:

 

    the management of the businesses and affairs of MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment on or prior to the Distribution;

 

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    the terms of the Distribution, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our by-laws and the other agreements entered into in connection with the Distribution; and

 

    any decisions that have been made, or actions taken, relating to MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment or the Distribution.

Additionally, in the Distribution Agreement, MSG will release us from any claims MSG might have arising out of:

 

    the management of the businesses and affairs of MSG on or prior to the Distribution;

 

    the terms of the Distribution and the other agreements entered into in connection with the Distribution; and

 

    any decisions that have been made, or actions taken, relating to the Distribution.

The Distribution Agreement will also provide that MSG will have the sole and absolute discretion to determine whether to proceed with the Distribution, including the form, structure and terms of any transactions to effect the Distribution and the timing of and satisfaction of conditions to the consummation of the Distribution.

The Distribution Agreement will also provide for access to records and information, cooperation in defending litigation, as well as methods of resolution for certain disputes.

Transition Services Agreement

We will enter into a Transition Services Agreement with MSG under which, in exchange for the fees specified in such agreement, the Company will agree to provide management and other services to MSG, including with respect to such areas as tax, information technology, risk management, treasury, legal, human resources, accounting, purchasing, communications, security and compensation and benefits. MSG will similarly agree to provide certain transition services to the Company. The Company and MSG, as parties receiving services under the agreement, will agree to indemnify the party providing services for losses incurred by such party that arise out of or are otherwise in connection with the provision by such party of services under the agreement, except to the extent that such losses result from the providing party’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations under the agreement. Similarly, each party providing services under the agreement will agree to indemnify the party receiving services for losses incurred by such party that arise out of or are otherwise in connection with the indemnifying party’s provision of services under the agreement if such losses result from the providing party’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations under the agreement.

Tax Disaffiliation Agreement

We will enter into a Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with MSG that governs MSG’s and our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to taxes and tax benefits, the filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax matters. References in this summary description of the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement to the terms “tax” or “taxes” mean taxes as well as any interest, penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts in respect of such taxes.

We and our eligible subsidiaries currently join with MSG in the filing of certain consolidated, combined, and unitary returns for state, local, and other applicable tax purposes. However, for periods (or portions thereof) beginning after the Distribution, we generally will not join with MSG in the filing of any federal, state, local or other applicable consolidated, combined or unitary tax returns.

Under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, with certain exceptions, MSG will generally be responsible for all of our U.S. federal, state, local and other applicable income taxes for any taxable period or portion of such period ending on or before the Distribution date. We will generally be responsible for all taxes that are attributable to us or one of our subsidiaries after the Distribution date.

 

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We will be responsible for filing all tax returns for any period ending after the Distribution date that include us or one of our subsidiaries other than any consolidated, combined or unitary income tax return for periods after such date (if any) that includes us or one of our subsidiaries, on the one hand, and MSG or one of its subsidiaries (other than us or any of our subsidiaries), on the other hand. Where possible, we have waived the right to carry back any losses, credits, or similar items to periods ending prior to or on the Distribution date, however, if we cannot waive the right, we would be entitled to receive the resulting refund or credit, net of any taxes incurred by MSG with respect to the refund or credit.

Generally, we will have the authority to conduct all tax proceedings, including tax audits, relating to taxes or any adjustment to taxes for which we are responsible for filing a return under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, and MSG will have the authority to conduct all tax proceedings, including tax audits, relating to taxes or any adjustment to taxes for which MSG is responsible for filing a return under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement. However, if one party acknowledges a liability to indemnify the other party for a tax to which such proceeding relates, and provides evidence to the other party of its ability to make such payment, the first-mentioned party will have the authority to conduct such proceeding. The Tax Disaffiliation Agreement further provides for cooperation between MSG and the Company with respect to tax matters, the exchange of information and the retention of records that may affect the tax liabilities of the parties to the agreement.

Finally, the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement will require that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries will take, or fail to take, any action where such action, or failure to act, would be inconsistent with or preclude the Distribution from qualifying as a tax-free transaction to MSG and to its stockholders under Section 355 of the Code, or would otherwise cause holders of MSG stock receiving our stock in the Distribution to be taxed as a result of the Distribution and certain transactions undertaken in connection with the Distribution. Additionally, for the two-year period following the Distribution, we may not engage in certain activities that may jeopardize the tax-free treatment of the Distribution to MSG and its stockholders, unless we receive MSG’s consent or otherwise obtain a ruling from the IRS or a legal opinion, in either case reasonably satisfactory to MSG, that the activity will not alter the tax-free status of the Distribution to MSG and its stockholders. Such restricted activities include:

 

    entering into any transaction pursuant to which 50% or more of our shares or assets would be acquired, whether by merger or otherwise, unless certain tests are met;

 

    issuing equity securities, if any such issuances would, in the aggregate, constitute 50% or more of the voting power or value of our capital stock;

 

    certain repurchases of our common shares;

 

    ceasing to actively conduct our business;

 

    amendments to our organizational documents (i) affecting the relative voting rights of our stock or (ii) converting one class of our stock to another;

 

    liquidating or partially liquidating; and

 

    taking any other action that prevents the Distribution and certain related transactions from being tax-free.

Moreover, we must indemnify MSG and its subsidiaries, officers and directors for any taxes, resulting from action or failure to act, if such action or failure to act precludes the Distribution from qualifying as a tax-free transaction (including taxes imposed as a result of a violation of the restrictions set forth above).

Employee Matters Agreement

Upon completion of the Distribution, we will have in place an employee matters agreement (the “Employee Matters Agreement”) with MSG that will allocate assets, liabilities and responsibilities with respect to certain employee compensation and benefit plans and programs and certain other related matters. In general, our employees currently participate in various MSG retirement, health and welfare, and other employee benefit plans. After the Distribution, it is anticipated that our employees will generally participate in similar plans and

 

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arrangements established and maintained by the Company; however, we will continue to be a participating company in certain MSG employee benefit plans during a transition period. Additionally, as described in more detail in “Executive Compensation — MSG Pension Benefits — Our Retirement Benefits,” we will assume certain pension and retirement plans effective as of the Distribution. Effective as of the Distribution date, we and MSG generally will each hold responsibility for our respective employees and compensation plans except for the liability for certain incentive awards held by corporate, advertising and shared employees, which will be split between the Company and MSG in accordance with the Employee Matters Agreement.

For a description of the impact of the Distribution on holders of MSG options, restricted stock and other awards, see “Executive Compensation — Treatment of Outstanding Options, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards.”

Media Rights Agreements

The media rights agreements with the Knicks and the Rangers will provide MSG exclusive media rights to team games in their local markets. Each of the media rights agreements has a stated term of 20 years, with an annual rights fee in the first year of $100 million for the Knicks and $30 million for the Rangers. The rights fee in each media rights agreement is to increase annually and is subject to adjustments in certain circumstances, including if we do not make available a minimum number of games in any year. MSG has certain rights to match third party offers received by the Knicks or Rangers, as the case may be, for the media rights following the term of the agreement. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information.”

Advertising Agreement

Spinco and MSG will enter into an Advertising Agreement pursuant to which Spinco will have the exclusive right and obligation to sell MSG Networks’ advertising availabilities for an initial stated term of seven years, subject to certain termination rights, including Spinco’s right to terminate if Spinco and MSG are no longer affiliates and MSG’s right to terminate if certain sales thresholds are not met unless Spinco pays MSG the shortfall. All MSG personnel who worked on advertising sales will transfer to Spinco. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information.”

Other Arrangements and Agreements with MSG

The Company will also enter into a number of commercial and other arrangements and agreements with MSG and its subsidiaries. These will include arrangements for the provision of services, access to technology, aircraft sharing, and certain trademark licensing arrangements.

Relationship between Cablevision and Us after the Distribution

MSG was an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision until it was spun-off by Cablevision into a separate, publicly-traded company on February 9, 2010 (the “MSG Distribution”). As a result of the MSG Distribution, Cablevision no longer holds a common stock interest in MSG. However, Cablevision, MSG and, following the Distribution, Spinco, continue to be under the control of Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entitles. For purposes of governing the ongoing relationships between Cablevision and the Company, we expect to enter into the agreements described in this section.

Aircraft Arrangements

In connection with the Distribution, the Company expects that MSG will assign its time sharing agreement with CSC Transport, Inc. (“CSC Transport”), a subsidiary of Cablevision, to the Company. Pursuant to the time sharing agreement, CSC Transport will lease to the Company on a “time-sharing” basis any aircraft owned or operated by Cablevision (currently a Gulfstream Aerospace G-V aircraft and four helicopters). The Company

 

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expects to pay CSC Transport an amount equal to the actual non-fuel expenses of each flight it elects to utilize and 200% of the actual fuel usage for such flights, but not to exceed the maximum amount payable under Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) rules. In calculating the amounts payable under the agreement, the Company and CSC Transport expect to allocate in good faith the treatment of any flight that is for the benefit of the Company and Cablevision.

Other Arrangements and Agreements with Cablevision

The Company is currently a party to commercial arrangements and agreements with Cablevision and its subsidiaries, none of which will be material to the Company. The Company may in the future enter into additional agreements. These include arrangements for Cablevision’s use of our offices and other premises, provision of technical and transport services and access to technology.

Dolan Family Arrangements

The Company expects that MSG will assign to the Company its time sharing agreement with Dolan Family Office, LLC (“DFO LLC”), a company controlled by Charles F. Dolan, a director of the Company. Under this agreement, it is expected that DFO LLC will agree to sublease to the Company on a “time sharing” basis, a Gulfstream Aerospace GIV-SP aircraft. The Company expects to pay DFO LLC an amount equal to the actual non-fuel expenses of each flight it elects to utilize and 200% of the actual fuel usage for such flights, but not to exceed the maximum amount payable under FAA rules. In addition, from time to time, it is expected that certain other services of the Company may be made available to members of the Dolan family and to entities owned by them. It is the policy of the Company to receive reimbursement for the costs of these services. There were no reimbursements in 2014.

See “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” for a description of registration rights agreements that will be entered into among Dolan family interests and the Company.

Certain Relationships and Potential Conflicts of Interest

Following the Distribution, there will be an overlap between the officers of the Company and MSG. James L. Dolan will serve as the Executive Chairman of both the Company and MSG, and Lawrence J. Burian will serve as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of both the Company and MSG. As a result, following the Distribution, not all of our executive officers will be devoting their full time and attention to the Company’s affairs. In addition, immediately following the Distribution, [●] members of our Board of Directors will also be directors of MSG. Furthermore, following the Distribution, one or more of our directors and/or officers will also serve as directors, officers and/or employees of Cablevision and/or AMC Networks concurrently with their service as directors and/or officers of the Company. The overlapping officers and directors may have actual or apparent conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting each company. For example, there will be the potential for a conflict of interest when we or an Other Entity look at certain acquisitions and other corporate opportunities that may be suitable for more than one of the companies. Also, conflicts may arise if there are issues or disputes under the commercial arrangements that will exist between an Other Entity on the one hand and us on the other hand. See “Description of Capital Stock — Certain Corporate Opportunities and Conflicts.” In addition, after the Distribution, certain of our officers and directors will continue to own stock and options to purchase stock of an Other Entity, as well as cash performance awards with any payout based on those companies’ performance. These ownership interests could create actual, apparent or potential conflicts of interest when these individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for our Company and an Other Entity. See “— Related Party Transaction Approval Policy” below for a discussion of certain procedures we will institute to help ameliorate any such potential conflicts that may arise. Under the Employee Matters Agreement, executives that are employed by both the Company and MSG after the Distribution will be considered Spinco employees with respect to all amounts and awards outstanding as

 

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of the Distribution date, and we and MSG generally will each be responsible for a portion of the costs associated with any cash or equity incentive award outstanding as of the Distribution date with respect to any such executive in accordance with the Employee Matters Agreement.

The Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation will acknowledge that Overlap Persons may also be serving as directors, officers, employees, consultants or agents of an Other Entity, and that the Company may engage in material business transactions with such Other Entities. The Company will renounce its rights to certain business opportunities and the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that no director or officer of the Company who is also serving as a director, officer, employee, consultant or agent of one or more of the Other Entities will be liable to the Company or its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty that would otherwise occur by reason of the fact that any such individual directs a corporate opportunity (other than certain limited types of opportunities set forth in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation) to one or more of the Other Entities instead of the Company, or does not refer or communicate information regarding such corporate opportunities to the Company. These provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will also expressly validate certain contracts, agreements, arrangements and transactions (and amendments, modifications or terminations thereof) between the Company and the Other Entities and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, provide that the actions of the overlapping directors or officers in connection therewith are not breaches of fiduciary duties owed to the Company, any of its subsidiaries or their respective stockholders. See “Description of Capital Stock — Certain Corporate Opportunities and Conflicts.”

Prior to the Distribution, the members of the Dolan family group will enter into an agreement (the “Standstill Agreement”) with the Company in which they will agree that during the 12-month period beginning on the Distribution date, the Dolan family group must obtain the prior approval of a majority of the Company’s Independent Directors prior to acquiring common stock of the Company through a tender offer that results in members of the Dolan family group owning more than 50% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. For purposes of this agreement, the term “Independent Directors” means the directors of the Company who have been determined by our Board of Directors to be independent directors for purposes of NYSE corporate governance standards. The Standstill Agreement has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part, that we have filed with the SEC, and the foregoing discussion of that agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to that exhibit.

Related Party Transaction Approval Policy

We will adopt a written policy whereby an Independent Committee of our Board of Directors will review and approve or take such other action as it may deem appropriate with respect to transactions involving the Company and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and in which any director, officer, greater than 5% stockholder of the Company or any other “related person” as defined in Item 404 has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. This approval requirement covers any transaction that meets the related party disclosure requirements of the SEC as set forth in Item 404, which currently apply to transactions (or any series of similar transactions) in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000. To simplify the administration of the approval process under this policy, an Independent Committee may, where appropriate, establish guidelines for certain of those transactions. The policy does not cover decisions on compensation or benefits or the hiring or retention of any person. The hiring or retention of executive officers is determined by our full Board of Directors. Compensation of executive officers is subject to the approval of our Compensation Committee. This policy also does not cover any pro rata distributions to all Company stockholders, including a pro rata distribution of our Class A Common Stock to holders of our Class A Common Stock and our Class B Common Stock to holders of our Class B Common Stock. No director on an Independent Committee will participate in the consideration of a related party transaction with that director or any related person of that director.

Following the Distribution, our Board of Directors will also adopt a special approval policy for transactions with the Other Entities whether or not such transactions qualify as “related party” transactions described above. Under this policy, an Independent Committee will oversee approval of all transactions and arrangements between

 

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the Company and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and one or more of the Other Entities, on the other hand, in which the amount exceeds the dollar threshold set forth in Item 404 (currently $120,000). To simplify the administration of the approval process under this policy, an Independent Committee may, where appropriate, establish guidelines for certain of these transactions. The approval requirement will not apply to the implementation and administration of these intercompany arrangements under the related party transaction approval policy but will cover any amendments, modifications, terminations or extensions, other than ministerial, nonsubstantive amendments or modifications, as well as the handling and resolution of any disputes. Our executive officers and directors who are also senior executives or directors of the Other Entities may participate in the negotiation, execution, implementation, amendment, modification, or termination of these intercompany arrangements, as well as in any resolution of disputes thereunder, on behalf of either or both of the Company and the Other Entities, in each case under the direction or ultimate approval of an Independent Committee or the comparable committee of the board of directors of the Other Entities.

Our related party transaction approval policy cannot be amended or terminated without the prior approval of a majority of the independent directors and by a majority of the directors elected by our Class B Common Stockholders. For purposes of this policy, “independent directors” means those directors who have been determined by our Board to be independent directors for purposes of NYSE corporate governance standards.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Beneficial Ownership Of Stock

This table shows the number and percentage of shares of our Class A Common Stock and our Class B Common Stock that will be owned of record and beneficially at the time of the Distribution by each director and executive officer of the Company. The table also shows the name, address and the number and percentage of shares owned by persons beneficially owning more than five (5%) percent of any class at the time of Distribution. All information in the table and related footnotes is based solely upon the Company’s review of SEC filings as of [●], 2015 (or, in the case of members of the Dolan family and trusts for their benefit, [●], 2015) as to the ownership of MSG common stock and is presented as if the Distribution has occurred prior to the dates of ownership information used in the table.

 

Name and Address

   Title of Stock Class    Beneficial
Ownership
   Percent
of Class
   Combined
Voting Power
of All Classes
of Stock
Beneficially
Owned
           
           

Members of the family of Charles F. Dolan and related family entities, by virtue of their ownership of Class B Common Stock, are able collectively to control stockholder decisions on matters on which holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock vote together as a single class, and to elect up to 75% of the Company’s Board.

Charles F. Dolan, members of the Dolan family and related family entities will enter into a Stockholders Agreement, which will become effective upon consummation of the Distribution, which will have the effect of causing the voting power of these Class B stockholders to be cast as a block on all matters to be voted on by holders of Class B Common Stock. A purpose of this agreement will be to consolidate the Dolan family’s control of the Company. Under the Stockholders Agreement, the shares of Class B Common Stock owned by members of the Dolan family group (representing all of the outstanding Class B Common Stock) are to be voted on all matters in accordance with the determination of the Dolan Family Committee. The Dolan Family Committee will consist of Charles F. Dolan and his six children, James L. Dolan, Thomas C. Dolan, Patrick F. Dolan, Kathleen M. Dolan, Marianne E. Dolan and Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney (collectively, the “Dolan Siblings”). The Dolan Family Committee generally acts by vote of a majority of the Dolan Siblings, except that approval of a going-private transaction must be approved by a two-thirds vote and approval of a change-in-control transaction must be approved by not less than all but one of the Dolan Siblings. The Stockholders Agreement also contains certain transfer restrictions, rights of first offer, rights of first refusal, tag-along rights and drag-along rights, all of which are for the benefit of, and waivable and enforceable by, the Class B stockholders and not the Company.

Charles F. Dolan, all other holders of Class B Common Stock (other than the Charles F. Dolan Children Trusts (the “Children Trusts”)), the Dolan Children’s Foundation, the Dolan Family Foundation and the Company will enter into a registration rights agreement (the “Dolan Registration Rights Agreement”) which will become effective upon consummation of the Distribution. Under this agreement, the Company will provide the parties to the Dolan Registration Rights Agreement (the “Dolan Parties”) (and, in certain cases, transferees and pledgees of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by these parties) with certain demand and piggy-back registration rights with respect to their shares of Class A Common Stock (including those issued upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock). As a result of the Distribution, the Dolan Parties are expected to own approximately [●] shares of Class B Common Stock (the “Dolan Shares”), representing approximately [●]% of our Class B Common Stock, as well as approximately [●] shares of Class A Common Stock (including options), representing less than [●]% of our Class A Common Stock. Such shares of Class B Common Stock and Class A Common Stock, collectively, are expected to represent approximately [●]% of our common stock and [●]% of the aggregate voting power of our common stock.

 

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The Children Trusts and the Company will enter into a registration rights agreement (the “Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement”) which will become effective upon consummation of the Distribution. Under this agreement, the Company will provide the Children Trusts (and, in certain cases, transferees and pledgees of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by these parties) with certain demand and piggy-back registration rights with respect to their shares of Class A Common Stock (including those issued upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock). As a result of the Distribution, the Children Trusts are expected to own approximately [●] shares of Class B Common Stock (the “Children Trust Shares”), representing approximately [●]% of our Class B Common Stock, as well as [●] shares of Class A Common Stock, representing less than [●]% of our Class A Common Stock. Such shares of Class B Common Stock and Class A Common Stock, collectively, are expected to represent approximately [●]% of our common stock and [●]% of the aggregate voting power of our common stock.

In the Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement, each Children Trust will agree that in the case of any sale or disposition of its shares of Class B Common Stock (other than to Charles F. Dolan or other Dolan family interests) by such Children Trust, or of any of the Children Trust Shares by any other Dolan family interest to which such shares of Class B Common Stock are transferred, such stock will be converted to Class A Common Stock. The Dolan Registration Rights Agreement will not include a comparable conversion obligation, and the conversion obligation in the Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement does not apply to the Dolan Shares.

The members of the Dolan family group will enter into a Standstill Agreement with the Company in which they will agree that during the 12-month period beginning on the Distribution date, the Dolan family group must obtain the approval of a majority of the Company’s Independent Directors prior to acquiring common stock of the Company through a tender offer that results in members of the Dolan family group owning more than 50% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. For purposes of this agreement, the term “Independent Directors” means the directors of the Company who have been determined by our Board of Directors to be independent directors for purposes of NYSE corporate governance standards.

Forms of the Dolan Registration Rights Agreement, the Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement and the Standstill Agreement have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this information statement forms a part, that we have filed with the SEC, and the foregoing discussion of those agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to those forms of agreements.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

Sales or the availability for sale of substantial amounts of our Class A Common Stock in the public market could adversely affect the prevailing market price for such stock. Upon completion of the Distribution, we will have outstanding an aggregate of approximately [●] million shares of our Class A Common Stock and [●] million shares of our Class B Common Stock based upon the shares of MSG common stock outstanding on [●], 2015, excluding treasury stock and assuming no exercise of outstanding options. All of the shares of Class A Common Stock will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act unless the shares are owned by our “affiliates” as that term is defined in the rules under the Securities Act. Shares held by “affiliates” may be sold in the public market only if registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration or in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act which is summarized below. Further, as described below, we plan to file a registration statement to cover the shares issued under our Employee Stock Plan.

Rule 144

In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, an affiliate would be entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares of Class A Common Stock that does not exceed the greater of:

 

    one percent of the number of shares of our Class A Common Stock then outstanding; or

 

    the average weekly trading volume of our Class A Common Stock on NYSE during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice of Form 144 with respect to such sale.

Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to certain holding period requirements, manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.

Employee Stock Awards

As described under “Executive Compensation — Treatment of Outstanding Options, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards,” in connection with the Distribution we will issue under our Employee Stock Plan options with respect to approximately [●] shares of our Class A Common Stock in respect of previously outstanding awards by MSG. In addition, we anticipate making other equity based awards to our employees in the future. We currently expect to file a registration statement under the Securities Act to register shares to be issued under our Employee Stock Plan, including the options and stock appreciation rights that were granted in connection with the Distribution. Shares covered by such registration statement, other than shares issued to affiliates, generally will be freely tradable without further registration under the Securities Act.

Non-Employee Director Stock Awards

We also currently expect to file a registration statement under the Securities Act to register shares to be issued under our Director Stock Plan, including the options with respect to approximately [●] shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock that will be granted in respect of previously outstanding MSG stock options and approximately [●] shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock in connection with MSG’s restricted stock units, in each case held by MSG directors. These options and shares will be granted, issued and fully vested as of the Distribution date. Shares covered by such registration statement, other than shares issued to affiliates, generally will be freely tradable without further registration under the Securities Act.

Registration Rights Agreements

Charles F. Dolan, all other holders of Class B Common Stock (other than the Charles F. Dolan Children Trusts), the Dolan Children’s Foundation, the Dolan Family Foundation and the Company will enter into the Dolan Registration Rights Agreement, which will become effective upon consummation of the Distribution.

 

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Under this agreement, the Company will provide the Dolan Parties (and, in certain cases, transferees and pledgees of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by these parties) with certain demand and piggy-back registration rights with respect to their shares of Class A Common Stock (including those issued upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock). The Dolan Parties are expected to receive the Dolan Shares in the Distribution, which are expected to represent approximately [●]% of our Class B Common Stock as well as approximately [●] shares of Class A Common Stock, which are expected to represent less than [●]% of our Class A Common Stock. Such shares of Class B Common Stock and Class A Common Stock, collectively, are expected to represent approximately [●]% of our common stock and [●]% of the aggregate voting power of our common stock.

The Children Trusts and the Company will enter into the Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement, which will become effective upon consummation of the Distribution. Under this agreement, the Company will provide the Children Trusts (and, in certain cases, transferees and pledgees of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by these parties) with certain demand and piggy-back registration rights with respect to their shares of Class A Common Stock (including those issued upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock). The Children Trusts are expected to receive the Children Trust Shares in the Distribution, which are expected to represent approximately [●]% of our Class B Common Stock, as well as approximately [●] shares of Class A Common Stock, which are expected to represent less than [●]% of our Class A Common Stock. Such shares of Class B Common Stock and Class A Common Stock, collectively, are expected to represent approximately [●]% of our common stock and [●]% of the aggregate voting power of our common stock.

Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and related family entities will enter into a Stockholders Agreement, which will become effective upon consummation of the Distribution. The Stockholders Agreement will contain certain transfer restrictions, rights of first offer, rights of first refusal, tag-along rights and drag-along rights, all of which are for the benefit of, and waivable and enforceable by, the Class B stockholders and not the Company.

Forms of the Dolan Registration Rights Agreement and the Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this information statement forms a part, that we have filed with the SEC, and the foregoing discussion of those agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to those forms of agreements.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

We are currently authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock. Prior to the Distribution we will amend our certificate of incorporation to provide authorization for us to issue [●] shares of capital stock, of which [●] shares will be Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, [●] shares will be Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, and [●] shares will be preferred stock, par value $.01 per share. The amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that our common stock and preferred stock will have the rights described below.

Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock

All shares of our common stock currently outstanding are fully paid and non-assessable, not subject to redemption and without preemptive or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any proportionate part of any new or additional issues of stock of any class or of securities convertible into stock of any class.

Voting

Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. Holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten votes per share. All actions submitted to a vote of stockholders are voted on by holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock voting together as a single class, except for the election of directors and as otherwise set forth below. With respect to the election of directors, holders of Class A Common Stock will vote together as a separate class and be entitled to elect 25% of the total number of directors constituting the whole Board of Directors and, if such 25% is not a whole number, then the holders of Class A Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, will be entitled to elect the nearest higher whole number of directors that is at least 25% of the total number of directors. Holders of Class B Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, will be entitled to elect the remaining directors.

If, however, on the record date for any stockholders meeting at which directors are to be elected, the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock is less than 10% of the total number of outstanding shares of both classes of common stock, the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will vote together as a single class with respect to the election of directors and the holders of Class A Common Stock will not have the right to elect 25% of the total number of directors but will have one vote per share for all directors and the holders of Class B Common Stock will have ten votes per share for all directors. (On the date of the Distribution, we anticipate that the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock will represent approximately [●]% of the total number of outstanding shares of both classes of common stock.)

If, on the record date for notice of any stockholders meeting at which directors are to be elected, the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock is less than 12  1 2 % of the total number of outstanding shares of both classes of common stock, then the holders of Class A Common Stock, voting as a separate class, would continue to elect a number of directors equal to 25% of the total number of directors constituting the whole Board of Directors and, in addition, would vote together with the holders of Class B Common Stock, as a single class, to elect the remaining directors to be elected at such meeting, with the holders of Class A Common Stock entitled to one vote per share and the holders of Class B Common Stock entitled to ten votes per share.

In addition, the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66  2 3 % of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, voting separately as a class, is required for the authorization or issuance of any additional shares of Class B Common Stock and for any amendment, alteration or repeal of any provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation which would affect adversely the powers, preferences or rights of the Class B Common Stock. The number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of the majority of the common stock. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will not provide for cumulative voting.

 

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The voting of shares of Class B Common Stock is subject to the terms of a Stockholders Agreement among the holders of Class B Common Stock as described under “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.”

Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals

Our amended by-laws will establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and nomination of candidates for election as directors other than nominations made by or at the direction of our Board of Directors. In particular, stockholders must notify our corporate secretary in writing prior to the meeting at which the matters are to be acted upon or directors are to be elected. The notice must contain the information specified in our amended by-laws. To be timely, the notice must be received by our corporate secretary not less than 60 or more than 90 days prior to the date of the stockholders’ meeting, provided that if the date of the meeting is publicly announced or disclosed less than 70 days prior to the date of the meeting, the notice must be given not more than 10 days after such date is first announced or disclosed.

No Stockholder Action by Written Consent

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, except as otherwise provided as to any series of preferred stock in the terms of that series, no action of stockholders required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting of stockholders, without prior notice and without a vote, and the power of the stockholders to consent in writing to the taking of any action without a meeting is specifically denied.

Conversions

The Class A Common Stock has no conversion rights. The Class B Common Stock is convertible into Class A Common Stock in whole or in part at any time and from time to time on the basis of one share of Class A Common Stock for each share of Class B Common Stock. In certain circumstances certain holders of our Class B Common Stock will be required to convert their Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock prior to transferring such stock. See “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters — Beneficial Ownership of Stock.”

Dividends

Holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends equally on a per share basis if and when such dividends are declared by the Board of Directors from funds legally available therefor. No dividend may be declared or paid in cash or property or shares of either Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock unless the same dividend is paid simultaneously on each share of the other class of common stock. In the case of any stock dividend, holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to receive the same dividend on a percentage basis (payable in shares of or securities convertible to shares of Class A Common Stock and other securities of us or any other person) as holders of Class B Common Stock receive (payable in shares of or securities convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock, shares of or securities convertible into shares of Class B Common Stock and other securities of us or any other person). The distribution of shares or other securities of the Company or any other person to common stockholders is permitted to differ to the extent that the common stock differs as to voting rights and rights in connection to certain dividends.

Liquidation

Holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock share with each other on a ratable basis as a single class in the net assets available for distribution in respect of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock in the event of a liquidation.

 

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Other Terms

Neither the Class A Common Stock nor the Class B Common Stock may be subdivided, consolidated, reclassified or otherwise changed, except as expressly provided in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, unless the other class of common stock is subdivided, consolidated, reclassified or otherwise changed at the same time, in the same proportion and in the same manner.

In any merger, consolidation or business combination the consideration to be received per share by holders of either Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock must be identical to that received by holders of the other class of common stock, except that in any such transaction in which shares of capital stock are distributed, such shares may differ as to voting rights only to the extent that voting rights now differ between Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.

Transfer Agent

The transfer agent and registrar for the Class A Common Stock is Wells Fargo Shareowner Services.

Transfer Restrictions

The Company is the indirect owner of professional sports franchises in the NBA and the NHL. As a result, ownership and transfers of our common stock are subject to certain restrictions under the constituent documents of the NBA and the NHL as well as under the Company’s consent agreements with the NBA and the NHL in connection with their approval of the Distribution.

Under the NBA arrangements, transfers and ownership of 5% or more of our common stock require the prior approval of the NBA. So long as the Company is controlled by the Dolan family, “Institutional Investors” are permitted to acquire and own up to 15% of our Class A Common Stock without obtaining prior approval of the NBA. For this purpose, an “Institutional Investor” is a person (i) whose total assets owned and under management exceeds $500 million ($100 million in the case of a registered investment company) and (ii) who fits within one or more of the following categories (defined with reference to clauses (A)-(F) and (J) of Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii) under the Exchange Act):

 

    A broker or dealer registered under Section 15 of the Exchange Act;

 

    A bank as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the Exchange Act;

 

    An insurance company as defined in Section 3(a)(19) of the Exchange Act;

 

    An investment company registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940;

 

    Any person registered as an investment adviser under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 or under the laws of any state;

 

    An employee benefit plan as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended 29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq. (“ERISA”) that is subject to the provisions of ERISA, or any such plan that is not subject to ERISA that is maintained primarily for the benefit of the employees of a state or local government or instrumentality, or an endowment fund; and

 

    A non-U.S. institution that is the functional equivalent of any of the institutions listed above, so long as the non-U.S. institution is subject to a regulatory scheme that is (A) substantially comparable to the regulatory scheme applicable to the equivalent U.S. institution and (B) imposed under the laws of Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Japan, China or any country in Europe that is part of the “G-20” group of nations.

In addition, an “Affiliate” of an Institutional Investor will also be deemed to be an Institutional Investor; provided, that no such Affiliate that is not an Institutional Investor in its own right can own more than 5% of our

 

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outstanding common stock and no Institutional Investor, together with its Affiliates, can own more than 15% of our outstanding Class A Common Stock. For purposes of these transfer restrictions, an “Affiliate” means a person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the institution/investor.

Transfers of our Class B Common Stock are also subject to restrictions under the NBA rules, subject to certain exceptions involving transfers of such shares among Dolan family interests. Prior to any transaction that results in the Dolan family no longer controlling the Company, we will likely need to negotiate a new consent agreement with the NBA.

Under the NHL arrangements, transfers and ownership of our Class A Common Stock are subject to NHL approval only if they constitute a “controlling interest” in the New York Rangers. The NHL has agreed that so long as the Dolan family has the right to elect a majority of our board of directors, there are no restrictions on transactions in, or ownership of, our Class A Common Stock. Transfers of our Class B Common Stock are subject to restrictions under the NHL arrangements, subject to certain exceptions involving transfers of such shares among Dolan family interests. Prior to any transaction that results in the Dolan family no longer controlling the Company, we will likely need to negotiate a new consent agreement with the NHL.

In order to protect the Company and its NBA and NHL franchises from sanctions that might be imposed by the NBA or the NHL as a result of violations of these restrictions, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that if at any time the Company owns, directly or indirectly, an interest in a professional sports franchise, the ownership and transfer of shares of our common stock will be subject to any applicable restrictions on transfer imposed by the league or other governing body with respect to such franchise (a “League”), which restrictions are described in our filings (including exhibits) with the SEC. If a transfer of shares of our common stock (including any pledge or creation of a security interest therein) to a person or the ownership of shares of our common stock by a person requires approval or other action by a League and such approval or other action has not been obtained or taken as required, the Company shall have the right by written notice to the holder to require the holder to dispose of the shares of common stock which triggered the need for such approval (the “excess shares”) within 10 days of delivery of such notice (a “required divestiture”). If a holder has failed to provide documentation satisfactory to the Company of the holder’s compliance with a required divestiture by the fifth business day following the end of the 10 day period, then, in addition to any other remedies the Company may have for such failure to comply with a required divestiture, the Company shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to redeem from such holder the excess shares (“mandatory redemption”) by providing written notice of such required divestiture to the holder (a “redemption notice”) and mailing a check payable to the holder in an amount equal to 85% of the fair market value of the excess shares on the date of the notice. For the purposes of establishing the fair market value of the excess shares, the fair market value of a share of our common stock will be equal to the average of the closing sale price (or if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price) of our Class A Common Stock on NYSE (or if the Class A Common Stock is not traded on NYSE on any date of determination, the principal securities exchange on which such stock is listed or quoted) over the 10 trading day period ending on the second trading day preceding the redemption notice, or such other amount as determined in good faith by the Company’s board of directors. A mandatory redemption shall require no action by the holder of the redeemed shares and the shares shall be deemed cancelled upon our delivery of payment therefore. The certificates representing our common stock will contain a legend with respect to the foregoing provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

Preferred Stock

Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our Board of Directors will be authorized, without further stockholder action to provide for the issuance of up to [●] shares of preferred stock in one or more series. The powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including dividend rights, voting rights, conversion rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, of the preferred stock of each series will be fixed or designated by the Board of Directors pursuant to a certificate of designations. There will be no shares of our preferred stock

 

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outstanding at the time of the Distribution. Any issuance of preferred stock may adversely affect the rights of holders of our common stock and may render more difficult certain unsolicited or hostile attempts to take over the Company.

Certain Corporate Opportunities and Conflicts

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will recognize that Overlap Persons may serve as directors, officers, employees, consultants and agents of an Other Entity and will provide that if a director or officer of the Company who is an Overlap Person is presented or offered, or otherwise acquires knowledge of, a potential transaction or matter that may constitute or present a business opportunity for the Company or any of its subsidiaries, in which the Company could have an interest or expectancy (any such transaction or matter, and any such actual or potential business opportunity, a “Potential Business Opportunity”), (i) such Overlap Person will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have no duty or obligation to refrain from referring such Potential Business Opportunity to any Other Entity and, if such director or officer refers such Potential Business Opportunity to an Other Entity, such Overlap Person shall have no duty or obligation to refer such Potential Business Opportunity to the Company or to give any notice to the Company regarding such Potential Business Opportunity (or any matter related thereto), (ii) if such Overlap Person refers a Potential Business Opportunity to an Other Entity, such Overlap Person, to the fullest extent permitted by law, will not be liable to the Company as a director, officer, stockholder or otherwise, for any failure to refer such Potential Business Opportunity to the Company, or for referring such Potential Business Opportunity to any Other Entity, or for any failure to give any notice to the Company regarding such Potential Business Opportunity or any matter relating thereto, (iii) any Other Entity may participate, engage or invest in any such Potential Business Opportunity notwithstanding that such Potential Business Opportunity may have been referred to such Other Entity by an Overlap Person, and (iv) if a director or officer who is an Overlap Person refers a Potential Business Opportunity to an Other Entity, then, as between the Company, on the one hand, and such Other Entity, on the other hand, the Company shall be deemed to have renounced any interest, expectancy or right in or to such Potential Business Opportunity or to receive any income or proceeds derived therefrom solely as a result of such Overlap Person having been presented or offered, or otherwise acquiring knowledge of, such Potential Business Opportunity, unless in each case referred to in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv), such Potential Business Opportunity satisfies all of the following conditions (any Potential Business Opportunity that satisfies all of such conditions, a “Restricted Potential Business Opportunity”): (A) such Potential Business Opportunity was expressly presented or offered to the Overlap Person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Company; (B) the Overlap Person believed that the Company possessed, or would reasonably be expected to be able to possess, the resources necessary to exploit such Potential Business Opportunity; and (C) such opportunity relates exclusively to a theatrical or arena venue with a seating capacity of greater than 1,000; provided, that the Company or any of its subsidiaries is directly engaged in such business at the time the Potential Business Opportunity is presented or offered to the Overlap Person. In our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the Company has renounced to the fullest extent permitted by law, any interest or expectancy in any Potential Business Opportunity that is not a Restricted Potential Business Opportunity. In the event that the Company’s Board of Directors declines to pursue a Restricted Potential Business Opportunity, Overlap Persons are free to refer such Restricted Potential Business Opportunity to an Other Entity.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that no contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction (or any amendment, modification or termination thereof) entered into between the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and an Other Entity, on the other hand, before the Company ceased to be an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG shall be void or voidable or be considered unfair to the Company or any of its subsidiaries solely because an Other Entity is a party thereto, or because any directors, officers or employees of an Other Entity were present at or participated in any meeting of the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, of the Company that authorized the contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction (or any amendment, modification or termination thereof), or because his, her or their votes were counted for such purpose. The Company may from time to time enter into and perform, and cause or permit any of its subsidiaries to enter into and perform, one or more contracts, agreements, arrangements or transactions (or amendments, modifications or supplements thereto) with an Other Entity. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no such contract, agreement,

 

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arrangement or transaction (nor any such amendments, modifications or supplements), nor the performance thereof by the Company or an Other Entity, shall be considered contrary to any fiduciary duty owed to the Company (or to any stockholder of the Company) by any director or officer of the Company who is an Overlap Person. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no director or officer of the Company who is an Overlap Person thereof shall have or be under any fiduciary duty to the Company (or to any stockholder of the Company) to refrain from acting on behalf of the Company or an Other Entity in respect of any such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction or performing any such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction in accordance with its terms and each such director or officer of the Company who is an Overlap Person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and shall be deemed not to have breached his or her duties of loyalty to the Company (or to any stockholders of the Company) and not to have derived an improper personal benefit therefrom.

No alteration, amendment or repeal of, or adoption of any provision inconsistent with the foregoing provisions will have any effect upon (a) any agreement between the Company or a subsidiary thereof and any Other Entity, that was entered into before the time of such alteration, amendment or repeal or adoption of any such inconsistent provision (the “Amendment Time”), or any transaction entered into in connection with the performance of any such agreement, whether such transaction is entered into before or after the Amendment Time, (b) any transaction entered into between the Company or a subsidiary thereof and any Other Entity, before the Amendment Time, (c) the allocation of any business opportunity between the Company or any subsidiary thereof and any Other Entity before the Amendment Time, or (d) any duty or obligation owed by any director or officer of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company (or the absence of any such duty or obligation) with respect to any Potential Business Opportunity which such director or officer was offered, or of which such director or officer otherwise became aware, before the Amendment Time (regardless of whether any proceeding relating to any of the above is commenced before or after the Amendment Time).

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law

Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware prohibits certain transactions between a Delaware corporation and an “interested stockholder.” An “interested stockholder” for this purpose is a stockholder who is directly or indirectly a beneficial owner of 15% or more of the aggregate voting power of a Delaware corporation. This provision prohibits certain business combinations between an interested stockholder and a corporation for a period of three years after the date on which the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless: (1) prior to the time that a stockholder became an interested stockholder, either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder is approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, (2) the interested stockholder acquired at least 85% of the aggregate voting power of the Company in the transaction in which the stockholder became an interested stockholder, or (3) the business combination is approved by a majority of the Board of Directors and the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the aggregate voting power not owned by the interested stockholder at or subsequent to the time that the stockholder became an interested stockholder. These restrictions do not apply if, among other things, the Company’s certificate of incorporation contains a provision expressly electing not to be governed by Section 203. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will not contain such an election. However, we expect our Board of Directors to exercise its right under Section 203 to approve the acquisition of our common stock in the Distribution by members of the Dolan family group. This will have the effect of making Section 203 inapplicable to transactions between the Company and current and future members of the Dolan family group.

Limitation on Personal Liability

We have provided, consistent with the Delaware General Corporation Law, in our certificate of incorporation that a director of the Company shall not be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for:

 

    any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;

 

    acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

 

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    payments of unlawful dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions; or

 

    any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Neither the amendment nor repeal of such provision will eliminate or reduce the effect of such provision in respect of any matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim that, but for such provision, would accrue or arise prior to such amendment or repeal.

 

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INDEMNIFICATION

OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a corporation may indemnify any current or former director, officer or employee or other individual against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with civil, criminal, administrative or investigative actions or proceedings, other than a derivative action by or in the right of the corporation, if the director, officer, employee or other individual acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if he or she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification only extends to expenses incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such actions, and the statute requires court approval before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. The statute provides that it is not exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporation’s by-laws, disinterested director vote, stockholder vote, agreement or otherwise.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, will provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same may be amended and supplemented, or by any successor thereto, the Company will indemnify any and all persons whom it shall have power to indemnify under said section from and against any and all of the expenses, liabilities or other matters referred to in or covered by said section. Such right to indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. The right to indemnification provided under the certificate of incorporation is not exclusive of any other rights to which a person seeking indemnification may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. The amended and restated certificate of incorporation also provides that no amendment, modification or repeal of the indemnification provision shall adversely affect any right or protection of a person that exists at the time of such amendment, modification or repeal.

Prior to the Distribution, we expect to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. The indemnification agreements will provide that we will, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, and subject to the terms and conditions of each indemnification agreement, indemnify each director and executive officer against certain types of liabilities and pay or reimburse certain expenses if the director or executive officer is involved in any manner (including as a party or witness) in certain types of proceedings by reason of the fact of such person’s service as a director, officer, partner, trustee, fiduciary, manager or employee of the Company or of any other corporation, limited liability company, public limited company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, fund or other enterprise (a) that is affiliated with the Company or (b) at the written request of the Board, a Board committee, the Executive Chairman or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

The Distribution Agreement between us and MSG provides for indemnification by us of MSG and its directors, officers and employees and by MSG of us and our directors, officers and employees for some liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. The amount of these indemnity obligations is unlimited.

 

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AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement, of which this information statement forms a part, under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act with respect to the shares of our Class A Common Stock being distributed to MSG stockholders in the Distribution. This information statement does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules, to which reference is made hereby. Statements in this information statement as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are qualified in all respects by reference to such contract, agreement or document. If we have filed any of those contracts, agreements or other documents as an exhibit to the registration statement, you should read the full text of such contract, agreement or document for a more complete understanding of the document or matter involved. For further information with respect to us and our Class A Common Stock, we refer you to the registration statement, of which this information statement forms a part, including the exhibits and the schedules filed as a part of it.

We intend to furnish the holders of our Class A Common Stock with annual reports and proxy statements containing financial statements audited by an independent public accounting firm and file with the SEC quarterly reports for the first three quarters of each fiscal year containing interim unaudited financial information. We also intend to furnish other reports as we may determine or as required by law.

The registration statement, of which this information statement forms a part, and its exhibits and schedules, and other documents which we file with the SEC can be inspected and copied at, and copies can be obtained from, the SEC’s public reference room. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. In addition, our SEC filings are available to the public at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. You can also obtain reports, proxy statements and other information about us on NYSE’s web site at http://www.nyse.com.

Information that we file with the SEC after the date of this information statement may supersede the information in this information statement. You may read these reports, proxy statements and other information and obtain copies of such documents and information as described above.

No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this information statement, and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized. Neither the delivery of this information statement nor any distribution of securities made hereunder shall imply that there has been no change in the information set forth or in our affairs since the date hereof.

 

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INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page  

COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 AND FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED JUNE  30, 2014, 2013 AND 2012

     F-2   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS as of June 30, 2014 and 2013

     F-3   

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012

     F-4   

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012

     F-5   

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012

     F-6   

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF DIVISIONAL EQUITY for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012

     F-7   

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-8   

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

     F-48   

COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2015 (UNAUDITED) AND JUNE  30, 2014 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015 AND 2014

     F-49   

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS as of March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) and June 30, 2014

     F-49   

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (Unaudited)

     F-50   

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (Unaudited)

     F-51   

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (Unaudited)

     F-52   

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF DIVISIONAL EQUITY for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (Unaudited)

     F-53   

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

     F-54   

 

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COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013 AND FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014, 2013 AND 2012

WHEN THE TRANSACTION REFERRED TO IN NOTE 1 OF THE NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS HAS BEEN CONSUMMATED, WE WILL BE IN A POSITION TO RENDER THE FOLLOWING REPORT.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

MSG Spinco, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of MSG Spinco, Inc. (a combination of certain businesses and assets of The Madison Square Garden Company) as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the related combined statements of operations, comprehensive loss, cash flows, and divisional equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2014. In connection with our audits of the combined financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule (as listed in the index to Item 15). These combined financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MSG Spinco, Inc. as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the combined results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic combined financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

New York, New York

            , 2015

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS as of June 30, 2014 and 2013

(in thousands)

 

     June 30,  
     2014     2013  

ASSETS

    

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 6,143      $ 2,277   

Restricted cash

     9,823        8,413   

Accounts receivable, net

     51,810        42,762   

Net related party receivables

     567        68   

Prepaid expenses

     21,444        24,726   

Loan receivable from MSG

     29,683        22,926   

Other current assets

     38,449        26,174   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

  157,919      127,346   

Investments in and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates

  225,632      —     

Property and equipment, net

  1,231,300      1,093,169   

Amortizable intangible assets, net

  29,263      36,202   

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

  163,850      158,636   

Goodwill

  277,166      277,166   

Other assets

  52,061      40,344   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

$ 2,137,191    $ 1,732,863   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND DIVISIONAL EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Accounts payable

$ 7,388    $ 3,676   

Net related party payables

  1,973      2,159   

Accrued liabilities:

Employee related costs

  99,904      66,538   

Other accrued liabilities

  147,906      163,612   

Deferred revenue

  291,865      229,422   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

  549,036      465,407   

Defined benefit and other postretirement obligations

  72,150      56,344   

Other employee related costs

  57,845      42,141   

Other liabilities

  54,120      48,420   

Deferred tax liability

  212,837      203,787   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  945,988      816,099   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 9, 10 and 11)

Divisional Equity:

MSG investment

  1,227,218      941,980   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (36,015   (25,216
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total divisional equity

  1,191,203      916,764   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and divisional equity

$ 2,137,191    $ 1,732,863   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(in thousands)

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014     2013     2012  

Revenues (including related party revenues of $79,707, $65,099 and $62,854, respectively)

   $ 913,615      $ 722,943      $ 728,867   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

Direct operating (including net charges from related parties of $110, $1,371 and $3,732, respectively)

  714,825      533,282      530,307   

Selling, general and administrative (net of charges to related parties of $(49,648), $(42,367) and $(38,358), respectively)

  221,109      176,139      171,757   

Depreciation and amortization

  91,709      72,551      62,940   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  1,027,643      781,972      765,004   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

  (114,028   (59,029   (36,137
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

  (1,323   —        —     

Interest income (including interest income from MSG of $957, $587 and $338 for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and interest income from nonconsolidated affiliates of $589 for the year ended June 30, 2014)

  1,548      595      384   

Interest expense

  (1,528   (2,204   (1,251

Miscellaneous

  95      3,497      7,072   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (1,208   1,888      6,205   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from operations before income taxes

  (115,236   (57,141   (29,932

Income tax expense

  (1,697   (1,133   (6,350
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

$ (116,933 $ (58,274 $ (36,282
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(in thousands)

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014     2013     2012  

Net loss

     $ (116,933     $ (58,274     $ (36,282
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Pension plans and postretirement plan:

Net unamortized gains (losses) arising during the period

$ (11,938 $ 5,967    $ (8,369

Prior service credit due to plan amendment

  —        —        331   

Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost

  1,265      1,845      1,779   

Amortization of net prior service credit included in net periodic benefit cost

  (126 $ (10,799   (139 $ 7,673      (150 $ (6,409
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net changes related to available-for-sale securities

  —        5,087      (8,961
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  (10,799   12,760      (15,370
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

$ (127,732 $ (45,514 $ (51,652
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(in thousands)

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014     2013     2012  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net loss

   $ (116,933   $ (58,274   $ (36,282

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     91,709        72,551        62,940   

Impairment of deferred costs

     —          4,982        —     

Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards

     13,698        8,514        10,580   

Gain on sale of investment

     —          (3,130     —     

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

     1,323        —          —     

Provision for doubtful accounts

     (21     14        219   

Change in assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable, net

     (9,027     (12,213     4,229   

Net related party receivables

     (499     31        (59

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (16,038     (9,955     (15,506

Accounts payable

     3,712        1,866        15,472   

Net related party payables

     (186     962        (2,059

Accrued and other liabilities

     105,185        17,127        12,421   

Deferred revenue

     62,443        34,531        47,514   

Deferred income taxes

     1,697        1,133        6,350   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  137,063      58,139      105,819   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures

  (304,866   (217,790   (391,239

Proceeds from sale of investment

  —        44,136      —     

Proceeds from renovation loan (Note 8)

  18,000      —        —     

Loan receivable from MSG

  (5,800   (10,000   (4,000

Payments for acquisition of assets

  (1,499   —        (27,657

Investments in and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates

  (226,510   —        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (520,675   (183,654   (422,896
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

Net transfers from MSG and MSG’s subsidiaries

  387,478      124,805      314,770   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

  387,478      124,805      314,770   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  3,866      (710   (2,307

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  2,277      2,987      5,294   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$ 6,143    $ 2,277    $ 2,987   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid

$ 13,997    $ 53,996    $ 54,438   

Asset retirement obligations

  (5,027   6,700      15,998   

Leasehold improvements paid by landlord and other non-cash additions to property and equipment

  —        978      1,335   

Acquisition of assets not yet paid

  3,715      —        —     

See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF DIVISIONAL EQUITY for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(in thousands)

 

     MSG
Investment
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total  

Balance as of June 30, 2011

   $ 577,879      $ (22,606   $ 555,273   

Net loss

     (36,282     —          (36,282

Net increase in MSG investment

     325,114        —          325,114   

Other comprehensive loss

     —          (15,370     (15,370
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2012

$ 866,711    $ (37,976 $ 828,735   

Net loss

  (58,274   —        (58,274

Net increase in MSG investment

  133,543      —        133,543   

Other comprehensive income

  —        12,760      12,760   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2013

$ 941,980    $ (25,216 $ 916,764   

Net loss

  (116,933   —        (116,933

Net increase in MSG investment

  402,171      —        402,171   

Other comprehensive loss

  —        (10,799   (10,799
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2014

$ 1,227,218    $ (36,015 $ 1,191,203   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

All amounts included in the following Notes to Combined Financial Statements are presented in thousands, except per share data or as otherwise noted.

Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Description of Business

The Proposed Distribution

At meetings on October 27, 2014 and December 18, 2014, the board of directors of The Madison Square Garden Company (together with its subsidiaries, “MSG”) authorized and directed the Company’s management to explore spin-off transactions, including a spin-off of the MSG sports and entertainment businesses from the MSG media business.

During March 2015, the newly formed registrant, MSG Spinco, Inc. (“Spinco” or the “Company”), was incorporated in the State of Delaware.

The spin-off is expected to be completed through a tax-free pro rata distribution of all of the common stock of Spinco (the “Distribution”) to MSG stockholders.

As part of the Distribution, it is anticipated that Spinco’s opening balance sheet will be funded with a cash investment of $[●] from MSG.

Completion of the proposed Distribution is subject to certain conditions, including final approval by the MSG board of directors, certain approvals by the National Basketball Association (the “NBA”) and National Hockey League (the “NHL”), receipt of tax opinions, the filing and effectiveness of registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the completion of a debt financing by MSG that meets the needs of both MSG and Spinco to effect the Distribution and operate independently following the Distribution.

Description of Business

Spinco is a live sports and entertainment business. The Company classifies its business interests into two reportable segments: MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports. MSG Entertainment presents or hosts live entertainment events, such as concerts, family shows, performing arts and special events, in the Company’s diverse collection of venues. MSG Entertainment also creates, produces and/or presents live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and New York Spring Spectacular, both featuring the Radio City Rockettes, that are performed in the Company’s and other venues. MSG Sports owns and operates the following sports franchises: the New York Knicks (the “Knicks”) of the NBA, the New York Rangers (the “Rangers”) of the NHL, the New York Liberty (the “Liberty”) of the Women’s National Basketball Association (the “WNBA”), the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League, which is the primary player development team for the Rangers, and the Westchester Knicks, an NBA Development League (the “NBADL”) team. MSG Sports also promotes, produces and/or presents a broad array of other live sporting events outside of its teams’ events.

The Company conducts a significant portion of its operations at venues that it either owns or operates under long-term leases. The Company owns the Madison Square Garden Arena (“The Garden”) and The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the Forum in Inglewood, CA and The Chicago Theatre in Chicago. In addition, the Company leases Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City, and has a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston.

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Basis of Presentation

The combined financial statements of Spinco (the “combined financial statements”) were prepared on a stand-alone basis derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of MSG. These financial statements reflect the combined historical results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 1-B, Allocation of Expenses and Related Disclosure in Financial Statements of Subsidiaries, Divisions or Lesser Business Components of Another Entity . References to U.S. GAAP issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification , also referred to as the “Codification” or “ASC.”

Historically, separate financial statements have not been prepared for Spinco and it has not operated as a stand-alone business from MSG. The combined financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held by MSG or by other MSG subsidiaries but are specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to Spinco. All significant intercompany transactions between MSG and Spinco have been included as components of MSG investment in the combined financial statements as they are to be considered effectively settled upon effectiveness of the Distribution. The combined financial statements are presented as if the Spinco businesses had been combined for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities in the combined financial statements have been reflected on a historical cost basis, as immediately prior to the Distribution all of the assets and liabilities presented are wholly-owned by MSG and are being transferred to Spinco at carry-over basis.

The combined statements of operations include allocations for certain support functions that are provided on a centralized basis and not historically recorded at the business unit level, such as expenses related to finance, human resources, information technology, and facilities, among others. As part of the Distribution, certain support functions are being transferred to Spinco and therefore, charges were reflected in order to properly burden all business units comprising MSG’s historical operations. These expenses have been allocated to MSG on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro-rata basis of combined revenues, headcount or other measures of Spinco or MSG. Management believes the assumptions underlying the combined financial statements, including the assumptions regarding allocating general corporate expenses are reasonable. Nevertheless, the combined financial statements may not include all of the actual expenses that would have been incurred by the Company and may not reflect its combined results of operations, financial position and cash flows had it been a stand-alone company during the periods presented. Actual costs that would have been incurred if the Company had been a stand-alone company would depend on multiple factors, including organizational structure and strategic decisions made in various areas, including information technology and infrastructure.

MSG uses a centralized approach to cash management and financing of operations. Cash is managed centrally with net earnings reinvested and working capital requirements met from existing liquid funds. The Company’s cash was available for use and was regularly “swept” by MSG at its discretion. Accordingly, the cash and cash equivalents held by MSG at the corporate level were not attributed to Spinco for any of the periods presented. Additionally, cash held in accounts legally owned by Spinco was attributed to the combined balance sheets for each period presented. Transfers of cash both to and from MSG are included as components of MSG investment on the combined statements of divisional equity.

MSG’s net investment in the Company has been presented as a component of divisional equity in the combined financial statements. Distributions made by MSG to the Company or to MSG from the Company are recorded as transfers to and from MSG and the net amount is presented on the combined statements of cash flows as “Net transfers from MSG and MSG’s subsidiaries.”

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Combination

The combined financial statements of the Company include assets and liabilities that have been determined to be specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to Spinco. All significant intracompany accounts within Spinco’s combined businesses have been eliminated. All intercompany transactions between Spinco and MSG have been included in these combined financial statements as components of MSG investment. Expenses related to corporate allocations from Spinco to MSG, prior to the Distribution, are considered to be effectively settled in the combined financial statements at the time the transaction is recorded, with the offset recorded against MSG investment.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the accompanying combined financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, investments, goodwill, intangible assets, other long-lived assets, tax accruals and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, revenue sharing expense (net of escrow), luxury tax expense, income tax expense, performance and share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, litigation matters and other matters. Management believes its use of estimates in the combined financial statements to be reasonable.

Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the general economic environment and actions it may take in the future. The Company adjusts such estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on management’s best judgment at a point in time and as such these estimates may ultimately differ from actual results. Changes in estimates resulting from weakness in the economic environment or other factors beyond the Company’s control could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s financial statements in future periods.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when the following conditions are satisfied: (a) persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, (b) delivery occurs or services are rendered, (c) the sales price is fixed or determinable and (d) collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue recognition from the Company’s various revenue sources is discussed further in each respective segment’s revenue recognition policies below.

MSG Entertainment

The Company’s MSG Entertainment segment earns revenues from the sale of tickets for events that the Company produces or promotes/co-promotes. In addition, for entertainment events held at the Company’s venues that MSG Entertainment does not produce or promote/co-promote, revenues are earned for venue license fees from the third-party promoters of the event. Event-related revenues from the sale of tickets, venue license fees from third-party promoters, sponsorships, concessions and merchandise are recognized when the event occurs. Amounts collected in advance of an event are recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized as revenues when earned.

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Revenues from the sale of advertising in the form of venue signage and sponsorships, which are not related to any specific event, are recorded and recognized ratably over the period of benefit of the respective agreements.

Revenues from the rental of The Garden’s suites are recognized ratably over the period of benefit of the respective agreements for the benefit of both of the Company’s segments.

MSG Sports

The Knicks, Rangers and Liberty derive revenues principally from ticket sales and distributions of league-wide national television contracts and other league-wide revenue sources, which are recognized over the respective team’s season. Event-related revenues from other live sporting events, including the sale of tickets, venue license fees earned in connection with other live sporting events that the Company does not produce or promote, sponsorships, concessions and merchandise are recognized when the event occurs. Amounts collected in advance of an event are recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized as revenues when earned. Local media rights revenue recognized by MSG Sports for the licensing of team-related programming to MSG is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the fiscal year.

Revenues from the sale of advertising in the form of venue signage and sponsorships, which are not related to any specific event, are recognized ratably over the period of benefit of the respective agreements.

Revenues from the rental of The Garden’s suites are recognized ratably over the period of benefit of the respective agreements for the benefit of both of the Company’s segments.

Multiple-Deliverable Transactions

The Company has various types of multiple-deliverable arrangements, including multi-year sponsorship agreements. The deliverables included in each sponsorship agreement vary and may include suite licenses, event tickets and various advertising benefits, which include items such as, but not limited to, signage at The Garden and the Company’s other venues. The timing of revenue recognition for each deliverable depends upon when delivery occurs or services are rendered. For example, suite license revenue is recognized ratably over the period of benefit of the respective agreement.

The Company allocates revenue to each deliverable within the arrangement based on its relative selling price. For many deliverables in an arrangement, such as event tickets and certain advertising benefits, the Company has vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of selling price as it typically sells the same or similar deliverables regularly on a stand-alone basis. Absent VSOE the Company considers whether third party evidence (“TPE”) is available; however, in most instances TPE is not available. The Company’s process for determining its estimated selling prices for deliverables without VSOE or TPE involves management’s judgment and considers multiple factors including company specific and market specific factors that may vary depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each deliverable. Key factors considered by the Company in developing a best estimate of selling price for deliverables include, but are not limited to, prices charged for similar deliverables, the Company’s ongoing pricing strategy and policies, and consideration of pricing of similar deliverables sold in other multiple-deliverable agreements.

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Gross versus Net Revenue Recognition

The Company reports revenue on a gross or net basis based on management’s assessment of whether the Company acts as a principal or agent in the transaction. To the extent the Company acts as the principal, revenue is reported on a gross basis. The determination of whether the Company acts as a principal or an agent in a transaction is based on an evaluation of several qualitative factors, including for co-promotions where we have a 50% or lower economic interest. Generally, when the Company is the promoter or co-promoter of an event, the Company reports revenue on a gross basis. When the Company acts as an agent, revenue is reported on a net basis.

Nonmonetary Transactions

The Company enters into nonmonetary transactions that involve the exchange of goods or services, such as advertising and promotional benefits as well as tickets, for other goods or services. Such transactions are measured and recorded at the fair value of the goods or services surrendered unless the goods or services received have a more readily determinable fair value. In addition, the Company enters into other monetary transactions in which nonmonetary consideration is also included and the entire transaction is recorded at fair value. If the fair values cannot be determined for either the asset(s) surrendered or received within reasonable limits, then the nonmonetary transaction is measured and recorded at the book value of the item(s) surrendered, which typically is zero.

Direct Operating Expenses

Direct operating expenses include, but are not limited to, compensation expense for the Company’s professional sports teams’ players and certain other team personnel, as well as league assessments for the MSG Sports segment; event costs related to the presentation and production of the Company’s live entertainment and sporting events; and venue lease, maintenance and other operating expenses.

Player Costs and Other Team Personnel Transactions, NBA Luxury Tax, Escrow System/Revenue Sharing and League Assessments for the MSG Sports Segment

Player Costs and Other Team Personnel Transactions

Costs incurred to acquire player contracts, including signing bonuses, are deferred and amortized over the applicable NBA or NHL regular season on a straight-line basis over the fixed contract period of the respective player. The NBA and NHL seasons are typically from November through April and October through April, respectively. Player salaries are also expensed over the applicable NBA, NHL or WNBA regular season typically on a straight-line basis. In certain player contracts the annual contractual salary amounts (including any applicable signing bonuses) may fluctuate such that expensing the salary for the entire contract on a straight-line basis over each regular season more appropriately reflects the economic benefit of the services provided.

In instances where a player sustains what is deemed to be a season-ending or career-ending injury, a provision is recorded, when that determination can be reasonably made, for the remainder of the player’s seasonal or contractual salary and related costs, together with any associated NBA luxury tax, net of any anticipated insurance recoveries. When players are traded, waived or contracts are terminated, any remaining unamortized signing bonuses are expensed to current operations. Amounts due to these individuals are generally paid over their remaining contract terms. Team personnel contract termination costs are recognized in the period in which those events occur. See Note 5 for further discussion of significant team personnel transactions.

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

The NBA and NHL each have collective bargaining agreements (each, a “CBA”) with the respective league’s players association, to which the Company is subject. The NBA CBA expires after the 2020-21 season (although the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (“NBPA”) each have the right to terminate the CBA following the 2016-17 season). The NHL CBA expires on September 15, 2022 (although the NHL and National Hockey League Players’ Association each have the right to terminate the CBA effective following the 2019-20 season).

The NBA CBA contains a “soft” salary cap (i.e., a cap on each team’s aggregate player salaries but with certain exceptions that enable teams to pay players more, sometimes substantially more, than the cap). The NHL CBA provides for a “hard” salary cap (i.e., teams may not exceed a stated maximum that has been negotiated for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons and is adjusted each season thereafter based upon league-wide revenues).

NBA Luxury Tax

Amounts in this paragraph are in thousands, except for luxury tax rates.

The NBA CBA provides for a luxury tax that is applicable to all teams with aggregate player salaries exceeding a threshold that is set prior to each season based upon projected league-wide revenues (as defined under the CBA). A team’s luxury tax for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons generally equaled the amount by which the team’s aggregate player salaries exceeded such threshold. Beginning with the 2013-14 season, the tax rates for teams with aggregate player salaries above such threshold starts at $1.50 for each $1.00 of team salary above the threshold up to $5,000 and scale up to $3.25 for each $1.00 of team salary that is from $15,000 to $20,000 over the threshold, and an additional tax rate increment of $0.50 applies for each additional $5,000 (or part thereof) of team salary in excess of $20,000 over the threshold. In addition, for teams that are taxpayers in at least four of any five seasons beginning in 2011-12, the above tax rates are increased by $1.00 for each increment. Beginning with the 2012-13 season, 50% of the aggregate luxury tax payments are to be used as a funding source for the revenue sharing plan and the remaining 50% of such payments will be distributed in equal shares to non-taxpaying teams. The Company recognizes the estimated amount associated with luxury tax expense or the amount it expects to receive as a non-tax paying team, if applicable, on a straight-line basis over the NBA regular season as a component of direct operating expenses.

NBA and NHL Escrow System/Revenue Sharing

The NBA CBA also provides that players collectively receive a designated percentage of league-wide revenues (net of certain direct expenses) as compensation (approximately 50%), and the teams retain the remainder. The percentage of league-wide revenues paid as compensation and retained by the teams does not apply evenly across all teams and accordingly the Company may pay its players a higher or lower percentage of the Knicks’ revenues than other NBA teams. Throughout each season, NBA teams withhold 10% of each player’s salary and contribute the withheld amounts to an escrow account. If the league’s aggregate player compensation exceeds the designated percentage of league-wide revenues, some or all of such escrowed amounts are distributed equally to all NBA teams. In the event that the league’s aggregate player compensation is below the designated percentage of league-wide revenues, the teams will remit the shortfall to the NBPA for distribution to the players. The NBA also has instituted a revenue sharing plan that generally requires the distribution of a pool of funds to teams with below-average net revenues (as defined in the plan), subject to reduction or elimination based on individual team market size and profitability. The plan is funded by a combination of disproportionate contributions from teams with above-average net revenues, subject to certain profit-based limits (each as defined in the plan); aggregate league-wide luxury tax proceeds (100% of proceeds

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

for the 2011-12 season, 50% of proceeds for all seasons beginning with the 2012-13 season) (see above); and, beginning with the 2012-13 season, collective league sources, if necessary. Additional amounts may also be distributed on a discretionary basis, funded by assessments on playoff ticket revenues and through collective league sources.

The NHL CBA provides that each season the players receive as player compensation 50% of that season’s league-wide revenues, excluding the impact of agreed-upon aggregate transition payments of $300,000 to be paid on a deferred basis over three years beginning in 2014. Because the aggregate amount to be paid to the players is based upon league-wide revenues and not on a team-by-team basis, the Company may pay its players a higher or lower percentage of the Rangers’ revenues than other NHL teams pay of their own revenues. In order to implement the salary cap system, NHL teams withhold a portion of each player’s salary and contribute the withheld amounts to an escrow account. If the league’s aggregate player compensation for a season exceeds the designated percentage (50%) of that season’s league-wide revenues, the excess is retained by the league. For the shortened 2012-13 season, the excess funds were distributed by the NHL to all teams in equal shares. Beginning with the 2013-14 season, any such excess funds will be distributed to all teams in equal shares.

The NHL CBA provides for a revenue sharing plan which generally requires the distribution of a pool of funds approximating 6.055% of league-wide revenues to certain qualifying lower-revenue teams. Under the NHL CBA, the pool is funded as follows: (a) 50% from contributions by the top ten revenue earning teams (based on preseason and regular season revenues) in accordance with a formula; (b) then from payments by teams participating in the playoffs, with each team contributing 35% of its gate receipts for each home playoff game; and (c) the remainder from centrally-generated NHL sources. The Rangers are consistently among the top ten revenue teams and, accordingly, have consistently contributed to the top ten revenue teams component of the plan.

The Company recognizes the amount of its estimated revenue sharing expense associated with the preseason and regular season, net of the amount the Company expects to receive from the escrow, on a straight-line basis over the applicable NBA and NHL seasons as a component of direct operating expenses. In years when the Knicks or Rangers participate in the playoffs, the Company recognizes its estimate of the playoff revenue sharing contribution in the periods when the playoffs occur.

League Assessments

As members of the NBA and NHL, the Knicks and Rangers, respectively, are also subject to annual league assessments. The governing bodies of each league determine the amount of each season’s league assessments that are required from each member team. The Company recognizes its teams’ estimated league assessments on a straight-line basis over the applicable NBA or NHL season.

Production Costs for the MSG Entertainment Segment

The Company defers certain costs of productions such as creative design costs, scenery, wardrobes, rehearsal and other related costs for the Company’s proprietary shows. Deferred production costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the course of a production’s performance period using the expected life of a show’s assets, which generally is 5 years. Deferred production costs are subject to recoverability assessments whenever there is an indication of potential impairment. The Company has approximately $58,279 and $37,780 of net deferred production costs recorded within other current assets and other assets in the accompanying combined balance sheets as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Advertising Expenses

Advertising costs are typically charged to expense when incurred, however, advertising for productions such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and other live entertainment events are deferred within interim periods and expensed, over the run of the show, but by no later than the end of the fiscal year. Total advertising costs classified in direct operating and selling, general and administrative expenses were $24,800, $14,093 and $12,376 for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Income Taxes

Spinco accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Income taxes as presented herein attribute current and deferred income taxes of MSG to Spinco’s stand-alone financial statements in a manner that is systematic, rational, and consistent with the asset and liability method prescribed by ASC 740. Accordingly, Spinco’s income tax provision was prepared following the separate return method. The separate return method applies ASC 740 to the stand-alone financial statements of each member of the combined group as if the group member were a separate taxpayer and the benefits of a consolidated return have been reflected where such returns have or could be filed based on the entities’ jurisdictions included in the combined financial statements. As a result, actual tax transactions included in the consolidated financial statements of MSG may not be included in the combined financial statements. Similarly, the tax treatment of certain items reflected in the combined financial statements may not be reflected in the consolidated financial statements and tax returns of MSG. Therefore, portions of items such as net operating losses, credit carryforwards, other deferred taxes, uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances may exist in the combined financial statements that may or may not exist in MSG’s consolidated financial statements.

Because Spinco’s operations are included in MSG’s tax returns, payments to certain tax authorities are made by MSG, and not by Spinco. Spinco only maintains taxes payable to/from the taxing authorities for legal entities that are fully-dedicated to the Spinco business. Spinco does not maintain taxes payable to/from MSG and the payments are deemed to settle the annual current tax payable balances immediately with the legal entities paying the tax in the respective jurisdictions through changes in MSG investment.

The Company accounts for investment tax credits using the “flow-through” method, under which the tax benefit generated from an investment tax credit is recorded in the period the credit is generated.

Share-based Compensation

Spinco’s employees have historically participated in MSG’s share-based compensation plans. Share-based compensation expense has been attributed to Spinco based on the awards and terms previously granted to MSG’s employees. MSG measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity-based instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award. Share-based compensation cost is recognized in earnings (net of estimated forfeitures) over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Forfeitures are estimated based upon historical experience and expectations regarding future vesting of awards. To the extent actual forfeitures are different from the estimates, share-based compensation is adjusted accordingly. For purposes of the combined financial statements, share-based compensation expense related to corporate employees was recorded in addition to the expense attributed to Spinco’s direct employees. The allocated expense includes both directors and corporate executives of MSG, allocated using a proportional allocation driver which management has deemed to be reasonable.

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold highly liquid securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or is at fair value. Checks outstanding in excess of related book balances are included in accounts payable in the accompanying combined balance sheets. The Company presents the change in these book cash overdrafts as cash flows from operating activities.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 primarily consist of cash required to be withheld from player salaries and deposited in an escrow account which is in the name of the Company pursuant to the NHL CBA. The escrow account will be distributed subsequent to the end of the season to the players and NHL teams based on the provisions of the NHL CBA. The carrying amount of restricted cash approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Changes in restricted cash are reflected in cash flows from either operating or investing activities, depending on the circumstances to which the changes in the underlying restricted cash relate.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable is recorded at net realizable value. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible receivables. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on the Company’s analysis of receivables aging, specific identification of certain receivables that are at risk of not being paid, past collection experience and other factors. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts was $537 and $605 as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates

The Company’s investments in nonconsolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are carried at cost, plus or minus the Company’s share of net earnings or losses of the investment, subject to certain other adjustments. The cost of equity method investments includes transaction costs of the acquisition. The Company’s share of net earnings or losses of the investment, inclusive of amortization expense for intangible assets associated with the investment, is reflected in equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates on the Company’s combined statements of operations. Dividends received from the investee reduce the carrying amount of the investment. Due to the timing of receiving financial information from its nonconsolidated affiliates, the Company records its share of net earnings or losses of such affiliates on a three-month lag basis, with the exception of the amortization expense of intangible assets which are recorded currently.

Impairment of Investments

The Company reviews its investments at least quarterly to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other-than-temporary. The primary factors the Company considers in its determination are the length of time that the fair value of the investment is below the Company’s carrying value; future prospects of the investee; and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. In addition, the Company considers other factors such as general market conditions, industry conditions, and analysts’ ratings. If the decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the investment is written down to fair value and the loss is realized as a component of net income.

 

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OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets

The Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets consist of property and equipment, goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and amortizable intangible assets.

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the asset’s estimated useful life. The useful lives of the Company’s long-lived assets are based on estimates of the period over which the Company expects the assets to be of economic benefit to the Company. In estimating the useful lives the Company considers factors such as, but not limited to, risk of obsolescence, anticipated use, plans of the Company, and applicable laws and permit requirements. In July 2013, the permit for The Garden was renewed for ten years and these financial statements have been prepared assuming further renewal of that permit.

Identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives. Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized.

Impairment of Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets

In assessing the recoverability of the Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets, the Company must make estimates and assumptions regarding future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such charge. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant information. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. If these estimates or material related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record impairment charges related to its long-lived and/or indefinite-lived assets.

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of August 31 st and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. If the Company can support the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company would not need to perform the two-step impairment test for that reporting unit. If the Company cannot support such a conclusion or the Company does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment then the first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill that would be recognized in a business combination. The Company’s two reporting units for evaluating goodwill impairment are the same as its reportable segments, and both of them have goodwill. The Company generally determines the fair value of a reporting unit using an income approach, such as the discounted cash flow method, in instances when it does not perform the qualitative assessment of goodwill.

Identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment as of August 31 st and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. The Company has the option

 

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OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. In the qualitative assessment, the Company must evaluate the totality of qualitative factors, including any recent fair value measurements, that impact whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset other than goodwill has a carrying amount that more likely than not exceeds its fair value. If the Company 1) determines that an impairment, which occurs when the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, is more likely than not to exist, or 2) foregoes the qualitative assessment entirely, then the Company must conduct a quantitative analysis in order to make an impairment assessment. When performing the impairment test, if the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, then an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company generally determines the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset using an income approach, such as the relief from royalty method, in instances when it does not perform the qualitative assessment of the intangible asset.

For other long-lived assets, including intangible assets that are amortized, the Company evaluates assets for recoverability when there is an indication of potential impairment. If the undiscounted cash flows from a group of assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of that group of assets, the fair value of the asset group is determined and the carrying value of the asset group is written down to fair value. The Company generally determines the fair value of a finite-lived intangible asset using an income approach, such as the discounted cash flow method.

Contingencies

Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan

As more fully described in Note 14, certain of our employees participate in defined benefit pension plans (“Shared Plans”) sponsored by MSG, which include participants of other MSG subsidiaries. Spinco accounts for the Shared Plans under the guidance of ASC 715, Compensation — Retirement Benefits . Accordingly, Spinco records an asset or liability to recognize the funded status of the Shared Plans, as well as a liability only for any required contributions to the Shared Plans that are accrued and unpaid at the balance sheet date. The related pension expenses attributed to Spinco are based primarily on pensionable compensation of active participants. For the Shared Plans’ liabilities, the combined financial statements reflect the full impact of such plans on both the combined statements of operations and combined balance sheets. The pension expense related to employees of other MSG businesses participating in any of the Shared Plans is reflected as a contributory credit from MSG to Spinco, resulting in a decrease to the expense recognized in the combined statements of operations.

The plan that is sponsored by Spinco (“Direct Plan”) is accounted for as a defined benefit pension plan. Accordingly, the funded and unfunded position of the Direct Plan is recorded in the Company’s combined balance sheet.

Actuarial gains and losses that have not yet been recognized through income are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.

 

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OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company recorded asset retirement obligations related to the comprehensive transformation of The Garden into a state-of-the-art-facility (the “Transformation”) and the acquisition and renovation of the Forum (see Note 8). A liability is initially recorded at fair value for an asset retirement obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. When an asset retirement obligation is recorded, an offsetting increase to the carrying value of the related property and equipment is also recorded. The obligation is initially measured at fair value using expected present value techniques. Over time the liabilities are accreted for the change in their present value and the initial capitalized costs are depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the related assets. Changes resulting from revisions to the timing or amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows are recognized as an increase or decrease in the carrying amount of the liability and the related asset retirement cost capitalized.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) — Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs , which amends ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement . The amended guidance changes the wording used to describe many requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Additionally, the amendments clarify the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. The Company adopted ASU No. 2011-04 effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-09, Compensation — Retirement Benefits — Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80) — Disclosures about an Employer’s Participation in a Multiemployer Plan, which requires employers that participate in multiemployer pension plans to provide additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures in order to provide more information about an employer’s involvement in multiemployer pension plans. Although the majority of the amendments in this ASU apply only to multiemployer pension plans, there are also amendments that require changes in disclosures for multiemployer plans that provide postretirement benefits other than pensions. The Company adopted this ASU in the fourth quarter of the year ended June 30, 2012. This ASU impacted the Company’s disclosures only and did not have any impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The disclosures required by this ASU are presented in Note 14 to the combined financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) — Presentation of Comprehensive Income , which is intended to improve the overall quality of financial reporting by increasing the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income, and to additionally align the presentation of other comprehensive income in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP with those prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. An entity now has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Additionally, in December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) — Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in ASU 2011-05 , to indefinitely defer the effective date of the specific requirement to present items that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income alongside their respective components of net income and other comprehensive income. During the deferral period, the existing requirements in GAAP for the presentation of reclassification adjustments are

 

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OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

required to be followed. These standards were retrospectively adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 and the Company elected to present two separate but consecutive statements. The adoption of these standards resulted only in changes in the presentation of its financial statements and did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) — Testing Goodwill for Impairment , which amends ASC Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other . This guidance permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying a two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity can support the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it would not need to perform the two-step impairment test for that reporting unit. This standard was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) — Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment , to establish an optional two-step analysis for impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangibles other than goodwill. In particular, the two-step analysis establishes an optional qualitative assessment to precede the quantitative assessment, if necessary. This standard was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) — Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income , which requires an entity to provide information about amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This standard was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014. The adoption of this standard impacted the Company’s disclosures only and did not have any impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08,  Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity , which revises the definition of a discontinued operation to limit the circumstances under which a disposal or classification as held for sale qualifies for presentation as a discontinued operation. Expanded disclosures are required concerning a discontinued operation and the disposal of a significant component of an entity not qualifying as a discontinued operation. The revised standard is effective for any new disposals and new classifications of assets held for sale in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. The Company elected to early adopt this guidance in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014. The adoption of this standard did not have any impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition . This

 

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OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its combined financial statements.

Note 3. Acquisition

On June 25, 2012, the Company acquired the Forum located in Inglewood, CA for a purchase price of $23,500. The acquisition was accounted for as an asset acquisition and the cost of the acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired based on their relative fair values. Acquisition-related costs of $6,828 were capitalized as costs of the acquisition and were allocated to the assets acquired based upon the nature of the cost.

The allocation of the purchase price, including acquisition-related costs, as of the acquisition date were as follows:

 

Land

$ 23,757   

Building

  6,031   

Trademarks

  540   
  

 

 

 
$ 30,328   
  

 

 

 

The trademarks were determined to be indefinite-lived intangible assets and were valued using a relief-from-royalty method in which the expected benefits are valued by discounting hypothetical royalty payments based on projected revenues covered by the trademarks.

In addition, the Company initially recorded an asset retirement obligation in the amount of $6,000 and an offsetting increase to the carrying value of the related property and equipment in connection with the acquisition and planned revitalization. During the year ended June 30, 2014, the original estimate was revised and recognized as a decrease in the carrying amount of the liability and the related asset retirement cost capitalized.

Note 4. Impairment Charge

As a result of the financial performance of a theatrical production of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular that played in three markets outside of New York during the year ended June 30, 2013, the Company evaluated whether or not an impairment of the deferred costs related to that production had occurred. Consequently, the Company’s MSG Entertainment segment recorded an impairment charge of $4,982 for the remaining unamortized deferred cost of assets related to this theatrical production outside of New York, which is reflected in direct operating expenses in the accompanying combined statement of operations for the year ended June 30, 2013.

Note 5. Team Personnel Transactions and Insurance Recoveries

Direct operating and selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying combined statements of operations include net provisions for transactions relating to players and certain other team personnel on the Company’s sports teams for (i) season-ending injuries, (ii) trades and (iii) waivers and contract termination costs (“Team Personnel Transactions”).

 

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OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

The following table sets forth provisions for Team Personnel Transactions and insurance recoveries recorded by the Company’s MSG Sports segment:

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014      2013      2012  

Provisions for Team Personnel Transactions

   $ 54,225       $ 18,715       $ 16,314   

Insurance recoveries related to non season-ending player injuries

     —           —           323   

Note 6. Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates

The Company’s investments in and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates include Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC (“Azoff-MSG”), Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, LLC (“BBLV”) and Tribeca Enterprises LLC (“Tribeca Enterprises”). The Company determined that these investments are not variable interest entities and therefore these investments were each analyzed under the voting interest model. The Company determined that due to a lack of a voting majority and consistent with the accounting for partnership (or similar entities) interests, it does not control these entities. Accordingly, the Company accounts for these investments under the equity method of accounting.

In September 2013, the Company acquired an interest in Azoff-MSG for $125,000. The Azoff-MSG entity owns and operates businesses in the entertainment industry and is currently focused on music management, performance rights, comedy and productions, and strategic marketing. As of the acquisition date the carrying amount of the investment was greater than the Company’s equity in the underlying assets of Azoff-MSG due to the difference in the carrying amounts of goodwill and amortizable intangible assets of approximately $108,220 and $17,350, respectively. The difference attributable to amortizable intangible assets is being amortized straight-line over the expected useful lives of the intangible assets, which range from 5 to 7 years. In addition, the Company agreed to provide up to $50,000 of revolving credit loans to Azoff-MSG. See Note 20 for a discussion of a subsequent increase in this loan facility.

In August 2013, the Company acquired an interest in BBLV. In March 2014, BBLV opened a new venue in Las Vegas which brings together live music, bowling and a restaurant. As of June 30, 2014 the Company’s preferred equity investment in BBLV, together with transaction costs related to the acquisition, was $25,725. The Company has $682 of remaining preferred equity commitment to BBLV that had not yet been funded as of June 30, 2014. The below amounts are inclusive of an increased equity commitment made in June 2014 above the amount originally committed on the acquisition date. Additionally, in June 2014, the Company agreed to loan up to $2,600 to BBLV. See Note 20 for a discussion of the subsequent impairment charge recognized in the quarter ended December 31, 2014.

In March 2014, the Company acquired an interest in Tribeca Enterprises for $22,500. Tribeca Enterprises owns the rights to and operates the Tribeca Film Festival and certain other businesses. As of the acquisition date the carrying amount of the investment was greater than the Company’s equity in the underlying assets of Tribeca Enterprises due to the difference in the carrying amounts of indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets of approximately $5,750 and $5,350, respectively. The difference attributable to amortizable intangible assets is being amortized straight-line over 10 years, the expected useful life of the intangible asset. In connection with the investment, the Company and Tribeca Enterprises have a service agreement pursuant to which the Company provides marketing inventory and consulting services to Tribeca Enterprises for a fee. See Note 20 for a discussion of a $1,000 loan facility the Company has provided to Tribeca Enterprises.

 

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OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

The Company’s ownership percentages and investments in and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates consisted of the following:

 

    Ownership
Percentage
    Investment     Loan (b)     Total  

June 30, 2014

       

Azoff-MSG

    50   $ 125,677      $ 50,300      $ 175,977   

BBLV

    (a )       25,725        1,348        27,073   

Tribeca Enterprises

    50     22,582        —          22,582   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments in and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates

$ 173,984    $ 51,648    $ 225,632   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) The Company will be entitled to receive back its capital, which was 78% of BBLV’s total capital as of June 30, 2014, plus a preferred return, after which the Company will own a 20% interest in BBLV.
(b) Represents outstanding loan balances, inclusive of amounts due to the Company for interest. See Note 20.

The following is summarized financial information for the Company’s equity method investments discussed above. The amounts shown below represent 100% of these equity method investments’ financial position and results of operations.

 

Balance Sheet    June 30, 2014  

Current assets

   $ 15,402   

Noncurrent assets

     49,158   
  

 

 

 
$ 64,560   
  

 

 

 

Current liabilities

$ 13,461   

Noncurrent liabilities

  18,285   

Shareholder’s equity

  32,814   
  

 

 

 
$ 64,560   
  

 

 

 
Results of Operations    Year Ended
June 30, 2014
 

Revenues

   $ 14,214   

Loss from continuing operations

     (2,870

Net loss

     (2,870

Note 7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of goodwill, by reportable segment, as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

 

     June 30,  
     2014      2013  

MSG Entertainment

   $ 58,979       $ 58,979   

MSG Sports

     218,187         218,187   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 277,166    $ 277,166   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company performed its annual impairment test of goodwill, and there was no impairment of goodwill identified for any of its reportable segments. The Company did not record any impairments of goodwill for any of the periods presented herein.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 

     June 30,  
     2014      2013  

Sports franchises (MSG Sports segment)

   $ 101,429       $ 96,215   

Trademarks (MSG Entertainment segment)

     62,421         62,421   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 163,850    $ 158,636   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

In March 2014, the Company acquired the rights to own and operate an NBADL team, named the Westchester Knicks, which began operations during the 2014-15 season. The purchase was accounted for as the acquisition of an indefinite-lived franchise intangible asset.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company performed its annual impairment test of identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, and there were no impairments identified.

The Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 

As of June 30, 2014    Gross      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net  

Season ticket holder relationships

   $ 73,124       $ (48,660    $ 24,464   

Suite holder relationships

     15,394         (12,940      2,454   

Other intangibles

     4,217         (1,872      2,345   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 92,735    $ (63,472 $ 29,263   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
As of June 30, 2013                     

Season ticket holder relationships

   $ 73,124       $ (43,401    $ 29,723   

Suite holder relationships

     15,394         (11,542      3,852   

Other intangibles

     4,217         (1,590      2,627   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 92,735    $ (56,533 $ 36,202   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The estimated useful lives of the Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows:

 

     Estimated
Useful Lives

Season ticket holder relationships

   12 to 15 years

Suite holder relationships

   11 years

Other intangibles

   15 years

Amortization expense for intangible assets amounted to $6,939, $7,067 and $7,785 for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Company expects its aggregate annual amortization expense for existing intangible assets subject to amortization for each fiscal year from 2015 through 2019 to be as follows:

 

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2015

   $ 6,939   

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2016

     6,591   

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2017

     5,066   

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2018

     3,616   

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2019

     3,616   

 

F-24


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Note 8. Property and Equipment

As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, property and equipment consisted of the following assets:

 

     June 30,    

Estimated

Useful Lives

     2014     2013    

Land

   $ 91,678      $ 92,828     

Buildings

     1,077,782        781,622      Up to 45 years

Equipment

     272,055        240,559      2 to 20 years

Aircraft

     43,598        43,388      8 to 15 years

Furniture and fixtures

     50,490        34,281      3 to 9 years

Leasehold improvements

     131,890        129,614      Shorter of term of lease or life
of improvement

Construction in progress

     5,472        145,912     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   
  1,672,965      1,468,204   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

  (441,665   (375,035
  

 

 

   

 

 

   
$ 1,231,300    $ 1,093,169   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment amounted to $84,770, $65,484 and $55,155 for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company placed into service assets related to the Transformation and the Forum. See Note 20 for the discussion of accelerated depreciation of the Company’s professional sports teams’ aircraft which was recorded during the quarter ended September 30, 2014.

For the year ended June 30, 2014, the City of Inglewood provided the Company with an $18,000 loan in connection with the Company’s renovation of the Forum. The loan will be forgiven once certain operating conditions, that the Company expects to satisfy, are met. Property and equipment balances related to the Forum are recorded net of the expected loan forgiveness.

Asset retirement obligations have been recorded in accordance with ASC 410, which requires companies to recognize an obligation along with an offsetting increase to the carrying value of the related property and equipment when an obligation or commitment exists to perform remediation efforts and its fair value is reasonably estimable. These obligations were necessitated by the Transformation and the acquisition and the renovation of the Forum.

The following is a summary of the change in the carrying amount of the asset retirement obligations during the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

Balance as of June 30, 2012

$ 12,017   

Revisions in estimated liabilities

  6,700   

Payments

  (6,683
  

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2013

$ 12,034   

Revisions in estimated liabilities

  (5,027

Payments

  (6,947
  

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2014

$ 60   
  

 

 

 

 

F-25


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the total asset retirement obligations of $60 and $12,034, respectively, were recorded in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying combined balance sheets.

Note 9. Operating Leases

The Company has various long-term noncancelable operating lease agreements, primarily for entertainment venues and office and storage space expiring at various dates through 2026. Certain leases include renewal provisions at the Company’s option and provide for additional rent based on sales. The rent expense associated with such operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term. The difference between rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent. Rent expense under these lease agreements totaled $34,191, $34,778 and $33,211 for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

As of June 30, 2014, future minimum rental payments under leases having noncancelable initial lease terms in excess of one year were as follows:

 

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2015

$ 33,333   

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2016

  34,132   

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2017

  34,105   

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2018

  34,214   

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2019

  34,302   

Thereafter

  175,920   
  

 

 

 
$ 346,006   
  

 

 

 

Under the terms of a lease agreement and related guaranty, subsidiaries of the Company have certain operating requirements and are required to meet a certain net worth obligation. In the event that these subsidiaries were to fail to meet the required obligations and were unable to avail themselves of the provided for cure options, the landlord could terminate the lease.

Note 10. Contractual Obligations and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

Future cash payments required under contracts entered into by the Company in the normal course of business as of June 30, 2014 are summarized in the following table:

 

    Total     Year 1     Years 2-3     Years 4-5     More Than
5 Years
 

Off balance sheet contractual obligations (a)

  $ 372,527      $ 135,113      $ 132,823      $ 77,069      $ 27,522   

Contractual obligations reflected on the balance sheet (b)

    84,095        39,003        16,357        10,231        18,504   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$ 456,622    $ 174,116    $ 149,180    $ 87,300    $ 46,026   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Contractual obligations not reflected on the balance sheet consist primarily of the MSG Sports segment’s obligations under employment agreements that the Company has with its professional sports teams’ personnel that are generally guaranteed regardless of employee injury or termination.
(b) Consists primarily of (i) amounts earned under employment agreements that the Company has with certain of its professional sports teams’ personnel in the MSG Sports segment, and, to a lesser extent, (ii) severance related to certain former corporate employees.

The future cash payments reflected above do not include the impact of potential insurance recoveries or amounts which may be due for NBA luxury tax payments or NBA or NHL revenue sharing.

 

F-26


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Additionally, in September 2013, in connection with the Company’s acquisition of a 50% interest in Azoff-MSG, the Company agreed to provide up to $50,000 of revolving credit loans to Azoff-MSG (see Note 6), which amount was fully borrowed as of June 30, 2014. See Note 20 for information on the increase in this revolving credit facility.

Note 11. Legal Matters

In March 2012, the Company was named as a defendant in two purported class action antitrust lawsuits brought in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the NHL and certain NHL member clubs, regional sports networks and cable and satellite distributors. The second complaint, which was substantially identical to the first, was dismissed after its named plaintiff was named as a co-plaintiff in the first complaint. The operative complaint primarily asserts that certain of the NHL’s current rules and agreements entered into by defendants, which are alleged by the plaintiffs to provide certain territorial and other exclusivities with respect to the television and online distribution of live hockey games, violate Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief against the defendants’ continued violation of the antitrust laws, treble damages, attorneys’ fees and pre- and post-judgment interest. On July 27, 2012, the Company and the other defendants filed a motion to dismiss. On December 5, 2012, the court issued an opinion and order largely denying the motion to dismiss. On April 8, 2014, following the conclusion of fact discovery, all defendants filed motions for summary judgment seeking dismissal of the case in its entirety. On August 8, 2014, the Court denied the motions for summary judgment. On May 14, 2015, the court denied plaintiffs’ class certification motion with respect to damages but granted it with respect to injunctive relief. Both plaintiffs and defendants filed petitions with the Court of Appeals seeking pretrial review of these rulings. On June 10, 2015, the parties entered into a proposed settlement (the “Settlement”) of the lawsuit and the Settlement was filed with the Court on June 11, 2015. The Settlement would not result in any changes to the Company’s distribution of NHL games on the MSG Networks or in any MSG payment obligations. The Settlement is subject to Court approval. If the Settlement is approved by the Court, the lawsuit and all appeals will be withdrawn with prejudice. On June 15, 2015, the Court granted preliminary approval of the Settlement, directed that notice of the proposed Settlement be sent to the putative class and scheduled a hearing on final approval for August 31, 2015. If the Court does not approve the Settlement by September 15, 2015, any party to the Settlement may void the Settlement. In the event that the Settlement is voided, the defendants, including the Company, will continue to vigorously defend the claims.

The Company is a defendant in various other lawsuits. Although the outcome of these other lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that resolution of these other lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Note 12. Fair Value Measurements

The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon their own market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:

 

    Level I — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

    Level II — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

 

    Level III — Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

     Level I      Level II      Level III      Total  

June 30, 2014

           

Assets:

           

Money market accounts

   $ 709       $ —         $ —         $ 709   

Time deposits

     4,000         —           —           4,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value

$ 4,709    $ —      $ —      $ 4,709   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

June 30, 2013

Assets:

Money market accounts

$ 1,816    $ —      $ —      $ 1,816   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value

$ 1,816    $ —      $ —      $ 1,816   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Money market accounts and time deposits are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as they are valued using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The carrying amount of the Company’s money market accounts and time deposits approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities.

Note 13. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table details the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

 

     Pension Plans
and
Postretirement
Plan (a)
     Available-for-sale
Securities (b)
     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 

Balance as of June 30, 2011

   $ (26,480    $ 3,874       $ (22,606

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

     (8,038      (8,961      (16,999

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

     1,629         —           1,629   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

  (6,409   (8,961   (15,370
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2012

  (32,889   (5,087   (37,976

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

  5,967      9,587      15,554   

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

  1,706      (4,500   (2,794
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

  7,673      5,087      12,760   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2013

  (25,216   —        (25,216

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

  (11,938   —        (11,938

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

  1,139      —        1,139   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

  (10,799   —        (10,799
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2014

$ (36,015 $ —      $ (36,015
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-28


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

 

(a) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes, represent amortization of net actuarial loss and net unrecognized prior service credit included in net periodic benefit cost, which is reflected in direct operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying combined statements of operations (see Note 14).
(b) The Company held an investment in Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. common stock which it sold in March 2013. Other income in the accompanying combined statement of operations for the year ended June 30, 2013 includes a pre-tax gain of $3,130, which reflects an unrealized gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income partially offset by block sale costs. Prior to the sale this investment was classified as available-for-sale with the unrealized gains (losses), net of tax, included in the determination of other comprehensive income (loss) and reported in stockholders’ equity .

Note 14. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan

MSG and Company Sponsored Plans

MSG sponsors a non-contributory qualified cash balance retirement plan covering its non-union employees (the “MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan”) and an unfunded non-contributory non-qualified excess cash balance plan covering certain employees who participate in the underlying qualified plan (collectively, the “MSG Cash Balance Plans”). These plans are considered “Shared Plans” as previously defined.

MSG sponsored a non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plan covering its non-union employees hired prior to January 1, 2001 (the “Retirement Plan”) and sponsors an unfunded non-contributory non-qualified defined benefit pension plan for the benefit of certain employees who participate in the underlying qualified plan (the “Excess Plan”). As of December 31, 2007, both the Retirement Plan and Excess Plan were amended to freeze all benefits earned through December 31, 2007 and to eliminate the ability of participants to earn benefits for future service under these plans. On March 1, 2011, MSG merged the Retirement Plan into the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan, effectively combining the assets and liabilities of the respective plans. In connection with this merger, the respective benefit formulas of the plans were not amended. Effective March 1, 2011, the Retirement Plan no longer exists as a stand-alone plan and is part of the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan. These plans are considered Shared Plans.

In addition, the Company sponsors a non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain of its union employees (the “Union Plan,” which is the Direct Plan). Benefits payable to retirees under the Union Plan are based upon years of service.

The MSG Cash Balance Plans (which now include the Retirement Plan), Union Plan, and Excess Plan are collectively referred to as the “Pension Plans.”

MSG also sponsors a contributory welfare plan which provides certain postretirement healthcare benefits to certain employees hired prior to January 1, 2001 who are eligible to commence receipt of early or normal Retirement Plan benefits under the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan and their dependents, as well as certain union employees (“Postretirement Plan”).

It was determined that the Company will be the obligor for MSG sponsored Pension Plans’ and Postretirement Plan’s liabilities. Therefore, the combined financial statements reflect the full impact of the Shared Plans and Direct Plan on both the combined statements of operations and combined balance sheets. The

 

F-29


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

pension expense related to employees of other MSG businesses participating in any of these plans is reflected as a contributory charge from the Company to MSG, resulting in a decrease to the expense recognized in the combined statements of operations.

The following table summarizes the projected benefit obligations, assets, funded status and the amounts recorded on the Company’s combined balance sheets associated with the Shared Plans and Direct Plan and Postretirement Plan as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 based upon actuarial valuations as of those measurement dates.

 

     Pension Plans      Postretirement Plan  
     June 30,      June 30,  
     2014      2013      2014      2013  

Change in benefit obligation:

           

Benefit obligation at beginning of period

   $ 139,992       $ 145,453       $ 7,749       $ 8,436   

Service cost

     5,924         6,266         227         239   

Interest cost

     6,842         6,235         383         305   

Actuarial loss (gain)

     16,779         (13,108      996         (955

Benefits paid

     (4,709      (4,854      (141      (276
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of period

  164,828      139,992      9,214      7,749   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period

  89,565      97,147      —        —     

Actual return on plan assets

  9,259      (4,727   —        —     

Employer contributions

  5,726      1,999      —        —     

Benefits paid

  (4,709   (4,854   —        —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of period

  99,841      89,565      —        —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Funded status at end of period

$ (64,987 $ (50,427 $ (9,214 $ (7,749
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in the combined balance sheets as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 consist of:

 

     Pension Plans      Postretirement Plan  
     June 30,      June 30,  
     2014      2013      2014      2013  

Current liabilities (included in accrued employee related costs)

   $ (1,756    $ (1,624    $ (295    $ (208

Non-current liabilities (included in defined benefit and other postretirement obligations)

     (63,231      (48,803      (8,919      (7,541
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ (64,987 $ (50,427 $ (9,214 $ (7,749
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-30


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax, as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 consists of the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost:

 

     Pension Plans      Postretirement Plan  
     June 30,      June 30,  
     2014      2013      2014      2013  

Actuarial gain (loss)

   $ (35,596    $ (25,952    $ (805    $ 224   

Prior service credit (cost)

     (40      (66      426         578   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ (35,636 $ (26,018 $ (379 $ 802   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Components of net periodic benefit cost for the Shared Plans, Direct Plan and Postretirement Plan for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

 

    Pension Plans     Postretirement Plan  
    Years Ended June 30,     Years Ended June 30,  
    2014     2013     2012     2014     2013     2012  

Service cost

  $ 5,924      $ 6,266      $ 6,155      $ 227      $ 239      $ 214   

Interest cost

    6,842        6,235        6,267        383        305        359   

Expected return on plan assets

    (3,420     (3,368     (2,387     —          —          —     

Recognized actuarial loss (gain)

    1,285        1,849        1,800        (20     (4     (21

Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (credit)

    26        26        26        (152     (165     (176
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

$ 10,657    $ 11,008    $ 11,861    $ 438    $ 375    $ 376   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The net periodic benefit cost for the Pension Plans reported in the table above includes $2,106, $1,995 and $2,295 of expenses related to MSG employees, representing the contributory charge from the Company to MSG for participation in the Shared Plans during the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012. In addition, during the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 the Company allocated to MSG $845, $1,007 and $899, respectively, of net periodic benefit cost for the Pension Plans related to the corporate employees.

The net periodic benefit cost for the Postretirement Plan reported in the table above includes $100, $87 and $83 of expenses related to the MSG employees who were attributed by the Company to MSG during the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012. In addition, during the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 the Company allocated to MSG $19, $21 and $20, respectively, of net periodic benefit cost for the Postretirement Plan related to the corporate employees.

Other pre-tax changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

 

    Pension Plans     Postretirement Plan  
    Years Ended June 30,     Years Ended June 30,  
    2014     2013     2012     2014     2013     2012  

Actuarial gain (loss)

  $ (10,942   $ 5,012      $ (7,813   $ (996   $ 955      $ (556

Recognized actuarial (gain) loss

    1,285        1,849        1,800        (20     (4     (21

Recognized prior service (credit) cost

    26        26        26        (152     (165     (176

Prior service credit due to plan amendment

    —          —          —          —          —          331   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

$ (9,631 $ 6,887    $ (5,987 $ (1,168 $ 786    $ (422
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-31


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

The estimated net loss and prior service cost for the Shared Plans and Direct Plan expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $2,050 and $26, respectively. The estimated net loss and prior service credit for the Postretirement Plan expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit credit over the next fiscal year are $23 and $138, respectively.

Funded Status

The accumulated benefit obligation for the Shared Plans and Direct Plan aggregated to $164,828 and $139,992 as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of June 30, 2014 and 2013 each of the Pension Plans had accumulated benefit obligations and projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets.

Pension Plans and Postretirement Plan Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations (made at the end of the period) as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 

     Pension Plans    

Postretirement Plan

 
     June 30,     June 30,  
     2014     2013     2014     2013  

Discount rate

     4.32     4.80     4.00     4.50

Rate of compensation increase

     3.00     3.00     n/a        n/a   

Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year

     n/a        n/a        7.25     7.75

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

     n/a        n/a        5.00     5.00

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

     n/a        n/a        2020        2020   

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (made at the beginning of the period) for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

 

     Pension Plans     Postretirement Plan  
     Years Ended June 30,     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014     2013     2012     2014     2013     2012  

Discount rate

     4.80     4.20     5.67     4.50     3.90     5.35

Expected long-term return on plan assets

     4.57     4.00     4.00     n/a        n/a        n/a   

Rate of compensation increase

     3.00     3.00     3.00     n/a        n/a        n/a   

Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year

     n/a        n/a        n/a        7.75     8.25     8.75

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

     n/a        n/a        n/a        5.00     5.00     5.00

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

     n/a        n/a        n/a        2020        2020        2020   

The discount rate was determined (based on the expected duration of the benefit payments for the plans) from the Towers Watson U.S. Rate Link: 40-90 Discount Rate Model as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 to select a rate at which MSG believed the plans’ benefits could be effectively settled. This model was developed by examining the yields on selected highly rated corporate bonds. The expected long-term return on plan assets is based on a periodic review and modeling of the plans’ asset allocation structures over a long-term horizon. Expectations of returns for each asset class are the most important of the assumptions used in the review and

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

modeling and are based on comprehensive reviews of historical data, forward-looking economic outlook, and economic/financial market theory. The expected long-term rate of return was selected from within the reasonable range of rates determined by (a) historical real returns, net of inflation, for the asset classes covered by the investment policy and (b) projections of inflation over the long-term period during which benefits are payable to plan participants.

Assumed healthcare cost trend rates are a key assumption used for the amounts reported for the Postretirement Plan. A one percentage point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects:

 

     Increase (Decrease) on Total of Service
and Interest Cost Components for the
       Increase (Decrease) on
Benefit Obligation at
 
     Years Ended June 30,        June 30,  
     2014     2013     2012        2014     2013  

One percentage point increase

   $ 76      $ 75      $ 76         $ 1,031      $ 898   

One percentage point decrease

     (66     (60     (64        (906     (807

Plan Assets and Investment Policy

The weighted-average asset allocation of the pension plan assets at June 30, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

     June 30,  
Asset Classes (a) :    2014     2013  

Fixed income securities

     77     75

Cash equivalents

     23     25
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  100   100
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) The Company’s target allocation for pension plan assets is 80% fixed income securities and 20% cash equivalents as of June 30, 2014.

Investment allocation decisions are formally made by MSG’s Investment and Benefits Committee, which takes into account investment advice provided by the external investment consultant. The investment consultant takes into account expected long-term risk, return, correlation, and other prudent investment assumptions when recommending asset classes and investment managers to MSG’s Investment and Benefits Committee. The investment consultant also takes into account the plans’ liabilities when making investment allocation recommendations. Those decisions are driven by asset/liability studies conducted by the external investment consultant who combines actuarial considerations and strategic investment advice. The major categories of the pension plan assets are cash equivalents and long duration bonds which are marked-to-market on a daily basis. Due to the fact that the pension plan assets are significantly made up of long duration bonds, the pension plan assets are subjected to interest-rate risk; specifically, a rising interest rate environment. However, these assets are structured in an asset/liability framework. Consequently, an increase in interest rates would cause a corresponding decrease to the overall liability of the plans, thus creating a hedge against rising interest rates. Additional risks involving the asset/liability framework include earning insufficient returns to cover future liabilities and imperfect hedging of the liability. In addition, a portion of the long duration bond portfolio is invested in non-government securities which are subject to credit risk of the bond issuer defaulting on interest and/or principal payments.

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Investments at Estimated Fair Value

The cumulative fair values of the individual plan assets at June 30, 2014 and 2013 by asset class are as follows:

 

Fair Value of Investments at June 30, 2014    Level I      Level II      Level III      Total  

Fixed income securities:

           

U.S. Treasury Securities

   $ 15,225       $ —         $ —         $ 15,225   

U.S. corporate bonds

     —           46,987         —           46,987   

Foreign issued corporate bonds

     —           14,179         —           14,179   

Municipal bonds

     —           213         —           213   

Money market accounts

     23,237                 —           23,237   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments measured at fair value

$ 38,462    $ 61,379    $ —      $ 99,841   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Fair Value of Investments at June 30, 2013                            

Fixed income securities:

           

U.S. Treasury Securities

   $ 21,917       $ —         $ —         $ 21,917   

U.S. corporate bonds

     —           35,408         —           35,408   

Foreign issued corporate bonds

     —           9,433         —           9,433   

Municipal bonds

     —           184         —           184   

Money market accounts

     22,623         —           —           22,623   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments measured at fair value

$ 44,540    $ 45,025    $ —      $ 89,565   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contributions for Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The Company contributed $4,400 and $300 to the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan and Union Plan, respectively, during the year ended June 30, 2014. The Company expects to contribute $6,300 and $200 to the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan and Union Plan, respectively, in fiscal year 2015.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The following table presents estimated future fiscal year benefit payments, as well as the expected Medicare Prescription Drug Subsidy, for the Shared Plans and Direct Plan and Postretirement Plan:

 

     Pension
Plans
     Postretirement
Plan
     Subsidy  

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2015

   $ 7,630       $ 300       $ —     

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2016

     7,620         375         —     

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2017

     8,040         430         —     

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2018

     8,550         496         —     

Fiscal year ending June 30, 2019

     9,330         574         —     

Fiscal years ending June 30, 2020 — 2024

     60,990         3,632         —     

Savings Plans

MSG sponsors the MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Savings Plan and the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Savings Plan (the “MSG Savings Plans”). Expenses related to the MSG Savings Plans, excluding expenses related to

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

MSG employees, included in the accompanying combined statements of operations were $2,855, $2,674, $2,455 for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These amounts include $348, $389 and $342 of expenses related to Company’s corporate employees which were allocated to MSG during the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Multiemployer Plans

The Company contributes to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans, multiemployer defined contribution pension plans, and multiemployer health and welfare plans that provide benefits to retired union-represented employees under the terms of collective bargaining agreements.

Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The multiemployer defined benefit pension plans to which the Company contributes generally provide for retirement and death benefits for eligible union-represented employees based on specific eligibility/participant requirements, vesting periods and benefit formulas. The risks to the Company of participating in these multiemployer defined benefit pension plans are different from single-employer defined benefit pension plans in the following aspects:

 

    Assets contributed to a multiemployer defined benefit pension plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.

 

    If a participating employer stops contributing to a multiemployer defined benefit pension plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.

 

    If the Company chooses to stop participating in some of these multiemployer defined benefit pension plans, the Company may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the Company’s proportion of the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability. However, cessation of participation in a multiemployer defined benefit pension plan and subsequent payment of any withdrawal liability is subject to the collective bargaining process.

The following table outlines the Company’s participation in multiemployer defined benefit pension plans for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and summarizes the contributions that the Company has made during each period. The “EIN” and “Pension Plan Number” columns provide the Employer Identification Number and the three digit plan number for each applicable plan. The most recent Pension Protection Act zone status available as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 relates to the plan’s two most recent years ended which are indicated. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded, plans in the orange zone are both less than 80% funded and have an accumulated funding deficiency or are expected to have a deficiency in any of the next six plan years, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80% funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates whether a funding improvement plan (“FIP”) for yellow/orange zone plans or a rehabilitation plan (“RP”) for red zone plans is either pending or has been implemented by the trustees of such plan. The zone status and any FIP or RP information is based on information that the Company received from the plan, and the zone status is as certified by the plan’s actuary. The last column lists the expiration date(s) or a range of expiration dates of the collective bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject. There are no other significant changes that affect such comparability.

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

            PPA Zone Status     FIP/RP
Status
Pending /
Implemented
  MSG Contributions          
            As of June 30,       Years Ended June 30,          

Plan Name

  EIN   Pension
Plan
Number
  2014     2013       2014     2013     2012     Surcharge
Imposed
  Expiration
Date of CBA

National Basketball Association Players’ Pension Plan

  13-5582586   003    
 
Yellow as
of 2/1/2013
  
  
   
 
Yellow as
of 2/1/2012
  
  
  Implemented   $ 1,687      $ 1,609      $ 1,514      No   6/2021 (with
certain
termination
rights
becoming
effective
6/2017)

Pension Fund of Local No. 1 of I.A.T.S.E.

  13-6414973   001    
 
Green as of
12/31/2012
  
  
   
 
Green as of
12/31/2011
  
  
  No     2,120        1,789        2,120      No   5/1/2015 –
2/28/2018

The Pension, Hospitalization and Benefit Plan of the Electrical Industry – Pension Trust Fund

  13-6123601   001    
 
Green as of
9/30/2013
  
  
   
 
Green as of
9/30/2012
  
  
  No     2,051        1,750        1,889      No   6/30/2015

NBA Pension Plan for Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Trainers

  13-5582586   004    
 
Yellow as
of 5/31/13
  
  
   
 
Yellow as
of 5/31/12
  
  
  Implemented     397        350        788      No   n/a

All Other Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans

              1,945        1,580        1,873       
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     
$ 8,200    $ 7,078    $ 8,184   
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

The Company was listed in the following plans’ Form 5500’s as providing more than 5 percent of the total contributions for the following plans and plan years:

 

Fund Name

  

Year Contributions to Plan Exceeded

5 Percent of Total Contributions

(As of Plan’s Year-End)

Pension Fund of Local No. 1 of I.A.T.S.E

   December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Pension Fund of Wardrobe Attendants Union Local 764

   December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

32BJ/Broadway League Pension Fund

   December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

NBA Pension Plan for Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Trainers

   May 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Pension Fund of Moving Picture Machine Operators Union of Greater New York, Local 306

   December 31, 2011

Multiemployer Defined Contribution Pension Plans and Multiemployer Plans That Provide Health and Welfare Benefits

The Company contributed $5,019, $4,713 and $5,623 for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to multiemployer defined contribution pension plans. In addition, the Company contributed $9,912,

 

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OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

$8,945 and $9,347 for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to multiemployer plans that provide health and welfare benefits to retired employees.

Note 15. Share-based Compensation

Certain employees of the Company have historically participated in the share-based compensation plan of MSG (“MSG Employee Stock Plan”). The plan provides for discretionary grants of incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and other share-based awards. All awards granted under the plan will settle in shares of MSG’s Class A Common Stock, or, at the option of MSG’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, in cash. As such, all related equity account balances remained at the MSG level, with only the expenses for the awards provided to the Company’s employees, net of expenses related to the Company’s corporate employees who participate in the plans that were charged to MSG, being recorded in the combined financial statements.

Share-based Compensation Expense

Share-based compensation expense is recognized straight-line over the vesting term of the award, which typically provides for cliff vesting after 3 years of service. Share-based compensation expense was recognized in the combined statements of operations as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses or direct operating expenses.

Share-based compensation expense recognized in the combined statements of operations amounted to $13,698, $8,537 and $10,504 for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

As of June 30, 2014, there was $12,888 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs held by Company employees. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years for unvested RSUs. There were no costs related to share-based compensation that were capitalized.

Stock Options Award Activity

The following table summarizes activity relating to MSG’s stock options held by the Company’s employees during the year ended June 30, 2014:

 

     Number of
Stock Options
     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (In
Years)
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 

Balance as of June 30, 2013

     21       $ 9.81         2.07       $ 1,048   

Exercised

     (11    $ 9.47         
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

Balance as of June 30, 2014

  10    $ 10.18      1.17    $ 531   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Exercisable as of June 30, 2014

  10    $ 10.18      1.17    $ 531   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between (i) the exercise price of the underlying award and (ii) the quoted price of MSG’s Class A Common Stock for all options outstanding (and all exercisable) which were all in-the-money at June 30, 2014 and 2013, as applicable. For the years ended June 30,

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

2014, 2013 and 2012, the aggregate intrinsic value of MSG’s stock options exercised was $498, $317 and $554, respectively, determined as of the date of option exercise.

Restricted Shares Award Activity

There were no restricted shares outstanding as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 and 119 restricted shares outstanding as of June 30, 2012 relating to MSG’s Class A Common Stock issued under the MSG Employee Stock Plan.

During the year ended June 30, 2013, 119 restricted shares of MSG’s Class A Common Stock issued under the MSG Employee Stock Plan vested. During the year ended June 30, 2012, 1,067 shares of MSG’s Class A Common Stock restricted on the same basis as the underlying Cablevision Systems Corporation (“Cablevision”) restricted shares vested. The fair value of the shares vested during the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 was $6,826 and $34,668, respectively. To fulfill the employees’ statutory minimum tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment taxes, 363 of the shares that vested during the year ended June 30, 2012, with an aggregate value of $11,768, were surrendered.

Restricted Stock Units Award Activity

The following table summarizes activity relating to MSG RSUs held by the Company’s employees during the year ended June 30, 2014:

 

     Number of         
     Non-
Performance
Vesting
RSUs
     Performance
Vesting
RSUs
     Weighted-Average
Fair Value Per Share
At Date of Grant
 

Unvested award balance as of June 30, 2013

     695         493       $ 29.99   

Granted

     193         152       $ 51.37   

Vested

     (202      (169    $ 29.09   

Forfeited

     (55      —         $ 44.02   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Unvested award balance as of June 30, 2014

  631      476    $ 38.93   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

The fair value of RSUs that vested during the year ended June 30, 2014 was $21,315. Upon vesting, RSUs granted under the MSG Employee Stock Plan were net share-settled to cover the required statutory tax withholding obligations. To fulfill the employees’ statutory minimum tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment taxes, 149 of these RSUs, with an aggregate value of $8,567 were retained by MSG.

The fair value of RSUs that vested during the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, was $30,447 and $1,772, respectively. The weighted-average fair value per share at date of grant of RSUs granted during the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 was $42.26 and $24.22, respectively.

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Note 16. Related Party Transactions

Members of the Dolan family group are the controlling stockholders of Spinco, MSG, Cablevision and AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks”).

The Company has various agreements with MSG, Cablevision and AMC Networks. These agreements include arrangements with respect to a number of ongoing commercial relationships. The Company also has certain arrangements with its nonconsolidated affiliates.

The following table summarizes the composition and amounts of the significant transactions with Cablevision and AMC Networks, as well as MSG. These amounts are reflected in revenues and operating expenses in the accompanying combined statements of operations for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014      2013      2012  

Revenues

   $ 79,707       $ 65,099       $ 62,854   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating expenses (credits):

Corporate general and administrative expense charged to MSG, net

$ (57,586 $ (46,554 $ (39,887

Advertising expenses

  2,986      1,801      1,092   

Corporate general and administrative

  2,823      2,122      2,877   

Telephone and other fiber optic transmission services

  1,225      834      776   

Other expenses

  1,014      801      516   

Revenues

Revenues from related parties primarily consist of local media rights recognized by the Company’s MSG Sports segment from the licensing of team-related programming to MSG. Local media rights are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the fiscal year.

Corporate General and Administrative Expense Charged to MSG, Net

Allocations of corporate overhead and shared services expense were recorded by both the Company and MSG for corporate-related functions based on direct usage or the relative proportion of revenue or headcount. The Company’s corporate overhead expenses primarily related to centralized functions, including executive compensation, finance, treasury, tax, internal audit, legal, information technology, human resources and risk management functions. In addition, the Company’s Sports and Entertainment segments charged MSG for various services performed on behalf of MSG. The amounts are presented net of charges of $2,423, $6,384 and $6,388 received from MSG for services rendered to the Company’s Sports and Entertainment segments during the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

These expenses are included within direct operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses in the combined statements of operations.

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Advertising Expenses

The Company incurs advertising expenses for services rendered by its related parties, primarily Cablevision, most of which are related to the utilization of advertising and promotional benefits by the Company.

Corporate General and Administrative Expenses Charged by Cablevision, Net

Amounts are charged to the Company for corporate general and administrative expenses pursuant to administrative and other service agreements with Cablevision.

Telephone and Other Fiber Optic Transmission Services

Amounts are charged to the Company by Cablevision for telephone and other fiber optic transmission services.

Other Expenses

The Company and its related parties enter into transactions with each other in the ordinary course of business. Amounts charged to the Company for other transactions with its related parties are net of amounts charged by the Company to the Knickerbocker Group, LLC, an entity owned by James L. Dolan, the Executive Chairman and a director of the Company, for office space equal to the allocated cost of such space.

Loan receivable from MSG

On June 21, 2011, the Company’s wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary, Eden Insurance Company, Inc. (“Eden”), entered into a loan agreement with MSG (the “Loan Agreement”), under which Eden granted MSG an unsecured loan bearing interest at a rate of 3.50% plus the six month applicable LIBOR rate with a principal amount not exceeding $8,000. Subsequently, the Loan Agreement was amended to increase the borrowing capacity to $40,000. While the term of the loan is five years, the subsidiary can induce prepayment by MSG with as little as five business days notice. As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the subsidiary had an outstanding loan receivable from MSG of $29,683 and $22,926, respectively, inclusive of accrued interest, and such amounts were the largest amounts outstanding during the years ending on such dates. For all periods presented, no interest or principal payments were received by Eden. Instead, on a semi-annual basis, the accrued but unpaid interest was added to the outstanding principal amount of the loan. The Company expects that the outstanding loan receivable will be repaid to Eden prior to the Distribution.

Other

See Notes 6 and 20 for information on the loans that the Company provides to Azoff-MSG, BBLV and Tribeca Enterprises.

Cash Management

MSG used a centralized approach to cash management and financing of operations. The Company’s cash was available for use and was regularly “swept” by MSG at its discretion. Transfers of cash both to and from MSG are included as components of MSG investment on the combined statements of divisional equity. The main components of the net transfers (to)/from MSG are cash pooling/general financing activities, various expense allocations to/from MSG, and receivables/payables from/to MSG deemed to be effectively settled upon the distribution of the Company by MSG.

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

MSG Investment

All balances and transactions among Spinco and MSG and its subsidiaries, which can include dividends as well as intercompany activities, are shown as components of divisional equity in the combined balance sheets, for all periods presented. As the books and records of Spinco are not kept on a separate company basis, the determination of the average net balance due to or from MSG is not practicable.

Note 17. Income Taxes

During the periods presented in the combined financial statements, Spinco did not file separate tax returns as Spinco was included in the tax grouping of other MSG entities within the respective entity’s tax jurisdiction. The income tax provision included in these combined financial statements has been calculated using the separate return basis, as if Spinco filed a separate tax return.

Income tax expense is comprised of the following components:

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014      2013      2012  

Current expense:

        

Federal

   $ —         $ —         $ —     

State and other

     —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  —        —        —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred expense:

Federal

  1,110      747      4,119   

State and other

  587      386      2,231   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense

$ 1,697    $ 1,133    $ 6,350   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The income tax expense differs from the amount derived by applying the statutory federal rate to pre-tax income principally due to the effect of the following items:

 

    Years Ended June 30,  
    2014     2013     2012  

Federal tax benefit at statutory federal rate

  $ (40,333   $ (19,999   $ (10,476

State income tax benefit, net of federal benefit

    (10,602     (4,714     (1,922

Change in the estimated applicable corporate tax rate used to determine deferred taxes

    350        (659     1,382   

Nondeductible disability insurance premiums expense and (nontaxable) disability insurance recoveries, net

    2,201        1,165        2,173   

Federal tax credit related to the Forum and other tax credits

    (9,640     (427     (503

Valuation allowance

    58,846        24,934        15,021   

Nondeductible expenses and other

    875        833        675   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense

$ 1,697    $ 1,133    $ 6,350   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

The tax effects of temporary differences which give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at June 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 

     June 30,  
     2014      2013  

Deferred tax asset:

     

Net operating loss carryforwards

   $ 96,777       $ 61,833   

Tax credit carryforwards

     14,538         427   

Accrued employee benefits

     101,016         70,410   

Accrued expenses

     36,428         15,857   

Restricted stock & stock options

     11,776         8,123   

Other

     9,338         11,458   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

  269,873      168,108   

Less valuation allowance

  (182,378   (118,649
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

$ 87,495    $ 49,459   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

Intangible & other assets

$ (204,934 $ (205,766

Property & equipment

  (55,581   (26,368

Deferred production costs

  (11,331   —     

Prepaid expenses

  (9,274   (6,726

Investments

  (1,482   (4,010
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

$ (282,602 $ (242,870
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liability (a)

$ (195,107 $ (193,411

 

(a) Net deferred tax liability is presented net of current deferred tax assets of $17,729 and $10,376 as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Current deferred tax assets are recorded in other current assets in the accompanying combined balance sheets as of June 30, 2014 and 2013.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Spinco’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets depends upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income to allow for the utilization of its deductible temporary differences and net operating loss carryforwards. At this time, based on current facts and circumstances, management believes that it is not more likely than not that Spinco will realize the benefit for its net deferred tax asset excluding the deferred tax liability on indefinite lived intangibles, and a valuation allowance has been recorded on the same. In determining the amount of valuation allowance required on its net deferred tax asset, Spinco netted the tax effects of certain taxable temporary differences that are expected to reverse in the carryforward period under the tax law against the gross deferred tax asset.

Certain adjustments to the net deferred tax liability will be recorded as adjustments to equity as of the Distribution date. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities presented have been measured using the estimated applicable corporate tax rates historically used by MSG for the periods presented. However, primarily due to different state and local apportionment factors that will be applicable to Spinco as of the Distribution date, the estimated applicable corporate tax rate used to measure deferred taxes will differ on a stand-alone basis. In addition, presenting the income tax expense and deferred taxes on a separate return basis results in the creation of net operating loss carryforwards reflected in the net deferred tax liability. For financial statement presentation purposes, Spinco is reporting net operating loss carryforwards beginning with the period ended June 30, 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

The operations of Spinco were included in the consolidated federal income tax returns of MSG for all periods presented. Such inclusion results in utilization of losses each year to offset the taxable income of other members in MSG’s federal consolidated group that are not included in these financial statements. As a result, Spinco will not have net operating loss carryforwards immediately subsequent to the Distribution.

Spinco has not recorded any unrecognized tax benefit for uncertain tax positions as of June 30, 2014.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012, the Internal Revenue Service commenced an examination of MSG’s federal income tax return as filed for the period from February 10, 2010 through December 31, 2010. The final agent report was accepted in September 2013 and the examination is now closed. The examination concluded without material changes to the tax return as filed.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, the State of New York commenced an examination of MSG’s State of New York income tax returns as filed for the tax years ended December 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012. The examination is currently in the early stages of fieldwork. The Company does not expect the examination, when finalized, to result in material changes to the tax returns as filed.

The federal and state statutes of limitations are currently open on MSG’s 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 tax returns.

Note 18. Segment Information

The Company classifies its business interests into two reportable segments, which are MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports. In determining its reportable segments the Company assessed the guidance of FASB ASC 280-10-50-1, which provides the definition of an operating segment. The Company has evaluated this guidance and determined that there are two reportable segments based upon the information provided to its chief operating decision maker. The Company allocates certain corporate costs to each of its reportable segments. In addition, the Company allocates its venue operating expenses to each of its reportable segments. Allocated venue operating expenses include the non-event related costs of operating the Company’s venues, and include such costs as rent, real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs and maintenance, and labor related to the overall management of the venues. Depreciation expense related to The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, and the Forum is not allocated to the reportable segments and is reported in “All other.”

The Company conducts a significant portion of its operations at venues that it either owns or operates under long-term leases. The Company owns The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the Forum in Inglewood, CA, and The Chicago Theatre in Chicago. In addition, the Company leases Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City, and has a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston.

The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the key financial measure is each segment’s operating income (loss) before (i) depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment and intangible assets, (ii) share-based compensation expense or benefit, (iii) restructuring charges or credits and (iv) gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses, which is referred to as adjusted operating cash flow (“AOCF”), a non-GAAP measure. The Company believes AOCF is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of its business segments and the Company on a combined basis. AOCF and similar measures with similar titles are common performance measures used by investors and analysts to analyze the Company’s performance. The Company uses revenues and AOCF measures as the most important indicators

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

of its business performance, and evaluates management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. AOCF should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), cash flows from operating activities, and other measures of performance and/or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company has presented the components that reconcile AOCF to operating income (loss), an accepted GAAP measure.

Information as to the operations of the Company’s reportable segments is set forth below.

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014      2013      2012  

Revenues

        

MSG Entertainment

   $ 300,998       $ 252,195       $ 263,976   

MSG Sports

     612,071         470,290         464,726   

All other

     546         458         165   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 913,615    $ 722,943    $ 728,867   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, the Company’s combined revenues by component.

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014      2013      2012  

Revenues

        

Event-related revenues (a)

   $ 680,909       $ 533,678       $ 545,285   

Media rights revenues (b)

     118,051         101,273         99,714   

Sponsorship & signage revenues (c)

     38,908         28,248         22,777   

All other revenues (d)

     75,747         59,744         61,091   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 913,615    $ 722,943    $ 728,867   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Primarily consists of professional sports teams’, entertainment and other live sporting events revenue. These amounts include ticket sales, other ticket-related revenue, food, beverage and merchandise sales, venue license fees, and event-related sponsorship and signage revenues.
(b) Primarily consists of telecast rights fees from MSG Media and the Company’s share of distributions from NHL and NBA league-wide national television contracts.
(c) Amounts exclude event-related sponsorship and signage revenues.
(d) Primarily consists of playoff revenue, which includes ticket sales, food, beverage and merchandise sales, and suite rental fees.

Reconciliation (by Segment and in Total) of AOCF to Operating Income (Loss)

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014      2013      2012  

AOCF

        

MSG Entertainment

   $ 4,243       $ 800       $ 18,122   

MSG Sports

     5,978         29,288         26,106   

All other (a)(b)

     (18,842      (8,029      (6,921
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ (8,621 $ 22,059    $ 37,307   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-44


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014      2013      2012  

Depreciation and amortization

        

MSG Entertainment

   $ 9,900       $ 9,522       $ 9,653   

MSG Sports

     12,225         10,451         11,003   

All other (c)

     69,584         52,578         42,284   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 91,709    $ 72,551    $ 62,940   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014      2013      2012  

Share-based compensation expense

        

MSG Entertainment

   $ 4,397       $ 3,596       $ 3,602   

MSG Sports

     5,606         3,564         5,263   

All other (b)

     3,695         1,377         1,639   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 13,698    $ 8,537    $ 10,504   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014      2013      2012  

Operating income (loss)

        

MSG Entertainment

   $ (10,054    $ (12,318    $ 4,867   

MSG Sports

     (11,853      15,273         9,840   

All other

     (92,121      (61,984      (50,844
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ (114,028 $ (59,029 $ (36,137
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

A reconciliation of reportable segment operating income (loss) to the Company’s combined loss from operations before income taxes is as follows:

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014      2013      2012  

Total operating income (loss) for reportable segments

   $ (21,907    $ 2,955       $ 14,707   

Other operating loss

     (92,121      (61,984      (50,844
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating loss

  (114,028   (59,029   (36,137

Items excluded from operating income (loss):

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

  (1,323   —        —     

Interest income

  1,548      595      384   

Interest expense

  (1,528   (2,204   (1,251

Miscellaneous income (d)

  95      3,497      7,072   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss from operations before income taxes

$ (115,236 $ (57,141 $ (29,932
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

F-45


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
     2014      2013      2012  

Capital expenditures

        

MSG Entertainment

   $ 6,130       $ 3,191       $ 3,821   

MSG Sports

     4,674         3,242         1,872   

All other (e)

     294,062         211,357         385,546   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 304,866    $ 217,790    $ 391,239   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Consists of corporate general and administrative costs not recorded at the segment level.
(b) The amount for the year ended June 30, 2014 includes executive management transition costs.
(c) Principally includes depreciation and amortization expense on The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden and the Forum and certain corporate property, equipment and leasehold improvement assets not allocated to the Company’s reportable segments.
(d) Miscellaneous income for the year ended June 30, 2013 consists principally of a gain from the sale of all of the Company’s holdings of Live Nation common stock (see Note 13). Miscellaneous income for the year ended June 30, 2012 consists principally of the recovery of certain claims in connection with a third party bankruptcy proceeding.
(e) Consists principally of capital expenditures associated with the Transformation. In addition, amounts for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 include Forum related capital expenditures.

Substantially all revenues and assets of the Company’s reportable segments are attributed to or located in the United States and are primarily concentrated in the New York metropolitan area.

Note 19. Concentrations of Risk

Financial instruments that may potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are invested in money market funds and bank time deposits. The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution. The Company’s emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments.

The following individual non-affiliated customers accounted for the following percentages of the Company’s combined accounts receivable balances:

 

     June 30,  
     2014     2013  

Customer A

     20     22

Customer B

     8     10

The Company did not have a single customer that represented 10% or more of its combined revenues for the years ended June 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

As of June 30, 2014, approximately 5,200 employees, which represents a substantial portion of the Company’s workforce, are subject to collective bargaining agreements. Approximately 10% are subject to collective bargaining agreements that expired as of June 30, 2014 and approximately 14% are subject to collective bargaining agreements that will expire by June 30, 2015 if they are not extended prior thereto.

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Note 20. Subsequent Events

As a result of BBLV’s liquidity position, the Company evaluated whether or not an impairment of its investment had occurred as of December 31, 2014. This evaluation resulted in the Company recording a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $23,600 to write-off the carrying value of its equity investment in BBLV. The impairment charge was based on a comparison of the fair value of the investment, which was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis, to its carrying value.

During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the estimated useful life of the Company’s professional sports teams’ aircraft was changed as a result of a transition by the teams to a new travel program. As a result of this change the Company recorded accelerated depreciation of approximately $8,400 during the three months ended September 30, 2014.

In September 2014, the revolving credit facility that the Company provides to Azoff-MSG was increased from $50,000 to $100,000.

In December 2014, the Company agreed to provide up to $1,000 of revolving credit loans to Tribeca Enterprises. In February 2015, the revolving credit facility was increased from $1,000 to $6,000.

 

F-47


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(in thousands)

 

     Balance at
Beginning
of Period
    (Additions)
Deductions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
    (Additions)
Deductions
    Balance
at End of
Period
 

Year Ended June 30, 2014

        

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ (605   $ (21   $ 89      $ (537

Deferred tax valuation allowance

     (118,649     (58,846     (4,883     (182,378
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ (119,254 $ (58,867 $ (4,794 $ (182,915
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30, 2013

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$ (710 $ 14    $ 91    $ (605

Deferred tax valuation allowance

  (97,172   (24,934   3,457      (118,649
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ (97,882 $ (24,920 $ 3,548    $ (119,254
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30, 2012

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$ (879 $ 219    $ (50 $ (710

Deferred tax valuation allowance

  (79,244   (15,021   (2,907   (97,172
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ (80,123 $ (14,802 $ (2,957 $ (97,882
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-48


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

 

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

as of March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) and June 30, 2014

(in thousands)

 

     March 31,
2015
    June 30,
2014
 
     (Unaudited)        

ASSETS

    

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,141      $ 6,143   

Restricted cash

     20,530        9,823   

Accounts receivable, net

     78,264        51,810   

Net related party receivables

     671        567   

Prepaid expenses

     32,851        21,444   

Loan receivable from MSG

     30,543        29,683   

Other current assets

     35,730        38,449   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

  212,730      157,919   

Investments in and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates

  244,339      225,632   

Property and equipment, net

  1,202,109      1,231,300   

Amortizable intangible assets, net

  24,059      29,263   

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

  166,850      163,850   

Goodwill

  277,166      277,166   

Other assets

  81,120      52,061   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

$ 2,208,373    $ 2,137,191   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND DIVISIONAL EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Accounts payable

$ 3,432    $ 7,388   

Net related party payables

  1,399      1,973   

Accrued liabilities:

Employee related costs

  97,582      99,904   

Other accrued liabilities

  130,463      147,906   

Deferred revenue

  336,687      291,865   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

  569,563      549,036   

Defined benefit and other postretirement obligations

  72,545      72,150   

Other employee related costs

  51,924      57,845   

Other liabilities

  50,236      54,120   

Deferred tax liability

  204,538      212,837   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  948,806      945,988   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 7)

Divisional Equity:

MSG investment

  1,294,129      1,227,218   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (34,562   (36,015
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total divisional equity

  1,259,567      1,191,203   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and divisional equity

$ 2,208,373    $ 2,137,191   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

 

F-49


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

 

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015     2014  

Revenues (including related party revenues of $65,161 and $59,579, respectively)

   $ 816,586      $ 700,172   

Direct operating expenses (net of charges from related parties of $836 and $1,079, respectively)

     568,004        540,752   

Selling, general and administrative expenses (net of charges to related parties of $(40,533) and $(36,353), respectively)

     168,188        153,226   

Depreciation and amortization

     85,119        65,249   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

  (4,725   (59,055
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

  (35,049   (75

Interest income (including interest income from MSG of $860 and $677, respectively, and interest income from nonconsolidated affiliates of $1,346 and $276, respectively)

  2,216      954   

Interest expense

  (1,881   (1,121

Miscellaneous

  191      95   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (34,523   (147
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from operations before income taxes

  (39,248   (59,202

Income tax expense

  (317   (1,272
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

$ (39,565 $ (60,474
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

 

F-50


Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

 

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015     2014  

Net loss

     $ (39,565     $ (60,474
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Pension plans and postretirement plan:

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:

Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost

$ 1,537    $ 948   

Amortization of net prior service credit included in net periodic benefit cost

  (84 $ 1,453      (95 $ 853   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

  1,453      853   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

$ (38,112 $ (59,621
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

 

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015     2014  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (39,565   $ (60,474

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     85,119        65,249   

Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards

     7,872        10,519   

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

     35,049        75   

Provision for doubtful accounts

     77        3   

Change in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable, net

     (26,531     (41,069

Net related party receivables

     (104     (530

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (57,698     (32,669

Accounts payable

     (4,772     (1,772

Net related party payables

     (574     307   

Accrued and other liabilities

     (21,556     69,317   

Deferred revenue

     44,822        34,385   

Deferred income taxes

     317        1,272   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  22,456      44,613   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures

  (55,727   (241,573

Proceeds from renovation loan

  —        18,000   

Loan receivable from MSG

  —        (5,800

Payments for acquisition of assets

  (3,000   (1,488

Investments in and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates

  (29,669   (186,893
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (88,396   (417,754
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

Net transfers from MSG and MSG’s subsidiaries

  73,938      376,942   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

  73,938      376,942   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

  7,998      3,801   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  6,143      2,277   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$ 14,141    $ 6,078   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash investing activities:

Investment in a nonconsolidated affiliate

$ 24,000    $ —     

Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid

  3,074      44,312   

Asset retirement obligations

  —        (4,370

Acquisition of assets not yet paid

  —        3,715   

See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

 

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF DIVISIONAL EQUITY

for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     MSG Investment     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total  

Balance as of June 30, 2014

   $ 1,227,218      $ (36,015   $ 1,191,203   

Net loss

     (39,565     —          (39,565

Net increase in MSG investment

     106,476        —          106,476   

Other comprehensive income

     —          1,453        1,453   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2015

$ 1,294,129    $ (34,562 $ 1,259,567   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     MSG Investment     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total  

Balance as of June 30, 2013

   $ 941,980      $ (25,216   $ 916,764   

Net loss

     (60,474     —          (60,474

Net increase in MSG investment

     388,031        —          388,031   

Other comprehensive income

     —          853        853   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2014

$ 1,269,537    $ (24,363 $ 1,245,174   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

All amounts included in the following Notes to Combined Financial Statements are presented in thousands, except per share data or as otherwise noted.

Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Description of Business

The Proposed Distribution

At meetings on October 27, 2014 and December 18, 2014, the board of directors of The Madison Square Garden Company (together with its subsidiaries, “MSG”) authorized and directed the Company’s management to explore spin-off transactions, including a spin-off of the MSG sports and entertainment businesses from the MSG media business.

During March 2015, the newly formed registrant, MSG Spinco, Inc. (“Spinco” or the “Company”), was incorporated in the State of Delaware.

The spin-off is expected to be completed through a tax-free pro rata distribution of all of the common stock of Spinco (the “Distribution”) to MSG stockholders.

As part of the Distribution, it is anticipated that Spinco’s opening balance sheet will be funded with a cash investment of $[●] from MSG.

Completion of the proposed Distribution is subject to certain conditions, including final approval by the MSG board of directors, certain approvals by the National Basketball Association (the “NBA”) and National Hockey League (the “NHL,”), receipt of tax opinions, the filing and effectiveness of registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the completion of a debt financing by MSG that meets the needs of both MSG and Spinco to effect the Distribution and operate independently following the Distribution.

Description of Business

Spinco is a live integrated sports and entertainment business. The Company classifies its business interests into two reportable segments: MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports. MSG Entertainment presents or hosts live entertainment events, such as concerts, family shows, performing arts and special events, in the Company’s diverse collection of venues. MSG Entertainment also creates, produces and/or presents live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and New York Spring Spectacular , both featuring the Radio City Rockettes, that are performed in the Company’s venues. MSG Sports owns and operates the following sports franchises: the New York Knicks (the “Knicks”) of the NBA, the New York Rangers (the “Rangers”) of the NHL, the New York Liberty (the “Liberty”) of the Women’s National Basketball Association (the “WNBA”), the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, which is the primary player development team for the Rangers, and the Westchester Knicks, an NBA Development League (the “NBADL”) team. MSG Sports also promotes, produces and/or presents a broad array of other live sporting events outside of its teams’ events.

The Company conducts a significant portion of its operations at venues that it either owns or operates under long-term leases. The Company owns the Madison Square Garden Arena (“The Garden”) and The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the Forum in Inglewood, CA and The Chicago Theatre in Chicago. In addition, the Company leases Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City, and has a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston.

 

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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(Continued)

 

Basis of Presentation

The combined financial statements of Spinco (the “combined financial statements”) were prepared on a stand-alone basis derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of MSG. These financial statements reflect the combined historical results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 1-B, Allocation of Expenses and Related Disclosure in Financial Statements of Subsidiaries, Divisions or Lesser Business Components of Another Entity . References to U.S. GAAP issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification , also referred to as the “Codification” or “ASC.”

Historically, separate financial statements have not been prepared for Spinco and it has not operated as a stand-alone business from MSG. The combined financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held by MSG or by other MSG subsidiaries but are specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to Spinco. All significant intercompany transactions between MSG and Spinco have been included as components of MSG investment in the combined financial statements as they are to be considered effectively settled upon effectiveness of the Distribution. The combined financial statements are presented as if the Spinco businesses had been combined for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities in the combined financial statements have been reflected on a historical cost basis, as immediately prior to the Distribution all of the assets and liabilities presented are wholly-owned by MSG and are being transferred to Spinco at carry-over basis.

The combined statements of operations include allocations for certain support functions that are provided on a centralized basis and not historically recorded at the business unit level, such as expenses related to finance, human resources, information technology, and facilities, among others. As part of the Distribution, certain support functions are being transferred to Spinco and therefore, charges were reflected in order to properly burden all business units comprising MSG’s historical operations. These expenses have been allocated to MSG on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro-rata basis of combined revenues, headcount or other measures of Spinco or MSG. Management believes the assumptions underlying the combined financial statements, including the assumptions regarding allocating general corporate expenses are reasonable. Nevertheless, the combined financial statements may not include all of the actual expenses that would have been incurred by the Company and may not reflect its combined results of operations, financial position and cash flows had it been a stand-alone company during the periods presented. Actual costs that would have been incurred if the Company had been a stand-alone company would depend on multiple factors, including organizational structure and strategic decisions made in various areas, including information technology and infrastructure.

MSG uses a centralized approach to cash management and financing of operations. Cash is managed centrally with net earnings reinvested and working capital requirements met from existing liquid funds. The Company’s cash was available for use and was regularly “swept” by MSG at its discretion. Accordingly, the cash and cash equivalents held by MSG at the corporate level were not attributed to Spinco for any of the periods presented. Additionally, cash held in accounts legally owned by Spinco was attributed to the combined balance sheets for each period presented. Transfers of cash both to and from MSG are included as components of MSG investment on the combined statements of divisional equity.

MSG’s net investment in the Company has been presented as a component of divisional equity in the combined financial statements. Distributions made by MSG to the Company or to MSG from the Company are recorded as transfers to and from MSG and the net amount is presented on the combined statement of cash flows as “Net transfers from MSG and MSG’s subsidiaries.”

 

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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(Continued)

 

Unaudited Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying interim combined financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and the instructions to Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual combined financial statements as of and for the year ended June 30, 2014 included elsewhere in this information statement. The financial statements as of March 31, 2015 and for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 presented herein are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management such financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full year. The dependence of the MSG Sports segment on revenues from its NBA and NHL sports teams generally means it earns a disproportionate share of its revenues in the second and third quarters of the Company’s fiscal year. The dependence of the MSG Entertainment segment on revenues from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular generally means it earns a disproportionate share of its revenues and operating income in the second quarter of the Company’s fiscal year.

Note 2. Accounting Policies

Principles of Combination

The combined financial statements of the Company include assets and liabilities that have been determined to be specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to Spinco. In certain cases assets and liabilities, such as deferred revenues, that were not specific to Spinco were allocated on a proportional basis in the combined balance sheets using financial metrics deemed most appropriate for each account. All significant intracompany accounts within Spinco’s combined businesses have been eliminated. All intercompany transactions between Spinco and MSG have been included in these combined financial statements as components of MSG investment. Expenses related to corporate allocations from Spinco to MSG are considered to be effectively settled in the combined financial statements at the time the transaction is recorded, with the offset recorded against MSG investment.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the accompanying combined financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, investments, goodwill, intangible assets, other long-lived assets, tax accruals and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, revenue sharing expense (net of escrow), luxury tax expense, income tax expense, performance and share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, litigation matters and other matters. Management believes its use of estimates in the combined financial statements to be reasonable.

Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the general economic environment and actions it may take in the future. The Company adjusts such estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on management’s best judgment at a point in time and as such these estimates may ultimately differ from actual results. Changes in estimates resulting from weakness in the economic environment or other factors beyond the Company’s control could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s financial statements in future periods.

 

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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(Continued)

 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The following is an update to the Company’s Summary of Significant Accounting Policies disclosed in its annual combined financial statements as of and for the year ended June 30, 2014 included elsewhere in this information statement:

Production Costs for the MSG Entertainment Segment

The Company defers certain costs of productions such as creative design costs, scenery, wardrobes, rehearsal and other related costs for the Company’s proprietary shows. Deferred production costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the course of a production’s performance period using the expected life of a show’s assets, which generally ranges from 5 to 15 years. Deferred production costs are subject to recoverability assessments whenever there is an indication of potential impairment. The Company has approximately $88,297 and $58,279 of net deferred production costs recorded within other current assets and other assets in the accompanying combined balance sheets as of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively. Of those amounts, approximately $75,500 and $46,700 are the net deferred production costs associated with New York Spring Spectacular as of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, Revenue Recognition . This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its combined financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis , which changes the analysis to be performed in determining whether certain types of legal entities should be consolidated. Specifically, it (1) modifies the assessment of whether limited partnerships are variable interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities, (2) eliminates the presumption that a limited partnership should be consolidated by its general partner, (3) removes certain conditions for the evaluation of whether a fee paid to a decision maker constitutes a variable interest, and (4) modifies the evaluation concerning the impact of related parties in the determination of the primary beneficiary of a VIE. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its combined financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which amends the FASB ASC to require that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related liability. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and the amended guidance must be applied on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its combined financial statements.

 

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(Continued)

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement , which provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract and expense the cost as the services are received. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. Early adoption is permitted. This standard may be adopted retrospectively or prospectively to arrangements entered into, or materially modified, after the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its combined financial statements.

Note 3. Team Personnel Transactions

Direct operating and selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations include net provisions for transactions relating to players and certain other team personnel on the Company’s sports teams for (i) waivers/contract termination costs, (ii) trades and (iii) season-ending injuries (“Team Personnel Transactions”). Team Personnel Transactions amounted to $25,317 and $16,622 for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Note 4. Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates

The Company’s investments in and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates consisted of the following:

 

     Ownership
Percentage
    Investment      Loan (b)      Total  

March 31, 2015

          

Azoff MSG Entertainment LLC (“Azoff-MSG”)

     50   $ 120,640       $ 66,000       $ 186,640   

Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, LLC (“BBLV”)

          (a)       —           2,662         2,662   

Tribeca Enterprises LLC (“Tribeca Enterprises”)

     50     19,297         2,393         21,690   

Fuse Media, LLC (“Fuse Media”)

     15     24,000         —           24,000   

Other

       9,347         —           9,347   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments in and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates

$ 173,284    $ 71,055    $ 244,339   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

June 30, 2014

Azoff-MSG

  50 $ 125,677    $ 50,300    $ 175,977   

BBLV

       (a)     25,725      1,348      27,073   

Tribeca Enterprises

  50   22,582      —        22,582   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments in and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates

$ 173,984    $ 51,648    $ 225,632   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) The Company will be entitled to receive back its capital, which was 74% and 78% of BBLV’s total capital as of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively, plus a preferred return, after which the Company would own a 20% interest in BBLV.
(b) Represents outstanding loan balance, inclusive of amounts due to the Company for interest of $80 and $313 as of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively.

 

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(Continued)

 

The Company accounts for these investments under the equity method of accounting.

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2015, as a result of BBLV’s liquidity position, the Company evaluated whether or not an impairment of its investment had occurred. This evaluation resulted in the Company recording a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $23,600 to write-off the carrying value of its equity investment in BBLV, which is reflected in equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2015. The impairment charge was based on a comparison of the fair value of the investment, which was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis, to its carrying value.

In connection with the Company’s investment in Azoff-MSG, the Company provides a revolving credit facility to the entity. This loan facility was increased to $100,000 in September 2014.

In connection with the Company’s investment in Tribeca Enterprises, during the second quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company agreed to provide a revolving credit facility to this entity. This loan facility was increased to $6,000 during the third quarter of fiscal year 2015.

On July 1, 2014, the Company received a 15% equity interest in Fuse Media that was subject to certain performance goals, which were satisfied during the second quarter of fiscal year 2015. Given that Fuse Media is a limited liability company and the Company has an ownership interest in Fuse Media that exceeds 3-5%, the Company accounts for this investment under the equity method of accounting.

Note 5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The carrying amounts of goodwill, by reportable segment, as of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014 are as follows:

 

MSG Entertainment

$ 58,979   

MSG Sports

  218,187   
  

 

 

 
$ 277,166   
  

 

 

 

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company performed its annual impairment test of goodwill, and there was no impairment of goodwill identified for any of its reportable segments.

The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014 are as follows:

 

     March 31, 2015      June 30, 2014  

Sports franchises (MSG Sports segment)

   $ 101,429       $ 101,429   

Trademarks (MSG Entertainment segment)

     62,421         62,421   

Photographic related rights (MSG Sports segment)

     3,000         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 166,850    $ 163,850   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company performed its annual impairment test of identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, and there were no impairments identified.

 

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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(Continued)

 

The Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows:

 

March 31, 2015    Gross      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net  

Season ticket holder relationships

   $ 73,124       $ (52,605    $ 20,519   

Suite holder relationships

     15,394         (13,988      1,406   

Other intangibles

     4,217         (2,083      2,134   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 92,735    $ (68,676 $ 24,059   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
June 30, 2014    Gross      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net  

Season ticket holder relationships

   $ 73,124       $ (48,660    $ 24,464   

Suite holder relationships

     15,394         (12,940      2,454   

Other intangibles

     4,217         (1,872      2,345   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 92,735    $ (63,472 $ 29,263   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortization expense for intangible assets amounted to $5,204 and $5,204 for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Note 6. Property and Equipment

As of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, property and equipment consisted of the following assets:

 

     March 31,
2015
     June 30,
2014
 

Land

   $ 91,678       $ 91,678   

Buildings

     1,098,080         1,077,782   

Equipment

     280,470         272,055   

Aircraft

     43,598         43,598   

Furniture and fixtures

     48,938         50,490   

Leasehold improvements

     129,603         131,890   

Construction in progress

     7,405         5,472   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
  1,699,772      1,672,965   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

  (497,663   (441,665
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 1,202,109    $ 1,231,300   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment amounted to $79,915 and $60,045 for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the estimated useful life of the Company’s professional sports teams’ aircraft was changed as a result of a transition by the teams to a new travel program. As a result of this change, the Company recorded accelerated depreciation of approximately $8,400 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015.

Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

As more fully described in Notes 9 and 10 to the combined financial statements included in this information statement for the year ended June 30, 2014, the Company’s commitments consist primarily of (i) the MSG Sports segment’s obligations under employment agreements that the Company has with its professional sports teams’

 

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(Continued)

 

personnel that are generally guaranteed regardless of employee injury or termination, (ii) long-term noncancelable operating lease agreements primarily for entertainment venues and office and storage space and (iii) minimum purchase requirements incurred in the normal course of the Company’s operations.

See Note 4 for information on the revolving credit facilities provided by the Company to Azoff-MSG and Tribeca Enterprises.

Legal Matters

In March 2012, the Company was named as a defendant in two purported class action antitrust lawsuits brought in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the NHL and certain NHL member clubs, regional sports networks and cable and satellite distributors. The second complaint, which was substantially identical to the first, was dismissed after its named plaintiff was named as a co-plaintiff in the first complaint. The operative complaint primarily asserts that certain of the NHL’s current rules and agreements entered into by defendants, which are alleged by the plaintiffs to provide certain territorial and other exclusivities with respect to the television and online distribution of live hockey games, violate Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief against the defendants’ continued violation of the antitrust laws, treble damages, attorneys’ fees and pre- and post-judgment interest. On July 27, 2012, the Company and the other defendants filed a motion to dismiss. On December 5, 2012, the court issued an opinion and order largely denying the motion to dismiss. On April 8, 2014, following the conclusion of fact discovery, all defendants filed motions for summary judgment seeking dismissal of the case in its entirety. On August 8, 2014, the Court denied the motions for summary judgment. On May 14, 2015, the court denied plaintiffs’ class certification motion with respect to damages but granted it with respect to injunctive relief. Both plaintiffs and defendants filed petitions with the Court of Appeals seeking pretrial review of these rulings. On June 10, 2015, the parties entered into a proposed settlement (the “Settlement”) of the lawsuit and the Settlement was filed with the Court on June 11, 2015. The Settlement would not result in any changes to the Company’s distribution of NHL games on the MSG Networks or in any MSG payment obligations. The Settlement is subject to Court approval. If the Settlement is approved by the Court, the lawsuit and all appeals will be withdrawn with prejudice. On June 15, 2015, the Court granted preliminary approval of the Settlement, directed that notice of the proposed Settlement be sent to the putative class and scheduled a hearing on final approval for August 31, 2015. If the Court does not approve the Settlement by September 15, 2015, any party to the Settlement may void the Settlement. In the event that the Settlement is voided, the defendants, including the Company, will continue to vigorously defend the claims.

The Company is a defendant in various other lawsuits. Although the outcome of these other lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that resolution of these other lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Note 8. Fair Value Measurements

The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon their own market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:

 

    Level I — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

    Level II — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

 

    Level III — Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.

 

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(Continued)

 

The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

     Level I      Level II      Level III      Total  

March 31, 2015

        

Assets:

        

Time deposits

   $ 12,656       $ —         $ —         $ 12,656   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value

$ 12,656    $ —      $ —      $ 12,656   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

June 30, 2014

Assets:

Money market accounts

$ 709    $ —      $ —      $ 709   

Time deposits

  4,000      —        —        4,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value

$ 4,709    $ —      $ —      $ 4,709   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Money market accounts and time deposits are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as they are valued using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The carrying amount of the Company’s money market accounts and time deposits approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities.

Note 9. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan

MSG sponsors a non-contributory qualified cash balance retirement plan covering its non-union employees (the “MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan”) and an unfunded non-contributory non-qualified excess cash balance plan covering certain employees who participate in the underlying qualified plan (collectively, the “MSG Cash Balance Plans”). These plans have participants from each of MSG’s historical businesses (Media, Sports and Entertainment) as well as corporate employees. These plans, as well as others discussed later in this footnote, are referred to as the “Shared Plans.”

MSG sponsored a non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plan covering its non-union employees hired prior to January 1, 2001 (the “Retirement Plan”) and sponsors an unfunded non-contributory non-qualified defined benefit pension plan for the benefit of certain employees who participate in the underlying qualified plan (the “Excess Plan”). As of December 31, 2007, both the Retirement Plan and Excess Plan were amended to freeze all benefits earned through December 31, 2007 and to eliminate the ability of participants to earn benefits for future service under these plans. On March 1, 2011, MSG merged the Retirement Plan into the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan, effectively combining the assets and liabilities of the respective plans. In connection with this merger, the respective benefit formulas of the plans were not amended. Effective March 1, 2011, the Retirement Plan no longer exists as a stand-alone plan and is part of the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan. These plans are considered Shared Plans.

In addition, the Company sponsors a non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain of its union employees (the “Union Plan,” which is the Company’s “Direct Plan”). Benefits payable to retirees under the Union Plan are based upon years of service and this plan is specific to employees of Spinco.

The MSG Cash Balance Plans (which now include the Retirement Plan), Union Plan, and Excess Plan are collectively referred to as the “Pension Plans.”

MSG also sponsors a contributory welfare plan which provides certain postretirement healthcare benefits to certain employees hired prior to January 1, 2001 who are eligible to commence receipt of early or normal

 

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(Continued)

 

Retirement Plan benefits under the MSG Cash Balance Pension Plan and their dependents, as well as certain union employees (“Postretirement Plan”).

It was determined that the Company will be the obligor for MSG sponsored Pension Plans’ and Postretirement Plan’s liabilities. Therefore, the combined financial statements reflect the full impact of such plans on both the combined statements of operations and combined balance sheets. The pension expense related to employees of other MSG businesses participating in any of these plans is reflected as a contributory charge from the Company to MSG, resulting in a decrease to the expense recognized in the combined statements of operations.

Components of net periodic benefit cost for the Pension Plans and Postretirement Plan recognized in direct operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying combined statements of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

     Pension Plans      Postretirement Plan  
     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014      2015      2014  

Service cost

   $ 4,872       $ 4,404       $ 149       $ 170   

Interest cost

     5,419         5,132         249         287   

Expected return on plan assets

     (2,421      (2,566      —           —     

Recognized actuarial loss (gain) (a)

     1,537         963         —           (15

Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (credit) (a)

     20         19         (104      (114
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

$ 9,427    $ 7,952    $ 294    $ 328   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Reflects amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss.

The net periodic benefit cost for the Pension Plans reported in the table above includes $1,560 and $1,571 of expenses related to MSG employees, representing the contributory charge from the Company to MSG for participation in the Pension Plans during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. In addition, during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company allocated to MSG $635 and $699, respectively, of net periodic benefit cost for the Pension Plans related to corporate employees.

The net periodic benefit cost for the Postretirement Plan reported in the table above includes $81 and $71 of expenses related to MSG employees, representing the contributory charge from the Company to MSG for participation in the Postretirement Plan during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. In addition, during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company allocated to MSG $15 and $15, respectively, of net periodic benefit cost for the Postretirement Plan related to corporate employees.

In addition, MSG sponsors the MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Savings Plan and the MSG Holdings, L.P. Excess Savings Plan (the “MSG Savings Plans”). Expenses related to the MSG Savings Plans, excluding expenses related to MSG employees, included in the accompanying combined statements of operations were $2,347 and $2,192 for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These amounts include $269 and $291 of expenses related to the Company’s corporate employees which were allocated to MSG during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

In addition, MSG sponsors the MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Union Plan (the “MSG Union Plan”). Expenses related to the MSG Union Plan included in the accompanying combined statements of operations were $709 and $544 for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(Continued)

 

Note 10. Share-based Compensation

See Note 15 to the audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement for the year ended June 30, 2014 for more information regarding the MSG’s Employee Stock Plan (the “MSG Employee Stock Plan”).

Share-based compensation expense reduced for estimated forfeitures was $7,872 and $10,519 for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and is presented within selling, general and administrative expenses and direct operating expenses.

Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) Award Activity

The following table summarizes activity relating to the MSG RSUs held by the Company’s employees for the nine months ended March 31, 2015:

 

    Number of        
    Non-Performance
Vesting
RSUs
    Performance
Vesting
RSUs
    Weighted-Average
Fair Value Per Share
At Date of Grant
 

Unvested award balance, June 30, 2014

    631        476      $ 38.93   

Granted

    234        58      $ 67.61   

Vested

    (348     (364   $ 35.34   

Forfeited

    (117     (65   $ 55.92   

Transfers, net

    (13     —        $ 54.16   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

Unvested award balance, March 31, 2015

  387      105    $ 54.44   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

The fair value of RSUs that vested during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was $48,763. Upon vesting, RSUs granted under the Employee Stock Plan were net share-settled to cover the required statutory tax withholding obligations. To fulfill the employees’ statutory minimum tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment taxes, 235 of these RSUs, with an aggregate value of $15,608, were retained by MSG.

RSUs that were awarded under the Employee Stock Plan are generally subject to three-year cliff vesting, and certain RSUs are also subject to certain performance conditions. RSUs that were awarded by the Company to its employees will settle in shares of the MSG’s Class A Common Stock (either from treasury or with newly issued shares), or, at the option of the Compensation Committee, in cash.

Note 11. Related Party Transactions

Members of the Dolan family group are the controlling stockholders of Spinco, MSG, Cablevision and AMC Networks Inc.

The Company has various agreements with MSG, Cablevision and AMC Networks. These agreements include arrangements with respect to a number of ongoing commercial relationships. The Company also has certain arrangements with its nonconsolidated affiliates.

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(Continued)

 

Revenues and Operating Expenses

The following table summarizes the composition and amounts of the significant transactions with Cablevision and AMC Networks, as well as MSG. These amounts are reflected in revenues and operating expenses in the accompanying combined statements of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

Revenues

   $ 65,161       $ 59,579   

Operating expenses:

     

Corporate general and administrative expense charged to MSG, net

   $ (46,100    $ (41,754

Advertising

     2,808         2,804   

Corporate general and administrative

     1,528         2,029   

Telephone and other fiber optic transmission services

     1,145         881   

Other

     922         766   

Revenues

Revenues from related parties primarily consist of local media rights recognized by the Company’s MSG Sports segment from the licensing of team-related programming to MSG. Local media rights are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the fiscal year. Additionally, the Company and Tribeca Enterprises have a service agreement pursuant to which the Company provides marketing inventory and consulting services to Tribeca Enterprises for a fee.

Corporate General and Administrative Expense Charged to MSG, Net

Allocations of corporate overhead and shared services expense were recorded by both the Company and MSG for corporate-related functions based on direct usage or the relative proportion of revenue or headcount. The Company’s corporate overhead expenses primarily related to centralized functions, including executive compensation, finance, treasury, tax, internal audit, legal, information technology, human resources and risk management functions. In addition, the Company’s Sports and Entertainment segments charged MSG for various services performed on behalf of MSG. The amounts are presented net of charges of $2,267 and $1,834 received from MSG for services rendered to the Company’s Sports and Entertainment segments during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Advertising Expenses

The Company incurs advertising expenses for services rendered by its related parties, primarily Cablevision, most of which are related to the utilization of advertising and promotional benefits by the Company.

Corporate General and Administrative Expenses Charged by Cablevision, Net

Amounts are charged to the Company for corporate general and administrative expenses pursuant to administrative and other service agreements with Cablevision.

Telephone and Other Fiber Optic Transmission Services

Amounts are charged to the Company by Cablevision for telephone and other fiber optic transmission services.

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(Continued)

 

Other Operating Expenses

The Company and its related parties enter into transactions with each other in the ordinary course of business. Amounts charged to the Company for other transactions with its related parties are net of amounts charged by the Company to the Knickerbocker Group, LLC, an entity owned by James L. Dolan, the Executive Chairman and a director of the Company, for office space equal to the allocated cost of such space.

Loan receivable from MSG

On June 21, 2011, the Company’s wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary, Eden Insurance Company, Inc. (“Eden”), entered into a loan agreement with MSG (the “Loan Agreement”), under which Eden granted MSG an unsecured loan bearing interest at a rate of 3.50% plus the six month applicable LIBOR rate with a principal amount not exceeding $8,000. Subsequently, the Loan Agreement was amended to increase the borrowing capacity to $40,000. While the term of the loan is five years, the subsidiary can induce prepayment by MSG with as little as five business days notice. As of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, the subsidiary had an outstanding loan receivable from MSG of $30,543 and $29,683, respectively, inclusive of accrued interest, and such amounts were the largest amounts outstanding during the periods ending on such dates. For all periods presented, no interest or principal payments were received by Eden. Instead, on a semi-annual basis, the accrued but unpaid interest was added to the outstanding principal amount of the loan. The Company expects that the outstanding loan receivable will be repaid to Eden prior to the Distribution.

Other

See Note 4 for information on the revolving credit facilities provided by the Company to Azoff-MSG and Tribeca Enterprises.

Cash Management

MSG used a centralized approach to cash management and financing of operations. The Company’s cash was available for use and was regularly “swept” by MSG at its discretion. Transfers of cash both to and from MSG are included as components of MSG investment on the combined statements of divisional equity. The main components of the net transfers (to)/from MSG are cash pooling/general financing activities, various expense allocations to/from MSG, and receivables/payables from/to MSG deemed to be effectively net settled upon the distribution of the Company by MSG.

MSG Investment

All balances and transactions among Spinco and MSG and its subsidiaries, which can include dividends as well as intercompany activities, are shown as components of divisional equity in the combined balance sheets, for all periods presented. As the books and records of Spinco are not kept on a separate company basis, the determination of the average net balance due to or from MSG is not practicable.

Note 12. Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $317 and $1,272, respectively. An income tax benefit is not recognized on net operating losses attributable to these periods because a valuation allowance is recorded on the Company’s net deferred tax asset as it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Instead, the income tax expense is the result of an increase in the deferred tax liability on indefinite lived intangibles that cannot serve as a source of taxable income to support the realization of deferred tax assets.

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(Continued)

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, the State of New York commenced an examination of the Company’s State of New York income tax returns as filed for the tax years ended March 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012. The examination is currently in the early stages of fieldwork. The Company does not expect the examination, when finalized, to result in material changes to the tax returns as filed.

Note 13. Segment Information

The Company classifies its business interests into two reportable segments, which are MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports. In determining its reportable segments the Company assessed the guidance of FASB ASC 280-10-50-1, which provides the definition of an operating segment. The Company has evaluated this guidance and determined that there are two reportable segments based upon the information provided to its chief operating decision maker. The Company allocates certain corporate costs to each of its reportable segments. In addition, the Company allocates its venue operating expenses to each of its reportable segments. Allocated venue operating expenses include the non-event related costs of operating the Company’s venues, and include such costs as rent, real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs and maintenance, and labor related to the overall management of the venues. Depreciation expense related to The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, and the Forum is not allocated to the reportable segments and is reported in “All other.”

The Company conducts a significant portion of its operations at venues that it either owns or operates under long-term leases. The Company owns The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the Forum in Inglewood, CA, and The Chicago Theatre in Chicago. In addition, the Company leases Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City, and has a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston.

The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the key financial measure is operating income (loss) before (i) depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment and intangible assets, (ii) share-based compensation expense or benefit, (iii) restructuring charges or credits and (iv) gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses, which is referred to as adjusted operating cash flow (“AOCF”), a non-GAAP measure. The Company believes AOCF is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of its business segments and the Company on a combined basis. AOCF and similar measures with similar titles are common performance measures used by investors and analysts to analyze the Company’s performance. The Company uses revenues and AOCF measures as the most important indicators of its business performance, and evaluates management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. AOCF should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), cash flows from operating activities, and other measures of performance and/or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company has presented the components that reconcile AOCF to operating income (loss), an accepted GAAP measure.

Information as to the operations of the Company’s reportable segments is set forth below.

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

Revenues

     

MSG Entertainment

   $ 320,926       $ 244,510   

MSG Sports

     495,131         455,293   

All other

     529         369   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 816,586    $ 700,172   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

OF THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(Continued)

 

The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, the Company’s combined revenues by component.

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

Revenues

     

Event-related revenues (a)

   $ 661,450       $ 563,350   

Media rights revenues (b)

     100,434         92,313   

Sponsorship & signage revenues (c)

     36,073         28,308   

All other revenues

     18,629         16,201   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 816,586    $ 700,172   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Primarily consists of professional sports teams’, entertainment and other live sporting events revenue. These amounts include ticket sales, other ticket-related revenue, food, beverage and merchandise sales, venue license fees, and event-related sponsorship and signage revenues.
(b) Primarily consists of telecast rights fees from MSG Media and the Company’ s share of distributions from NHL and NBA league-wide national television contracts.
(c) Amounts exclude event-related sponsorship and signage revenues.

Reconciliation (by Segment and in Total) of AOCF to Operating Income (Loss)

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

AOCF

     

MSG Entertainment

   $ 45,769       $ 12,712   

MSG Sports

     56,136         18,101   

All other (a) (b)

     (13,639      (14,100
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 88,266    $ 16,713   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

Depreciation and amortization

     

MSG Entertainment

   $ 7,662       $ 7,429   

MSG Sports

     18,354         7,739   

All other (c)

     59,103         50,081   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 85,119    $ 65,249   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

Share-based compensation expense

     

MSG Entertainment

   $ 2,444       $ 3,197   

MSG Sports

     2,823         4,018   

All other

     2,605         3,304   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 7,872    $ 10,519   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(Continued)

 

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

Operating income (loss)

     

MSG Entertainment

   $ 35,663       $ 2,086   

MSG Sports

     34,959         6,344   

All other

     (75,347      (67,485
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ (4,725 $ (59,055
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

A reconciliation of reportable segment operating income (loss) to the Company’s combined loss from operations before income taxes is as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

Total operating income for reportable segments

   $ 70,622       $ 8,430   

Other operating loss

     (75,347      (67,485
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating loss

  (4,725   (59,055

Items excluded from operating income (loss):

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

  (35,049   (75

Interest income

  2,216      954   

Interest expense

  (1,881   (1,121

Miscellaneous income

  191      95   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss from operations before income taxes

$ (39,248 $ (59,202
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

Capital expenditures

     

MSG Entertainment

   $ 4,018       $ 4,856   

MSG Sports

     3,877         3,792   

All other (d)

     47,832         232,925   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 55,727    $ 241,573   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Consists of unallocated corporate general and administrative costs.
(b) The amounts for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 include executive management transition costs.
(c) Principally includes depreciation and amortization expense on The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Forum and certain corporate property, equipment and leasehold improvement assets not allocated to the Company’s reportable segments.
(d) Capital expenditures associated with the comprehensive transformation of The Garden into a state-of-the-art arena and the renovation of the Forum are reflected in these amounts.

Substantially all revenues and assets of the Company’s reportable segments are attributed to or located in the United States and are primarily concentrated in the New York metropolitan area.

 

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